Forgot a graphical password on Xiaomi Redmi 4X – how to reset without losing data?

Why is Redmi 4X blocked after incorrectly entering a password?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X automatically locks after 5 failed attempts to enter the pattern lock – this is a standard security feature of MIUI. The system does this to prevent unauthorized access to personal data. However, if you forget the combination, such protection becomes a problem.

The Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) has several unlocking options, but their effectiveness depends on:

• 🔄 Versions MIUI (The old silk works by using the ADB)
• 🔋 Battery level (at a discharge below 20%, the reset may be interrupted)
• 📱 Having a linked Mi Account (without it, Hard Reset is inevitable)
• 💾 Important data on the phone (if there was no backup, some methods will lead to their loss)

Important: If the phone is asking PIN-code SIM-The card after the reset is a separate lock of the operator, not the graphical password. USSD-Request 111 or call in support.

Method 1: Unlock with Mi Account (if the phone is tied)

The safest method is to use an official Xiaomi account, which works if:

• 📧 You remember the login (email/phone) and password from Mi Account
• 🌐 The phone has access to mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Find Device has been activated in the settings

Instructions:

1. On the locked screen, tap Forgot your password? (if the inscription does not appear, enter the key 5 times in a row).
2. Select Sign in via Mi Account and enter the details.
3. Confirm unlocking via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
4. Set a new graphical password or disable the lock.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not work on firmware with disabled Xiaomi services (custom) ROM).
• ❌ If the phone is not connected to the network, authorization is impossible.
• ❌ After 3 failed attempts to log in to the account, the device will be blocked for 24 hours.

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If you don’t remember the password from Mi Account, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. Use the linked email or phone number.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This method will delete all data on your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it if other methods have not worked or there is no important information on the Redmi 4X.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press of the power button.
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select a language (if there is one) and go to Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action by swipe or press Yes.
5. After reset, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese:

Method 3: Password bypass through ADB (only MIUI before version 10)

This method only works on older versions of MIUI (up to the 10th inclusive) and requires pre-activation of debugging over USB. If you haven't turned it on in advance, it's useless.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage)
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
2. Enter the commands in order: 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 graphical password will be reset.

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If after completing the commands, the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo, reset via Recovery Mode (Method 2).

Method 4: Unlocking via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ You have access to Fastboot Mode (robot with a gear).
• ✅ The phone has unlocked the bootloader (Bootloader).
• ✅ You are ready for possible data loss.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is locked, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool before reset.The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting on new Xiaomi accounts.

Method 5: Contact Xiaomi Service Center

If independent attempts are unsuccessful, you can contact an authorized service center.

• 🔐 The phone has enabled data encryption (File-Based Encryption).
• 📱 Device for warranty (self-dumping can cancel it).
• 💰 You need data from your phone (the service may try to extract it).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Passport (to confirm possession).
• 🛒 Check or box from the phone (if any).
• 🔌 Charger (in the service can check the performance).

The cost of unlocking in 2026:

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to reset a password, users often face typical problems:

1. Phone is not included in Recovery: ⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4X The combination of buttons to enter Recovery may be different.+ + The food is not working, try the volume.+ + Loudness- + Nutrition.
2. ADB does not see the device: Solution: Install Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager (select “Update Driver” → “Follow Search on This Computer” → specify the driver folder).
3. After reset, the phone asks for the old password: This means that the data has not been completely erased. Repeat Wipe Data in Recovery or run the fastboot erase userdata command again.

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If Redmi 4X starts to brake after unlocking, reset to factory settings again and do not restore data from the backup - it may contain corrupted files.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions