How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi 4 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016 but still in active use.Over time, any gadget starts to “brake”, give out errors or simply require a “clean sheet” before selling. Hard reset solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), a comparative table of their pros and cons, and unique nuances for MIUI 8-14 firmware that are not mentioned in the standard instructions. If your Redmi 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or requires unlocking before selling, there are solutions for each situation.

When do I need to reset Redmi 4 to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but it helps bring the smartphone back to life in 80% of cases, and here are the specific symptoms for which it is worth considering:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps open for a long time, despite free memory.
• 🔄 Constant reboots or rebounds in Recovery Mode for no apparent reason.
• 📱 The lock screen does not accept the correct password/PIN (unless it is related to a hardware breakdown).
• 📲 Intent to sell or transfer the device to another user.
• 🔧 Failed update MIUI, After which the interface glitches appeared.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Bloated battery (phone turns off at 30-50% charge).
• 💧 Getting liquid under the screen or on the motherboard.
• 📡 Hardware breakdowns of the module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (There is no signal even after the reset).

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 4 was purchased hand-held and linked to a previous Mi Account, a reset without decoupling will result in a lock (Mi Account Lock.

Method 1: Reset via MIUI settings (most secure)

This is a good way to turn the phone on, touch it, and have access to the settings menu, and the advantage is that you have minimal risk of turning the device into a brick. MIUI (8-to-14).

Steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to About Phone → General settings → Reset settings.
3. Select Delete all data (on some firmware, the item may be called Reset to factory settings).
4. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (button usually red).

It takes 3-7 minutes. The phone will reboot and suggest that you set it up as new. Importantly, at this point, don't connect to Wi-Fi if you're planning to sell the device, so you avoid being automatically linked to your Mi Account.

Backup contacts and photo | Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if linked) | Make sure battery power > 50% | Disable Google Account (Settings → Accounts)

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⚠️ Note: If after a reset, the phone requires data input from the previous Mi Account, and you do not know it, it will be extremely difficult to restore access.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 4 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't react to the screen, Recovery Mode is your savior, and it's sewn into the firmware and works even when there are serious system failures. But there's an important caveat: Redmi 4 can be equipped with stock Recovery (from Xiaomi) or custom (for example, TWRP).

For stock Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll be in the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

For custom Recovery (TWRP):

1. We also go to Recovery (Loudness up + Nutrition).
2. We're tapping on Wipe. → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache.
4. Swipe to right confirms reset.
5. After completion, press the Reboot System.

If the phone doesn't turn on after resetting via Recovery, the firmware may be damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help (see next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires a computer connection, and it's useful if you:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or enter Recovery.
• 📱 You need to reflash the device from scratch (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before installing custom firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware archive for Redmi 4 (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool and ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi4_firmware).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run it on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your computer. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
5. Select the firmware folder in the Select field.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you an error "Couldn't find fastboot devices", check: If drivers are installed (use Mi Phone Manager for automatic installation). USB-port (try another cable or port) whether the bootloader is unlocked (if not, follow the instructions of Xiaomi).

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If you've had your phone hang on your logo for more than 15 minutes after you've run through Fastboot, don't panic. Disconnect it from USB, press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds, then try to turn it on normally. Often this helps wake up the system.

Comparison of Resetting Methods: Which One Should You Choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the key differences in the table:

Recommendation: Start with the easiest way (through settings). If the phone doesn't respond, try Recovery. Fastboot leave for an emergency or if you plan to refashion the device.

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On Redmi 4 with MIUI 12+ firmware, you may need to re-activate the device via Mi Account after resetting via Recovery. Make sure you remember the login details!

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset, the phone will be like new. Here are the first steps to take:

1. Don't connect to Wi-Fi right away! If you've dropped your phone before selling, skip the step with the network connection to avoid being automatically tied to your Mi Account.
2. Restore data from the backup. If you backed up through Settings → System → Backup, connect to the same Mi Account and restore files.
3. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest security patches.
4. You can adjust your fingerprint/face. It's easier to do this right away than later.

How to restore contacts and photos?

• 📇 Contacts: If they have been synced with Google, go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and enable synchronization.
• 📷 Photo: Use Google Photos (if you have Auto Applode enabled) or connect your phone to your PC and copy files from your folder DCIM.
• 🎵 Music/Documents: Check Download and Documents folders through the file manager.

⚠️ Note: If you have used encrypted storage (optional in) MIUI), Data can't be recovered after reset. It's deleted permanently!

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. Error: "Couldn't verify device" in Mi Flash Tool.Solution: Unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi's official tool. On Redmi 4, it takes up to 72 hours of waiting time SMS-permitting.
2. Error: The phone is stuck on the logo after reset.Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery by selecting Wipe Cache Partition before the main reset.
3. Error: Requires a password from the previous Mi Account.Solution: If the phone was bought with your hands, contact the seller. Without his data, it is officially impossible to unlock the device.
4. Error: Not enabled after Fastboot. Solution: Try flashing another version of MIUI (e.g. instead of Global - China Stable). Sometimes changing the USB cable helps.
5. Error: Lost IMEI after reset. Solution: Restore IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities like the SN Write Tool.

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged flash memory) in which case, contact the service center.

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Redmi 4 with Snapdragon 430 processor (modification with 3/32 GB) sometimes has problems with firmware via Fastboot. In such cases, using EDL Mode (emergency mode) helps, but it requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions