How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings: full instructions with photos

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to the reliable “iron” filling and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or simply requires a “clean start” before selling, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings.

But how to perform this procedure so as not to lose important data or turn your phone into a brick? In this article, we’ll take a look at all possible reset methods, from the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes, and how to prepare for the procedure and what to do if something goes wrong. We will pay special attention to the nuances associated with Redmi Note 4 (codename mido), including problems with unlocking the bootloader and errors. MIUI.

Why you might need to reset your settings on Redmi Note 4

Factory resets are not a panacea, but in some cases they are really necessary.

• 🐢 Strong brakes and lags: If your smartphone is slow to open apps, hang over when scrolling or overheat for no apparent reason, resetting will help clean up the system of accumulated debris.
• 🔄 Preparing for sale or transfer: To prevent new owners from accessing your accounts, photos and messages, it’s best to return the phone to a “clean” state.
• 🔧 Errors after the update MIUI. Sometimes, through the air, firmware curves come in, which break the sensors, the camera, or the mobile network.
• 📱 A forgotten pattern lock or password.If you can't unlock the screen and your Mi Account isn't tied, a reset via Recovery may be the only way out.
• 🚨 Viruses or suspicious activity, if the phone starts installing apps spontaneously, send out a message. SMS or consume traffic – reset will remove malware.

But before you start the procedure, you should honestly answer the question: do you really need a reset? Sometimes the problem can be solved by less radical methods - cleaning the cache, disabling unnecessary applications or flashing through Fastboot without losing data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do necessarily

Resetting to factory settings removes ALL data from internal memory, including photos, videos, messages, contacts and installed applications, so preparation is a critical step.

Here is what you need to do before the procedure:

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in Settings tool. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud.
• 🔌 Charge the phone to at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to battery discharge, there is a risk of damaging system files.
• 📋 Record your Mi Account information. After the reset, you may need to reauthorize, especially if Find Device was enabled.

Backup important data|Charge the phone to 50%+|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell)|Get out. SIM and a memory card (optional)-->

If you’re using Redmi Note 4 with an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the reset process may be different, in which case it’s better to download the current firmware version and tools like the Mi Flash Tool or TWRP in advance.

⚠️ Attention! If the phone has Find Device enabled, you may need to enter your Mi Account password after reset, even if you have untied it!

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

If the phone turns on, responds to touch, and you have access to the menu, this is the safest and fastest method, and is suitable for most users who just want to clean the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. Choose to erase all data (or delete everything depending on the firmware version).
6. If necessary, enter a password or pattern lock.
7. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or OK).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you've bought it.

This method works on 99% of MIUI firmware, including global, Chinese and custom builds, but if the phone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a password, you will have to use alternative methods.

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

Recovery Mode is a special recovery mode that allows you to reset settings even if the system is not booting. The Redmi Note 4 has a stock Mi Recovery installed by default, but some users install a customized TWRP. Instructions for both cases are given below.

Option A: Stock Mi Recovery

To get into Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press and hold the power button + volume button.
3. Wait for the Mi logo to appear and release the buttons.
4. In a few seconds, you will see a menu in English or Chinese (depending on the firmware version).

Mi Recovery is controlled by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (select).

Next:

1. Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese version).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Select Reboot → Reboot to System to reboot.

Option B: TWRP Castom Recovery

If you have TWRP installed, the process is slightly different:

1. Go to Recovery (Power buttons + Volume up).
2. On the screen, ask to allow changes, swipe to the right (if there is a request to modify the system partition).
3. Slip it on the Wipe.
4. Select Advanced Wipe.
5. Check Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (if you need to erase internal memory).
6. Swipe to Wipe with your finger.
7. After completion, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Attention! TWRP You can accidentally format Internal Storage, which will result in the loss of all user data, including photos and videos. If you need to save files on a memory card, remove it before resetting it!

If the phone doesn't boot after being reset via TWRP, the firmware may have been damaged, in which case only flashing through Fastboot (method 3) will help.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔧 Recovery Mode is damaged or missing.
• 📦 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failed update).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi Note 4 (mido) in.tgz or.zip format.
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (you can download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔑 Unlocked bootloader (if you install an informal firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down button. Wait for the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
4. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Press Refresh – your Redmi Note 4 should appear in the list of devices.
7. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended). Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock bootloader (only for official firmware).

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart.

1. Install Qualcomm drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).

4.Try another cable (cheap cables often don't support data transmission).-->

This is guaranteed to bring the phone back to life, even if it was bricked by a failed upgrade, but it takes more time and technical skills.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 will turn on in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language (usually English or Russian).
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (it is highly recommended to download updates).
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was linked to your account).

If the phone started to work slower after the reset than before the procedure, it may not be the software problem, but the hardware problem.

• 🔋 Replace the battery (if it is swelling or discharged quickly).
• 🛠 Cleaning the charging connector from dust (frequent cause of overheating).
• 📉 Disabling animation in the developer settings (accelerates the interface).

- Mobile network (calls, Internet).

- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

- Camera (front and main).

- Fingerprint sensor (if any).

If something does not work, perhaps the firmware is installed incorrectly - repeat the process or contact the service.-->

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with a clear follow-up, there are sometimes problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, it might be a hardware problem, in which case you should contact Xiaomi’s service center or a proven wizard.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reset