How to reset Xiaomi Mi 4 to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Why a Settings Reset May Be Needed and When to Avoid It

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary solution, which returns the smartphone to its original state by removing all user data, applications and settings, most commonly used in three cases: before selling the device, to fix serious software failures, or after unsuccessful firmware experiments.

However, resetting is not always the best solution. If the problem is related to a particular application, just clear the cache or reinstall it. When the system slows down, first try to optimize memory and turn off background processes. Reset should be considered as a last resort when other methods have not worked or when you plan to transfer the phone to another user and want to completely delete personal data.

It is important to understand that after resetting the Mi 4, you will need to reconfigure everything from Wi-Fi connection to account sync. 2014-2015 devices (which include Mi 4) often have outdated versions of MIUI, which can complicate the process of restoring backup. So before starting the procedure, make sure you have access to the original Mi Account account associated with the phone.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

An unprepared reset can result in a loss of important data. Even if your Xiaomi Mi 4 is unstable, take the time to take a few critical steps:

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Mi 4 is available to save to Mi Cloud (if account is tied) or memory card.Please note: backup MIUI Does not include some system settings and data of individual applications (for example, WhatsApp or Viber).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Resetting through recovery can take up to 10-15 minutes, and discharging the battery in the process will lead to serious errors.
• 📋 Write down important data manually: Wi-Fi passwords, settings APN for mobile Internet (if you use non-standard operator parameters), logins from applications. On the Mi 4, this data is not always automatically restored.
• 🔑 Make sure your Mi Account is available. After resetting, your phone may need to enter your username and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Lock function). If you forget your data, restore it in advance.

Pay special attention to applications with two-factor authentication (2FA). If you have SMS or Google Authenticator confirmation enabled but you have not saved backup codes, access to accounts may be lost. For example, Mi 4 does not support modern versions of Google Authenticator, and it will be impossible to restore codes after a reset.

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

If you have a Xiaomi Mi 4 It turns on and responds to touch, and it uses the built-in reset function, which is the most reliable method, because it's controlled by the system and minimizes the risk of errors. MIUI 5/6/7 (The latest official versions for the Mi 4):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Additional section (in some versions Advanced Settings).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. The system will suggest choosing whether to clear the internal memory. If you want to delete all data (photos, videos, music), tick Clear the internal memory.
6. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
7. Press Reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

Once the phone is rebooted, it will prompt you to set it up as new. If you previously had a Mi Account attached, you may need to enter your login and password to confirm ownership.

Backup created|Battery charged. >50%|Memorized data from Mi Account|Important notifications (bank, work) are disabled)|Checked availability SIM-Cards (if you need a mobile network after resetting)-->

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 4 with custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), the path to reset may be different. In some builds, the function is hidden in Settings → System system → Additionally. → Reset options. If you don't find a point, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 4 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode. This method works even in case of serious system failures, but requires care - improper actions can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device.

Instructions for the standard Mi Recovery (Chinese or global version):

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds), then let them go.
4. You'll see a menu in Chinese or English on the screen, and use volume buttons for navigation and power buttons for selection.
5. Select Wipe & Reset (or in Chinese version).
6. Then tap Wipe All Data (full clean) or Wipe Cache (cache only if you need a "soft" reboot).
7. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
8. After the process is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

If the screen displays No command or the phone vibrates and turns off, you have held the buttons for too long. Try again, releasing them immediately after the Mi logo appears.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 4 with Unlocked Bootloader, the standard Recovery can be replaced with a new one. TWRP. In this case, the path to reset will be different: Wipe → Advanced Wipe, then mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (but not Internal Storage if you don't want to lose files).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen, but you have access to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely via the Xiaomi Cloud web interface. This method is also useful if you forget your pattern lock, but remember your account information. Importantly, the feature only works when your phone is actively connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

Step-by-step:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your account.
2. In the Devices section, find your Mi 4 (if it’s connected to the network, it’ll display its model and charge level).
3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Find the device.
4. In the window that opens, click Erase Data.
5. Confirm the action by entering the password from Mi Account.
6. Wait for a notification of a successful reset (can take up to 30 minutes).

Remote reset has limitations:

• 🔄 Does not work if location services or mobile data are disabled on the phone.
• 🔒 After reset, the device may require re-authorization in Mi Account (protection against theft).
• 📡 If the Mi 4 was offline, the command will run the next time you connect to the Internet.

Method 4: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., firmware is damaged or Recovery access is blocked), you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and basic command line knowledge. Not recommended for beginners - errors in typing commands can lead to irreversible damage to the system.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed tools ADB and Fastboot (download from Android site).
• 🔌 Included debugging by USB on the phone (if it is still on).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the Mi 4 and press the Loudness down (-) + Power buttons to enter the Fastboot Mode (screen with the image of a hare in a hat-eared).
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is recognized, its serial number will appear.
5. Run the reset to factory settings: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once you restart, the phone will be in a "out of the box" state. If you need a complete flashing (for example, if you damage the system partition), use the command:

fastboot flash system system.img

(where system.img is the firmware file for your model).

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If the fastboot device command doesn’t show the device, check the drivers. Windows may require manual installation of the Mi Flash Tool driver (download on Xiaomi’s official website).

Method 5: Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

In extreme cases, when software methods fail (e.g., memory damage or a "brick" after a failed firmware), you can try hardware reset. This method involves physically shutting down the battery or using test points on the board. Warning: this is risky and can lead to final device failure. Use only if other methods are exhausted.

For Xiaomi Mi 4 hardware reset is performed as follows:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (a plastic shoulder blade or mediator will be required).
2. Carefully disconnect the battery plume from the motherboard (use tweezers or a thin screwdriver).
3. Wait 1-2 minutes, then reconnect the battery.
4. Turn on your phone – in some cases, it resets the NVRAM (non-energy-dependent memory) settings, which helps when you hang on your logo.

If the problem is firmware, a hardware reset is unlikely to help, in which case you will need to flash through EDL Mode using a box (Mi Flash Pro) or contact a service center.

⚠️ Note: On the Mi 4 with a faulty battery (blown or leaking), you can not perform a hardware reset. The risk of short circuit and damage to the board is extremely high.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After a successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi 4, you will need an initial setup, and considering the age of the device (2014 release), you may encounter the following nuances:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI: After the reset, the phone will offer a firmware update, but official support for the Mi 4 ended in 2018, and new versions will be available. MIUI It doesn't come out. It only makes sense to upgrade to the last stable build (e.g., to get it back to the last stable build, MIUI 9).
• 🔒 Mi Account lock: If your phone is linked to your account, you will need to enter your login and password after the reset. If you forget the data, restore it through the Xiaomi website or contact support.
• 📲 Lack of Google services: Chinese firmware may not have Google Play or other services. Install them manually by downloading the GApps package for the first time. MIUI (For example, from the OpenGApps website).

To recover data:

1. If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, log in to your account and restore it in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Files (photos, videos) can be copied from a memory card or internal memory by connecting the phone to a PC in MTP mode.
3. Contacts and notes sync through Mi Account or Google Account.

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If the Mi 4 is not connected to the mobile network after reset, check the settings. APN. Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). The parameters for your operator can be found on its official website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 4