How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi 4: 3 working methods + recovery tips

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, but even after years its owners are faced with the need to completely reset. Slowdown, viruses, preparation for sale or a critical system error can be different. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of formatting, from standard reset through settings to “hard” methods through Recovery and Fastboot.

It's important to understand that the term "format" in the context of smartphones often implies a factory reset (wipe), rather than formatting internal memory as on a PC. We'll look at both options - cleaning the system and completely erasing data from memory. You'll also learn how to avoid losing photos and contacts before resetting and what to do if the phone "hangs" during the process.

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Before you start resetting, make sure you have all the important data stored.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
• 📁 Application files (save games, program settings)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi and account passwords (unless recorded separately)

Methods of backup:

• 🖥️ Copying on PC: connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.
• ☁️ Cloud services: upload files to Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk (available 5-15 GB for free).
• 📱 Third-party apps: use Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup for app backup.

💡

If you have Google contacts sync enabled, they will automatically recover after reset. Check this in Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50% – when reset via Recovery, the phone should not turn off).
• 🔌 Original USB-Type-C cable (required for the method via Fastboot).
• 📋 Write down the firmware version (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI) — This will help with recovery.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it requires no additional tools and takes 5-10 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional → Recovery and Reset (on some versions of MIUI, the path may be different: System → Reset).
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 All data (full reset) 💾 Internal memory (optional if you need to clear files)

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.

Wait for the reboot (the phone may be on longer than usual).

Make sure the phone is charged|Backup important data|Remember your Mi Account (if tied)|Disable screen protection (optional)-->

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone requires data input from Mi Account, use the previously associated account.

💡

Resetting through settings does not delete files from the microSD card (if installed). To clear it, format separately in the Storage section.

Method 2: Formatting with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Xiaomi Redmi 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or is blocked after a failed update, a reset via Recovery will help.This mode is sewn into the firmware and works even if the system is damaged.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold until the Mi logo and menu appear in English/Chinese.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC (for example, via Mi PC Suite).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Run full formatting: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot format system fastboot format data
6. After formatting, run your phone through MiFlash (instruction below).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot format and fastboot erase commands permanently delete all data, including IMEI And you can set up the communication module, and without the next firmware, the phone will become a brick».

How to flash Redmi 4 after formatting:

1. Download firmware in.tgz format for your model (for example, Redmi 4 Prime - markw, Redmi 4X - santoni).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open MiFlash, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should be displayed).
4. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
5. Wait for the completion (5-10 minutes) and reboot.

Table: Comparison of formatting methods

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

1.The phone doesn't go out of Fastboot mode

If the phone does not restart after fastboot commands:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try another cable).
• 🔋 Battery charge could fall below critical level – connect charging for 10-15 minutes.
• 🖥️ Execute the forced reboot command: fastboot reboot

2.After reset, the phone asks for the old password

This means that Factory Reset Protection (FRP) has been activated on the device.

• 🔑 Enter the password from the last Google account that was on your phone.
• 📧 If you don’t remember your password, use the access restoration.
• 🛠️ To get around FRP You will need firmware through Fastboot with protection disabled (instructions are on the forums) 4PDA or XDA).

3.The "Cannot receive hello packet" error in MiFlash

The problem is with drivers or connectivity.

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. Remove Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager.
3. Install the drivers again (download from the official website).
4. Connect the phone to Fastboot mode and repeat the firmware.

💡

If MiFlash doesn’t see the device, try running it in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode (right-click on executable file → Properties → Compatibility).

How to Recover Data After Formatting

If you haven’t done a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on which reset method was used:

• 📱 Reset via Settings: Data is deleted software, you can try to recover it using DiskDigger or Recuva (root required).
• 🔧 Recovery Mode: chances are lower, but some files may remain in unused memory sectors.
• 🖥️ Fastboot: Data deleted at low level – recovery is almost impossible.

Instructions for recovery through DiskDigger:

1. Install DiskDigger from Google Play (or download APK for PC).
2. Start the scan (select the full scan).
3. Mark the types of files to search for (photos, videos, documents).
4. Wait until it is completed (may take a few hours).
5. Save the files found to a memory card or PC.

⚠️ Warning: Don't save recovered files to the phone's internal memory - this can overwrite the remaining data.Use microSD or cloud.

To restore contacts and messages:

• 📞 Contacts: If they were synced with Google, they will automatically recover after logging in to your account.
• 💬 Messages: Try it out SMS Backup & Restore (if backup was done before).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions