How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4 to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4 to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can turn a smartphone into a “brick”, especially if it is a model with a locked bootloader or outdated firmware.

Redmi 4

prada

Xiaomi

Redmi 4 Pro

Redmi 4 Prime

Redmi 4A

Fastboot mode

Mi Account

In this guide, we’ll look at all possible reset methods, including software (via settings), hardware (via Recovery) and emergency (via Mi Flash Tool).We’ll focus on the nuances that are often overlooked in standard instructions: what to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset, how to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) lock, and why sometimes resets don’t solve performance problems.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you consider all the critical points.Unprepared procedure can lead to the loss of important data or even lock the device.

First, back up all your important data. Even if you're planning a crash reset, save your contacts, photos and documents to an external drive or to the cloud.Redmi 4 doesn't have a slot for you to use. SD-Some of the cards are modified, so use them. USB-OTG Cloud services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

Second, check the battery power. The level must be at least 50%, otherwise the risk of interruption increases. If the battery is worn out (capacity below 70% of the factory), connect the device to charge before the reset begins and do not disconnect until it is completed.

Third, make sure you know the data from the Mi Account associated with the phone. After the reset, the device may require you to enter a username and password to unlock (Mi Account Lock). If you do not remember the data or the phone was purchased from your hands, check the FAQ section in advance, which describes how to circumvent this protection.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi 4 has custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu can result in a logo hanging.In this case, use only the method via Recovery or Mi Flash Tool.

Finally, prepare the necessary tools:

• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables may interrupt the connection during resetting).
• 💻 Windows computer (if you plan to use the Mi Flash Tool).
• 📱 Stock firmware for your model (you can download on the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (current version - 20200314 or later).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you can log in, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset. Here you will see two options:

• Resetting – Removes only user settings without affecting files.
• Hard Reset – Completely delete all data, including apps and media files.

To reset completely, select the second item. The system will prompt you to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code, if they are installed.

Once confirmed, the process will start, which will take 3-7 minutes, and the phone will reboot, and you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after purchase.

⚠️ Warning: If after a reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data that you don't remember, don't try to guess the password. After 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Make sure your phone is at least 50 times charged%|Create a backup copy of important data|Remember the username and password from Mi Account|Disable Google Account in Settings (if any)-->

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

If Redmi 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery Mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires care.

To enter Recovery, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it doesn't respond).
2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the Power button, but keep Volume up until you see the Recovery menu.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm. Once confirmed, you can start a process that takes up to 10 minutes.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, or if the phone gives an E:unknown command error, it means that the unofficial firmware is installed.

• 🔄 Try to select Reboot to Bootloader first and then re-enter Recovery.
• 📥 If it doesn’t work, go to method 3 (Firmware via Mi Flash Tool).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (Emergency Method)

This is the most radical way to go when the first two fail, and it involves completely flashing the device through the computer, and it's suitable for cases like:

• 🔒 Phone locked off Mi Account after reset.
• 🤖 The device is stuck on the logo or cyclically rebooting.
• 🛠️ Requires the installation of clean stock firmware.

This method will require:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website.
2. Download stock firmware for Redmi 4 (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).
3. Install Qualcomm drivers (if Windows does not recognize your phone in Fastboot mode).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi4_Firmware).
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 your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Press Refresh – your Redmi 4 should appear in the list of devices.
6. Select firmware mode: Clean All - complete cleaning (recommended). Clean All and Lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only if you are sure that you will not install custom firmware).

Flash

5-15 minutes

⚠️ Note: If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware or if this device is locked, the bootloader has been locked, in this case you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but for Redmi 4 this process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi’s policy.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disabling the antivirus. Also check that the path to the firmware does not contain spaces or Cyrillic characters.

What to do if your phone requires an old Mi Account after a reset

One of the most common problems after a Redmi 4 reset is a request for data from Mi Account, which was previously linked to the device, which is protection against theft, but it often interferes with legitimate owners.

If you remember your login and password:

• 📧 Enter the data from the account that was linked to the phone.
• 🔑 If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.

If the phone is purchased from hand and the previous owner has not untied the account:

• 📞 Try contacting the seller and asking them to remove the device from the trusted list in Mi Cloud.
• 🛠️ If you can’t contact, only the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock mode selection remains (but this does not guarantee bypassing the lock).

On Redmi 4 models with firmware older MIUI 9 Mi Account lock can be bypassed through reset EFS-This requires root rights and may result in loss of IMEI. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems after a reset due to ignorance of the nuances, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Interruption of the discharge process

If you take out the battery or turn off the power during the reset, the phone may stop turning on. On the Redmi 4, the battery is not removable, but even a short-term power outage (for example, due to a dead battery) will cause a failure. Always monitor the charge level!

2. Use of informal firmware

Installing custom firmware (such as AOSP or HavocOS) without unlocking the bootloader often results in a logo getting stuck. If you're not an experienced user, stick to stock firmware from Xiaomi.

3. Ignoring the Mi Account binding

Many forget to untie their Mi Account before resetting, and then can't unlock their phone. Always check the list of devices in the Mi Cloud and delete the ones you don't need.

4. Wrong Mode Choice in Mi Flash Tool

If you choose Save User Data over Clean All, the reset will be incomplete and problems (such as performance) will remain.Always use Clean All for a complete reset.

💡

If the phone is slower than before the procedure, it is likely that the wrong firmware version was installed. Check firmware compatibility with your Redmi 4 (Pro/Prime/A) modification on the official website.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions