How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 4 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. 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 simply requires a “clean start.” In such cases, resetting to factory settings helps – a procedure that returns the phone to its original state.

But how to properly perform a hard reset on Redmi 4 so as not to turn it into a brick?In this article, you will find three working reset methods (including hidden MIUI features), learn how to bypass Mi Account lock after reset if you forgot your password, and get a checklist to save important data, and we will also analyze the typical errors that may cause the smartphone to fail to turn on after the procedure.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to get your smartphone back on track. Here are 5 signals to make a hard reset:

• 🐢 Phone is severely slowing down, apps are constantly flying out, and there is less than 1 GB of free memory left - even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI critical bugs: the camera does not work, the network disappears or the smartphone spontaneously reboots.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and unlocking via Mi Account is not possible (for example, if the phone is purchased with hands).
• 📱 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antivirus (for example, advertising software that changes the browser settings).
• 🔄➡️ You sell or transfer your phone to another person and want to delete your personal data completely.

But resetting is not always justified, for example, if the problem is a dead battery (the phone turns off at 30% charge) or a damaged charging connector, hard reset will not help, in which cases you need repair, not software firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of your Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device due to locking.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the procedure

Resetting to factory settings will remove all data from the phone’s internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even files on the memory card (if it is formatted as internal storage), so the first thing to do is create a backup.

Here's what must be kept:

• 📸 Photos and videos: copy to your PC or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk). Don't rely on Mi Cloud alone, it has a space limit.
• 📞 Contacts: Export to the file VCF (Contacts → Settings → Import/Export) or sync with your Google account.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore to save history SMS.
• 🎮 Game data: Link accounts to Google Play or social media, or your progress will be lost.
• 📁 Application files: for example, downloads from Telegram or documents from Word.

Also check:

Battery charge > 50% (to keep the phone from turning off during the procedure)

Memory card retrieved (unless used as internal memory)

Important accounts (bank, postal) deleted

Disabled function "Find device" in Mi Account (Settings → Additional → Find the device)

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If you plan to reset your phone via Recovery, check the version in advance. MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI). On old firmware (below) MIUI 10) the Recovery menu may look different.

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If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), resetting through the standard Recovery menu can cause your phone to freeze, in which case only use the method through Settings or special utilities like MiFlash.

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

This is a method that works if the phone is turned on and you remember the unlock password, and it's the easiest one, and it minimizes the risk of errors because it's controlled by the system.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Additional section (on some versions of MIUI - Advanced Settings).
3. Choose Reset and Reset (or Reset settings).
4. Tap Reset (may be called Erase All Data).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock, and after confirmation, the process will begin.
6. Wait for the reboot (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once reset, the phone will switch on with the original setup wizard, like after you bought it. If you forgot your Mi Account password, you may have a lock at this point. How to get around it, see the bug section.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware Xiaomi Redmi 4 after resetting through the settings disappears IMEI (This causes the network to be missing. To avoid a problem, write down before resetting. IMEI (*#06#) and keep it in a safe place.

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

If Redmi 4 is stuck on the screensaver, doesn't respond to touches, or is locked with a password, a hardware reset via Recovery will help. This is a recovery menu built into the phone's firmware. To get into it, you need to use a button combination.

Step-by-step:

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 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (usually in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data) and then Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm or Yes).
7. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

The Recovery menu on Redmi 4 may not have a sensor on it, which is normal, it's only managed with the volume and power buttons, and if the menu is in Chinese, look for the characters (clear data) and (confirm).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi 4 with firmware MIUI 8 and below reset via Recovery may result in loss IMEI. Before the procedure, check the version MIUI in settings or on the device box.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is a method that is needed in extreme cases: if the phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery, or previous methods didn’t work, it will require a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and MiFlash utility installed.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi 4 (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA).
• 🛠️ MiFlash (last version).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to your computer. The image of a rabbit in a hat should appear on the screen.
3. Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) mode.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).
6. After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

This method completely reinstalls the firmware, so it works even if the phone is "bricked" after a failed update, but it requires skills: wrong actions can lead to loss of IMEI or damage to the bootloader.

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring Redmi 4 back to life if it doesn't respond to buttons and boots into Recovery.But use it only if other methods have failed, as the process requires strict adherence to instructions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are 5 common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔋 "Phone shut down during reset": This is due to a discharged battery. Always check that charge is in place > 50% before the procedure. If the phone is already off, plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then reset.
• 🔒 "After reset requires a password from Mi Account": This is Xiaomi's factory protection.If you don't remember the password, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. If the phone is bought with hands, contact the previous owner.
• 📶 "No net after reset: Most likely dropped IMEI. You can restore it via Engineer Mode (enter ##4636## and select Information). → Repair IMEI).
• 🔄 "The phone is stuck on the Mi logo: It means the firmware is damaged. Try going to Recovery and repeat the reset. If it doesn't work, run the phone through Fastboot.
• 📱 "Sensor fails after reset": "Maybe calibration has gone off. Reboot phone or reset again.

If the phone doesn't turn on after the reset (no vibration, no charge indicator), this may indicate a hardware malfunction, such as damage to the motherboard, in which case only the service center will help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)