Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand's most popular smartphones, released in 2017 but still in active use.Over time, any phone starts to brake, emit errors or simply requires a "clean start" before selling.Resetting to factory settings solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data or turn the device into a "brick."

In this article, we will discuss all the current reset methods for the Redmi Note 4 (including modifications with Snapdragon 625 and Helio X20 processors), explain when you need a soft reset (through settings), and when you need a hard reset (through Recovery), and also warn against typical errors.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting is not just the click of a button; doing the wrong thing can cause you to lose photos, contacts, or even lock your phone.

• 📱 Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset) or third-party services like Google Drive for Contacts and Mi Cloud for Notes.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the reset process due to discharge can damage system files.
• 🔑 Make sure to remember the Mi Account information. After resetting, the phone may require you to enter a login/password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock feature).
• 📶 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, especially if you plan to sell your phone, will prevent problems for the new owner.

If you’re resetting your phone because of freezes or errors, try the less radical measures first: cleaning the app cache (Settings → Apps → Select App → Clear Cache) or removing unnecessary files through Cleanup (Security → Cleanup).

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If your phone is slowing down, try rolling back system app updates before reset. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the Google Play Store, click “Delete Updates.” Repeat for Google Play and Google App Services.

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu

This is the safest method, suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch;
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 🔄 You need to eliminate software glitches without losing data on the memory card.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. When you request, enter a pattern lock or PIN.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

It takes 3-7 minutes. The phone will restart and start with the factory firmware, but the files are on. SD-Note: this method does not delete data from internal memory if it is encrypted (for example, when using File-Based Encryption in new versions). MIUI).

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Backup of contacts and photos |

Remember the data from Mi Account|

Disable all Google and Xiaomi | accounts

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Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This method is needed if:

• 🔐 The phone is locked (forgot the pattern lock);
• 🐢 The system does not boot (hangs on the Mi logo or cyclically restarts);
• 🦠 Suspected infection with viruses that block access to settings.

There are two types of Recovery for the Redmi Note 4:

1. Stock (original) - on Chinese or global firmware;
2. TWRP is customized if you have installed it.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Volume Up (+) and Power buttons simultaneously.
3. Hold on for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Note: After a hard reset via Recovery on Redmi Note 4 with the Mi Account tied, the phone will require login and password input when you first download. If you do not remember the data or the phone was bought from your hands without detachment of the account, it will be extremely difficult to unlock it (you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership).

Yes, via the settings menu |

Yes, through Recovery Mode|

No, but I'm planning.|

No, I'm not.|-->

Fastboot Reset: When Nothing Helps

If the phone doesn’t respond to any button combinations, doesn’t load Recovery, or you get a message This device is locked, the last option is Fastboot reset, which requires a computer and special tools.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged);
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi);
• 📥 Firmware for Redmi Note 4 (version should match the current one on the phone).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down (-) and connect the cable to your computer. The phone must be determined in Fastboot mode.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware (file with the extension.tgz).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory, and there is a risk of locking the bootloader if the phone was previously unlocked. In this case, you will need to re-unblock through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 360 hours).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new.

1. Select a language and region;
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network;
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if the phone was tied);
4. Restore data from a backup (if it was created).

A few tips for optimal setting:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI, If you do not want the phone to download large updates on the mobile network (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update).
• 📴 Set up access rights for applications through Settings → Confidentiality → Permissions to avoid data leaks.
• 🔋 Activate Battery Mode (Settings) → Battery → Battery mode) to increase operating time.

If the phone is running slower than before, check:

• 📊 Free space in memory (Settings) → Memory);
• 🔄 Version MIUI — You may need to upgrade to the latest stable firmware;
• 🛡️ Viruses through Security → Scanning.

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After reset, do not restore data from the backup immediately. First, check the phone in a “clean” state – this will help to determine whether the problems were related to firmware or specific applications / files.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi Note 4, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, try to find a solution by the error code (for example, Error 7 in Recovery usually means firmware incompatibility). For Redmi Note 4, you can download the current firmware on official resources:

• Official MIUI website (select the Redmi Note 4/4X version)
• Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive firmware with version history).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reset