Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, but even its owners sometimes face the problem of a locked screen. PIN-A code, pattern lock, or fingerprint 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 current ways to remove passwords, from official methods through Mi Account to technical solutions using fastboot and other tools. ADB.
It's important to understand that unlocking without loss of data is not always possible. In some cases, you'll have to reset your smartphone to factory settings, so make sure you back up in advance if the device is still partially available. Also note that the methods differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI Global, China or custom) and the status of your Mi Account. If you bought the phone from hand, check if it's tied to someone else's account, this will complicate the process.
We warn you that not all methods are universal. For example, unlocking through Find Device only works with an active Internet and a linked account, and the method with fastboot requires an unlocked bootloader. To avoid wasting time, first determine which option is right for you.
1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)
The most legal and safe method is to use a linked Mi Account.
- 🔗 Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- 📱 The device has an official firmware installed MIUI (non-custom).
- 👤 You remember the username and password from Mi Account that was tied to the phone.
If the conditions are met, follow the following steps:
- On the locked screen, click Forgot Password? (or Forgot Password?).
- Select the recovery option through Mi Account.
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the account and the password.
- Confirm the entrance – the device will unlock automatically.
If the buttons Forgot the password? no, try entering the wrong password 5 times in a row - the system will offer alternative ways of login. This method does not lead to loss of data, but requires access to the network.
⚠️ Note: If the smartphone was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, it will not be officially unlocked. In this case, you will need to contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase (check, contract).
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
If Mi Account is lost or your smartphone is not connected to the Internet, the radical method is hard reset through recovery mode, which erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock the screen.
Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4:
- Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery Mode menu.
- Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to select the Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset) item.
- Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
- After the process is complete, select Reboot to reboot.
The smartphone will boot as new, with factory settings, which works on any firmware, including custom, but requires physical access to the device.
Turn off the phone.
Clutch Loudness up + Nutrition
Wait for the Mi logo
Select Wipe Data
Confirm discharge
Reset the device-->
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked (protection) FRP). If you don’t remember your account, your smartphone will remain locked! 3. Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users) The method through fastboot is suitable if you have a bootloader unlocked and have access to your computer. It allows you to reset your password without completely clearing the data, but requires you to install drivers. ADB Step-by-step: Install Google's Platform Tools on your PC (includes fastboot and adb). Turn off Redmi Note 4 and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode. connect your smartphone to your computer via USB. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot oem clean_all Wait for the process to be completed and restart the device: fastboot reboot This method only works on the unlocked bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, the command will not execute and it will need to be unlocked through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to a maximum of two hours). 72 What to do if fastboot can't see your device? If the fastboot device command doesn't display your Redmi Note 4, check: 1. Drivers installed ADB (Download from Xiaomi or through the Mi Flash Tool). 2. Is the original used? USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission). 3. Is debugging mode on USB (If the problem persists, try another one. USB-port. 4. Use of the ADB (if debugging was enabled) If the smartphone has previously been activated debugging USB, You can delete the file with the password through ADB. This method saves data, but only works when connected to a computer.Instruction: Connect Redmi Note 4 PC-only USB. Open the command line and execute: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm Reboot the device: adb reboot After reboot, the lock screen will disappear. If the commands don't work, try also to delete the gatekeeper.password.key and gatekeeper.pattern.key files. ⚠️ Note: This method only works on MIUI version 12. On new firmware, password files are stored encrypted, and deleting them won't help. 5. Unlocking via Find Device (remote) If the Find Device feature is enabled on the smartphone, you can unlock it remotely via the i.mi.com website: 🌐 The device is connected to the Internet. 🔄 Find Device has been activated in the settings. 👤 You are logged in to the same Mi Account as you are on your phone. How to unlock: Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account. Select the locked device in the list. Press Unlock (or Unblock) and confirm the action. Wait for sync to reset the password. This method does not require data resetting, but only works when the Internet connection is active on the smartphone. If the device is off or off the network, unlocking is impossible. 💡Before using Find Device, check if the password from Mi Account has changed.If you have recently changed it, you may need to re-authorize the site. 6. If none of the methods worked, you can contact the official Xiaomi service center: 🔒 Smartphone tied to someone else’s Mi Account (after purchase with hands). 🛠️ Firmware damaged or loader blocked. 📱 Device does not respond to buttons (hardware malfunction). What will be required to unlock: Document/condition What is the Check or Sale Agreement For Proof of ownership Passport of the owner Identity of the Box from the phone (c) IMEI) Data of the previous owner (if bought with hands) To remove the binding of someone else's account, the cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the complexity. In some cases, a replacement motherboard may be required if the lock is related to hardware damage. 💡Official service is the only legal way to unlock if the smartphone is tied to someone else’s Mi Account. Independent attempts to bypass protection can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the device. FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 4 Can you unlock Redmi Note 4 without losing data: 🔑 You remember the Mi Account and the phone is connected to the Internet. 🖥️ The debugging was included. USB (method ADB). 🔍 It uses the Find Device function. In all other cases, you'll need a reset that will delete the data. What if you ask for an old Mi Account after the reset? FRP (Factory Reset Protection Solutions: Enter the data from the last associated Mi Account. If the account is someone else's, contact the service center with proof of purchase. FRP via fastboot, but it requires an unlocked bootloader. How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi Note 4? Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked, you'll need official unlocking through Xiaomi's site. Can you unlock the phone if it's off and not charging? No. Any unlocking methods (other than service centers) require the device to turn on and at least boot up to the lock screen.If the smartphone doesn't respond to charging, check the cable, power supply and port first. USB. Maybe the problem is hardware malfunction. How much does it cost to unlock a service center? Prices depend on the reason for the lock: 🔓 Reset password without replacing parts: 500-1000 rubles. 🔧 Unblocking the tied account Mi: 1000-2000 rubles. 🛠️ Repair of hardware malfunctions (for example, damaged connector): from 1500 rubles. In official Xiaomi services, the cost is fixed, in unofficial ones it can vary.