How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X if you forget your password: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4X It's still a popular budget smartphone, but it's a very common problem for owners to have a locked screen, PIN-A code or password can turn a device into a brick if you don't know how to do it. In this article, we'll look at all the working ways to unlock, from official methods through Mi Account to radical reset via Fastboot.

It is important to understand that Redmi 4X (codename santoni) has features in the security system: it can be activated function β€œProtection of Xiaomi device” (Mi Cloud Lock), which blocks the smartphone after reset, if it is associated with an account. So before any manipulation, check whether you remember the username and password from Mi Account – without them, unlocking may be impossible without contacting the service center.

We will look at the methods from the safest (with data preservation) to the most radical (complete reset).

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 4X is connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and is linked to your Mi Account, you can use the Find Device feature, which works even if you don’t remember the lock screen password, but remember the data from your Xiaomi account.

Instructions:

  • 🌐 Go to account.xiaomi.com and log in.
  • πŸ” In the menu, select Find Device (Find Device).
  • πŸ“± In the list of devices, find your Redmi. 4X (if it's connected to the network).
  • πŸ”“ Click Unlock Device and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the smartphone is not connected to the Internet, this method will not work, and after unlocking it may require entering a password from Mi Account on the first turn on.

πŸ“Š You remember the data from your Mi Account?
Yeah, I remember the login and password.
I remember the login, but I don't remember the password.
I don't remember anything.
I don't have a Mi Account.

2. Reset password via Recovery (without loss of data)

Redmi 4X has a hidden password reset feature through Recovery mode, but it only works on some versions of MIUI (typically up to MIUI 10).If you have a newer firmware, this method may not work.

How to check:

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if there is one).
  4. Try to find the option Forgot Password? or Reset Password.

If you don't have that option, go to the next method. If you do, follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, the system will prompt you to enter data from Mi Account for confirmation.

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the Recovery menu is displayed in Chinese, look for characters (clear password) or (forgot password).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method requires a computer, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. It is suitable if you are not afraid to work with the command line and are ready for possible data loss.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
  2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
  5. Enter the command to reset protection: fastboot oem clean_frp Next: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 4X team clean_frp This may not work due to a blocked bootloader, in which case you will need to unlock Bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to a maximum of three hours). 72 hours).

Install Platform Tools on PC|Download the driver for Xiaomi (unless determined)|Charge your smartphone at least 50%|Prepare original USB-cable-->

4.Right reset via Recovery (full cleanup)

If no other method has worked, it leaves a complete factory reset, which will delete all data (photos, contacts, apps) but unlock the device.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off your smartphone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  3. Choose a language (if available).
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
  6. Select Reboot to reboot.

Once reset, the smartphone will turn on as new, and if it was tied to the Mi Account, you will need to enter your account information to activate it.

πŸ’‘

Before resetting, try to extract SIM-card and memory card – this will speed up the process and reduce the risk of file damage on the drives.

5 Unlocking through Xiaomi Service Center

If all independent attempts to unlock failed, you can contact the official service center Xiaomi.

  • πŸ”’ Smartphone blocked by Mi Cloud Lock (requires account data that is not available).
  • πŸ› οΈ Damaged loader or firmware after unsuccessful manipulations.
  • πŸ“„ No check or proof of purchase (may be required to unlock).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles depending on the complexity, and in some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motherboard if the lock is associated with hardware malfunctions.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial services may offer a Mi Account bypass for less money, but this is often associated with the risk of installing unlicensed software or damaging the device).

Comparison of Redmi 4X Unlocking Methods

MethodConditions requiredData retentionDifficultyRisks.
Through the Mi Account.Internet, account dataβœ… Yes.⭐It doesn't work without a network.
Reset via RecoveryAccess to the Recovery menu❌ No.⭐⭐Deletes all data.
Fastboot (clean_frp)PC, USB-cable, unlocked loader❌ No.⭐⭐⭐It might not work on the new firmware.
Service centreSmartphone documents⚠️ Depends on the case.⭐⭐⭐⭐Paid service, waiting time

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make critical mistakes when trying to unlock, which leads to complete loss of data or turn the smartphone into a β€œbrick”.

  • πŸ”Œ Interrupting the reset process – if you take out the battery or turn off the smartphone during Wipe Data, it can damage the firmware.Always wait for the operation to be completed.
  • πŸ”„ Use of informal firmware - installation of custom ROM Unlocking the bootloader often leads to blocking the Mi Account.
  • πŸ”‘ Trying to bypass Mi Cloud Lock – many β€œcraftsmen” offer to remove frp through the EDL, But it only works on older versions and can block it. IMEI.

If after a failed unlock, Redmi 4X stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, try reflashing it through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode. This will require an authorized Xiaomi developer account and the original cable.

πŸ’‘

If the smartphone after the reset requires data from Mi Account, which you do not remember, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the service center with purchase documents.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 4X without losing data?
Yes, but only if: You have access to the Mi Account associated with the device (the method through Find the device). Recovery has the option Forgot Password (not available on all firmware). In all other cases, the data will be deleted.
What if you ask for an old password after reset?
This means that the device has activated Mi Cloud Lock protection, and you need to: Enter the Mi Account that was tied to the smartphone, if you don't remember the data, contact the service center with a check of purchase, and bypassing this protection yourself can lead to blocking IMEI.
How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4X?
Translate the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power) and connect to the PC. In the command line, type: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.
Can I unlock Redmi 4X through ADB?
Not if USB-The debugging was not enabled until the lockdown. ADB requires pre-activation in the developer settings, and on a locked screen this is impossible.
How much does it cost to unlock in the service center?
The cost depends on the reason for blocking: Reset the screen password - 800-1 500 rubles bypass Mi Cloud Lock - 2000-4000 rubles. (requires documents). Flashing after an unsuccessful reset - 1,500-3000 rubles.