How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2017, but still in use today for its reliability and performance. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. Hard reset solves most software problems, from viruses to errors after failed firmware.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset the Redmi Note 4 (including the mido and nikel models), as well as detailed instructions for saving data, unlocking Bootloader and fixing typical errors. We will understand when you need a soft reset (through settings), and when you need a hard reset (through Recovery or Fastboot), and why some methods may not work without prior preparation.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, messages and call logs (unless synced with Mi Account or Google)
• 📷 Photos, videos and music (except files on the SD-card, unless it is encrypted)
• 🎮 Installed applications and their settings
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, social media accounts and banking apps

To avoid losing important information, follow the following steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive|

Copy photo/video to PC or external drive |

Write down the username and password from Mi Account (required to unlock after reset)|

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%) |

Delete your Google account if you plan to sell your phone-->

Pay special attention to the Mi Account binding. After the reset, Xiaomi can request the account information with which the device was activated (Mi Cloud Lock). If you forget the password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought the Redmi Note 4 with your hands and do not know the previous owner’s details, the reset may lock the phone.

Method 1: Soft reset via settings (without data loss on the SD-map)

This is the easiest method that is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🔄 You need to eliminate small glitches (suspends, application errors)

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Resetting (on some firmware - Reset to factory).
3. Flick through the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
4. Enter the password from Mi Account (if required) and confirm the action.

It takes 3 to 5 minutes, and when you restart, you're asked to set your phone up as new. SD-map, but resets all system settings.

💡

If the menu does not contain the item "Recover and Reset", update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔴 Redmi Note 4 hangs on Mi logo or cyclically reboots
• 🔐 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 🛠️ You need to remove custom firmware (for example, after a failed rooting)

To enter Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Keep Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but keep Volume up until the Recovery menu appears.

In Recovery, volume buttons are used (up/down, selection, power, confirmation).

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (in Chinese firmware may be called ).
2. Confirm the action (Confirm).
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: Recovery may be in Chinese on some firmware. If you see characters, look for buttons with pictograms. 🧹 (cleaning 🔄 (restart).

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to refashion the phone after "bricking"
• 🔓 Requires to unlock Bootloader before installing custom firmware
• 🖥️ Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
• 📁 Fastboot firmware ROM Redmi Note 4 (download from official website)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 4 to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. When the phone is finished, it automatically restarts. If the firmware error "This device is locked" appears, then Bootloader is locked, it requires official unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Yeah, I did.|

No, but I want to learn |

I tried, but there were mistakes.|

I've never heard of that.-->

Bootloader Unlocking on Redmi Note 4: Why It Matters

By default, Xiaomi blocks Bootloader, which is protection against unauthorized firmware changes. However, it requires unlocking to completely reset via Fastboot or install custom firmware (such as LineageOS).

The unlocking process includes several stages:

1. Attach Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Mi Account.
2. Activate the OEM Unlock option in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, tap 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in to the program.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions (usually unlocking takes 72 hours).

⚠️ Note: Once you unlock Bootloader, all data will be deleted from your phone, and Xiaomi’s warranty will be canceled.

💡

Unlocking Bootloader is a must for custom firmware installation, but it deprives you of official Xiaomi support.Weigh the risks before starting the procedure.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, there can be problems.

• 🔒 Mi Account Request After Reset: If the phone asks for account details you don't remember, try retrieving access via Xiaomi's website. If the device is bought with your hands, contact the previous owner or service center with proof of purchase.
• 📶 No network after firmware: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks and select the operator manually. If this does not help, check if your firmware supports your operator frequency (for example, for Redmi Note 4 with a Helio processor). X20 may not work 4G on some operators).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After reset, the system indexes files and optimizes work, which can temporarily increase charge consumption. Give the phone a 2-3 full charge/discharge cycle.

If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, try:

1. Repeat reset via Recovery.
2. Swipe your phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).
3. Check the battery (it may have been drained in the process).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions