How to format Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 phone: the complete guide

The Redmi Note 4, released in 2017, is still popular due to its reliability and performance. However, over time, the MIUI operating system can accumulate software errors, app cache and fragments of deleted files, leading to a noticeable slowdown in the interface. If your device begins to “slow down”, spontaneously reboot or show errors in the operation of system services, the only sure solution is often a complete reset.

The formatting process returns the gadget to factory status by removing all user information. It is a radical but effective method that eliminates the consequences of failed updates, removes complex viruses and cleanses internal memory of digital debris. Before starting the procedure, you need to clearly understand that all your data will be destroyed, so pre-creating a backup is a critical step.

In this article, we will take a look at all the reset options available for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed nikel or mido), learn how to prepare the device, how to reset through the standard settings menu, and how to act in case the phone is not turned on or locked. Following the instructions will help you safely return the smartphone to its original speed.

Preparing the device for a complete data reset

Before you initiate the cleanup process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring these steps can lead to the irretrievable loss of important contacts, photos and documents, first create a backup of the data. This can be done through Google Drive, the built-in Mi Cloud utility, or simply by copying files to your computer via a computer. USB-cable.

Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. The formatting process takes time, and if the phone turns off at the time of writing system files, it can damage the software and create a “brick”. SIM-microSD card and memory card so that external media are not accidentally formatted.

Don’t forget to unplug your Google and Mi Account if you plan to sell the device or transfer it to another user. Otherwise, the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system will work, and the new owner will not be able to activate the phone without entering your password.

• 📱 Backup all important contacts and media files to external media or to the cloud.
• 🔋 Charge the Redmi Note 4 battery to at least 60% to avoid sudden shutdown.
• 📴 Extract. SIM-card and memory card before the start of the reset procedure.
• 🔐 Remember passwords from Google and Mi accounts, as they may be required after a reboot.

Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu

The easiest and most secure formatting method is available right from the operating system that is running, and this option is suitable if you remember the screen unlock password and the phone interface responds to touch. To begin, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the list to About Phone.

In the menu that opens, look for the “Settings Reset” section (in some versions of MIUI it may be called “Advanced Settings”). Click on the “Erase All Data” button. The system will warn you that all files will be deleted, including photos, music and installed applications. Confirm the action by entering a graphical key or a digital unlock code.

Once confirmed, the phone will start cleaning, the screen can go out and light up several times, at which point it is strictly forbidden to interrupt the process or remove the battery if it is removable (in Redmi Note 4 it is not removable), and at the end of the device will restart and prompt you to select a language and configure the system again, as in the first turn on.

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode

If the phone doesn't turn on to your desktop, freezes on your logo, or you've forgotten your unlock password, use Recovery Recovery Mode. This method allows you to format Redmi Note 4 at a deep system level, bypassing the Android interface. To enter this mode, you need to completely turn off your smartphone.

Press two Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume. In a few seconds, the main Recovery menu will open, where the control is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.

From the menu, select English (if not selected by default), then go to Wipe Data. Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The system will again warn you about deleting the data. Once successfully completed, click Back to Main Menu and select Reboot -> Reboot to System.

⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed exclusively with mechanical volume and power buttons. Don't panic if the screen does not respond to touch - this is the normal recovery mode behavior.

Method 3: Reset via computer and MiFlash

For advanced users or in cases where software errors block the system from booting even in Recovery, there is a method of firmware through the PC. This will require the Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool utility and the official firmware for the Redmi Note 4 in.tgz format.

Download and install drivers ADB and Mi Flash on your computer. Download your phone to Fastboot (press Volume Down) + Power before the rabbit in the hat. Connect the device to the PC through a high-quality USB-In Mi Flash, press the Refresh button to let your computer detect your phone.

Choose the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. In the bottom corner of the program window, be sure to select the clean all option to ensure that old data is completely deleted and partitions are formatted. Press the Flash button and wait for the process to finish, which can take 5 to 10 minutes.

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⚠️ Attention: Using the clean all and lock option will block the bootloader. If you use custom firmware or a modified bootloader, choosing this option can turn the phone into a brick.

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Use the original. USB-The cable that came with the kit, or a quality analogue. Cheap charging cables often do not support data transmission, which will lead to a connection error in Mi Flash.

Solving problems after formatting

Once the reset procedure is complete, users may encounter a number of standard situations that are not a breakdown. For example, the first system boot can last up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, as Android optimizes applications and creates new system files. Don't try to reboot the phone during this period.

Another common problem is requiring you to enter a Google account that was previously synced to a device, which is FRP. If you've dropped a phone for sale, you need to know the username and password of the previous owner, and without them, it's almost impossible to unlock the device legally.

There may also be increased battery consumption on the first day, the system is busy with background processes of indexing and training of energy consumption algorithms, usually after 2-3 days of active use, autonomy returns to normal levels, if the problem persists, check the MIUI version and update the software if necessary.

• 🐌 Long first load is normal, wait up to 15 minutes.
• 🔒 Requesting a Google account (FRP) — Protection against theft, owner data is required.
• 🔋 Fast discharge on day one – the system performs optimization, the problem is temporary.
• 📶 Network failures - recheck settings APN post-insert SIM-map.

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The first download after a reset always takes longer than usual. Do not interrupt this process to avoid damaging the file system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)