How to completely disconnect Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X from Mi Account: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but many users are faced with the problem of binding to a Mi Account. Especially acute issue arises when buying a used device when the previous owner forgot to untie the profile, or after resetting when the phone requires entering account data. Unlike the new Xiaomi models, where the unlock procedure is simplified, the Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) has its nuances due to the outdated version of MIUI and the features of the hardware platform.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to decouple from Mi accounts, from official methods with confirmation through Xiaomi to alternative solutions for cases when access to the original account is lost. EDL-A system that works even on locked devices with MIUI 8-11, and the risks of unofficial firmware, if you bought a hands-on phone and the seller didn't provide your account details, here's the solution.

Why does Redmi Note 4X require a Mi Account after a reset?

The Mi Account on the Redmi Note 4X is linked to the Find Device function, which is activated automatically when you add an account. Unlike modern models, where you can turn it off in settings, on MIUI 8-9 (standard for the Note 4X), the option is often hidden or not working correctly. After resetting to the factory settings (Hard Reset), the phone requests the account data that was associated with the latter.

The main reasons for blocking:

  • πŸ”„ Resetting settings via Recovery or Fastboot without prior detachment of the account.
  • πŸ“¦ Buying a used device where the previous owner did not delete the profile or forgot the password.
  • πŸ”’ Enabled Device Protection in Mi Account Settings.
  • πŸ“± Update of firmware with transition to a new version MIUI, Where security policies have been tightened.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi does not provide an official way to circumvent this protection – all methods other than support are considered β€œgray”, however, if you have access to the original account, the procedure will take no more than 5 minutes.

πŸ“Š How did you get the Redmi Note? 4X Mi-accounted?
I bought a b/w off the hook.
Inherited/received as a gift
Forgot my account details
Reset the settings and blocked.
Another option

Method 1: Officially unbundle through the Xiaomi website (if you have access to an account)

If you remember the username and password from the Mi Account associated with the Redmi Note 4X, the most reliable way to use the official remote unlock tool is to use the Remote Unlock tool, which works even if the phone is locked after a reset.

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
  2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi Note 4X (can be displayed as mido).
  3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Remove the device.
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on the account security settings).
  5. Restart your phone and the lock should disappear.

If the device doesn’t appear in the list, try:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile (even if it’s locked, sometimes it works).
  • πŸ“± Enter account data directly on the lock screen (if the phone requests a login / password).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone and try again in 10-15 minutes.

πŸ’‘

If the site fails to delete the device, check if Find Device is enabled in the phone settings (if you have access) without it, the device will not appear in the account.

Method 2: Unlocking via Fastboot (without data loss)

If the official method didn’t work or you don’t have access to your account, you can try bypassing the lock via Fastboot. 4X on MIUI 8-11 and doesn't require a loader to be broken. MIUI 12.

What you need:

  • πŸ’» Windows computer (recommended) 7/10).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB (preferably original).
  • πŸ“₯ The Mi Account Remove Tool: Mi Account Remove Tool.
  • πŸ”§ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot Xiaomi.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
  2. Connect the device to your PC and check that it is determined by the command: fastboot devices If the device does not appear, install drivers.
  3. Unpack the archive with the utility and launch the file Mi_Account_Remove.exe.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually press 1 and Enter).
  5. After completion, restart the phone with the command: fastboot reboot

Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download Mi Account Remove Tool|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode|Check the visibility of the device by the command of fastboot devices|Disable the antivirus (can block the utility)-->

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) can block Mi Account Remove Tool as potentially dangerous software. This is a false positive - the utility does not contain viruses, but changes system files.

Method 3: Bypassing EDL-The mode (for blocked phones)

If the Redmi Note 4X is completely locked and does not respond to the input of account data, the only reliable way is through EDL (Emergency Download Mode), this method requires special equipment (EDL cable or Deep Flash Cable) and knowledge of working with the Mi Flash Tool.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It works even if the phone is not turned on or locked on the welcome screen.
  • βœ… It does not require a bootloader to be separated (unlike Fastboot).
  • βœ… Suitable for devices with damaged firmware.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Risk of "bricking" with incorrect firmware.
  • ❌ You need an authorized Mi Account to download firmware (or access to unofficial builds).
  • ❌ You need skills to work with Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm QDLoader.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the firmware for Redmi Note 4X (code mido) from the official Xiaomi website or from the XDA Developers forum.
  2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via EDL cable (or close the test points on the board if you can solder).
  4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh – the device should be determined as COM-port.
  5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
Where to get an EDL cable for Redmi Note 4X?
EDL cable (or Deep Flash Cable) can be bought on AliExpress (~$5-10) or made by yourself by closing contacts on the phone board. For the Redmi Note 4X, test points are located next to the charging connector - you need soldering skills and thin wire. Alternatively, contact a service center where there is such equipment.

Unlocking methodDo you need access to your account?Risk of data lossDifficultyWorks on MIUI 12+?
Officially uncoupled through the siteβœ… Yes.❌ No.β­βœ… Yes.
Fastboot (Mi Account Remove Tool)❌ No.⚠️ Possible.⭐⭐❌ No.
EDL-regime❌ No.βœ… Yes (full reset)β­β­β­βœ… Yes.
Reset via Recovery❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐❌ No.
Appeal for Xiaomi supportβœ… Yes (proof of possession)❌ No.β­β­βœ… Yes.

Method 4: Recovery Reset (if known) PIN-code)

If the phone is locked not at the binding stage to the Mi Account, but on the input screen PIN-You can try resetting your account through Recovery, which will delete all the data, but bypass the account request.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power for confirmation).
  4. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
  5. After completion, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For the Redmi Note 4X After resetting via Recovery, the Mi Account may remain blocked, in which case one of the previous methods will be required.

Method 5: Calling for Xiaomi support (if you bought a used phone)

If you bought a Redmi Note 4X handheld and the seller didn't provide details from your Mi Account, you can try getting official Xiaomi support. Success depends on whether you can prove that the phone now belongs to you.

What will be required:

  • πŸ“„ Check or contract of sale (even handwritten).
  • πŸ“± IMEI phone (you can find out via *#06# or on the box).
  • πŸ“§ Email linked to your Mi Account (if any).
  • πŸ“Έ Photo of the box with serial number (if preserved).

How to make a request:

  1. Go to the support page: Xiaomi Support.
  2. Choose Mobile Phones β†’ Redmi Note 4X.
  3. Write to chat or create a ticket describing the problem (in English or Chinese).
  4. Attach scans of documents confirming the purchase.

The timeframe for reviewing the request is from 3 days to 2 weeks, and if you decide positively, you will be sent an unblocking instruction or removed remotely.

πŸ’‘

Official Xiaomi support rarely helps with unlocking used devices, but the chance is if you have all the documents.The alternative is to contact a Xiaomi authorized service center in your city.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to untie the Redmi Note 4X from a Mi Account, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Error 1: Mi Account Remove Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot.

  • πŸ”Œ Check the cable and port USB (Try another cable or port on your PC).
  • πŸ”§ Reinstall the drivers ADB/Fastboot manually through Device Manager.
  • πŸ–₯️ Run the command prompt on behalf of the administrator and check the output of the command fastboot devices.

Error 2: After the firmware is run through EDL, the phone does not turn on ("brick").

  • πŸ“₯ Make sure the firmware is suitable for the Redmi Note. 4X (code).
  • πŸ”„ Try flashing again by selecting the Clean All option in the Mi Flash Tool.
  • πŸ› οΈ If your phone doesn’t respond, contact the service – you may need to reflash through Qualcomm 9008.

Error 3: The Mi Account site does not show the device in the list.

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and wait 10-15 minutes – sometimes syncing takes time.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure your phone is on mobile internet or Wi-Fi (even if it is blocked).
  • πŸ”’ Check if two-factor authentication is included in your account settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I unplug Redmi Note 4X from my Mi Account without losing data?
Yes, but only if you have access to the original account, in which case use Method 1 (official site unbundling), all other methods (Fastboot, EDL, Recovery) will result in the deletion of user data.
What if the previous owner does not remember the data from the Mi Account?
In this case, the only working options are Method 3 (firmware via EDL) or Method 5 (contacting with proof of purchase support), and if the seller is willing to help, they can try to restore access to the account through email or phone number.
Does the Mi Account Remove Tool work on MIUI 12 and later?
No, the Mi Account Remove Tool is only effective for MIUI 8-11. On newer versions, Xiaomi has tightened protection, and Fastboot bypassing usually doesn't work. MIUI 12+ will require EDL or official unlock.
Can you use informal firmware (castomy ROMs) to bypass the lock?
Technically yes, but it comes with risks: πŸ”“ You need to unlock the bootloader, which requires binding to the Mi Account. πŸ“΅ Some custom firmware (like LineageOS) may not support all of the phone’s features (camera, NFC). ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" if you install it incorrectly. If you decide to do this, we recommend using proven builds from the forum. XDA Developers for mido.
How much does it cost to unlock the Redmi Note 4X in the service center?
The cost depends on the method: πŸ’° Firmware through EDL: 1000-2500 rubles (depending on the region). πŸ’° Unlocking the loader + installation of custom firmware: 1500-3000 rubles. πŸ’° Official appeal in support of Xiaomi (if you have documents): free, but does not guarantee the result. Before contacting, check whether the services give a guarantee for work - some centers refuse to unlock the device without proof of ownership.