How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X if you forget your password: the full guide

Forgotten password on Xiaomi Redmi 4X β€” This is a situation that many users face through 2-3 This is particularly true for hand-buyed devices where the previous owner didn't drop protection. 4X relying only on PIN-code, pattern lock or password, making it difficult to unlock without losing data.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to bypass locks, from official (via Mi Account) to technical (Fastboot mode and custom Recovery). Importantly, the methods vary in complexity and risk. For example, resetting through Recovery will erase all data, and improper manipulation in Fastboot can turn a phone into a brick. Before you act, assess how critical the information on the device is, sometimes it is easier to lose photos than risk the health of the smartphone.

Note: Redmi 4X (codename santoni)Released in 2017, so some current techniques (like Google’s Find My Device unlock) don’t work on it. All the instructions below are tested on current versions of MIUI 12/13, but may differ for custom firmware.

1 Unlocking through Mi Account (official method)

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

  • πŸ“± The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
  • πŸ”‘ You remember. email/Phone and password from Mi Account.
  • πŸ”„ The β€œFind the Device” function was activated in the settings.

If the conditions are met, after 5 failed attempts to enter the password, the button Forgot the password will appear.

  1. Enter the email or phone attached to your account.
  2. Confirm your identity via SMS or backup email.
  3. Create a new unlock password.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is not connected to the network, this method will not work, and Xiaomi can request confirmation through two-factor authentication (SMS If you don't have access to backup channels, it'll take up to 24 hours to recover your account.

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If you don’t remember the email, try entering all the possible addresses you used to register with Xiaomi services, and the system will tell you if there is an account with such a login.

2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)

If Mi Account is lost, it is hard to reset through Recovery mode, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps, but will return access to the phone. Redmi 4X uses Xiaomi's standard Recovery, so the instruction is universal:

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

Wait for the screen to be completely turned off.

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)

Prepare a needle or paper clip for extraction SIM-Cards (required for some models)

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To enter Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
  3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

In the Recovery menu, use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data β†’ Confirm

Once reset, the phone will reboot to factory status. On a Redmi 4X with MIUI 11 and older, you may need to re-attach the Mi Account after reset, which is protection against theft. If your account is not yours, the phone will lock again (for more details, see the FRP bypass section).

What to do if you recover in Chinese?
If the menu is displayed in Chinese, focus on the location of the items: 1. The first item is reboot (do not choose). 2. The second item is Wipe Data (we need). 3. The third item is Connect with MiAssistant (will not help without a PC). To confirm the reset, select the last item in the list (usually red).

3. Unlock via Fastboot (for advanced)

The method via Fastboot is suitable if:

  • πŸ”§ You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
  • πŸ“₯ You are ready to download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (weight ~1.5 GB).
  • πŸ› οΈ You can work with the command line.

Warning: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can damage the bootloader. If you've never flashed your phones, you'd better skip this section.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download the official firmware for santoni (select the version of Fastboot, not Recovery!).
  2. Unpack the archive in the folder C:\MiFlash.
  3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot: Press Power + Volume Down.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
  5. In the program, select the folder with firmware, press Refresh (should appear). COM-port) and click Flash.

The process will take 5-10 After the reboot, the phone will be like new, but with the latest version. MIUI. Important: if the phone was locked through Mi Account, you will need to enter your account details after the firmware is installed. EDL-regime (see section) 5).

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FRP (Factory Reset Protection) bypass

If after resetting via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone requires you to enter the data of the previous Mi Account, you are faced with a problem. FRP-I'm not going to be able to get a lock. 4X It can be circumvented in several ways:

MethodDifficultyRisks.Required.
Through TalkBack.Low.It may not work on the new MIUI versions.Access to on-screen recorder
Using the Mi Account Unlock ToolMediumPaid instruments (~$5-10)PC, USB-cable
Firmware through EDLTall.Risk of "bricking"Box-shifter (for example, UFi)

The most affordable way is to exploit the vulnerability in TalkBack:

  1. On the lock screen, press Emergency Call.
  2. Enter ##4636## (test menu).
  3. Hold your finger and hold the screen until TalkBack is activated.
  4. Go to Settings β†’ Accounts and add a new Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi regularly closes such vulnerabilities in updates. MIUI 12.5 or later, the method may not work. EDL-Firmware (see next section).

5 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Mode)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode is a service mode that allows you to flash your phone even with a damaged bootloader. 4X enter EDL needle:

  • πŸ”Œ Close the contacts Test Point on the motherboard (requires disassembly of the phone).
  • πŸ’» Use specialized software (MiFlashPro, UFi Box).
  • πŸ“„ Have an official firmware in.mbn format.

The process is complex and risky:

  1. Take the phone apart and find Test Point (for the Redmi 4X, these are contacts next to the battery labeled EDL).
  2. Close the contacts with tweezers and connect USB-plug-in.
  3. The Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 port should appear in the Device Manager.
  4. Start MiFlashPro, select firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect closure of contacts or interruption of firmware can cause the phone to fail, this method is recommended only for advanced users or in service centers. EDL in workshops - from 1500 to 3000 rubles.

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EDL-The last chance to unlock Redmi 4X, If other methods have failed, but without soldering and firmware skills, you should go to the experts.

Alternative methods (with limitations)

If none of the above methods are suitable, try:

1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

Official centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (check or warranty card), the cost of the service is about 1000 rubles.

2. Use of third-party services

Sites like MiUnlock or FRP Bypass offer remote unlock for a fee (from $3 to $15).

  • πŸ•΅οΈ Fraud (many services take prepayment and disappear).
  • πŸ”“ Possible data breach (if you require access to your account).
  • 🚫 Violation of Xiaomi policy (account may be blocked).

3. Flashing through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

If you have TWRP installed on your phone, you can:

  1. Download Disable_FRP_File.zip (forum XDA Developers).
  2. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
  3. Switch the file through Install.

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP If you have a locked phone, you need an unlocked bootloader.

7.How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords:

  • πŸ” Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint) as a backup method.
  • πŸ“ Write passwords to managers (Google Password Manager, KeePass).
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ“§ Link your current email to your Mi Account and enable two-factor authentication.

If you often forget passwords, set up Smart Lock in Android:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock and Protection β†’ Smart Lock.
  2. Add secure places (such as your home or work) where your phone will unlock automatically.

πŸ’‘

MIUI has a feature called Owner's Face (in lock settings) that is less reliable than a print, but it will help unlock your phone if you forget your password but are in a well-lit place.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Can I unlock Redmi 4X without losing data?
Theoretically, yes, but only if: The phone is tied to Mi Account and you remember the login details. You have a backup in Mi Cloud (photos and contacts can be restored after reset). In all other cases, the data will be erased. If there is critical information on the phone, contact the service center - sometimes specialists can retrieve data through Chip-Off (direct connection to memory), but it is expensive (from 5000 rubles).
What if the phone asks for an old Mi Account after a reset?
It's FRP-Lockdown. Solutions: Remember your old account (try to restore your password through account.xiaomi.com). FRP (See section 4. Contact the previous owner (if the phone is bought by hand). If nothing works, then the firmware is only through the phone. EDL (section).
Will the flashing help with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)?
Yes, but with reservations: βœ… It's okay. FRP and Mi Account (if flashed via Fastboot or TWRP). ❌ You will need an unlocked bootloader (if not, you first need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but you need access to the settings for this). ⚠️ On the Redmi. 4X Custom firmware can work unstable (camera problems, Wi-Fi). XDA Developers (Segment Xiaomi Redmi) 4X).
How much does it cost to unlock Redmi 4X in the service center?
Prices depend on method: Service Cost (β‚½) Resetting time via Recovery (no time) FRP) 500–1000 10–20 minutes FRP (software) 1500–2500 30–60 minutes Firmware through EDL 2000–3500 1-2 hours Chip-Off 5000–10,000 1–3 days Cost may vary depending on region and complexity. Official Xiaomi services do not allow undocumented unlocking.
Can I unlock my phone if it’s off and not charging?
No. For any manipulation (recovery, Fastboot or EDL login), the phone should: Have a battery charge of at least 10-15%. Turn on (even to the Mi logo). If the phone is completely discharged and does not respond to charging: Try another charger (original, 5V/2A). Hold the power button for 20-30 seconds (sometimes helps with "hang"). If nothing helps, bring to the service - perhaps a problem with the power controller.