This device is locked on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete elimination guide

The appearance on the screen of a Redmi 4X smartphone, the inscription “This device is locked” often causes panic among users who see this message when trying to turn on the device or after resetting. This lock is part of the Mi Account security system, designed to protect the owner’s personal data in the event of theft or loss of the device. However, if you are the legitimate owner of the gadget, it is quite possible to circumvent this restriction, although the process requires carefulness and compliance with certain rules.

In most cases, the problem is that the device activates the Find Device function, which rigidly links the smartphone to the Xiaomi account. Even after completely flashing or resetting to factory settings, the device will request authorization in the account that was used before, ignoring this step or entering incorrect data will lead to the inability to access the Android system.

In this article, we will explain in detail why the Redmi 4X bug occurs, what are the official and alternative methods for solving the problem, and provide step-by-step instructions for different scenarios. It is important to understand that each case is different, and success depends on the initial state of the software and access to the account.

The reasons for the lock on the Redmi 4X

The main reason for the message is activation of the protection function against theft. When a user logs into his Mi Account and activates the option "Find the device", the smartphone receives a unique binding ID. When resetting data through Recovery or flashing without first logging out of the account, the security system regards these actions as an attempt to unauthorized access.

Another common reason is to buy a device from hand or restore the phone after maintenance. If the previous owner did not untie the device from his account remotely or physically, the new owner will face a lock screen. In some cases, the problem may arise due to a malfunction of the firmware or improper update of the MIUI system.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to unlock someone else's device without the owner's consent is illegal.The methods described below are solely for restoring access to your own gadget.

It is also worth considering that some global firmware versions or Chinese versions with global firmware installed (Global ROM based on China ROM) may experience certificate conflicts, which also leads to a lockdown of the bootloader and the corresponding notification. Understanding the specific reason will help you choose the right vector of action for the Redmi 4X.

The official way to unlock through Mi Account

The most reliable and secure method of blocking is using official tools provided by the manufacturer. If you remember the login and password from the account to which Redmi 4X is attached, the process of restoring access will take a minimum of time. You will need a stable Internet connection, since the data is verified in real time through Xiaomi servers.

First, make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet. Enter the requested data on the lock screen. If the password is forgotten, don't try to guess it repeatedly, as the account may be temporarily frozen by the security system. Instead, go to the official Mi Account website from your computer or other device to restore access.

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Use the password recovery function through your linked phone number or backup email to ensure you don’t lose access to other Xiaomi ecosystem services.

Once you have successfully logged in, the device will automatically unlock and you will have full access to the system. In some cases, you may need to restart it. If the device is not connected to the network or the servers are not available, this method will not work, and you will have to resort to more complex procedures related to unlocking the bootloader.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

If a standard login is not possible or a complete device cleanup is required, the only legal way is to unlock the bootloader using the Mi Unlock Tool utility.This process requires linking the account to the device in advance, which can be problematic in the case of an already locked phone, but sometimes reassignment through settings helps if you have access to the menu.

To perform the procedure, you will need a computer running Windows, USB-cable ADB/Fastboot. First you need to download and install the official Mi Unlock program. Then the smartphone is transferred to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume down button and the power button at the same time.

Once you connect your device to your PC in Fastboot mode, Mi Unlock will check the anchor status. If you have previously linked your account, you can start the unlock process. It's important to understand that this operation will completely delete all data from Redmi 4X's internal memory, so having a backup is critical.

Users often encounter a waiting timer that can range from 72 hours to 7 days (168 hours), a security measure introduced by the company to prevent theft, during which time you cannot log out or change your account on your device. SIM-map, otherwise the countdown will start again.

Using Recovery Mode for Resetting

Recovery is an integrated recovery environment that allows you to perform system operations regardless of the operating system you are loading, and Redmi 4X can be accessed by pressing the volume button and power button, but it is worth noting that a simple Wipe Data reset in the drain Recovery will not remove the Mi Account lock if the Find Device function was active.

However, using Recovery is necessary to go to Fastboot mode or to install custom recavators such as TWRP if the bootloader is already unlocked. In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons and the choice is confirmed by the power button. Be careful when choosing menu items so as not to remove the system partitions necessary for the phone to work.

If you plan to use Recovery to install a new firmware, make sure the firmware file matches the region of your device and the bootloader version. Incorrectly selected firmware can make things worse by adding communication modules or touchscreen to the software lock.

Problems with regional firmware and their solution

The Redmi 4X is popular among enthusiasts who often change regional firmware (e.g. from Chinese to global). The message "This device is locked" may appear when you try to boot with firmware that does not match the bootloader's region.

This often requires a complete flashing of the device with the bootloader unlocked. The process involves downloading the original Fastboot ROM image for a specific model and region. Using tools like the Mi Flash Tool allows you to install the system completely, but only after successfully unlocking the Bootloader.

There is also a risk of running into so-called “overstitched” devices sold on marketplaces, where the region is software-driven to bypass locks, but the original Chinese or Indian lock is released after a software update or reset, in which case the device’s IMEI code may not match the data in the account, making official unlocking impossible.

It is important to check firmware integrity and region compliance before buying a used device. If you bought a phone with an already modified firmware, be prepared for the fact that when you return to factory settings, you will need to enter data from the original owner.

What to do categorically can not be done

In search of a solution, users often stumble upon questionable advice on the Internet. Using unproven programs to “hack” or bypass locking tools can lead to the installation of malware on your computer or the final locking of the device by IMEI. Xiaomi servers constantly update the methods of protection, and the old methods stop working, leaving the phone in a “brick” state.

⚠️ Warning: Never share your account details with third parties offering paid unlocks.Attackers may use your account to send spam or steal personal information.

It is also not recommended to try to disassemble the phone and solder memory chips without the appropriate qualifications and equipment. In modern smartphones, memory is soldered on the board and tied to the processor, so simply replacing the chip will not help remove the software lock the account.

Another common mistake is endless attempts to enter a password, which leads to an increase in the time of blocking the interface, and it is better to use the procedure of restoring access through the site than guessing the combinations of characters on the screen of a blocked Redmi 4X.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)