How to Reset Xiaomi Mi 4 to Factory Settings: All Ways With Detailed Instructions

Introduction: Why do you need to reset your settings on Xiaomi Mi 4?

The Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, remains a popular device among users who value reliability and performance. However, over time, any smartphone starts to run slower: apps freeze, memory is clogged with unnecessary files, and the system emits errors, in which case resetting to factory settings is one of the most effective ways to return the device to its previous speed.

Resets may be required in other situations, such as before selling your phone (to delete personal data), after a failed firmware update, if you have been infected with viruses, or if you have forgotten your pattern lock. But it’s important to remember that an incorrect reset can lead to data loss or even “bricking” of the device. In this article, we’ll discuss all the safe ways to reset for the Mi 4, including recovery via Recovery and Fastboot, and give tips on how to avoid typical errors.

Before you get started, answer the question: have you tried other optimization methods, such as clearing cache or disabling background apps?

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting is an irreversible process that removes all user data from your device, so make sure to follow a few steps before you start to avoid losing important information.

First, back up. On the Xiaomi Mi 4, you can do this through the built-in Backup app (find it in the settings menu) or through third-party services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

• 📱 Contact (export to.vcf file or sync with Google Account)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to computer or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and applications (write them in a notebook)
• 🎮 Save in games (unless linked to an account)

Second, check the battery power, make sure it's at least 50 percent charge, and if the battery is broken, it can cause a serious system failure, and it's also good to connect the phone to the charger during the process.

Finally, remember your Mi Account details, and once reset, the device may require you to enter a login and password from Xiaomi’s academic record (if Find Device is activated), without which it will be impossible to unlock the phone!

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If you have forgotten the password from the Mi Account, restore it to the official website account.xiaomi.com. After the reset, Internet access on the phone may be limited before entering credentials.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If your Xiaomi Mi 4 is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-code, the safest way to reset is through the standard settings menu, which requires no additional tools and is suitable for most users.

Instructions are Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the About Phone section.
3. Slip on Reset (or Restore and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
4. Select Reset all settings (not to be confused with Network Reset!).
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from the device (if required).
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once you reboot, it's like a new phone, with standard firmware and no data on you. If at some point, the system asks for a password from your Mi Account, enter it, and without that, you can't set it up again.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or you have forgotten the pattern lock, you will have to use Recovery mode, which works even on a broken device, but requires care.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.

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

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait for the process to be completed (Success will appear on the screen).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

⚠️ If you see Mount on the Recovery menu, /system or E:unknown command error, this means that the device has custom recavery installed (for example, TWRP). In this case, the instructions are different – read the next section.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods fail (for example, due to a damaged Recovery), you can use Fastboot mode, which requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB drivers on your PC (you can download from the Android Studio website or through the Mi Flash Tool).
2. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 4 and press the Loudness down (-) + Power buttons to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, check the drivers.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Importantly, this method only erases user data, but does not affect system files, and if the firmware was a problem, you will need to reinstall it through the Mi Flash Tool.

What to do after reset: the initial setup of Xiaomi Mi 4

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode, as after purchase.

1. Choose a language (we recommend English or Russian if available).
2. Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. Sign in to the Mi-account (required if the binding was activated!).
4. Set up or skip additional settings (geolocation, voice assistant, etc.).

If you backed up, you can now recover the data.

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Local backup.
• 📂 Select a backup file (usually with the.mbk extension).
• 🔑 Enter the password if it was set when creating the backup.

If you don't have a backup, you'll have to set up your phone from scratch, install the apps you need from Google Play or Mi App Store, transfer the files from your computer, and set up your accounts.

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After reset, be sure to update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. This will fix possible vulnerabilities and improve performance.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The phone asks for a password from the Mi Account after the reset

This is Xiaomi's standard theft protection, and if you forget your account details,

• 🔍 Try to recover your password through account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 Check the email linked to your account – there may be an instruction letter.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).

2.Reset hangs on Mi logo

If the process lasts more than 20 minutes:

• 🔋 Check the battery power – the phone may have run out.
• 🔄 Try re-entering Recovery and repeat resetting.
• 💻 If it doesn’t work, use the Fastboot method (described above).

3. After reset, there is no network or Wi-Fi is not working

This may be due to a failure in the settings of the communication module.

• 🛠️ If the problem persists, reflash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ If the phone is constantly restarting after resetting or if it gives an error "Unfortunately, System" UI has stopped, which is a sign of a broken firmware, and in this case, only a full flashing through Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 4