Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4A to factory settings: detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, which is still actively used. Over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitches or simply requires a “clean start” before selling. Hard reset solves most software 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, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain when to use, and warn against common errors. We will focus on the Redmi 4A with a locked bootloader - not every option will work for these devices, and you will learn how to circumvent the requirement to enter a password after a reset via Mi Account if you forget the data from your Xiaomi account.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and even files on internal memory (unless a separate device is used). SD-Before you start, take a few critical steps:

• 📱 Back up. Use the built-in Settings tool. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud. Especially important to save: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) SMS (applications like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember the data from the Mi Account. 4A You will need to enter the username and password from the associated Xiaomi account (if it was added), without them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone.
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account, if any) and speed up the process and reduce the risk of errors.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 📲 Out. SIM-card and memory card (if any).
• 🔄 Untie the device from Mi Account in the account settings on the Xiaomi website.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A firmware MIUI 12+ After the reset, confirmation may be required through SMS or email, even if you remember the password from Mi Account. Make sure you have access to the linked number or mail.

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

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code (if installed).
• 🔄 You want minimal risk (no need to go to Recovery).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data (password may be required).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

It takes 3-5 minutes. After you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it. If your phone requires you to enter your Mi Account, use your linked account.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4A Reset can be called Recovery and Reset or Reset. If you can't find a section, use the settings search (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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

This method will be useful if:

• 🔄 Phone freezes on Mi logo or doesn't respond to touch.
• 🔐 Forgot the pattern lock./PIN-code.
• 📱 You need to reset your settings without accessing the menu.

To enter Recovery Mode on Redmi 4A:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the menu is in Chinese, look for the location of items (usually Wipe Data is the second or third on top), and some firmware may require you to enter a password from Mi Account even in Recovery.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it requires a PC connection, and you need it if you:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or unavailable.
• 📱 The phone does not respond to other methods.
• 🔓 You need to unlock the bootloader (for example, to install custom firmware).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot Teams.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 4A.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers driver.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once rebooted, the phone will be reset to factory settings, and this method also removes all data from internal memory, including files in DCIM, Downloads, etc. folders.

1. reconnect the cable to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

2. disable the driver signature in Windows (to do this, type in the CMD from the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

3.Use the original Xiaomi cable – cheap counterparts often don’t transfer data to Fastboot.-->

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A With a locked bootloader, fastboot erase commands may not work, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting on some accounts).

What to do if you need a Mi Account after reset

One of the tricks of Xiaomi is to link the device to a Mi Account to protect against theft. Once reset, Redmi 4A may require you to enter a login and password even if you've reset your own phone.

• 🔑 You remember your account details: Enter them on the activation screen. If it doesn't work, check your internet connection (better use Wi-Fi, as the mobile network may not work until activation).
• 📧 Forgot password: Use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com. You will need access to your email or phone number.
• 🚫 Not your account (phone purchased by hand): Contact the previous owner and ask him to untie the device via Settings → Mi Account → Devices on your phone. If that's not possible, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, contract).

If the phone requires a Mi Account but you are sure you haven’t previously tied it, you may:

• The device was stolen and blocked by the previous owner.
• The firmware contains a bug (relevant to unofficial assemblies).
• Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (check on another device).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple reset procedure, users often make mistakes that lead to data loss or phone failure, and the most common ones are:

Pay special attention to Redmi 4A with MIUI 10 and below firmware, which sometimes cause a "No command" error in Recovery.

1. Press Power + Volume up for 30 seconds.
2. Release the buttons and again press the combination to log in to Recovery.
3. If it doesn’t work, run the official Recovery through Fastboot.

💡

If the Redmi 4A doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after reset, the firmware is likely damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot or EDL Mode (requires disassembly of the phone) will help.

Frequently asked questions