How to remove the link of Google account with Xiaomi Redmi 4A: all working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4A remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release, but many users are facing Factory Reset Protection (FRP) – a lockdown after resetting, requiring data input from a previously linked Google account, which was introduced to combat device theft, but often creates difficulties when buying used phones or after self-reset.

Unlike Xiaomi’s newer models, where FRP is bypassed through Mi Account, Redmi 4A (codename rolex) features features due to the outdated version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and lack of official support. In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to unblock your account, from standard methods to technical bypasses using ADB and Fastboot, and also warn against common errors that can turn your phone into a brick.

Why Redmi 4A requires a Google account after a reset

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is activated automatically if the device:

• 🔒 At least one Google account has been added to the settings.
• 🔄 Reset to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and Reset or Recovery.
• 📱 The device runs on Android 5.1+ (Redmi 4A — Android 6.0 shelled MIUI 8/9).

Once reset, the system asks for the username and password from the last account tied up. If you bought the phone from your hands and the seller didn't untie it, or forgot your account details, access to the device will be blocked. On Redmi 4A, bypassing FRP is complicated by the lack of support for modern methods of unlocking through the Mi Cloud, so you have to use alternative methods.

It's important to understand that FRP is not a virus or a bug, but a regular security feature that can't be turned off without knowing your account data or special manipulations of the system. All the methods of bypassing described below are based on exploiting vulnerabilities in older versions of Android and MIUI.

Preparing for the removal of the binding: what to do before the beginning

Before you start bypassing FRP, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

Charge your phone at least to the minimum. 50%|Prepare. USB-cable (original or quality)|Download the drivers. ADB/Fastboot Xiaomi|Disable the antivirus (it can block the tools)|Backup important data (if the phone is partially working)-->

If the phone is completely locked (does not let it go beyond the welcome screen), you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (or Linux/macOS power-user).
• 🔌 Micro-USB cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📦 Archive with tools: Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot) Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader if required).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has a function enabled OEM Unlocking in the developer settings, bypassing FRP If you don't, you'll need to unlock the bootloader, which will reset all the data.

To check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.

Method 1: Bypassing FRP through settings (if the phone is partially working)

This method is suitable if after reset you can walk to the Wi-Fi settings screen, but then the system requires you to enter a Google account.

Algorithm of action:

1. On the Wi-Fi connection screen, click on the network name bar and enter any password (even the wrong one).
2. After the connection error message appears, click Additional (or Advanced).
3. In the window that opens, select Add Network.
4. In the Network Name field, enter arbitrary text, then highlight it and click Share.
5. In the Sharing menu, select Gmail or Messages, which will open access to system applications.
6. Return to the home screen and go to Settings → Accounts where you can delete your linked Google account.

If this method does not work, try an alternative:

• 📱 On the account entry screen, click on the Email field and hold the text until the menu appears.
• 🔍 Select Google Search (or Web Search) – this will open the browser.
• 🌐 In the browser, go to the address https://accounts.google.com, Log in to your account and remove the device from the trusted list.

💡

If the browser does not open, try to enter the "Settings" request in the search bar - sometimes this allows you to access the system menu.

Method 2: Unlocking through ADB (for power users)

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable if you have access to Developer Settings or the ability to enable USB Debugging via workarounds.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and make sure the drivers are installed (the Device Manager should not have exclamation points near Xiaomi).
2. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and type: Adb devices If the device is displayed – go further.
3. Enter the commands alternately: adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1 adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/ adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity
4. After completing the commands, restart the phone – the FRP lock should disappear.

If ADB can’t see the device, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable or use another port USB.
• 🔧 Install drivers manually through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB via the workaround (e.g. via the Emergency Call menu by dialing ##4636##).

⚠️ Attention: Some teams ADB may not work MIUI 8/9 Because of the manufacturer's limitations, you'll need to unlock the bootloader.

Method 3: Reset FRP via Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked)

If the Redmi 4A bootloader is already unlocked (or you're ready to unlock it), you can reset FRP via Fastboot.This method will delete all data from the device, but is guaranteed to unblock.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices
3. Enter the command to reset FRP: fastboot erase frp
4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

If the bootloader is blocked, it must be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool:

• 📥 Download the official tool from Xiaomi.
• 🔓 Sign in to Mi Account (you will need to link your phone number).
• 📱 Get Redmi on board. 4A Fastboot mode and follow the instructions of the program.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions.Don't disconnect the phone from your PC at this time!

Method 4: Using TWRP to bypass FRP

Installing custom recovery TWRP bypasses FRP by editing system files, a method that is suitable for users who are ready for advanced firmware manipulation.

Steps:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 4A (the version should match your model!).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with Platform Tools.
3. Download your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Immediately after installation, go to recovery, holding Volume Up + Power.
5. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager and delete files: /data/system/gesture.key /data/system/locksettings.db /data/system/locksettings.db-wal /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
6. Restart the device – the FRP lock will be reset.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Wrong version TWRP It can cause a brick (breakdown) of the phone.
• 🔧 After installation TWRP possible disruption of work OTA-update.
• 📱 Backup of data through TWRP necessarily!

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If all the independent methods did not work, or you are afraid to damage the device, the official service center of Xiaomi can help with unlocking.

Conditions for treatment:

• 📄 Availability of a check or proof of purchase (if the phone is guaranteed).
• 🔑 Data from Mi Account if the device was tied to it.
• 📱 The phone should not have traces of hacking (unlocked bootloader, custom firmware).

What will be required:

1. Passport of the owner (or power of attorney if another person applies).
2. IMEI devices (can be found on the box or under the battery).
3. Completed application for unlocking (the sample is usually on the website of the service center).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the region and the status of the warranty.

• 🚫 Blacklisted phone (stolen/lost).
• 🔧 Integrity of firmware (castom recovery, root) is broken).
• 📄 There are no documents confirming legal possession.

💡

Official service is the safest way, but not always possible, and if you buy a phone with your hands, you have very little chance of unlocking it successfully.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to unplug a Google account, users often make critical errors that can make the problem worse.

Error 1: Using unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader

Installing custom firmware on a locked bootloader will lead to a hard brick - the phone will not even turn on in the Fastboot. EDL-mode (emergency firmware), which requires special equipment.

Mistake 2: Interrupting the Unlocking Process

If you turn off the cable during the ADB or Fastboot commands, the phone can hang on the Xiaomi logo, in which case only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

Error 3: Inconsistency of tool versions

Using outdated versions of Platform Tools or TWRP often causes crashes. Always check the relevance of files on official resources:

• 🔗 ADB/Fastboot (Google)
• 🔗 TWRP (website)
• 🔗 Mi Unlock Tool (Xiaomi)

⚠️ Attention: If after manipulations the phone stopped turning on, do not try to "resuscitate" it with improvised means.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions