How to reset Xiaomi Mi4 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Why do you need to reset Xiaomi Mi4 and when to do it?

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi4 to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve software problems. This smartphone, released in 2014, is still used by many users, but over the years its firmware can become clogged with unnecessary files, conflicting applications or the consequences of failed updates. Unlike modern models, the Mi4 does not support automatic cache cleaning through MIUI 12+, so manual reset remains the only way to “reanimate” the system.

The main reasons for Hard Reset are:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications are constantly “flying out” or open for a long time.
• 🔄 After updating the firmware, glitches appeared (for example, the camera or Wi-Fi does not work).
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code and Mi Account is not tied.
• 📱 Preparing your device for sale and want to delete all personal data.

However, resetting is not a panacea. If the problem is in hardware (for example, a broken screen, a faulty battery or a burned-out communication module), then going back to factory settings will not help. It is also worth considering that on Mi4 with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the process may differ from the standard one.

Preparing for resetting: what must be done?

Before you drop the Xiaomi Mi4, follow 3 critical steps, otherwise you risk losing important data or facing additional problems:

1. Create a backup. Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → Additionally. → Backups or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud: 📞 Contacts (export to) VCF-file). 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud). 📄 SMS and call logs (applications like SMS Backup & Restore).

Check the battery.

50%

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Find out the MIUI version.

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

Resetting settings

If you reset your device before selling, remember to log out of your Mi Account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign Out). Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the smartphone!

Xiaomi Mi4

Backup contacts and files

Charge the battery to 50%+

Find out the MIUI version

Exit from your Mi Account (if you sell)

Delete SD-card (if any)

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Method 1: Reset via the Settings Menu (Soft Reset)

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from a working system, and it is suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password or pattern lock.
• 🔄 You want to keep the data on the outside SD-map (if it is installed).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Additional section (older versions of MIUI may call All settings).
3. Choose Reset and Reset (or Reset settings).
4. Slip on Reset settings (sometimes the item is called Erase all data).
5. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required).
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the smartphone will turn on with a welcome screen, as after purchase. All applications, accounts and settings will be deleted, but the files will be deleted. SD-The card (if inserted) will remain intact.

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If the smartphone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time after reset, don’t panic – wait 15-20 minutes. If nothing has changed during this time, try method 2 or 3.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

If the Xiaomi Mi4 doesn’t turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn’t respond to touch, you’ll need to use Recovery Mode, also called Hard Reset, as it completely cleans internal memory, including system files.

Instructions for standard recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have custom Recovery installed (such as TWRP), the path will be different:

1. In the TWRP menu, select Wipe.
2. Swipe your finger across the screen for confirmation (or select Format Data).
3. After cleaning, press Reboot System.

If after Hard Reset, the smartphone requires you to enter a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi website (account.xiaomi.com).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 🖥️ You have access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 📦 You need to reflash the smartphone after a failed update.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes fastboot).
2. Turn off the Mi4 and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared image will appear).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device). fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

This method completely erases user data, but saves system files. If you need to reflash your smartphone, after reset, follow the command:

fastboot flash system name file.img

(where the name file.img is the firmware for your model).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if the first two methods fail or you need to restore the firmware.

Table: Comparison of Resetting Methods Xiaomi Mi4

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset of the Xiaomi Mi4, you will need an initial setup:

1. If the smartphone was linked to the account, without logging in, further settings will be blocked.
2. Data recovery: Use a backup (if you made it in advance) or set up your smartphone from scratch.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔋 The smartphone is running out fast. → Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions).

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After reset, it is recommended to update the firmware to the latest available version for Mi4. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Xiaomi Mi4, users often face typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:

⚠️ If you have forgotten your Mi Account password and can’t log in after resetting, don’t try to pick it up at random – after 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

Error 1: The smartphone does not turn on after resetting.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 The battery sat down. → Connect the charger and wait 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Disposal process interrupted → Repeat the procedure through Recovery.
• 📱 Firmware damaged. → Refuse the device via Fastboot.

Mistake 2: After Hard Reset, IMEIs are gone.

This is a rare but critical problem that occurs when you mis-reset through custom Recovery. IMEI:

1. Download the original NVRAM for Mi4 (see forums like 4PDA).
2. You can use the SP Flash Tool or TWRP.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention, wrong recovery IMEI If you're not sure what you're doing, you can call a service center.

Error 3: The sensor does not work after the reset.

Most often, this is a hardware problem (the plume has detached or the display is damaged), but sometimes it helps:

• 🔄 Reset via Fastboot with touch-firmware flashing.
• 🛠️ Sensor calibration (in the engineering menu, code ##3646633##).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions