How to remove the password on the phone Xiaomi Redmi 4: all working methods of 2026

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 – 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:

  • πŸ” Forgotten PIN-code, password or pattern lock (especially after a long phone downtime).
  • πŸ“± Failure of firmware or updates MIUI, lock-screen.
  • πŸ‘Ά Children or relatives accidentally changed their protection settings.
  • πŸ”„ Buying a used phone with an already set password from the previous owner.

It’s important to understand that the Xiaomi Redmi 4 doesn’t have a hardware reset button (as some Samsung does), so all methods require either access to the system or complete flashing. In this article, we’ll 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:

  • πŸ“§ The phone was linked to your Mi Account (even if you don’t remember the password from your account).
  • πŸ“Ά Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”„ On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" (not on all firmware).

Step-by-step:

  1. On the lock screen, tap "Forgot Password?" (or "Forgot Password").
  2. Enter the email or phone number associated with the Mi Account.
  3. Confirm the entrance via SMS or email (the code will come to the mail / phone).
  4. 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:

  • ❌ It doesn’t work if the phone was purchased and isn’t tied to your account.
  • ❌ On some custom firmware, the button "Forgot your password?" may not be available.
  • ❌ After 5 failed attempts to enter a password, Xiaomi blocks unlocking through the account for 24 hours.

⚠️ 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:

  1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
  2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
  3. From the Recovery menu (English or Chinese), select Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  4. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-3 minutes).
  5. Reboot your phone with Reboot β†’ Reboot to System.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the Recovery menu is displayed in hieroglyphics, focus on the location of the items: 1. The first item on top is Reboot. 2. The second is Power Off. 3. The third is Wipe Data. 4. The fourth is Connect with MiAssistant. Use the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button to select.

Important nuances:

  • πŸ”‹ Make sure the battery is at least 30% or the reset may be interrupted.
  • πŸ“± Some firmware after the reset will require data entry Mi Account, which was previously tied (Mi Cloud Lock).
  • πŸ”„ If after the reset the phone is stuck on the screensaver MIUI, Try repeating the procedure or flashing the device through Fastboot.
Model Redmi 4Supports reset via Recovery?Mi Cloud Lock Risk
Redmi 4 (Global)Yes.Low (if no account was linked)
Redmi 4AYes.Medium (depending on firmware)
Redmi 4X (China)Yes.High (often required by the account)
Redmi 4 ProYes.Low.

Recovery|Mi Account|Fastboot|Treated to service |Nothing tried-->

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced)

If resetting via Recovery didn’t 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:

  • πŸ’» Computer with Windows/Linux/Mac.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
  • πŸ“¦ Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
  • πŸ›  Tools: Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or configure ADB/Fastboot on PC.
  2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down (-) + Power button.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
  4. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without spaces.
  5. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash.
  6. 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:

  • ⚠️ The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick).
  • ⚠️ On some Redmi models 4X (Chinese version of the device may remain Mi Cloud Lock after the firmware.
  • ⚠️ Data will be deleted, but the chance of recovery is higher than after resetting via Recovery.

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ”§ Debugging by USB must be activated in the settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (7 times to tap) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  • πŸ’» You need a license. ADB computer-based.
  • πŸ”Œ 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




reboot

What to do if the teams are not working:

  • πŸ”„ Try reconnecting your phone and repeating commands.
  • πŸ“± If su doesn’t work, there’s no root rights.
  • πŸ”§ On the new versions MIUI (12+) This method may not work due to the changed file structure.

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Unofficial workshops – use specialized equipment (such as UFi Box or Medusa Pro) to reset the password without losing data. β‚½.

When to go to the service:

  • πŸ”’ Phone requires Mi Account after reset and you don't know the previous owner's details.
  • πŸ“± The screen says β€œThis device is locked” (hardware lock).
  • πŸ”§ You are not sure about your skills with Fastboot or ADB.

Average prices for unlocking Redmi 4 in 2026:

Type of unlockCost (β‚½)Timeline
Reset via Mi Account (officially)Free of charge.1-24 hours
Firmware via Fastboot (service)800–15001-2 hours
Hardware reset (without data loss)1500–30002-4 hours
Mi Cloud Lock bypass2000–50001-3 days

⚠️ 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

  • πŸ”Œ Shutdown USB-A cable or computer while firmware is running through Fastboot leads to a brick (phone not switched on).
  • πŸ’‘ Solution: Use a full charge laptop or UPS.

Mistake 2: Wrong firmware

  • πŸ“₯ Download firmware not for your model (for example, for Redmi) 4X Redmi instead 4A) This leads to errors in the start-up.
  • πŸ’‘ Solution: Check the model name in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Model or under battery.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Mi Cloud Lock

  • πŸ”’ Buying a used phone without detaching the former owner’s Mi Account makes unlocking almost impossible.
  • πŸ’‘ Solution: Before buying, require the seller to reset the phone through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Resetting your settings.

Mistake 4: Using dubious software

  • πŸ–₯ Software like Mi Account Unlock Tool or Xiaomi Tool PRO" Often contain viruses or do not work.
  • πŸ’‘ Solution: Use only official utilities (Mi Flash Tool, Mi Unlock).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unlock Redmi 4 without losing data?
Theoretically yes, but only if: πŸ”§ It was on. USB Debugging (method with ADB). πŸ“± Phone unlocked via Mi Account (if tied). πŸ’» You have contacted the service with hardware reset equipment (such as a UFi Box) and in all other cases the data will be deleted.
What if the phone asks for an old Mi Account after a reset?
This is Mi Cloud Lock, anti-theft protection. Solutions: Contact the previous owner to untie the account via account.xiaomi.com. Provide a check to the Xiaomi service center for purchase (if the phone is new). Use paid unlock services (risky, may violate the law). On Redmi 4 with Chinese firmware, the chances of bypassing the lock are minimal.
How do I know which firmware is on my Redmi 4?
If the phone turns on, check: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version. See the MIUI Version bar (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.1). Below will be the Android Version (e.g. Android 6.0). If the phone is locked, the firmware model can only be found through the Fastboot command: fastboot getvar all Look for the strings version-bootloader and version-baseband.
Can I unlock Redmi 4 through my Google Account?
Unlike older Android smartphones (before version 5.0), Xiaomi Redmi 4 with MIUI Unblocking through Google Account doesn't work.The only official ways: πŸ“§ Mi Account (if tied). πŸ”§ Reset via Recovery or Fastboot.
How much does it cost to unlock Redmi 4 in the service?
The cost depends on the complexity: πŸ’° Recovery reset: 500–1000 β‚½ (If you don't have Mi Cloud Lock). πŸ’° Fastboot firmware: 1000–1500 β‚½. πŸ’° Mi Cloud Lock bypass: 2000–5000 β‚½ (Xiaomi’s official service can do this for free, but will require proof of purchase.