FAQ
TL;DR: 3 paid tools were named, and one expert warned: "Flash will not give you anything here." If a Redmi Note 4X (MTK) was factory‑reset and asks for an unknown Mi Account, standard flashing won’t bypass the lock. [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770658]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners and repairers fix or triage a Note 4X that re‑locks after network connect due to Mi Account protection.
- MTK vs Qualcomm: MiFlash targets Qualcomm; use SP Flash Tool for MTK devices. [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770744]
- Re‑lock behavior: Phone may work offline, then auto‑locks when it reaches Xiaomi servers. [Elektroda, Yakers, post #16772421]
- Official route: Only the correct Mi Account password lets you unlink the phone at i.mi.com. [Elektroda, rumax, post #16839416]
- Alternative idea: Very early firmware sometimes skips account check; results vary by model. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #16875277]
- Service path: If service returned it locked, request they unlock it or replace the unit. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16770286]
Quick Facts
- MTK vs Qualcomm: MiFlash targets Qualcomm; use SP Flash Tool for MTK devices. [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770744]
- Re‑lock behavior: Phone may work offline, then auto‑locks when it reaches Xiaomi servers. [Elektroda, Yakers, post #16772421]
- Official route: Only the correct Mi Account password lets you unlink the phone at i.mi.com. [Elektroda, rumax, post #16839416]
- Alternative idea: Very early firmware sometimes skips account check; results vary by model. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #16875277]
- Service path: If service returned it locked, request they unlock it or replace the unit. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16770286]
How do I fix a Redmi Note 4X (MTK) that asks for an unknown Mi Account after factory reset?
You must recover the original Mi Account, then unlink the phone at i.mi.com. Flashing or updating MIUI does not help because the device re‑locks when it contacts Xiaomi servers. Use the password recovery flow for the registered email or phone, then remove the device from the account. “The only way is to enter the password.” [Elektroda, rumax, post #16839416]
Will flashing a ROM remove the Mi Account lock on Note 4X MTK?
No. After flashing, the phone connects to Xiaomi servers and locks again. This happens even if you load a different MIUI build. The only reliable unlock is signing into the bound Mi Account and unlinking the device online. Plan your repair around account recovery first. [Elektroda, rumax, post #16839416]
Which flashing tool applies: MiFlash or SP Flash Tool?
There are 2 chipset lines. MiFlash is for Qualcomm‑based Xiaomi phones, not MTK. For Redmi Note 4X with MediaTek, use SP Flash Tool (or comparable MTK flash utilities). Quoting an expert: “MiFlash is used to flash phones on Qualcomm processors, not MTK.” [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770744]
My phone works until Wi‑Fi/mobile data is on, then it locks. Why?
That behavior indicates server‑side Mi Account verification. Offline use may seem normal, but once the phone reaches Xiaomi servers, it enforces the bound account and re‑locks. Do not rely on offline setup as a fix; focus on reclaiming the account or official removal. [Elektroda, Yakers, post #16772421]
Can a service center remove the Mi Account if I forgot the credentials?
One viewpoint says service isn’t obligated because the customer created the account. Technicians may mention low‑level memory operations, but these require specialized tools and carry risk. Always try official account recovery first to avoid data or device issues. [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770744]
Do paid boxes like BST or MRT remove the Mi Account on MTK Note 4X?
Some techs use paid dongles (BST, MRT, others) that target security partitions. Success is not guaranteed, and methods change with firmware. These tools are for professionals and may affect warranty or legality. Proceed only if you own the device and data. [Elektroda, Glemark1, post #16770658]
Is there a firmware trick to bypass the lock?
Sometimes the very first firmware build does not verify the account when online, letting you add a new Mi Account and later unlink. Results depend on model and build. Quote: “Often the first firmware version does not verify the account.” Test carefully and expect mixed outcomes. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #16875277]
How do I try the early‑firmware method safely?
- Flash the oldest available Note 4X ROM (even Chinese variant if compatible).
- Boot, connect network, and try adding your own Mi Account.
- If accepted, unlink the device from your account, then update MIUI.
Results vary and may fail; keep full backups. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #16878200]
EDL flashed TWRP, but stock recovery keeps returning. What’s happening?
With a locked bootloader, MIUI restores stock recovery on boot. EDL flashing a recovery.img may momentarily show the Mi logo, then power off, and MIUI reinstates the original recovery after boot. Unlocking the bootloader typically requires verified Mi Account access. [Elektroda, januszjh, post #16874174]
Why can’t I enter recovery or perform a hard reset when Mi‑locked?
When a Mi Account is bound and you lack access, the phone may block recovery modes and hard reset paths. That prevents bypass attempts from local menus. Focus on account recovery or official unlock routes instead of button‑combo resets. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16770675]
What should I ask the repair shop if they returned it locked?
Request that they unlock the unit or replace it. Document their factory reset and the subsequent account requirement. This sets clear expectations and may expedite escalation or replacement if they changed the device state. [Elektroda, mastereg, post #16770286]
Where do I recover the Mi Account password or unlink the device?
Use Xiaomi’s password recovery for the registered email or phone number, log in, and remove the device from your account. After unlinking, the phone should activate normally and stay unlocked after updates. Keep the password safe for future service. [Elektroda, rumax, post #16839416]
Is the Snapdragon Note 4X handled differently from the MTK version?
Yes. Snapdragon models use MiFlash, and some users report success with very early firmware to add a new account. One expert succeeded after hours of testing by using older or Chinese ROMs. Expect trial and error with that approach. [Elektroda, blahfff, post #16878200]
What’s the realistic outcome if I can’t recover the account?
One case report concluded “It could not be repaired.” Without the original account, the device may remain unusable on network. Consider proof‑of‑purchase and official support to explore ownership verification options. [Elektroda, Yakers, post #17492751]
