How to force reboot Xiaomi Redmi 4: all the ways from soft reboot to hard reset

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, but even it is not immune to freezes. If your device stopped responding to touch, got stuck on the MIUI logo or does not turn on at all, forced reboot is often the only solution. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods from simply holding the power button to reset through Recovery mode, and explain why the smartphone can behave unstable and how to avoid repeated failures.

It's important to understand that forced reboot and reset are different procedures, the first one just restarts the system without affecting user data, and the second one deletes all files and returns the smartphone to the factory settings, and we'll start with the safest methods and gradually move to more radical ones so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

If your Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to buttons or the screen is black, don’t panic: 90% of the time, you can fix the problem without going to the service center, but follow the instructions and avoid missing out on the important nuances that we’ll cover below.

1. Soft reboot: when the smartphone responds to buttons

If Redmi 4 is frozen but the screen is still running (e.g., the app is not closing or the system is slowing down), try a soft rebuke.

For this:

• 🔄 Hold the power button (located on the right side face) for 8-10 seconds.
• 📱 Wait for the off menu to appear (if the screen reacts) and select Restart).
• ⚡ If the menu doesn’t appear, keep holding the button until the screen is vibrating and turned off (usually 15-20 seconds).

After the reboot, the smartphone should return to working condition. If the soft rebuke did not help, move on to the next method.

⚠️ If after a soft reboot, Redmi 4 again stuck on the logo MIUI, This may indicate that the system files are damaged, and you'll need to reset through Recovery or flash it.

Hard Reset: If the smartphone does not respond

When the Redmi 4 is completely “measured” — no touch response, no screen or only backlighting — a hard reboot (also called hard reboot) will help, a method that forcibly cuts power, simulating battery extraction (although the Redmi 4 battery is non-removable).

Instructions:

1. Hold the power button + volume button at the same time.
2. Keep them clamped for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and the smartphone vibrates.
3. Release the buttons and wait for the automatic reboot (can take up to 1-2 minutes).

If Redmi 4 is turned on after a hard reboot, but it is running slower or it is giving out errors, this may be a sign:

• 🔋 Battery wear (if the smartphone is turned off at 20-30% charge).
• 📱 Memory overflow (less than 500 MB of free space).
• 🛠️ Firmware damage (for example, after a failed update).

3. Reset via Recovery Mode: if the smartphone is stuck on the logo

If Redmi 4 is turned on but constantly “hinges” on the MIUI logo or download animation, you will need to log in to Recovery mode.This method allows you to reset the settings to factory or clear the cache without deleting user data.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (if it doesn’t respond, perform a hard reboot, as in the previous section).
2. Press the power button + volume button.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).

In the Recovery menu, volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection) are used.

If the goal is simply to “reanimate” your smartphone, start with Wipe Cache. If that doesn’t work, choose Wipe Data (but remember, all data will be deleted!).

⚠️ Warning: Once you select Wipe Data, your smartphone will offer confirmation, and if you haven't made a backup, you won't be able to return deleted photos, contacts or messages!

4.Reboot via ADB: for advanced users

If you have access to a computer and debugging is enabled USB (In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, press 7 times, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, you can restart Redmi 4 through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method is useful if the sensor doesn't work, but USB-port.

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb.exe).
2. Connect Redmi 4 to your PC via USB-cable (original or quality).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with adb:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the smartphone is determined (the serial number will appear), reboot:

adb reboot

If Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to adb reboot, try the forced reboot via fastboot:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot reboot

This method works even if the screen is not turned on, but requires a pre-setting debugging. If you've never turned on USB Debugging, it won't work.

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If the smartphone does not appear after the command adb devices, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers through the official website or using the Mi PC Suite program.

5 What to do if none of the methods work

If Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to buttons, loads in Recovery, and is not detected via ADB, the following problems may occur:

• 🔋 Full battery discharge (even if the indicator showed charge). Connect the smartphone to charge for 30-60 minutes, then try to reboot again.
• 💧 Moisture ingestion (even if there are no external traces), in this case, the smartphone should be dried in rice or silica gel for 24-48 hours.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction (damage to motherboard, buttons, screen plume) Requires diagnosis at the service center.

If the smartphone is turned on only when connected to charging, but turns off without it, this is a sign of wear and tear of the battery. In Redmi 4, the battery is not removable, so you can replace it only in the service (cost from 1000 to 2000 rubles in 2026).

If the screen is black, but the smartphone vibrates when you press the buttons, the display module or the plume may have failed. Check if the backlight is on (light the flashlight at an angle - if the image is barely visible, the problem is in the backlight).

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If Redmi 4 does not turn on after falling or getting moisture, DO NOT try to reboot it repeatedly - this can aggravate the damage.

6 How to avoid hanging out in the future

To make Redmi 4 work well, follow these guidelines:

• 📱 Clean the cache regularly: go to Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning and removing unnecessary files.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: check for updates in Settings → The phone. → System update, latest stable version MIUI for Redmi 4 — MIUI 12.5 (Android 7.1).
• 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources: they may contain malfunctioning viruses.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on battery power: Do not let the discharge below 10% and do not use non-original chargers.

If your smartphone is slowing down, try rolling back the firmware to an earlier version via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums). You can also install custom firmware, such as LineageOS, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may not be guaranteed (if it is still valid).

To prolong the life of Redmi 4, it is recommended:

• 🛡️ Use a cover and protective glass (especially if the screen is already cracked).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave your smartphone in direct sunlight or on charging near heat sources).
• 🔄 Once every six months to reset the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 4 reboot