Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4A to factory settings: 3 ways with instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2016. Despite its age, the device is still in active use due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in which case, a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the phone to its original state.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset Redmi 4A: through system settings, using Recovery Mode, and forced reset if the phone does not turn on. We will also discuss how to save important data before cleaning, what errors can occur and how to avoid them, and pay special attention to the nuances associated with MIUI and the features of this model.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning Your Phone

Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from the device's internal memory. After the procedure, the phone will return to the "out of the box" state: contacts, photos, messages, installed applications and even accounts will disappear.

The first thing you need to do is back up. The Xiaomi Redmi 4A has built-in tools for this:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with your Google or Mi Account account in Settings → Accounts. → Synchronization.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to your computer USB-Cable or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music and Documents: Use the File Manager to Transfer to the SD-card.
• 🔑 Passwords and Settings: Export through Settings → Additionally. → Backup (function available in the MIUI).

If you plan to sell or transfer your phone, remember to log out of all accounts:

• 🔒 Mi Account (in Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📧 Google Account (in Settings) → Accounts. → Google).
• 💳 Linked bank cards in Google Pay or other payment services.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4A The device protection function is included (in MIUI 8/9), After reset, you may need to enter a password from the previously associated Mi Account!

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

This is the standard method that is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 8/9/10 (the latest official version for the Redmi 4A).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Slip on Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
5. The system will tell you what to reset: 📱 Delete all data (required). 🔄 Clean internal memory (if you need to delete files).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).

Drop it.

The phone will automatically reboot and start setting up as it did after the first purchase, so if you request Mi Account entry during the launch phase, enter the data from the account that was linked before the reset.

Backed up important data

Excluded from Mi Account and Google Account

Charging the phone at least 50%

Delete. SD-card (if any)

I remember the passwords from the accounts.-->

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A s MIUI 8 after reset, there may be a "Reset error" error, which is due to damage to system files. In this case, use Method 2 (via Recovery).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't respond)

If Redmi 4A freezes, doesn't turn on or doesn't respond to touch, resetting via Recovery Mode is the only working option.This method is also useful if you've forgotten your pattern lock or password.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down for moving) and the power button (select) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and the Xiaomi driver on your PC.
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
3. Turn off Redmi 4A and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
7. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
8. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If you turn off the Fastboot while you're firmware USB-If you pull a cable or pull a cord, your phone can turn into a brick (it won't turn on at all.

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try pressing the power button for 20-30 seconds, sometimes by logging back in to Fastboot and re-routing.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 4A resets can be a bit of a bug, so let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

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

This is a theft protection that is activated if a Xiaomi account was linked to the device.

• 🔑 Enter the login and password from the previously linked account.
• 📧 If you forget the data, restore access through the official website.
• 🚫 If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

2. the discharge is interrupted by 5%, 50% or 99%

Reasons:

• 🔋 Insufficient battery charge (less than 30%).
• 🗃 Damaged system files.
• 🔌 Problems with internal memory.

Decisions:

• 🔌 Charge your phone to 100% and reset again.
• 🔄 Try resetting through Recovery (Method 2).
• 🛠 If the error repeats, run your phone through Fastboot (Method 3).

3.After reset, the phone does not turn on or hangs on the logo

This is a sign of firmware damage.

• 🔧 Fastboot the device via Fastboot (see Method 3).
• 🔋 Wait 15-20 minutes – sometimes the first download after a reset takes a long time.
• 🔌 Try booting into Safe Mode (click Volume Down when turned on).

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If Redmi 4A doesn't turn on after reset, 90% of the time, Fastboot re-routing helps.

How to recover data after resetting

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your deleted data back depend on whether you've texted something to your phone after the reset, and if you haven't, you can try recovery software.

Recovery methods:

• 💾 From internal memory (unless formatted after resetting):
• 📱 S SD-cards (if the data was on it):
• ☁️ From cloud storage:

Important: Do not write new files to your phone after a reset, which reduces the chances of recovering old data. If files are critical, contact a dedicated service (e.g. Data Recovery Lab).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions