How to Clean Up Xiaomi Redmi 4: The Complete Guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4 often face slowdowns after a long period of operation.Cache accumulation, residual files from remote applications and fragmentation of internal memory inevitably affect performance.The solution is a deep cleaning of the device, which can range from simple deletion of temporary files to full reset to factory settings.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can effectively free up space and get your gadget back to its original speed, how to safely delete personal data before selling, or how to simply refresh your system without losing important contacts and photos. Deep cleaning is a powerful tool that requires careful attention to every step.

Before you start taking drastic measures, you need to understand what kind of cleaning is required in your situation, sometimes just remove the accumulated garbage, and in other cases, you need to completely reinstall the operating system, and the correct choice of method will help to avoid losing important information.

Preparation of the device for the cleaning procedure

Any manipulation of system data requires preparation. Redmi 4, like any modern Android smartphone, stores a lot of valuable information that is easy to lose if you make mistakes. The first step should always be to back up all important data, which can be contacts, photos, documents and correspondence history in messengers.

Make sure the battery is at least 60%, or better fully charge the device. Interrupting the reset process due to battery discharge can lead to critical errors in the bootloader. Also check for free space on the memory card if you plan to save backups there, or make sure that the connection to the cloud storage is stable.

Don't forget to unplug your Mi and Google account before selling or transferring your device to a new owner. If you don't, the new user will face activation locks and won't be able to fully use the phone. Data protection is a top priority before any reset.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for cleaning

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Why is it important to leave accounts?
If you don't log out of your Mi Account, you'll have a theft protection, and the new owner won't be able to activate the phone without your password, even after you completely reset your settings.

Cleaning of system debris with MIUI staff funds

The MIUI shell has built-in maintenance tools that allow you to safely delete temporary files. To begin, open the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi devices. Click on the Cleanup button and the system will automatically analyze the storage for cache, residual files and advertising debris.

Once scanned, you'll see a list of file categories that you can delete. Be careful: among them may be cached messenger data that you might want to save. Selective cleaning allows you to remove only unnecessary debris, leaving important application data intact. It's usually the safest way to speed up your smartphone without risk.

And you can also find large files in the storage settings that take up a lot of space. Often users forget about downloaded videos or old archives that are dead weight. Regularly checking such folders helps keep the file system in order. The file manager is your best friend in the fight for free space.

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Application cache – temporary data that can be deleted without consequences.
  • πŸ“¦ Residual files – traces of remote programs that take place.
  • πŸ“Έ Photo duplicates – copies of images created during editing.
  • πŸ“‰ Unused applications – programs you haven’t run in a long time.

πŸ’‘

Use the Deep Clean feature in the Security app once a week to maintain optimal system performance.

Full reset to factory settings via menu

If a simple garbage cleanup doesn’t work, a full reset, known as Hard Reset, must be performed.This process will return the Xiaomi Redmi 4 to the state it was in at the time of purchase.All user data, settings and installed applications will be permanently deleted, so having a backup is critical.

To perform the reset, go to the phone's settings menu. Find the About section and select Reset. In the menu that opens, click on "Erase All Data." The system will request confirmation of action and possibly enter a graphical key or unlock password for security.

⚠️ Attention: Once the reset is confirmed, the process will take a few minutes. The phone will automatically restart and the initial system setup will begin!

It's important to note that there are different reset options. You can choose the "Reset All Settings" option, which will save your media files but return system settings to factory values. If you want a full cleanup, choose "Erase All Data." Understanding the differences between these options will save your photos.

Type of dischargeData retentionImplementation timeRisk of data loss
Clearing the cacheComplete.1-2 minutesNo.
Resetting settingsPartial (media only)3-5 minutesMedium.
Full reset (Hard Reset)No.5-10 minutesHigh-pitched

πŸ’‘

Full reset via the settings menu is the easiest and safest way for the average user, without requiring special skills.

Resetting through Recovery Mode (Recovery Mode)

In situations where the system is not booting or the touch screen is not responding, Recovery mode is used. To enter this mode on Redmi 4, you need to turn off the phone completely. Then press the volume and power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears.

Navigation in this menu is done by volume buttons (up and down), and the choice of item is made by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it. Then the system can offer two options: Wipe All Data (complete cleaning) or Reset Password (reset password, if you forgot).

Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The process will start and you will see the progress bar. Once completed, select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will reboot as new. Recovery Mode is a powerful tool for resuscitating the device.

⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, there is no option to cancel the action. If you choose to clean it, it will happen immediately and irrevocably.

There's also a Fastboot mode that's used to flash through a computer, but you don't need it for normal cleaning. Recovery Mode is standard for advanced users. It allows you to bypass a locked system interface.

πŸ“Š Which method of resetting you use more often?
Through phone settings
Through the Recovery menu
Using a computer
I'm not dropping my phone.

Use of PC and Mi PC Suite utility

For those who prefer to control the device from a computer, there is an official utility Mi. PC Suite.Although support for older models may be limited, this method allows for deep cleaning and backup.Plug Redmi 4 to your computer via the original USB-cable.

In the program interface, look for the Backup or Tools section, where you can create a full copy of the system to your computer's hard drive. Once you create the backup, you can use the reset function if it's available for your firmware version. Computer cleaning gives you more control over the process.

The alternative is to use commands. ADB (Android Debug Bridge, but it requires debugging on USB The Adb shell recovery team. --wipe_data It can initiate a reset, but it's designed for advanced users. A syntax error can cause the system to fail.

adb reboot recovery

This command puts the phone into recovery mode, where you can control the process. You can use the PC if the touch screen is damaged or not working. Physical connectivity ensures the stability of the data transfer process.

Removing Unremovable Applications and System Garbage

MIUI firmware often has pre-installed applications that cannot be removed in the usual way, requiring superuser rights (Root) or the use of special tools such as ADB AppControl. However, obtaining Root rights on Redmi 4 can disrupt the operation of banking applications.

The safer method is to disable applications through settings. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps. Find an unnecessary system program, click on it and select "Disable." It will disappear from the menu and stop consuming resources, although it will physically remain in memory. Disabling system components is a safe alternative to deleting.

You should also pay attention to the folder. MIUI/debug_log, You can safely delete them through the file manager, and you can clean this folder regularly to free up hundreds of megabytes.

  • 🚫 Disable unnecessary services from Google and Xiaomi if you don’t use them.
  • πŸ“‚ Clean Download folder from old installers APK.
  • πŸ’¬ Remove the cache of heavy messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) manually.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly check the list of working processes in the developer menu.
Can I remove system applications through ADB?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires caution: removing critical components (such as SystemUI) will result in a cyclical reboot of the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to completely reset Redmi 4?
The process usually takes 5 before 10 minutes, depending on the amount of data being deleted and the speed of internal memory. 5-10 minute.
Will MIUI disappear after resetting?
No, MIUI and Android will remain the same as before the reset, removing only user data and settings, not the firmware itself.
What to do if your phone asks for a Mi Account after a reset?
This is anti-theft protection, and you have to enter the username and password of the account that was linked to the device before the reset, and without that data, you can't turn the phone on.
Is it safe to drop your phone if inserted? SD-map?
Remove the memory card before reset, although the system usually asks if it needs to be formatted. SD-card, it is better to be safe, so as not to lose data on it.
Can the cleaning process be interrupted if it is frozen?
If the phone doesn't respond for more than 20 minutes, you can try a forced reboot with a power button for 15 seconds, but this can damage the file system.