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

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account or even a “brick” (inoperability) of a smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of reset (including hidden ones), nuances for different versions of MIUI, and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands.

The Redmi Note 4 (mido and nikel) feature is protection against reset via Mi Account. If you forget your Xiaomi account password, a standard Recovery reset won’t help: you’ll need to unlock the bootloader or contact the service. We’ll detail how to get around this problem legally.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, all data — photos, contacts, messages, installed apps — will be deleted. If the phone is synced to Google Account or Mi Cloud, some information (contacts, notes) can be restored. DCIM) disappear forever.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before resetting Redmi Note 4, follow the mandatory steps to avoid problems:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. With a low charge, the reset through Recovery can be interrupted, leading to a load cycle.
• 📱 Remove the screen lock (PIN, After resetting, the phone will require you to enter the old password if it was linked to a Xiaomi account.
• ☁️ Turn off Mi Account binding (if you sell a phone). Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Get out.
• 📁 Save important data. Use Mi Mover, Google Photos or manually copy to your PC via MTP.

If you are resetting your phone due to freezes or errors, check first:

• 🛠️ Free space in memory (less than 1 GB can cause crashes).
• 🔄 Updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Application cache (clear in Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).

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If the phone is slowing down, before reset try to roll back updates through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → Reset application settings. This will return factory permissions to all programs without losing data.

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

This method works if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ You remember the password from the lock screen.
• ✅ No link to Mi Account (or you get rid of it).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If there is no Recovery and Reset, try an alternative route:

Settings → About the phone → All settings → Resetting settings

Backup of important data is performed|Mi Account binding disabled|Battery charge > 50%|Removed. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12+ After the reset, a request may be made to enter the old PIN-It's a protection against theft, if you don't remember. PIN, Use method 2 or 3.

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

Recovery Mode is a service menu that is available even on a locked phone. Suitable for Redmi Note 4 with:

• 🔄 Loaded loading (the Mi logo burns infinitely).
• 🔐 A forgotten screen password.
• 💥 System errors that interfere with the loading.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and the Recovery menu will open (in English or Chinese).

Further action:

• 📱 Use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection.
• 🔍 Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (complete reset).
• 🔄 Confirm the action (Confirmation).
• 🛠️ After reset, go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Note: If after reset via Recovery, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account details, whom you do not remember, you will need to:

1. Sign in to your Xiaomi account on another device.
2. Remove Redmi Note 4 from the list of associated devices (Account Settings → Devices).
3. Repeat reset via Recovery.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 🔓 You need to bypass the binding of the Mi Account (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 📥 Custom firmware is planned ROM.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or fastboot from Android SDK.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 4.
2. Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds - the phone will go to Fastboot mode (a hare will appear in a hat-eared).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line (cmd) and do:

fastboot devices

(Should show the serial number of the device. If not, install the Xiaomi drivers.)

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands completely delete data from the userdata partition, including internal memory. SD, remove it before the procedure.

Yes, I unlocked the bootloader myself.|Yes, but with the help of instructions.|No, I'm afraid to break my phone.|No, there was no need.-->

Table: Comparison of discharge methods

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

• 🚫 "This device is locked" in Fastboot Reason: Locked bootloader.Solution: Unlock through the official Xiaomi website (requires a wait of 7-30 days).
• 🔄 Phone stuck on Mi logo after reset Reason: Damaged firmware or interrupted process Solution: Repeat reset via Recovery or run the phone through Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔒 Demands old. PIN Reset Protection: Factory Reset Protection (FRP). Solution: Enter the last used PIN or reset via Fastboot (see Method 3).

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If after reset, the phone asks for Mi Account data, whom you do not remember, do not enter random passwords - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.

7.How to recover data after reset

If you haven’t done a backup beforehand, the chances of returning files are minimal, but there are a few methods:

• 📁 Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva, but they only work if the phone is defined as a drive (MTP).
• ☁️ Check Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk – it is possible that the data was synchronized automatically.
• 🔧 Specialized services like Ontrack and Hetman Recovery recover data from physically fit devices (costs from 5,000+) ₽).

⚠️ Warning: Do not install recovery software on the phone itself – they will overwrite deleted files, making them impossible to return.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions