How to Reboot Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: 5 Ways to Work and Solve Problems

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017, but still actively used. However, even such a reliable device sometimes requires a restart: because of the system freeze, errors after updating or just to refresh the work. Unlike modern models, the Redmi Note 4 has its own nuances – for example, a non-standard combination of buttons for forced reboot or features of working with Recovery Mode.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot, from basic soft restart to complex manipulations via Fastboot and ADB. Particular attention will be paid to situations where the smartphone does not respond to buttons, hovers on the Mi logo or requires unlocking the bootloader.

1. Soft reboot: the standard method

This is the safest and most recommended method that does not affect user data, suitable if the smartphone responds to touch, but works unstable (brakes, overheats, apps do not open).

On the Redmi Note 4, the soft reboot is done in two ways:

  • πŸ”„ Through the power menu: press the power button for 2-3 seconds β†’ select Reboot. β†’ confirm.
  • πŸ“± Through the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen β†’ Click on the food icon (or βš™οΈ Settings β†’ Reboot).

If problems persist after the reboot (e.g., apps still crash), try clearing the cache in Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Cache Data. This won’t delete personal files, but it can fix system errors.

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Note 4 doesn’t respond to touch, but the screen is on, don’t try to push buttons repeatedly – this can damage the sensor).

πŸ“Š How often do you reboot your smartphone?
Once a week.
Only when you're hanging.
Never.
I don't know what it is.

2. Hard reset: forced rebut

This method will come in handy if the Redmi Note 4 is completely frozen (black screen, endless boot, does not respond to touches). Unlike soft reboot, it uses a combination of hardware buttons, which works even in critical system failures.

Instructions for the Redmi Note 4 (and its Redmi Note 4X, Redmi Note 4 Pro versions):

  1. Press the power + volume buttons at the same time.
  2. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and vibration starts.
  3. Release the buttons – the smartphone should restart in normal mode.

If the device then hovers on the Mi logo again, this may indicate firmware damage, in which case a reset via Recovery (section 4) will be required.

Make sure your smartphone is at least 20% charged.

Disconnect all cables (charging, headphones)

Remember the button combination for your model

Don’t release the buttons ahead of time (minimum 10 seconds)-->

3. Restart in Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows you to download Redmi Note 4 with disabled third-party applications, which helps to diagnose whether failures are caused by system errors or a conflict of programs (for example, after installing a new software).

How to start safe mode:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn’t respond, use the hard reboot from Section 2).
  2. Press the power button to start the download.
  3. Once the Mi logo appears, press and hold the Volume Down button until the download is complete.

In Safe Mode, the bottom left corner of the screen will say Safe Mode. Now check if problems persist. If the smartphone is stable, delete newly installed apps. If errors persist, you need to reset or flash.

What to do if you can’t log in to Safe Mode?
If the smartphone is stitched with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the combination of buttons may be different. Try: 1. + Increase volume to vibration, then release Power, holding Volume. 2. ADB-Command: adb shell reboot safe If nothing helps, go back to standard firmware via Fastboot.

4.Reboot via Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is a service mode that lets you reset settings, clear your cache, or install updates manually. Redmi Note 4 has two types of Recovery:

  • πŸ”§ Stock Recovery (from Xiaomi) – limited features, basic operations only.
  • πŸ› οΈ Custom recovery (TWRP) β€” Extended features including backup and installation ZIP-file.

How to Sign In to Recovery on Redmi Note 4:

  1. Turn off your smartphone (forced if necessary).
  2. Press Power + Volume Up and hold until the Mi logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and in a few seconds the Recovery menu will open.

In the stock Recovery, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

Option.DescriptionEffects of consequences
RebootA normal reboot.No change.
Wipe DataReset to factory settingsAll data except files on SD-map
Wipe CacheClearing the system's cacheSafe, does not affect personal files
Install UpdateInstallation of updates with SD-mapRequires a firmware file at the root of the memory card

⚠️ Note: If you choose Wipe Data, the smartphone will return to factory settings and you will need to reconfigure your Mi Account and apps. On Redmi Note 4 with a blocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can lead to a password requirement from a previous Xiaomi account (Mi Account) – this is protection against theft.

5.Reboot via Fastboot and ADB

These methods are designed for power users and are used when the smartphone does not boot even in Recovery or requires unlocking the bootloader. ADB/Fastboot.

Method 1: Reboot via ADB (if the smartphone is turned on but is glitchy):

  1. Connect Redmi Note 4 to your PC via USB (enable USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times press to activate Developer Mode).
  2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: adb devices (should display the serial number of the device).
  3. Run the reboot command: adb reboot or for forced reboot: adb reboot bootloader

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader via Fastboot (if the smartphone is getting stuck on Fastboot Mode):

  1. Press Power + Volume Down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
  2. Connect your device to your PC and check for detection: fastboot devices
  3. For reboot, type: fastboot reboot or for cache reset: fastboot erase cache
fastboot flash boot boot.img

(file boot.img It should be from your version of the firmware).-->

6. Solving problems after the reboot

Sometimes, after a reboot, the Redmi Note 4 behaves incorrectly. Let's consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The smartphone got stuck on the Mi logo after the reboot.

  • πŸ”‹ Try charging the device to at least 50% – sometimes a low charge will block the boot.
  • πŸ”„ Run Wipe Cache through Recovery (Section 4).
  • πŸ“₯ If it does not help – reflash the smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Problem 2: After a reset, an old Mi Account is required.

This is the Mi Account Lock protection that works when you reset through Recovery on a locked bootloader.

  • 🚫 If the device is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account – contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Problem 3: Volume buttons don’t work after a hard reboot.

It could be a hardware malfunction (oxidation of contacts after moisture is ingested) or a driver failure.

  • πŸ’§ Check the charging connector and buttons for corrosion.
  • πŸ”§ Reflash the smartphone – sometimes helps to restore stock firmware.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the buttons do not work physically, repairs are required (replacement of the plume or buttons).

1. Charge - connect to another cable / power supply for 30+ minutes.

2. Display - illuminate with a flashlight, perhaps the screen just isn't lit up.

3. Hardware damage - if you fell or got wet, contact the service.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reboot

Can you reboot your smartphone every day? Does it damage your battery?
Regular soft reboots (1 every 2-3 days) do not harm the battery or hardware; on the contrary, they help to clean up RAM and prevent the accumulation of temporary files. However, hard reboots (through buttons) are best used only when necessary, since they interrupt the processes of the system.
The smartphone reboots on its own. What's the reason?
Reasons for spontaneous reboots on Redmi Note 4: πŸ”‹ Faulty battery (swelling, wear) - check in the service. πŸ“± Overheating of the processor (for example, during games) – clean dust, replace the heat paste. πŸ€– Firmware failure – update the software or reset through Recovery. πŸ› οΈ Damage to the motherboard (after a fall/hit). Install the application for diagnosis CPU Monitor AIDA64 Check the temperature of the processor.
How to restart Redmi Note 4 if the power button is not working?
If the Power button breaks but the smartphone is on: Connect the charger - sometimes this activates the reboot menu. Use ADB (if debugging is enabled): adb reboot If the screen responds to touch - turn on Developer Mode and activate the Power menu Off option, then use the notification panel. If the button doesn't work at all and the smartphone is off - you will need disassembly to connect to charging directly or repair the button.
After the reboot, the photos are gone. How do you recover them?
If you were running Wipe Data in Recovery, the data on the internal memory is deleted: πŸ“ Check the folder. DCIM on SD-map (if the photos are stored there). ☁️ Restore from the Cloud: Gallery β†’ Albums. β†’ Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled). πŸ” Use recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva (connect your smartphone to your PC as a drive). Important: Don't save new files to your device until you recover - they can overwrite deleted data!
Can I roll back the firmware on Redmi Note 4 after a failed update?
Yes, but with reservations: πŸ”™ If you have an unlocked bootloader, download the old firmware version from en.miui.com and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. πŸ”’ If the bootloader is blocked, a rollback is possible only on the version that was originally built (via Recovery). ⚠️ A rollback to an earlier version of Android (e.g., 7.0 to 6.0) can lead to data loss and communication module errors.