Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphones, including the Prime and Pro versions, have proven to be reliable devices, but over time, even the most stable system can require radical measures. Hard Reset is the most effective way to fix software failures, speed up the gadget or completely clear the data before selling. Many users postpone this procedure for fear of losing important contacts or getting confused in the menu, but with the right approach, the process takes only a few minutes.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for returning your device to its original state, paying special attention to the security of your data. You will learn how to prepare for the procedure, what are the hidden nuances of the MIUI shell and what to do if the phone has stopped responding to touch. Deleting your Google and Mi Account before reset is a critical step to unlock the device after rebooting. Ignoring this requirement can lead to the smartphone becoming a “brick” blocked by the theft protection system.
We will look at not only the standard method through the settings menu, but also more complex recovery options through Recovery mode, which is necessary for serious system errors. Understanding the differences between soft and hard reset will help you choose the optimal scenario for action.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure that all the important data is saved, because once you finish the procedure, it will not be possible to restore it. Backup is the first and most important step that should not be ignored. It is recommended to use built-in MIUI tools or cloud services to save contacts, photos and a list of installed applications.
It is also worth checking the battery level. To perform a complete cleaning of the system requires stable power, so make sure that the battery is charged at least 50-60%.If the phone runs out during the formatting of the system partition, this can cause damage to the bootloader and the device is inoperable.
⚠️ Warning: Remove the microSD card before starting a reset if it holds important data. Although the system usually asks for confirmation to format an external drive, it is better to be safe and physically remove the card to avoid accidental file loss.
Don't forget to unplug your device from your accounts. Modern versions of Android and MIUI have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you don't delete your Google account before resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from your previous account after you turn on, which can be a problem when you buy a used device or forget about it.
☑️ Ready to dump
Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)
This is the safest and easiest method that works for most users whose phones are functioning normally and have access to the desktop, and it is done through the MIUI GUI, which minimizes the risk of errors, so you need to go to Settings, then select Advanced Settings, and find Recover and Reset.
In the menu that opens, you need to select the Reset option, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. Here it is important to read the screen carefully: if you want to clear the internal memory (photos, music, downloads), make sure that the appropriate tick is ticked. If you need to save media files, leave this item without a mark, although a full reset will still affect the settings of the system and application.
To confirm the actions, the system will request the input of a pattern lock, PIN-This is a security mechanism that prevents unauthorized or accidental resets by unauthorized persons, and once you enter the code, you will begin a preparation process that can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the amount of data you have.
💡
Before pressing the Reset button, take a picture of the screen with important Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings to restore the connection faster after the reboot.
Once confirmed, the phone will automatically restart. The first run will last longer than usual, as the system needs to recreate the file structure and update the system applications. Do not try to interrupt this process, even if the screen is lit for a long time with the Redmi logo.
Method 2: Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone is frozen, does not turn on or does not respond to touching the screen, the only way out is to use the recovery mode (Recovery Mode), which allows you to perform Hard Reset at the hardware level, bypassing the operating system. To enter this mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4, you need to completely turn off the device.
After turning it off, you need to press two buttons simultaneously: Volume+ and Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue holding the volume button until the Recovery menu appears. The navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button.
- 📱 Select a language (usually only English and Chinese available).
- 🔄 Go to the Wipe & Reset section.
- 🗑️ Select the Wipe All Data option.
- ✅ Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
The cleaning process will take some time, after which the screen will show a message about the successful completion, then you need to select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot -> Reboot to System.
⚠️ Note: When using Recovery mode, the “Wipe All Data” option often involves fully formatting internal memory, including photos and music, even if you haven’t ticked extra boxes.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
Comparison of discharge methods: table
To make it easier for you to decide on the right option, we have prepared a comparison table showing the differences between software and hardware reset. Each method has its advantages depending on the current state of your Redmi 4.
| Parameter | Through Settings (Soft) | Through Recovery (Hard) | Through Mi Account (Remotely) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu is required | Yes. | No. | No (we need the internet) |
| Saving media files | Possibly (optional) | No (complete removal) | No. |
| Difficulty of implementation | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (human factor) | Minimum |
As you can see from the table, the method through settings is the most flexible way to save personal files. However, if the system is damaged, Recovery mode becomes the only working tool. Remote reset is useful in case of loss of the device, but requires pre-setting synchronization.
💡
The choice of method depends on access to the interface: if the screen works - use the settings, if the phone "hangs" - only Recovery.
Deleting Mi Account and Protecting FRP
One of the most common problems after a reset is activation blocking. Android security and MIUI shell link the device to the owner's account. If you did the reset but didn't delete the account in advance, the first time you turn on the phone will require you to enter a password from Mi Account and Google account that were synced earlier.
To delete your Mi Account, go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync -> Mi Account. At the bottom of the screen, click the Sign Out button. The system will request a password to confirm. Only after you successfully log out can you safely reset your data without fear of being blocked.
Similar to Google account, go to Settings -> Accounts and Sync -> Google, select your email address and click More (three dots) -> Delete your account. This action will break the connection between the device and Google servers, which will bypass FRP verification after the reset.
Solving problems after discharge
After performing the Hard Reset procedure, users may encounter a number of typical situations that are not a breakdown, such as a phone that can hang on the Mi or Android logo for a long time (up to 10-15 minutes), which is normal, as the system optimizes applications and creates new encrypted memory partitions.
Another problem is that the battery runs out quickly in the first hours of operation, because the background indexing and synchronization processes consume a lot of power, so let the phone lie on charge for about an hour after the first turn on to stabilize the power controller.
- 🔋 Don’t panic if your phone warms up on the first run – it’s a processor that works.
- 📶 Check the date and time settings if the internet is not working (time error knocks you down) SSL-certificate).
- 📲 Install system updates immediately if they are offered, as they often contain bug fixes.
If the phone is bootloop and can’t boot even after 20 minutes, it may have been damaged, which would require flashing the device through the computer using the Mi Flash utility and the Fastboot firmware file.
⚠️ Attention: Cyclical reset after reset may indicate a physical malfunction of the on button or volume button that is "stuck" and constantly sends a signal to the system.