How to open Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: All working methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) is still a popular device among Android enthusiasts due to its reliability and deep customization. However, installing unofficial firmware, resetting a password or restoring a system after a crash requires access to Recovery Mode. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the recoveries on Redmi Note 4, including hardware keyboards, ADB commands and the nuances of working with a locked bootloader.

It is important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the firmware version (MIUI or custom), the status of the bootloader (locked/unlocked bootloader), and even from the modification of the device (for example, the Redmi Note 4X with a Snapdragon 625 vs. the Chinese version with Helio X20).

What is Recovery Mode and why is it needed on Redmi Note 4?

Recovery Mode is a separate partition of the smartphone memory, containing a minimum operating system for diagnosis and recovery. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, it can be:

• 🔹 Stocky (MIUI Recovery – limited functionality from Xiaomi (reset, upgrade via the ZIP, memory).
• 🔹 Custom (TWRP, OrangeFox) – advanced features: Nandroid backup, firmware installation, root rights.

The main reasons why users open the recovery on Redmi Note 4:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the pattern lock or password is forgotten).
• 📦 Installation of formal/unofficial firmware (MIUI, LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Eliminate bootloop cycles after a failed update.
• 📱 Unlocking the bootloader (necessary for installation) TWRP).

The MIUI Recovery stock recovery on the Redmi Note 4 has limitations: for example, it does not allow you to install firmware with unsigned certificates. So many users replace it with TWRP, but this requires you to pre-unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool tool.

Preparing for Recovery Entry: What to Do in advance

Before you try to open the receptacles on Redmi Note 4, follow the mandatory steps:

⚠️ Note: If the device has enabled Find My Device (search for Xiaomi device), logging in to the recovery may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account. → Mi Account → Find the device if you are planning to reset.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 50% Interrupting the process due to discharge can cause firmware damage.
• 📋 Data backup. Recovery mode allows you to reset the device to factory settings, which will delete all files.
• 🔌 Shut down all cables (USB, Headphones may interfere with the correct entry into mode.
• 🔑 Check the status of the bootloader. If it is blocked, some methods (for example, ADB) won't work.

To check the status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is locked.

Method 1: Enter Recovery via hardware buttons (for all versions)

It is the most versatile method, working regardless of the firmware status, and is suitable for the Redmi Note 4 on any version of MIUI (including global, Chinese and custom builds).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone completely (clip the power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold and hold the combination: Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
3. Release the buttons when you see the MIUI Recovery menu (blue screen with the Mi Bunny icon).

If instead of a Recovery appears Fastboot Mode (robic with an open stomach), it means:

• 🔹 You held the buttons for too long (release them immediately after the vibration).
• 🔹 The device is installed custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), And the button combination is reassigned.

Method 2: ADB Login (for unlocked bootloader)

The method is suitable if you have access to the system (phone is turned on), but you need to reboot to the recavator without using buttons.

• 🖥️ PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🔓 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect Redmi Note 4 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the commands in order: adb devices (should display your device) adb reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: If after the command adb reboot recovery the device is rebooted to normal mode, this means that the stock Recovery MIUI replaced by custom (for example, TWRP), But the bootloader is locked. In this case, use fastboot reboot recovery from Fastboot mode.

1. Install Mi USB Driver drivers from the official Xiaomi website.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. Enable the option in the developer settings Cancel debugging authorization and reconnect.-->

Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if ADB is not working)

If the smartphone is not turned on or debugging by USB is disabled, you can boot to the recavator via Fastboot Mode. This method works even on a locked bootloader (but does not allow you to install custom recavers without unlocking).

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 4.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
4. Enter the command: fastboot reboot recovery

If after this command the device is restarted to normal mode, this means:

💡

The fastboot reboot recovery command is a universal way to log into the recavers, but it does not bypass the bootloader lock. To install TWRP, you first need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, Redmi Note 4 users are faced with common errors.

1.The device is not included in the recaveri, but is loaded into MIUI.

Reason: The device has a custom Recovery (TWRP) installed, but the bootloader is locked.

• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account).
• 🔄 Install stock recavators with Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (file recovery.img You can get it from the official firmware for mido).

2.The screen appears the inscription "No command" (android with red exclamation point)

This is the standard behavior of a MIUI stock Recovery. To activate the menu:

• 🔘 Squeeze the power. + Volume up by 2-3 seconds.
• 🔘 Wait 10-15 seconds and the menu will appear automatically.

3.After resetting through the Recovery, the phone requires a password from the Mi Account

This is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, which is activated if a Xiaomi account has been linked to the device and the Device Search feature is enabled.

• 🔑 Enter the Mi Account that was linked before the reset.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool with a clean all and lock mark. FRP, but locks the loader).

Additional Recovery Mode features on Redmi Note 4

The MIUI stock recap on the Redmi Note 4 offers a limited set of features, but even those are enough for basic recovery:

• 🔄 Reboot system now - restart to normal mode.
• 📱 Apply update from ADB — Update installation via adb sideload.
• 🗑️ Wipe data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
• 🔍 Mount /system — mounting the system partition (required for manual file editing).

For extended activities (installation) ZIP-firmware, backup Nandroid) you need custom Recovery - for example, TWRP. Its installation requires:

1. Unlocked bootloader.
2. File. twrp-3.x.x-x-mido.img (download from twrp.me).
3. Firmware commands: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions