Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2016. Despite its considerable age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, even with such a proven gadget, there are periodically situations when you need to reboot, from the banal slowdown to a complete freeze screen.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to reboot Redmi 4, from the standard soft restart to forced methods that will help even in the most difficult cases. We will focus on the nuances associated with the firmware version (MIUI or custom), as well as the typical mistakes that users make when trying to restart. If your smartphone does not respond to presses, slows down or gives critical errors, here you will find a solution.
1. Soft reboot: the standard method
The safest and most recommended method is a soft reboot via the power menu, which is suitable if the smartphone responds to pressing but is unstable (for example, brakes or overheats), this method does not lead to data loss and does not affect the settings of the device.
To make a soft restart:
- 🔄 Press and hold the Power button (located on the right end of the body) for 2-3 seconds.
- 📱 On the screen will appear menu with options to Turn off, Reboot and Emergency mode.
- 🔁 Select the Reset item and confirm the action.
If the menu doesn't appear, try pressing the Power button longer (up to 5-7 seconds). Some versions of MIUI may require additional clicking on Confirm after selecting the option.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone freezes again after a soft reboot, this may indicate firmware problems or hardware malfunctions (such as battery wear or processor overheating). In this case, it is recommended to check the device for updates or reset to factory settings.
2. Forced reboot: if the smartphone freezes
When Redmi 4 stops responding to clicks completely, the screen doesn’t turn on or freezes on the Xiaomi logo, a forced reboot (called “hard reset” through hardware buttons) is required.This method works in 90% of freezes, but does not delete data — it simply interrupts all processes and restarts the system.
Instructions for forced restart:
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Up button (top key on left end) at the same time.
- Keep the buttons clamped for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the smartphone starts vibrating.
- Release the buttons – the device will automatically restart.
If Redmi 4 is rebooted, it could mean damage to the system files, and you’ll need to flash it through Fastboot or Recovery.
3.Reboot via Recovery Mode: When Standard Methods Fail
If the smartphone is turned on but not loaded beyond the Mi logo, or cyclically rebooted, logging into Recovery Mode will help. This mode allows you to reset settings, clear the cache or install updates manually. Important: some actions in Recovery lead to the deletion of user data!
How to Sign In to Recovery Mode on Redmi 4:
☑️ Entrance to Recovery Mode on Redmi 4
- 🔌 Turn off the device completely (if it doesn’t respond, force the device to restart as described above).
- 🔧 Press the power button. + Volume up button and hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
- 📜 In the menu, select Reboot. → Reboot to System for a normal reboot or Wipe Cache Partition for cache cleanup (does not delete personal data).
If you see the word No command with the Android robot lying down, it means that stock recovery can't boot.
- Press and hold the Power + button briefly press Volume Up.
- Release both buttons and the standard Recovery menu should appear.
⚠️ Attention: Wipe option Data/Factory Reset in Recovery will completely reset your smartphone to factory settings, removing all apps, photos and accounts. Use it only as a last resort if other methods have not helped.
What happens if the Recovery Mode does not open?
4.Reboot via ADB: for advanced users
If you have access to your computer and USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to activate Developer Mode), you can reboot Redmi 4 via the ADB command. This method is useful if the smartphone responds to the connection to the PC, but does not respond to the buttons.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and check the device’s connection: Adb devices should show your Redmi 4 serial number.
- Run the reboot command: adb reboot For forced reboot in Recovery: adb reboot recovery For reboot in Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
If the adb device command does not show your device, check:
- 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port).
- 🖥️ Drivers installed ADB mi PC Suite.
- 📱 Is debugging on-line USB developer-setting.
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If USB debugging wasn’t enabled in advance and the smartphone doesn’t respond to taps, this method won’t work, leaving only the hardware reboots (buttons or Recovery) to do.
5. Reboot with the battery discharged: features
If the Redmi 4 is completely discharged and does not turn on even after connecting to a charge, this may be due to a deep battery discharge or a malfunction of the power controller.
What to do if the smartphone does not respond to charging:
- ⚡ Connect the original charging unit (5V/2A) Leave the device on charge at least 30–60 minutes, even if the indicator does not burn.
- 🔋 Try to press the power button for 20-30 seconds – sometimes it helps to “wake up” the power controller.
- 🔌 If the charging indicator doesn’t light up, try another cable or power supply (preferably from Xiaomi).
- 🔧 In extreme cases, disassemble the case and disconnect the battery for 10-15 seconds (requires skills and violates the warranty).
If after a long charge the smartphone does not turn on, but when connected to the PC is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, this means a critical firmware error. To restore the workability only through the firmware in EDL mode using the MiFlash utility.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| It doesn't turn on, the indicator doesn't burn. | Deep battery discharge | Charging with the original unit 1-2 hours |
| Vibrates, but the screen is black. | Damage to the display plume | Diagnostics at the service center |
| Hanging on the Mi logo. | Damage to system files | Resetting via Recovery or Firmware |
| Cyclical reboot | Firmware or custom core conflict | Installation of official firmware |
6. Frequent reboot errors and how to avoid them
Many users make common mistakes that can make Redmi 4 problems worse.
- 🚫 Interrupting the reboot process (e.g., pulling out the battery or forced power out) may cause damage to the file system.
- 🔄 Use of non-original chargers with inappropriate parameters (for example, blocks on the 1A substitute 2A). This is fraught with unstable work or even the failure of the battery.
- 📱 Ignoring backup before resetting via Recovery.Even the Wipe Cache option can rarely cause data loss.
- 🔧 Installation of unverified custom firmware without the original backup MIUI. This is one of the main reasons for the “bricking” of the device.
To minimize the risks:
- 📌 Always check the battery level before manipulating the firmware (optimum - more than 50%).
- 🔒 Use only official firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware site or proven custom builds (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- 🖥️ Before work, ADB Fastboot disable antivirus on PC – it can block drivers.
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If the smartphone is unstable after rebooting (brakes, overheats), reset the cache via Recovery (Wipe Cache Partition).