This device is locked on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: 5 proven ways to unlock

You saw the words “This device is locked” on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A screen and you don’t know how to get back access to your phone? This problem occurs not only after a forgotten password, but also when you buy a used device, incorrectly update or malfunction MIUI. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, the Redmi 4A (codename rolex) has unique unlock features due to the outdated version of the bootloader and manufacturer restrictions.

In this article, we'll look at all the current unlocking methods, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (EDL mode). Importantly, some methods require prior preparation, such as enabled debugging over USB or a tied Xiaomi account. If you bought a phone from hand, the chances of successfully unlocking without losing data are reduced to 30%. But do not rush to carry the device to the service, in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by yourself.

Why Redmi 4A is locked and what does it mean?

The message “This device is locked. FRP lock” or simply “Device is locked” appears on Redmi 4A on three occasions:

• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock/password is the most common scenario. MIUI Blocks access after 5 failed entry attempts.
• 📱 FRP-Factory Reset Protection – activates after resetting if your phone has a Google or Mi Account linked to it.
• 🛠️ Unauthorized firmware – if the previous owner tried to install custom software without unlocking the bootloader.

The Redmi 4A (Model 2016) has one critical feature: the manufacturer has disabled the ability to unlock through the official Mi Unlock Tool for devices older than 3 years, which means that the standard method with a wait of 72/360 hours does not work here.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was stolen or bought from hands without documents, unlocking may not be possible. Xiaomi ties the devices to the original Mi Account, and without the previous owner's data, some methods won't work.

Method 1: Unlocking with Mi Account (official method)

If Redmi 4A had a Mi Account attached, and you remember the username and password, that's the easiest way to get back access, and it works even after a hard reset, but it requires an Internet connection.

Step-by-step:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
2. Slip on this label and select “Unblock via Mi Account”.
3. Enter your email/phone and password from your Xiaomi account.
4. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If there is no “Unblock via Mi Account” button, then the previous owner untie the account or the phone was reset via Fastboot.

Do you remember the username/password from Mi Account?

Is there an email/phone access to confirm

Is the phone connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network?

This device is associated with another account

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Method 2: Recovery Mode (Data Loss)

If you don't remember the Mi Account data, or if your phone doesn't offer unlock through your account, you have to reset your settings through Recovery Mode, which deletes all data (photos, contacts, messages) but returns access to your device. On Redmi 4A, the Recovery login is nuanced because of the outdated version of MIUI.

How to get into Recovery on Redmi 4A:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4A After resetting through Recovery, it may appear FRP-lock (requiring you to enter data from Mi Account or Google) If you do not know this data, go to method 4 (mode) EDL).

Method 3: Unlocking via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery resets didn’t help or the phone doesn’t turn on at all, you can try unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot.This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a bootloader unlocked (if it was previously blocked). On Redmi 4A with MIUI 8–9, the bootloader is unlocked by default, but on newer firmwares it can be locked.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB Tools.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware file for Redmi 4A (You can download from the official Xiaomi website).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB Tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, continue. If not, install the drivers.
4. Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): fastboot oem unlock On some firmware you will need to enter the command: fastboot flashing unlock
5. Swipe your phone with the official firmware: fastboot flash all [name file firmware.zip] Example: fastboot flash all rolex_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QCCMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global_0f3d4d1b3b.tgz

After successful firmware, the phone will restart to a clean system without locking, and if there is a FAILED error (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') - the bootloader is locked, and method 4 (EDL) is needed.

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If fastboot oem unlock doesn't work, try flashing TWRP Recovery first and then installing clean firmware through it. Instructions for installing TWRP for Redmi 4A are available on the XDA Developers forum.

Method 4: EDL mode (emergency firmware)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last hope for unlocking the Redmi 4A if other methods have failed. It allows you to flash the phone around all locks, but requires special equipment (EDL cable or contact closure) and knowledge of commands. The risk of bricking (complete loss of performance) is 10-15%, so the method is recommended only for advanced users.

What you need:

• 🔧 EDL cable (or the ability to close test points on the board).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 4A in.tgz format (e.g, rolex_global_images_V12.0.1.0.QCCMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global_0f3d4d1b3b.tgz).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Connect the EDL cable (or close the test points on the board if you can solder).The phone should be identified in the Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and click Refresh. The device should appear in the list.
4. At the bottom of the program, select “Clean all and lock” (this will block the bootloader after firmware, but remove all locks).
5. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after the scoring of the EDL If the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the Mi logo, try flashing it back with the "Clean all" option. If it doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over Fastboot or contact the service.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all of these methods have failed, you can contact the official Xiaomi service, which is true in three cases:

• 🔐 The phone is tied to someone else's Mi Account and you can't prove ownership.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware, the device does not turn on ("brick»).
• 📄 You have a check or a box from your phone (this will speed up the unlocking process).

What you need to unlock in the service:

• Passport of the owner (if the phone was purchased officially)
• Check or warranty card (if saved).
• Data of the previous owner (if the phone used).

The cost of unlocking Xiaomi service varies from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (2026); in informal workshops, the price may be lower, but the risk of losing data or getting a broken device is higher; the average unlock time is 3-7 days.

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If a phone is stolen or bought by hand without documents, Xiaomi’s service center has the right to refuse to unlock, in which case only the firmware through EDL remains (but without guarantees of success).

How to Avoid Redmi 4A Lockdown in the Future

To avoid the problem of “This device is locked” again, follow the following simple rules:

• 🔑 Disable Mi Account Lock: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Device security and unplug your account (if you plan to sell your phone).
• 📱 Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset to save data to Mi Cloud or locally.
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB: This will help unlock your phone through ADB, If you forget your password, you'll find your way. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Slip 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
• 📝 Write down your account details: save your username/password from Mi Account and Google in a safe place (for example, in the password manager).

If you often forget passwords, install a lock management app, such as DoMobile Lab’s AppLock, which lets you unlock your phone through a fingerprint or pin code from the app itself.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)