Redmi 4 smartphones, including the Prime and Pro versions, have proven to be reliable devices, but over time, even the most stable MIUI system can fail. Users often face situations where the gadget starts to run slower, there are unexplained errors in the application or the device simply stops responding to commands.
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely clears the device’s internal memory of user data, returning the software to its original state. This action must be done with caution, since it will be impossible to restore deleted files without a preliminary copy. Our goal is to thoroughly disassemble all available methods for restarting the system for the Xiaomi Redmi 4 model so that you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Before taking action, it is critical to assess the current state of the battery: If the battery charge drops below 30-40% during the formatting process, there is a high risk of damaging system files and turning the phone into a brick.
⚠️ Warning: The complete reset procedure permanently deletes all personal data, including contacts, photos, music and installed apps. Make sure you back up important information in the Mi Cloud cloud storage or on your computer before starting any manipulations.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
The initial phase requires careful attention to detail, because preparation is critical to the success of the entire process. The first step is to unplug the Mi Account if it is activated on the device. Otherwise, after the reboot, the system will require the username and password of the owner, which can become a problem if the data is lost or forgotten.
To disable protection, go to the settings menu and find the account section, where you can exit your Xiaomi profile and your Google account, and this action deactivates the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) feature, which blocks the device when you try to sign in with a new account after a reset.
☑️ Checklist before reset
It is also recommended to remove the microSD card and SIM-The card before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI They usually ask if you need to format an external drive, and physical extraction will ensure that your files are safe on the card, and it will also eliminate the possibility of accidental damage to the memory card file system during system processes.
Reset method through system settings menu
The safest and easiest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 4 back to factory status is to use the built-in operating system functionality, which is suitable for cases where the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you have access to the desktop.
Open the main menu and select Settings. Scroll down to Advanced Settings (in some versions of MIUI it may simply be called “Advanced”). Inside this menu, you need to find the Recovery and Reset option or Backup and Reset option.
On the page that opens, you will be greeted by a Reset button, and by clicking on it, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If you have already prepared a backup, feel free to confirm the action. The phone can request the input of a pattern lock or a screen unlock password to confirm the identity of the owner.
💡
Before resetting via the settings menu, turn off the internet, which will prevent possible synchronization of errors or locks in the last seconds before clearing the memory.
Once confirmed, the smartphone will automatically restart and start the formatting process. The MI logo or progress indicator may be displayed on the screen. Do not touch the device at this point: any attempts to interrupt the process may lead to a software failure. When the procedure is completed, the phone will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Use Recovery Mode for Hard Reset
If the operating system is not booting, the screen is stuck on the logo or the sensor is no longer responding, the only way out is to use Recovery mode, a special diagnostic mode built into the phone's memory regardless of the state of the main operating system, and it is controlled through physical volume and power buttons.
To enter recovery mode, you need to turn the device off completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but continue holding the volume button until the Recovery menu appears.
Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 4 can support touch control or require button navigation. If the sensor is not working, use the volume swing to move the cursor (up/down) and the power button to select the item (analogue of Enter).
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
The system will request confirmation of action, as this is a critical operation. Select Confirm or Yes. Once the cleanup is complete, select Reboot and then Reboot to System. The phone will restart and the initial setup will begin.
Resetting a forgotten password through Google
In situations where access to the phone is limited to a forgotten pattern lock or PIN-It's code, but the device is connected to the Internet, and you can use remote control through your Google account, and this method allows you to reset your settings without physically accessing your phone's menu, but it requires prior authorization on the device.
Go from your computer or other smartphone to android.com/find. Log in to the Google account that was the main one on the blocked Redmi 4. If the device is online and geolocated, you will see it on the map. From the control menu, select the option to Clear the device (Erase Device).
Once the command is sent, the phone will receive a full reset signal, all data will be deleted, including the screen lock password. This method only works if there is an active connection to the network. If the phone was turned off or was in air mode, the command will be executed as soon as it appears on the network.
It's worth noting that after this reset, when you first download it, the phone still needs to enter a password from a Google account to prove ownership, a theft protection mechanism that can't be easily formatted, so knowing the owner's credentials is a must.
Comparison of discharge methods and possible risks
Different ways of returning to factory settings have their own characteristics, benefits and potential risks, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best method for a particular malfunction or task. Below is a comparative table of the main approaches.
| Method | Access to the OS is required | Save files to SD | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings. | Yes. | Yeah (usually) | Low. |
| Through Recovery. | No. | Depends on choice. | Medium |
| Remotely (Google) | No (we need the internet) | No (full reset) | Low. |
| Through the Mi Account. | No (we need the internet) | No. | Medium |
The main risk of using Recovery mode is the human factor: the user can accidentally select the wrong menu item or interrupt the process. Resetting through the settings is more secure, since the system controls the sequence of operations. However, if the system is damaged, this method will not be available.
⚠️ Note: After resetting via Recovery, some users are faced with the requirement to activate a Mi Account that was previously synced. Make sure you remember the password from your Xiaomi account, otherwise unlocking your device may become impossible without contacting the service center with a check to buy.
Solving typical problems after resetting
After the successful completion of the Hard Reset procedure, users may encounter a number of standard situations that are not errors, but normal system behavior. For example, the first download can take much longer than usual - from 5 to 15 minutes.
This is because the system needs to recreate the file structure, check the integrity of the system files, and prepare the environment for the applications to run. At this point, the phone may heat up, which is also the norm due to the processor's active operation. Don't try to restart the device during this period.
💡
The first download after the reset is the most critical moment. Wait for the desktop to appear fully, even if the process seems to be hanging on the logos.
Another common problem is increased battery consumption in the first hours or days after reset, the system is busy indexing files, updating Google services and background loading data, usually after 2-3 days of active use, the power consumption statistics normalize.
If the phone continues to malfunction, reboots cyclically, or doesn't see the network, the problem may go deeper, in which case the system partition may be damaged in previous experiments or hardware malfunction, then simply resetting is not enough, you will need to completely reflash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.