Deleting the Mi Account (ML) tied to Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a challenge that users face when selling a device, resetting to factory settings or after buying a used phone with someone else's account. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2017, its popularity among budget smartphones remains, and the problem of blocking through Mi Cloud remains relevant. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of deleting an account - from official (through settings) to alternative (using Fastboot and third-party tools).
It's important to understand that Redmi 4X (codename santoni) is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, which affects the unlocking options available. For example, MediaTek models often use the SP Flash Tool, but it won't work here. We'll focus on the methods that are guaranteed to work for this particular model, given its hardware limitations and the MIUI version (8 to 12).
Before you start, check:
- π Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
- π Access to email/phone associated with your account (if you delete your account).
- π§ Presence USB-cable and PC (for alternative methods).
1. Officially delete Mi Account via phone settings
The easiest way is if you have access to your account password and your phone is not locked, which works on Redmi 4X with any version of MIUI, but requires confirmation via SMS or email.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. β Accounts. β Mi Account.
- Click on your profile at the top of the screen.
- Select Account Management β Delete the account.
- Enter the password from Mi Account and confirm the deletion via SMS/email.
β οΈ Note: After deleting your account through settings, all data synchronized with Mi Cloud (contacts, notes, photos) will be lost. If you plan to sell your phone, transfer important information to another media beforehand.
βοΈ Preparing for account deletion
2.Remove Mi Account after resetting to factory settings
If you reset Redmi 4X via Settings β Additional β Restore and Reset or a button combination (Power + Vol Up) but forgot to untie your account, the phone will require you to enter your login/password the first time you turn on, in which case the official recovery method is through the Mi Account website.
Algorithm of action:
- π± On the lock screen, select Forgot the password?.
- π§ Enter an email or phone linked to your account.
- π Follow the instructions to restore access (code from the SMS letter).
- π After logging in, delete your account through settings (see Section 1).
If you buy a used phone and the seller cannot provide your account details, the only legal way is to ask them to remove the link remotely via the Mi Account web interface.
- Log into your account on the site.
- Go to Devices β Find Redmi. 4X.
- Press Remove the device.
What to do if the seller does not respond?
3. Alternative methods: deletion via Fastboot (without password)
If the official methods do not work (for example, the phone is bought by hand and it is impossible to contact the seller), then you can use the Fastboot mode. This method requires unlocking the bootloader, which on the Redmi 4X is possible only through official permission from Xiaomi.
Important: Xiaomi connects the unlock bootloader to the account, so if the phone is already locked on someone else's Mi Account, it will be impossible to get permission. EDL-Mode (9008), but it requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account and special equipment.
If the bootloader is unlocked, follow the instructions:
- π₯οΈ Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
- π± Translate Redmi. 4X Fastboot mode (click Power) + Vol Down with the phone switched off).
- π Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- π Follow the instructions of the program to unlock the bootloader (wait time - up to 720 hours).
- π¦ Once unlocked, swipe your phone through Fastboot using Xiaomi Flash Tool by selecting the clean all option (this will delete your account).
π‘
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try 3.5.1118.31, which is often more stable than new releases.
| Deleting method | Password required | PC required | The risk of blocking | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through settings | β Yes. | β No. | β No. | β |
| Password recovery | β No (needs access to) email/phone) | β No. | β No. | ββ |
| Fastboot (with unlocked bootloader) | β No. | β Yes. | β οΈ Medium (risk "brick") | ββββ |
| EDL-regimen (9008) | β No. | β Yes. | β οΈβ οΈ High (requires authorization) | βββββ |
4. bypassing Mi Account blocking via EDL (for power users)
EDL (Emergency Download Mode, or 9008) allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing the Mi Account lock, but this method has serious limitations:
- π An authorized Xiaomi developer account is required (cost β from the $500).
- π οΈ Special tools are needed: Mi Flash Pro, Qualcomm QDLoader and firmware for santoni.
- β οΈ The risk of turning your phone into a βbrickβ if you make a firmware error.
Step-by-step instruction (simplified):
- Translate Redmi. 4X mode EDL: Turn off the phone. Hold Vol Up. + Vol Down and plug in USB-cable to PC. Qualcomm should appear in the Device Manager HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Mi Flash Pro
santoni
fastboot-ROM
Refresh
Flash
clean all
β οΈ Note: Using unofficial firmware or tools to bypass Mi Account can lead to a ban IMEI This method is recommended only in extreme cases when other methods have been exhausted.
π‘
EDL-The only way to delete Mi Account with Redmi 4X without a password, but it requires deep technical knowledge and authorization from Xiaomi.
5. Frequent errors and their solution
When you delete Mi Account, Redmi 4X users often face some problems.
Error 1: "This device is locked" when you try to unlock the bootloader.
- πΉ The bootloader is not officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- πΉ Solution: Wait. 7/15/30 days (depending on the version of the tool) or use an account that previously unlocked your devices.
Error 2: After a reset, the phone asks for an old account even though you deleted it.
- πΉ Reason: Account data is saved in the section /data and not completely erased.
- πΉ Solution: Fastboot with clean all option or use Mi Flash Tool.
Error 3: Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device.
- πΉ Reason: Qualcomm drivers are not installed or debugging is enabled USB.
- πΉ Solution: Install drivers manually through Xiaomi Developer Site. Enable Debugging by USB In Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Additional β For developers).
6.How to avoid blocking Mi Account in the future
To avoid problems when selling or dumping Redmi 4X, follow the following simple rules:
- π Always untie your account before resetting: Settings β Mi Account β Delete the account.
- π± When buying a used phone, require the seller to: Screenshot of the Mi Account menu with confirmation of no binding. Check or warranty card (for requesting support). π Update regularly MIUI β In newer versions, vulnerabilities that can bypass locking are eliminated. If you resell Xiaomi phones frequently, register your developer account on the official website, which will make it easier to unlock the bootloader and reduce the risk of locking devices. π‘Before selling your phone, make a reset via Settings β Recovery and discharge β Resetting settings, not via Fastboot, will reduce the chance of saving your account data. FAQ: Frequent questions about deleting Mi Account with Redmi 4X Can I delete Mi Account without a password? Officially not. Unofficial methods (via Fastboot or Fastboot) EDL) require unlocked bootloader or authorization from Xiaomi. If the phone is hand-built, try contacting the seller or contacting the proof of purchase for support. What if, after a reset, the phone asks for the previous owner's account? There are three options: Ask the seller to remove the device from their Mi Account via a web interface. Contact Xiaomi with a check/purchase agreement. EDL-mode (requires technical skills and authorization) How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4X? Turn off your phone and turn it on by clamping down the power. + Vol Down. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked, you'll need official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. 4X No. Xiaomi blocks the firmware through Fastboot on locked devices. The only workaround is mode. EDL, But it requires authorization and special software. What is account binding and why does it appear? This is the Mi Cloud protection feature that is activated when: Factory reset without detachment of the account. Install a new one. SIM-maps (if Find the device option is enabled) Updates MIUI The purpose of this is to prevent theft and unauthorized use of the phone.