Why Redmi 4 is blocked and what to do
The Xiaomi Redmi 4, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and maintainability. However, many users face the problem of a locked screen β whether due to a forgotten password, a pattern lock or a failure in MIUI. Unlike new models where unlocking often requires binding to Mi Account, Redmi 4 still has a chance to bypass protection without losing data.
The main reasons for blocking:
- π Forgotten PIN-code, password or pattern lock (especially after a long phone downtime).
- π± Failure of firmware or updates MIUI, lock-screen.
- πΆ Children or relatives accidentally changed their protection settings.
- π Buying a used phone with an already set password from the previous owner.
Itβs important to understand that the Xiaomi Redmi 4 doesnβt have a hardware reset button (as some Samsung does), so all methods require either access to the system or complete flashing. In this article, weβll look at 5 working methods, from the safest to the radical, with the risks and nuances for each Redmi 4/4A/4X/4 Pro model.
Method 1: Unblocking with Mi Account (if an account is linked)
The most legal and secure method is to use an official Xiaomi account, which works if:
- π§ The phone was linked to your Mi Account (even if you donβt remember the password from your account).
- πΆ Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- π On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" (not on all firmware).
Step-by-step:
- On the lock screen, tap "Forgot Password?" (or "Forgot Password").
- Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
- Confirm the entrance via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
- Create a new password to unlock the screen.
Make sure your phone is connected to the internet|Remember. email/phone from Mi Account|Have access to the mail/SMS confirm|Check that there is a button on the screen "Forgot the password?"-->
Limitations of the method:
- β It doesnβt work if the phone was purchased and isnβt tied to your account.
- β On some custom firmware, the button "Forgot your password?" may not be available.
- β After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, Xiaomi blocks unlocking through the account for 24 hours.
β οΈ Note: If you bought Redmi 4 handheld, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. in this case, after reset via Recovery, the phone will require the entry of the old account (Mi Cloud Lock), solved only through an official locker or service center.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)
If you don't have access to Mi Account, the next step is hard reset through recovery mode, which will delete all the data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the system.
Instructions for Xiaomi Redmi 4/4A/4X:
- Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
- Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data β Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-3 minutes).
- Reboot your phone with Reboot β Reboot to System.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Important nuances:
- π Make sure the battery is at least 30% or the reset may be interrupted.
- π± Some firmware after the reset will require data entry Mi Account, which was previously tied (Mi Cloud Lock).
- π If after the reset the phone is stuck on the screensaver MIUI, Try repeating the procedure or flashing the device through Fastboot.
| Model Redmi 4 | Supports reset via Recovery? | Mi Cloud Lock Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4 (Global) | Yes. | Low (if no account was linked) |
| Redmi 4A | Yes. | Medium (depending on firmware) |
| Redmi 4X (China) | Yes. | High (often required by the account) |
| Redmi 4 Pro | Yes. | Low. |
Recovery|Mi Account|Fastboot|Treated to service |Nothing tried-->
Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)
If resetting via Recovery didnβt help or the phone requires Mi Account after rebooting, you can try flashing the device through Fastboot mode, USB-cable and basic knowledge of working with ADB and Fastboot.
What you need:
- π» Computer with Windows/Linux/Mac.
- π Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- π¦ Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
- π Tools: Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or configure ADB/Fastboot on PC.
- Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down (-) + Power button.
- Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without spaces.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash.
- Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.
1. Install Qualcomm drivers manually.
2. Use another USB-port (preferably 2.0).
3. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.-->
Warnings:
- β οΈ The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick).
- β οΈ On some Redmi models 4X (Chinese version of the device may remain Mi Cloud Lock after the firmware.
- β οΈ Data will be deleted, but the chance of recovery is higher than after resetting via Recovery.
β οΈ Note: If you are running a Redmi 4 with a bootloader locked, you must first unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app.This requires a binding to Mi Account and waiting 72-720 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
Method 4: Password bypassing through ADB (if debugging is enabled)
If the phone has previously been debugged USB (USB Debugging, you can try to delete the file with the password through ADB. This method rarely works, but does not require data resetting.
Conditions:
- π§ Debugging by USB must be activated in the settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (7 times to tap) β Additionally. β For developers.
- π» You need a license. ADB computer-based.
- π The phone should be determined by the PC in mode MTP or PTP.
Password reset commands:
adb shell
su
rm /data/system/gesture.key # for pattern lock
rm /data/system/password.key # for PIN/password
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
rebootWhat to do if the teams are not working:
- π Try reconnecting your phone and repeating commands.
- π± If su doesnβt work, thereβs no root rights.
- π§ On the new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work due to the changed file structure.
π‘
The ADB method only works if the debugging was enabled ASAP. If you forgot your password and never activated USB Debugging, it's useless.
Method 5: Contacting the service center (guarantee cases)
If all of these methods do not help, there are two options:
- The official Xiaomi service will be unlocked in 1-3 days, but will require confirmation of purchase (check, box) and may refuse if the phone is used.
- Unofficial workshops β use specialized equipment (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro) to reset the password without losing data. β½.
When to go to the service:
- π Phone requires Mi Account after reset and you don't know the previous owner's details.
- π± The screen says βThis device is lockedβ (hardware lock).
- π§ You are not sure about your skills with Fastboot or ADB.
Average prices for unlocking Redmi 4 in 2026:
| Type of unlock | Cost (β½) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via Mi Account (officially) | Free of charge. | 1-24 hours |
| Firmware via Fastboot (service) | 800β1500 | 1-2 hours |
| Hardware reset (without data loss) | 1500β3000 | 2-4 hours |
| Mi Cloud Lock bypass | 2000β5000 | 1-3 days |
β οΈ Note: In informal services, you may be convinced that "firmware through the JTAG" β On Redmi 4, it's rarely justified: the standard Fastboot or Recovery reset is often the most helpful. JTAG It is only necessary for hardware failures.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to unlock the Xiaomi Redmi 4, users often make critical errors that can cause the phone to break down.
Mistake 1: Interrupting the firmware
- π Shutdown USB-A cable or computer while firmware is running through Fastboot leads to a brick (phone not switched on).
- π‘ Solution: Use a full charge laptop or UPS.
Mistake 2: Wrong firmware
- π₯ Download firmware not for your model (for example, for Redmi) 4X Redmi instead 4A) This leads to errors in the start-up.
- π‘ Solution: Check the model name in Settings β The phone. β Model or under battery.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Mi Cloud Lock
- π Buying a used phone without detaching the former ownerβs Mi Account makes unlocking almost impossible.
- π‘ Solution: Before buying, require the seller to reset the phone through Settings β Additionally. β Resetting your settings.
Mistake 4: Using dubious software
- π₯ Software like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool PRO" Often contain viruses or do not work.
- π‘ Solution: Use only official utilities (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Unlock).