How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand despite age — it is actively used, sold in the secondary market or transferred to relatives. However, over time, the device begins to slow down, give out errors or require complete cleaning before transferring to a new owner. Formatting solves most problems, but the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, 5 proven ways to format Redmi Note 4, including resetting via settings, Recovery Mode, Fastboot, and methods for locked devices. We’ll look at how to save data before cleaning, what formatting errors are most common, and what to do if the smartphone doesn’t turn on after reset. Special attention is paid to the difference between soft and hard resets — and why the latter option may require flashing.

If you are planning to sell or transfer the phone, be sure to delete your Mi Account before formatting, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the device. The instructions below are relevant for all versions of the Redmi Note 4 (including the Note 4X and global modifications) based on MIUI or custom firmware.

Preparation for formatting: what to do before the dump

Formatting erases all data from internal memory, including photos, messages, contacts, and installed applications. Even if you restore some information through a backup, some data (such as saving in games or settings for applications) will be lost forever.

What must be done:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or manually copy files to your PC. Cloud services (Mi Cloud, Google Drive) will save contacts and some settings, but not all data.

If your phone is locked (don’t remember the password or the screen is corrupted), skip this section and go to the reset methods via Fastboot or EDL Mode (described below).

💡

If you are using Redmi Note 4 with custom firmware (like LineageOS), check the compatibility of the method before reset. Some modifications require the original Recovery to be installed before formatting.

2. Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ Remember your password/pattern lock.
• ✅ You need to eliminate small lags or prepare the phone for sale.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will start with factory settings, as after purchase, which does not affect system files, so it is suitable for eliminating software glitches without the risk of “bricking”.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

Recovery Mode is a service mode that allows you to format your phone even when there are serious crashes, and it works independently of the main system, so it is suitable for cases where:

• 📵 The phone is getting stuck on the Mi logo and does not load.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password.
• 🐢 The device is strongly braked and does not respond to pressures.

How to log in to Recovery and make a reset:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete cleanup).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the phone will restart automatically).

Attention! Hard reset via Recovery deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory. If the phone was encrypted (for example, through File-Based Encryption in new versions of MIUI), after reset, you may need to enter the old password to decrypt.

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

The method via Fastboot is used when:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is damaged or not running.
• 📲 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Your phone is locked and your Mi Account is not tied (or you deleted it in advance).

This method will require a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and the utility Fastboot (part of the Android SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare image with the inscription Fastboot will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (cmd) on your computer and execute the commands:

fastboot devices

(Checks if the list is empty, install the drivers or try another cable.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

(These commands will clear user data and cache, after which the phone will restart.)

If the phone is stuck on the logo after the reset, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you will need a complete flashing through Fastboot or EDL Mode.

💡

Resetting via Fastboot doesn’t delete system files, but if the phone has been encrypted, you may need to enter an old password after rebooting.

5. Method 4: Formatting with a locked screen (without data loss)

If you forget your pattern lock or password, but your phone is switched on and connected to your PC, you can try resetting the lock without fully formatting. ADB-team.

Important! This method only works if:

• 🔗 The phone's debugging on. USB (Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📱 The phone is recognized by the computer in mode ADB.
• 🔑 Mi Account is not tied (or you know the username/password).

Instructions via ADB:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter commands:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




rm /data/system/locksettings.db




reboot

After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset. minus method: it does not work on newer versions of MIUI (12+) due to enhanced protection.

💡

If USB debugging was not enabled in advance, the only way out is hard reset via Recovery or Fastboot (see Methods 2 and 3).

6. Method 5: Complete flashing through EDL Mode (extreme case)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency mode for firmware Xiaomi phones when other methods do not work.

• 💀 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Fastboot.
• 🔄 Firmware damaged after failed update.
• 🔧 You need to delete your Mi Account without a password (requires an authorized Xiaomi developer account).

For EDL entry:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume up + Volume down + Nutrition at the same time.
3. Connect the USB cable to your PC – the phone will be identified as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Next, you need to flash the phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware for the Redmi Note 4 (mido).

7. Frequent errors after formatting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1.The phone asks you to enter the old password after resetting

⚠️ This happens if File-Based Encryption is activated before resetting (FBE) — Solution: remember your old password or run your phone through Fastboot with a full cleanup (fastboot erase userdata) + fastboot format userdata).

2.Hanging on the Mi logo after resetting

The cause: corrupted system files.

• 🔄 Try to go to Recovery and make Wipe Cache.
• 📥 Check your phone via Fastboot or EDL.

3. The sensor or buttons do not work after formatting

It was probably an incompatible firmware installed. Solution: Sweeve the original MIUI for your model (mido) through the Mi Flash Tool.

4.The phone requires a Mi Account after a reset

⚠️ Attention! If you have not deleted your Mi Account before formatting, the new owner will not be able to use the device. Solution: enter the old account details or contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership (check, box).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions