How to reset Xiaomi Mi 4 to factory settings: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Mi 4, released in 2014, is still popular with users due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any smartphone begins to slow down, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for most software problems, but if you do not perform the procedure, you can lose data or even “brick” the device.

In this article, we will go into detail about all the current ways to reset the Mi 4 (including the Mi 4 LTE and Mi 4i models), explain how to prepare for the procedure, and warn against typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to hard reset through recovery, the most reliable method when the phone is not turned on or locked. If you plan to sell the device or transfer it to another person, the reset is mandatory to delete personal data.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, be sure to back up. Even if you plan to use a soft reset via settings, the risk of data loss remains. On the Xiaomi Mi 4, you can back up in several ways:

• 📱 Built-in Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account. → Mi Cloud → Backup. Select data to save (contacts, SMS, Photos, apps, and start the process. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB available).
• 💾 Local copy: in Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup: The file will be stored in internal memory or on the SD-map (if supported).
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect the phone to USB file transfer (MTP) and manually copy important folders (DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp, etc.) on PC.

Also check the following points:

• 🔋 The battery must be at least 50% charged. When reset via recovery, the phone must not turn off due to discharge.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the data from the Mi Account associated with the device.
• 📶 If you are resetting due to network problems (for example, not catching) SIM), write down IMEI On rare occasions, it will be reset and you will have to restore it.

On models Xiaomi Mi 4 with firmware MIUI Up to 8th version of the system may be reset. FRP (Factory Reset Protection. If you forget the data from the Google account associated with the phone, it will be difficult to unlock it. To avoid problems, delete all Google accounts in Settings before resetting. → Accounts. → Google.

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

This is the easiest and safest method if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, is suitable for eliminating small lags, cleaning memory or preparing the device for sale. MIUI Xiaomi Mi 4:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Additional section (or About Phone in new MIUI versions).
3. Select Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. The system will suggest you to choose what to delete. We recommend that you mark all items (applications, settings, media files).
6. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
7. Press Reset and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After the reboot, the phone will turn on with a welcome screen, as after buying. If you are selling the device, remember to log out of the Mi Account at this stage (click Skip when requesting login).

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If you reset the phone for a long time hanging on the MI logo, don't panic, it's normal for older models. Give it 10-15 minutes to set up the first setup. If it lasts more than an hour, try the recovery method.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting through the menu, garbage may remain in the folder /data. If the goal is a complete cleanup before selling, use the reset method through recovery.

Method 2: Hard reset with Recovery Mode

This method will be useful if:

• 📵 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password.
• 🤖 You need to remove the custom firmware and return the stock MIUI.

For Xiaomi Mi 4, stock recovery is used (unless custom, for example, TWRP is installed).

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 and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Volume Up for selecting a point.
5. Select Wipe & Reset (or Chinese).
6. Then, tap Wipe All Data (full reset).
7. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
8. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

It takes 5-10 minutes. If the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data after the reset and you don't remember it, you'll have to use the Mi Flash Tool (method 3).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is needed if:

• 🔐 Phone blocked by Mi Account after reset.
• 📱 The device is not included even in recovery.
• 🔄 You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for Xiaomi Mi 4 (download from the official website) MIUI Download or from the forum 4PDA).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your PC and unpack the archive with the firmware (file with the.tgz or.zip extension).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the hare appears in the hat-eared.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom of the program, select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleaning (recommended); Clean all and lock - cleaning + locking the bootloader (only if you sell a phone); Save user data - firmware without deleting data (not suitable for resetting).

Refresh

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a can't find fastboot error, install the drivers for Xiaomi Mi 4 manually through Device Manager (you can download it from Xiaomi or 4PDA). Also make sure that you have disabled the driver signature in Windows.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware deletes all information, including data in internal memory (photos, videos, documents). If you have not made a backup, file recovery will not be possible.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

1.The phone does not turn on after reset

Reasons:

• 🔋 The battery was drained during the procedure.
• 📱 The firmware is damaged (especially if the process is interrupted).
• 🔌 Power button malfunctions.

Decision:

• Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes, then try turning it on.
• If it doesn’t work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (method 3).
• Check the power button – if it doesn’t press, repairs will be required.

2.After reset, asks for an old Mi Account

This means that the phone had a Xiaomi account attached and now requires authorization.

• Try to restore access through the Mi Account site (you need access to an email or phone).
• If recovery is not possible, run your phone through Fastboot with the option of Clean all and lock (remove the link to the account).

3. the reset is interrupted by 50% or gives an error

This is most often related to:

• 🗃️ A damaged file system (for example, after a failed update).
• 📵 Unstable PC connection (using Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔄 Incompatible version of the firmware.

Decision:

• Repeat the reset via recovery by selecting Wipe All Data twice.
• If you are using the Mi Flash Tool, try a different firmware version (e.g., an older one).
• Check the USB cable – it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).

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If the reset through recovery is interrupted, the /data partition is likely damaged, in which case only a full Fastboot flash with the Clean all option will help.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven’t made a backup, the chances of returning files depend on the type of reset:

• 📱 Soft reset (via menu): some of the data can remain in folders DCIM, Downloads or on SD-Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva to scan internal memory.
• 🔧 Hard reset: Recovery is unlikely because partitioning is not possible /data It's completely overwritten. Programs like Dr.Fone can only find fragments of files.
• 💻 Firmware via Mi Flash Tool: data deleted without recovery, only chance if you backup through Mi Cloud or on PC.

To restore contacts and SMS:

• If you have synced with your Google account, your contacts will be restored automatically when you first log in.
• SMS You can try to restore it through SMS Backup & Restore (if backup was created before reset).

For photos and videos:

• Check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory – sometimes there are old backups.
• Use Google Photos if you have previously enabled automatic downloads.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save new files to your phone after a reset if you plan to recover data! Each new record reduces the chances of successfully recovering old files.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 4 will turn on with the welcome screen.

1. Select the language: click on the flag and select Russian (or other language you want).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi: This is required to download updates and recover data from the cloud.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone is not locked) If you sell your device, skip this step.
4. Recover data: From Mi Cloud (if you had a backup), from Google account (contacts, calendar, mail), manually from PC (transfer files over USB).

Update the firmware

Settings → About the phone → System update

Mi 4

Set up security.

• Set a pattern lock or PIN-code.
• Turn on Find the device in the Mi Account settings.

If the phone is slowing down after resetting:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Turn off animation: in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install Windows animation = Off.
• 📱 Install a light launcher (like Nova Launcher) instead of the standard launcher.

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To speed up the Xiaomi Mi 4 after reset, turn off the autoload of unnecessary applications: Settings → Permissions → Autostart and prohibit autostart for social networks, games and other resource-intensive programs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi 4