Xiaomi Mi 4 is a legendary smartphone from 2014, which is still used by many users. However, over the years, the device can start to slow down, give out errors or even lock down because of a forgotten password. In such cases, a factory reset helps. But how do you do it right, not to turn the phone into a brick?
In this article, you will find three proven reset methods – through settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and also understand what to do if the Mi 4 does not turn on or asks for a Mi Account after the reset. All instructions are relevant for the original and global firmware, including versions based on MIUI 5/6/7.
Before you start, consider: Reset deletes all data — contacts, photos, messages and apps. If the phone is still working, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup.
1. Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)
It's the easiest way, but it's only available if you remember the unlock password and you can log in, and it's suitable for eliminating lags, cleaning up memory, or getting your phone ready for sale.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- 🔧 Go to the section Additional → Recovery and reset (on some firmwares the path may be different: System) → Resetting settings).
- 🔄 Select Resetting (or Erase All Data).
- 🔐 Enter your password/pattern lock if required.
- ✅ Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.
The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and then the Mi 4 will turn on with the factory settings, as after purchase.
- Battery charge > 50%
Important data copied to PC/cloud
Deleted Google/Mi accounts (if you plan to sell)
- Two-factor authentication in Mi Account is disabled-->
⚠️ Note: If the device protection function is enabled on the phone (in some firmware), after reset, you may need to enter the username and password from the Mi Account, which was previously associated!
2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on or freezes)
If the Xiaomi Mi 4 does not respond to clicks, is constantly rebooted or locked with a password, resetting via Recovery will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires accuracy - wrong actions can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems.
How to get in to Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press the Volume Up (+) and Power button at the same time.
- Hold them for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
The Recovery menu on the Mi 4 uses touch control (on some firmware - volume buttons for navigation and power to select).
- 🌐 Choose a language (usually English or English ).
- 🧹 Find the Wipe Data item (or in the Chinese version).
- 🔄 Select Wipe All Data (complete reset).
- ✅ Confirm the action by pressing Confirm.
After the process is completed (5-15 minutes), the phone will automatically restart. If this does not happen, select Reboot → Reboot to System.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery won't open | Recovery section damaged | Switch Recovery to Fastboot or use MiFlash |
| Discharge interrupted by 50% | The file system is damaged. | Repeat reset or flash your phone through Fastboot |
| After reset, asks for Mi Account | Mi Account was previously linked | Enter your account details or contact Xiaomi for support |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Wrong firmware or failure | Sweep the original firmware through MiFlash |
3. Reset via Fastboot (for power users)
The Fastboot method is the most radical and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and MiFlash software.
- 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing.
- 📱 The phone does not respond to any combination of buttons.
- 🔄 You need to flash a clean firmware (for example, after a failed update).
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the official firmware for Mi 4 (select the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi4_Fastboot).
- Install Xiaomi drivers and MiFlash (you can download here).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
- Connect the Mi 4 to your computer via USB.
- Open MiFlash, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
- Press Flash and wait for the process to end (10-20 minutes).
Important: When you run through Fastboot, all data is permanently deleted, including IMEI and communication module settings. If the phone does not catch the network after the procedure, you will need to restore the IMEI through the engineering menu (command # #4636##).
Through settings
Through Recovery.
Through Fastboot.
I haven't tried it yet.-->
4.What to do if after the reset requests the account Mi?
One of the most common problems after a Xiaomi Mi 4 reset is requesting a username and password from Mi Account, which is a theft protection that is activated if:
- 🔒 My phone had a Mi Account tied up.
- 📱 Find Device (Device Search) enabled).
- 🔄 Resets are done via Recovery or Fastboot.
Decisions:
- Enter the account that was linked to the phone, and if you forgot your password, restore it to the Mi Account website.
- If your account is not yours (the phone is bought by hand), try contacting the previous owner. Without his data, it is officially impossible to unlock the phone.
- Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) sometimes they unblock after checking.
⚠️ Note: Do not use “circumvent” methods with modified Recovery firmware or deletion of files through ADB! This can lead to total loss. IMEI On the Mi 4 with current firmware, these methods do not work.
💡
If you buy a Xiaomi Mi 4 hand-held, always ask the previous owner to untie the Mi Account and make a reset with you. this will save you from unlocking problems in the future.
5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4, users often face typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Cleaning process interrupted or firmware damaged | Do not turn off the power during reset, use the original charger |
| Loss of IMEI | Wrong firmware through Fastboot | Use only official firmware for Mi 4 (codename cancro) |
| Cyclical reboot (bootloop) | Firmware conflict or damaged boot-partition | Swipe your phone through MiFlash with Clean All tick |
| The sensor does not work after resetting | The touchscreen driver is damaged. | Sweep through the original firmware or update through Updater |
If after reset, the phone behaves unstable (spontaneously reboots, does not see). SIM-map, try it out:
- 🔄 Reset your settings again via Recovery.
- 📥 Sweep the latest official firmware through MiFlash.
- 🔧 Check the integrity of the connectors (possibly a problem in the hardware part).
6. Alternative ways of unlocking
If a standard reset doesn't work (for example, a phone is locked after a failed firmware), alternative methods can be tried, but remember: they require technical skills and can void the warranty.
Method 1: Unlock the loader
On Mi 4, the bootloader is locked by default. To flash custom Recovery (like TWRP), you need to:
- Apply for unblocking through the Mi Unlock website.
- Connect your phone to Fastboot and wait SMS-Xiaomi’s consent (can take up to 72 hours).
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock.
Method 2: Firmware through EDL (Emergency mode)
If the phone doesn't even respond to Fastboot, it's still running through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and you'll need to:
- 🖥️ Computer with MiFlash and firmware for Mi 4.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
- 🔧 Short test points on the board (requires disassembly of the phone).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL If you're not sure about your abilities, you can call the service center.
💡
On the Xiaomi Mi 4, a reset via Fastboot or EDL should only be done as a last resort. 90% of the time, a reset via Recovery or the settings menu is enough.