Why deleting your Mi Account on Redmi 4X is a problem
The forgotten password from the Mi Account on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a situation that thousands of users are facing, because the manufacturer has integrated the account into the security of the smartphone at the firmware level, which means that even after resetting the settings through Recovery, the phone will require account data at the first setting, without which the device becomes a โbrickโ: you can neither call, install applications, nor use basic functions.
Complicating the problem, the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is a 2017 budget lineup, and Xiaomi doesnโt provide official unlocking tools for those models without proof of ownership. Alternative methods require technical skills, such as working with Fastboot, EDL mode, or even soldering contacts on the board. In this article, weโll look at all the current ways, from the simplest to the most radical ones, that will help bring the phone back to life.
It is important to understand that deleting a Mi Account without authorization violates Xiaomiโs user agreement, but it is not illegal if you own the device. However, after the procedure, there may be restrictions, such as blocking certain services (cloud backup, synchronizing notes), and be prepared for the fact that after a reset, the phone will require re-association to a new account.
Method 1: Officially request to unlock through Xiaomi
If you have proof of buying a Redmi 4X (check, serial number box, warranty card), you can try the legal way. Xiaomi provides an unlock service for owners, but the process can take up to 30 days.
- ๐ Collect documents: check (or card statement), a photo of a box with IMEI, screenshot from Settings โ On the serial number phone.
- ๐ Fill out the form at account.xiaomi.com ("Forgot the password" sectionยป โ ยซOther waysยป).
- โณ Expect an answer: Support checks data manually, so timeframes range from 3 days to a month.
- ๐ง Follow the instructions in the letter: if the request is approved, you will be sent a temporary code to reset the password.
This is a method that is suitable for those who have officially bought a phone and can confirm ownership, but in practice, users often face rejection โ especially if the device was purchased from hand or on marketplaces like AliExpress.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X In the secondary market, the chances of successful unlocking through support are minimal. Xiaomi requires original documents from the first owner.
Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (without data loss)
The method is suitable for devices on firmware to MIUI 10 (newer versions require authorization) The point is to use Mi Flash Unlock, but bypass account verification. You'll need a Windows computer, USB-cable and about 20 minutes of time.
Step-by-step:
- Install drivers: Download Mi PC Suite and install it. This will automatically install the required drivers for Redmi 4X.
- Download the utility: Download the archive from Mi Flash Unlock (the official version may not work โ look for a modified one to bypass the lock).
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds. 3. A hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen - this is Fastboot mode.
- Connect to your PC and start Mi Flash Unlock. Enter any email (e.g. test@test.com) in the login field and 12345678 in the password field.
- Click Unlock: If done correctly, the phone will reboot in 5-10 minutes without being tied to the Mi Account.
This method doesn't work on all firmware, so if you're rebooting your phone and you need your account information again, you can go to the next method.
โ๏ธ Preparing for reset via Fastboot
Method 3: Firmware via EDL (for advanced users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a locked bootloader. For the Redmi 4X, this method is considered the most reliable, but requires soldering or the use of a special cable (EDL cable).
You'll need:
- ๐ง soldering iron (or ready-made) EDL-santoni).
- ๐ป Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers installed.
- ๐ Firmware for Redmi 4X (Fastboot version ROM).
- ๐ ๏ธ Mi Flash Tool (official or modified).
Algorithm of action:
- Prepare your phone: How to enter EDL No Smoothing? on some versions of Redmi 4X can enter EDL, clamping up + Loudness down + Power on the phone turned off. However, this only works on old firmware (until now). MIUI Turn off the phone. 2. Disassemble the case and find contacts EDL (They're usually dots with a sign "EDL" or "TEST"). 3. Close the contacts with tweezers or wire and connect USB-plug-in.
- Check the connection: Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in the Device Manager.
- Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting Clean All mode.
โ ๏ธ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL If you're not sure about your soldering skills, you should go to a service center, and also note that after the firmware is installed, a clean version will be installed. MIUI without linking to the account, but all user data will be deleted.
| Method | Difficulty | Time. | Loss of data | It works at MIUI 12+. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official request | โญ | 1-30 days | No. | Yes. |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash Unlock) | โญโญ | 20-30 minutes | No. | No. |
| EDL (firmware) | โญโญโญโญ | 1-2 hours | Yes. | Yes. |
| TWRP bypass | โญโญโญ | 40-60 minutes | Partially. | Depends on the firmware. |
Method 4: Delete Mi Accounts via TWRP (Castom Recovery)
If your Redmi 4X has custom recovery TWRP installed, you can manually delete your account files, a method that is suitable for MIUI 9-11 firmware, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
Instructions:
- Boot in TWRP: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume Up + Power before the TWRP logo appears.
- Connect to your PC and copy the archive with the Mi Account Removal Tool to your phone.
- Install ZIP via TWRP: 1. Press Install โ select the downloaded archive. 2. Swipe for confirmation. 3. Once installed, run Wipe โ Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
- Restart: The first launch can take up to 10 minutes.
If TWRP is not installed, you can flash it through Fastboot, but it requires unlocking the bootloader (which again requires authorization in the Mi Account), so it is not suitable for everyone.
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Before installing TWRP, back up the persist partition via the adb backup persist command. This will help restore the IMEI if it goes off after the firmware.
Method 5: Hardware reset via test points (extreme case)
If none of the software methods worked, the hardware reset is the hardware reset by closing test points on the motherboard, a radical method that is used in service centers, which guarantees that you delete your Mi Account, but requires disassembling your phone and minimal soldering skills.
What you need:
- ๐ฌ Loupe or microscope (contacts are very small).
- ๐ฅ A soldering iron with a thin sting (power not more than 30 W).
- ๐ wire or tweezers for closing contacts.
- ๐ป PC with Qualcomm drivers and QFil program.
Step-by-step procedure:
- Disassemble the phone: How to remove the back cover of Redmi 4X?1. Heat the hair dryer of the edge of the cover (temperature) 60-70ยฐC). 2. Tap a plastic spatula, starting at the bottom edge. 3. Carefully remove the cover without damaging the battery plumes and cameras. 1. Unplug the back cover (use a hair dryer to soften the glue). 2. Disconnect the battery (required!). 3. Find test points on the board (usually two dots with the inscription "CLK" and "DAT" near-processor).
- Close the contacts with tweezers and connect USB-The phone should be identified as Qualcomm 9008.
- Flick your phone through QFil by selecting Firehose firmware for santoni.
- Collect your phone and perform the initial setup โ there will be no Mi Account request.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Incorrectly closing test points can disable the motherboard, and if you've never soldered microelectronics, you'd better leave it to a professional, and the cost of repairing it in service centers is that you can do it. 1000-2000 ruble.
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Hardware reset via test points is the only method that works on 100% of MIUI versions, including the latest updates, but it requires physical intervention in the device and carries risks of damage to the board.
What to do if nothing works: alternative solutions
If all of these methods do not work, there are still a few options:
- ๐ฑ Use a phone without a Mi Account: Some firmwares can bypass the lock by installing Magisk and XiaomiDebloater. This will allow you to use the basic functions, but cloud sync and updates will not work.
- ๐ Selling your phone for parts: Redmi blocked 4X It's a bargain 1500-2500 Screen, camera, battery and other components are often bought to repair other devices.
- ๐ ๏ธ Contact the service center: Some workshops offer the service of deleting Mi Account for the service of the user. 500-1500 Check if they give a guarantee of the result - some "specialists" just search the phone, not guaranteeing unlocking.
If you decide to keep your phone but canโt unlock your account, consider using it as:
- ๐ฎ Game console (install emulators through the ADB).
- ๐ท Camera (13 MP camera is quite decent for shooting).
- ๐ก Routers (via USB-ethernet adapter and firmware LineageOS).