The situation when your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 suddenly stops responding to commands, gets stuck on the logo or shows a black screen is familiar to many owners. In the enthusiastic environment, this state of the device is aptly called โbrickโ, and it can occur for various reasons, from a failed update to experiments with root rights. However, you should not panic ahead of time, since in most cases the hardware of the smartphone remains completely functional.
Restoring the Redmi Note 4 requires coolness and a clear algorithm of actions. It is important to understand that there are several levels of bricking, and the method of treatment depends on the stage of booting the device stops. We will look at proven methods of resuscitation that will help bring the gadget back to life without going to the service center.
Before taking action, you need to understand the risks. Any software interference carries a potential risk of data loss. The firmware process can be interrupted and drivers can conflict with the computer operating system. Therefore, the preparatory stage is critical to the success of the entire operation.
Diagnostics of the device state: determine the degree of the problem
The first step in the recovery process is to accurately determine the current state of the smartphone, which depends on the choice of tool and firmware method. Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 can be in one of several boot modes, each of which has its own characteristics and limitations.
The easiest case is a bootloop, where the phone is endlessly rebooted, showing the Mi logo. In this case, the system is damaged, but the bootloader is functioning. Much more serious is the situation when the screen is completely black and the device does not respond to the on buttons, or the charging indicator is lit without signs of life. This may indicate the need to use EDL (Emergency Download) mode.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the device is connected to the computer, the connection sound is made USB, But the screen is still black, which is a good sign. USB-The port is working and the phone is most likely in deep sleep or in a sleep mode. EDL.
For accurate diagnosis, you need to connect your smartphone to your PC through a high-quality USB-You can use the cable to open Device Manager in Windows:
- ๐ฑ If the list includes an Android device or ADB Interface means the phone is partially working and you can try resetting via Recovery.
- ๐ป The appearance of the Fastboot device (often with a hare image) indicates that the bootloader is unlocked or active, which allows you to use the Mi Flash Tool.
- ๐ If under โPorts (COM and LPT)ยป appeared in Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, so the phone is in mode EDL, What gives maximum rights to restoration.
Understanding which mode is available will save you hours of futile attempts. Donโt try flashing a device through Fastboot if itโs not in that mode, just as itโs pointless to search for Qualcomm ports if the phone boots properly into the system.
Preparation of the workplace and the necessary software
The success of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 recovery operation depends 90% on the quality of preparation. Chaotic actions with inappropriate drivers or corrupted firmware files are the main reason for failure. You will need a stable computer running Windows, as tools for Linux or macOS can work unstable or require complex configuration.
The key is to install the right drivers. Without them, the computer will not see the phone in the right mode. This is especially true for EDL mode, which requires Qualcomm drivers. You also need to download the current version of the Mi Flash Tool utility, which is the official tool for firmware for Xiaomi devices.
โ๏ธ Preparations for recovery
The firmware file must be chosen with great care. Redmi Note 4 (codename markw) has versions for the global market, China and Russia. It is critical to download the version that matches the region of your device, or use the global version to change the region, but with an understanding of the risks of blocking.
Be sure to enable USB debugging and installation permission from unknown sources if the phone responds to commands at all, and if it is completely unusable, these steps are skipped, as the menu will be accessed through hardware buttons.
Method One: Resetting through Recovery Mode
If your Redmi Note 4 is still responding to button combinations, start with the safest method, Recovery Reset.This mode is built into the phone and does not require a computer connection, which minimizes the risks. To log in, you need to turn off the device and press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
In the Recovery menu, you navigate with volume buttons, and you're selected with a power button, and you need to find Wipe Data or Wipe All Data, which will delete all user data by returning the settings to the factory settings, which often solves the problem of software conflicts.
However, if the standard Recovery menu doesnโt help or the phone goes back to restart, you can try to update the system manually. To do this, you need to put the update.zip firmware file in the root of internal memory (if it is available) or use Apply update from ADB mode if you can connect.
โ ๏ธ Note: When performing a reset via Recovery, all your photos, contacts and apps will be permanently deleted. Make sure you have a backup of important data in the Mi Cloud cloud or on your computer in advance.
Once the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot to System. The first download can take up to 10-15 minutes, which is normal for Android after a reset. If the logo appears and the system boots, the problem is solved.
Method Two: Fastboot and Mi Flash
A more powerful recovery tool is Fastboot mode. To put the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 into this mode, you need to press the Volume Down and Power buttons when the phone is turned off until an image of a hare repairing an android appears. Connect the device to a PC.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button; if the drivers are installed correctly, your device's serial number will appear in the list. It is important to choose the correct firmware mode in the bottom corner of the window: Clean all (complete cleaning), Save user data (save data) or Clean all and lock (clean and lock bootloader).
| Firmware mode | Data retention | Locking the loader | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | No. | No (unblocked) | For change of region or after root |
| Save user data | Yes. | No. | When the system fails, but data is needed |
| Clean all and lock | No. | Yeah (original) | Only for official global firmware |