How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: All Working Methods (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi 4X — One of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017, and despite its age, the device is still in use today for its reliability and custom firmware installation, but even this tried-and-true gadget has a weak spot: If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-code or password from the lock screen, unlocking it becomes a non-trivial task.

Unlike modern models that support Face Unlock or fingerprint scanner, Redmi 4X (codename santoni) relies solely on traditional security methods, which means that you will have to use workarounds to reset your password, from official Mi Account tools to low-level manipulations via Fastboot or Recovery. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, including those that work without losing data (although, alas, no one will give guarantees).

It's important to understand that some methods require pre-preparedness (e.g., a tied Mi Account or USB debugging enabled), while others can lead to a complete cleanup of the device. We'll honestly warn you of the risks and tell you how to minimize losses. Let's start with the safest option!

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

If your Redmi 4X is tied to a Xiaomi account, it’s the most reliable and legal way to get back access, and it works even when the screen is locked, but there are some nuances:

• 🔗 The device must be connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 📱 The lock screen should display the option “Forgot your password?” (if not, go to the next method).
• 🔑 You should remember the username and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, tap the button “Forgot your password?” (or similar label).
2. Enter the email or phone number associated with your Mi Account.
3. Confirm the entrance through SMS-code.
4. Follow the system instructions to create a new lock password.

⚠️ Warning: If the device previously enabled a factory reset via Mi Account (Find Device option), it may require re-authorization after unlocking. Without access to the associated account, the phone will turn into a brick»!

This method does not cause data loss, but only works with a stable Internet connection. If the "Forgot password?" option is missing, go to alternatives.

2. Reset password via Recovery Mode (with loss of data)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don't remember the login details, the next step is a hard reset through Recovery mode, which erases all user data, including apps, photos and settings, but will return access to the device.

Instructions for Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or similar, depending on the version of Recovery).
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (it will take 1-3 minutes).
6. Reboot your device with Reboot → Reboot to System.

Once you reboot, the phone will be like new, you will need to go through the initial setup, and if you have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) enabled before, the system will request data from the last Google account you used.

Turn off the phone from charging.

Make sure the battery is at least 30% charged.

Prepare a backup of important data (if you have access to a PC)

Have your hand on it. SIM-Authorization card after reset (if linked to an account)

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⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4X (Especially custom) the Wipe Data item may be missing or require a password.

3.Using Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for advanced)

If standard Recovery reset fails, you can use Fastboot mode and the official Mi Flash Tool. This method involves flashing the device, so it is only suitable for users who are ready for radical measures.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 4X (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down (-) + Power button before the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat-eared.
2. Connect the device to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (if not, download the Mi USB Driver).
3. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\santoni).
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom of the window, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

This method is guaranteed to reset all settings, including the password, but requires confident action. Firmware errors can lead to a brick (inoperability) of the device.

4. Unlock via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled)

If Redmi 4X has previously activated USB debugging (in the developer settings), you can try resetting your password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which saves data but only works when you connect to a previously authorized PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal




rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm




reboot

After rebooting, the password (or graphical key) will be reset. If the commands do not work, try the alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This command must open the password change menu directly on the locked device.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions MIUI (above 10) this method may not work due to enhanced security measures, and root rights are required that are not available on the stock firmware.

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If ADB doesn’t recognize the device, check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings. To do this, tap the build number 7 times in the Settings → About Phone menu.

5. Alternative methods: FRP bypass and third-party tools

If all of the above methods have failed, there are still radical measures.

FRP bypass (Google Account Lock)

After resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, Redmi 4X may require data input from the last Google account used.

1. On the Google account entry screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go back and select an emergency call.
3. Type ##4636## and it will open the test menu.
4. Go to Usage Statistics → Settings (on some firmware, the path may be different).
5. In the settings, disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and add a new Google account.

B. Third-party tools (at your own risk)

There are many software on the network to unlock Android devices, for example:

• 🔓 Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Paid, Redmi Supports) 4X).
• 🔓 iMyFone LockWiper (similarly, requires PC).
• 🔓 Tenorshare 4uKey (work MIUI, But it may not be able to handle the new versions).

Using such software may violate Xiaomi’s security policy and result in the blocking of Mi Account. In addition, some tools contain malicious code or require payment for “premium unlocking”, we recommend using them only as a last resort.

6. How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid running into a blocked Redmi 4X again, follow the simple rules:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint) as a backup option.
• 📝 Write passwords to a trusted manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass).
• 🔄 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔗 Link your Mi Account and make sure the Find Device option is active (but be aware of the risks when selling your phone!).
• 🛠️ Put the debugging on. USB In advance (in the developer settings) so that in the future it can be used ADB.

If you often forget passwords, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where you can disable hard-linking to your account, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

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The most reliable way to unlock is to link a Mi Account and back up regularly, all other methods either lead to data loss or require technical skills.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Redmi 4X