Resetting settings on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

Why do you need to reset your settings to Redmi 4A?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution for owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 4A. This budget smartphone, released in 2016, is still popular due to its reliability and simplicity. However, over time, even it begins to “brake”, give errors or behave unstable after MIUI updates. In such cases, hard reset helps to return the device to “second life”.

But it's not always software that's the problem. For example, if you bought a Redmi 4A from your hands and want to delete all the data of the previous owner (including your attached Mi Account), a reset will be a must, and it's also useful when preparing your phone for sale, eliminating viruses, or if you just forgot your pattern lock. It's important to understand that the procedure deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and installed apps, so you can't do without backup.

In this article, we will discuss the three official ways to reset your settings on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A, their pros and cons, and give you tips on how to avoid typical errors: If your phone is getting stuck on the Mi logo, does not respond to touch or requires a password from the previous owner, here you will find a solution.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the critical steps. Neglecting preparation can lead to data loss or even a brick (turning into a brick)

Create a backup copy of the data

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Find out the MIUI version and phone model

Unplug your Google account (if any)

Remember the username/password from Mi Account (if tied)-->

Pay special attention to backup. On Redmi 4A, you can do this through the Settings menu → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Mi Cloud (if your account is tied) or third-party services like Google Drive. Remember that after a reset, the phone will require you to enter data from the last synchronized Google account (FRP protection), so write them down in advance.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your login and password. To do this, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. If this item is not available (for example, due to a locked screen), you will have to use the Recovery reset method, but then you will need to enter account information after rebooting.

Yes, you did the procedure yourself.

Yeah, but at the service center.

No, I never had to.

I don't know what that is.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method if your Redmi 4A is turned on, touch-sensitive, and you remember a pattern lock or password. It is suitable for eliminating software lags, cleaning memory or preparing your phone for sale. The main advantage is that there is no risk of damaging the firmware, since the reset occurs through regular MIUI tools.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional.
3. Go to the Backup and Reset section.
4. Slip on the Reset item.
5. Select Reset your phone settings (password may be required).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the cleanup process, which will take 3-5 minutes, and then you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase. If at this stage the device requires you to enter data from Mi Account, use the same login and password that you had before the reset.

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If the phone takes a long time to load after reset (more than 10 minutes), don't panic.Redmi 4A on the weak Snapdragon 425 processor can brake when you first set up.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method comes in handy if the Redmi 4A doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the Mi logo, or you've forgotten the pattern lock. Recovery Mode is a service menu built into the firmware that allows you to reset even without access to the main system. However, there are nuances: the Redmi 4A can have both standard Mi Recovery and custom (like TWRP).

For entry to Mi Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the buttons Power + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and menu appear in English.

In the Recovery menu, the volume (move) and power (select) buttons are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in some versions).
2. Confirm the reset by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Once the phone is restarted, it will require you to re-enter the Mi Account if it was tied. If you don’t remember the username/password, you’ll have to contact Xiaomi to unlock (or use the workarounds we’ll discuss below).

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Recovery removes all data, including viruses and settings, but does not remove the binding to the Mi Account. If the phone is bought from hands and requires data from the previous owner, this method will not help - you need to bypass FRP.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (if the password is forgotten)

The situation is that you bought a Redmi 4A with your hands and the previous owner didn't log out of the Mi Account, or forgot your password, in which case a standard Recovery reset won't help - after a reboot, the phone will require you to enter the associated account details, and the decision depends on whether you know the username (email or phone) from this account.

If the username is known but the password is lost:

1. On the lock screen, tap the Forgot Password button? (or Forgot Password).
2. Enter the email/phone associated with your account.
3. Follow the instructions to restore access (confirmation code will be sent to the mail or SMS).
4. After logging in to your account, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.

If the username is unknown, there are two options:

• 📧 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, sales contract) and they can remotely remove the account link.
• 🔧 Use bypassing FRP (Factory Reset Protection, through special PC software (e.g. Mi Account Unlock Tool) is a semi-official method that requires connecting the phone to a computer and installing drivers.

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Before buying a Redmi 4A hand-held, always check if the Mi Account is tied to it. ask the seller to log out in your presence or make a reset through settings.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 4A

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔋 The battery ran out during reset. If the phone shuts down during the process, it could damage the firmware. Always check the charge (at least 50%) or plug it into the charge with the original cable.
• 🔑 Forgot the Mi Account data after the reset. If the phone requires a username/password and you don't remember them, don't try to guess - after 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours. Use recovery via email or contact support.
• 📱 Phone doesn't respond to Recovery login buttons.Redmi 4A Sometimes you have to take a combination of food. + Volume up to 15 seconds. If it doesn't work, try plugging in the charger and repeating.
• ⚠️ Once reset, the phone won't turn on. This could indicate a damaged firmware. Try re-entering Recovery and selecting Reboot. If it doesn't, you'll need to flash it over Fastboot.

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If Redmi 4A reboots or gives a "No command" error after a reset, it's a sign of a damaged Recovery partition.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party programs to reset Mi Accounts from dubious sites.They may contain viruses or permanently "brick" the phone. FRP It is possible only through Xiaomi service centers.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions