How to unlock Redmi Note 4 if the device is locked: 5 working ways

Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular Xiaomi smartphones, but even it is not immune to lock. Did you forget the pattern lock, entered the wrong PIN too many times or faced with the lock Mi Account after reset? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of unlocking, including official and alternative methods, taking into account the features of the firmware and hardware platform Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido).

It's important to understand that the unlock method depends on the type of lock, for example, resetting through Recovery will help with a forgotten password, but will not remove the binding to Mi Account if it was activated, and using Fastboot requires an unlocked bootloader, otherwise you will get a device is locked error. We will analyze each scenario in detail so that you can choose the appropriate option without the risk of "bricking" the device.

1. Determine the type of lock on Redmi Note 4

Before you start unlocking, you need to know exactly what you're dealing with, and that's what you're dealing with, and the probability of success depends on it. There are three main types of locks on the Redmi Note 4:

• 🔒 pattern lock or PIN-code is a lock on the screen that the user sets himself.
• 📱 Mi Account (Xiaomi account) – lock after resetting settings or trying to flash the device. Requires login / password from the associated account.
• 🔧 Bootloader - appears when you try to flash the device through fastboot without first unlocking.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Connect the charged device to the network (at least 50% charge).
2. Try entering any password/key 5 times – if Too Many Attempts appears, it is a lock screen.
3. After resetting via Recovery, the device asks for the Mi Account login?
4. When you connect to a PC in fastboot mode, the command fastboot oem device-info shows Device unlocked: false? bootloader is locked.

A critical feature of Redmi Note 4: on devices with MIUI 10 firmware and newer, the binding to the Mi Account is maintained even after resetting via Recovery, if the Find Device option was previously enabled. This means that a simple hard reset will not help - you will need an official unblocking through Xiaomi.

2. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

If you forget your screen lock password, but remember the Mi Account, the safest way to do this is to use the Find Device feature, which works even without a PC connection:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in with the same account you have linked to your phone.
2. Select the locked device (Redmi Note 4) from the menu.
3. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
4. Wait for sync (it can take up to 5 minutes) – the phone unlocks automatically.

If Mi Account is not tied or you do not remember the data from it, there are two options:

Method 1: Recovery Reset (Data Loss!)

This method will remove all data from the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and is only suitable if the phone is not activated by the Mi Account binding:

Turn off the device (press the power button for 10 seconds)

Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears

Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm with the power button

Go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Confirm the reset (select Confirm item)

Restart the device (Reboot)

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⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 with firmware MIUI 12+ After resetting via Recovery, you may be asked to enter Mi Account data, even if you did not previously have a binding.

Method 2: Using ADB (without data loss)

If the device is enabled debugging by USB (USB Debugging, you can delete the file with the password through ADB. This method saves data, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell su rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm reboot
3. After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset.

If USB debugging wasn’t enabled in advance, this method won’t work.

3 Unlocking Mi Account after reset

Mi Account locking is one of the hardest to get around, and Xiaomi has implemented this anti-theft protection, so you can only officially unblock it through proof of ownership.

Official way: appeal in support of Xiaomi

If you are the legal owner of the device, but do not remember the account details, you can try to restore access to:

1. Go to account recovery page: account.xiaomi.com/pass/forgetPassword.
2. Please specify the email or phone number associated with your account.
3. Confirm the recovery via SMS or backup email.
4. If you lose access to your email/phone, contact Xiaomi with a purchase check or box from your device (you need an IMEI and serial number).

The request is 3 to 7 days in length, and support may require a photo of a box with an IMEI sticker or a check from a store.

Unofficial ways (at your own risk!)

If the official path is not available, some users resort to workarounds, which may violate Xiaomi's terms of use and result in the blocking of an account or device!

• 🔓 Use of utilities like Mi Account Unlock Tool – works only on older versions MIUI (up to 9 inclusive. On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 10+ near-zero efficiency.

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 11, Xiaomi tightened Mi Account protections.Attempts to bypass third-party utilities could result in full lockdown IMEI, After which the phone will become a “brick” without the possibility of calls and mobile Internet.

4. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

If you see this device is locked when you try to flash your device through fastboot, then the bootloader is locked. Xiaomi blocks it by default on all devices to protect against unauthorized changes. To unlock Bootloader on Redmi Note 4, follow the following steps:

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only legal way that Xiaomi has approved.

• 📱 Device with Mi Account tied (must be added to phone at least 72 hours before unlocking).
• 💻 Windows computer and Mi Unlock Tool installed (download from the computer) en.miui.com/unlock).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high quality).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Unlock OEM and Debug over USB
2. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in under the same account as you do on your phone.
4. Follow the instructions of the program. It takes up to 10 minutes.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4, all data is reset, and the Xiaomi warranty is canceled.In addition, some features (such as Find Device and Mi Pay) may stop working.

5. Alternative Unlocking Methods (for Power Users)

If the official methods didn't work, and it's critical to restore the device, you can try alternative methods. They require technical skills and carry risks!

Method 1: Firmware via EDL Mode (9008)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency firmware mode that allows you to restore a device even with a damaged firmware. Redmi Note 4 requires:

• 🔧 Special cable EDL (circuitry).
• 💾.mbn firmware for Qualcomm (Redmi Note 4 chipset – Snapdragon 625).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Process:

1. Put your phone in EDL mode (close the Test Point contacts or use a cable).
2. Connect to a PC – the device will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Warning: Incorrect firmware in EDL can cause loss of IMEI or damage to the NVRAM module.

Method 2: Using Deep Flash Cable

This method is suitable if the bootloader is locked and official unlocking is not possible. Deep Flash Cable allows you to flash the device bypassing the Mi Account check, but requires:

• 🔌 Special cable with resistor (can be made independently).
• 📄 Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi Note 4 (Mido version).
• 🛠️ Skills with fastboot and command line.

Algorithm:

1. Connect the cable to the phone in the off state.
2. Press Volume Down + Power - the device will go to fastboot.
3. Squeeze the modified boot.img With account check disabled: fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img fastboot reboot

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Before you run through EDL or Fastboot, be sure to check the firmware version of your Redmi Note 4. Version mismatch (for example, trying to flash Global ROM to a device with China ROM) can lead to an anti-rollback error and an irreversible “brick”.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When unlocking Redmi Note 4 users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If you get an Anti-rollback error, it means that the firmware you are trying to install is older than the current version of Anti-Rollback.

• 🔍 Check the current version of Anti-Rollback with fastboot getvar anti.
• 📥 Download firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback value.
• ⚠️ Do not try to bypass the protection – this will lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the Redmi Note 4 locking again, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Create a backup of passwords – write down a pattern lock or PIN In a secure location (for example, in a password manager).
• 📧 Tie up the backup. email/Phone to Mi Account – This will make it easier to restore access.
• 🔄 Do not reset your settings unnecessarily – each hard reset increases the risk of Mi Account locking.
• 🛡️ Disable Find Device before selling – this will remove the link to the account and protect the new owner from blocking.
• 📱 Regularly update the firmware – new versions MIUI Frequently fix vulnerabilities that can be used for unauthorized access.

If you plan to sell or transfer Redmi Note 4 to another person:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out.
2. Turn off Find Device in Settings → Additional → Security.
3. Reset via Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset (not via Recovery!).

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The only reliable way to avoid blocking Mi Account is to untie your account before resetting. If you have already done a reset and your device is locked, you can officially unlock it only through Xiaomi support with proof of ownership.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions