How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4A to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4A to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the phone for sale to fixing software failures. This budget smartphone, released in 2016, is still popular due to its reliability and simplicity. However, over time, even it can start to slow down, emit errors or simply “clog” with unnecessary files, in which cases, a hard reset becomes the most effective solution.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resetting will delete all the data from the device -- photos, contacts, messages, installed apps. If you don't back up, it's almost impossible to recover information. In addition, there are several ways to reset the Redmi 4A, and the choice depends on whether the phone works, whether you remember the password from your Mi Account and whether you are ready to use the computer. In this article, we'll discuss all the current methods, their pros and cons, and also give tips on how to avoid typical errors.

If your Redmi 4A is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to clicks, or requires a password from the previous owner, don't panic. Even in such cases, a reset is possible, but it will take a little more effort. The main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps. Let's start with the easiest way that will suit most users.

1. Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the safest and easiest way, and it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's suitable if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code
• 📁 You want to save data on a memory card (it can be removed before resetting)

To perform a reset via the menu, follow the steps:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. If necessary, enter the password from the Mi Account or a pattern lock.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase Everything.

It takes 5-10 minutes to complete the process, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set it up as new, and if you have a "failed to reset" error at this point, try the alternative methods described below.

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%|Make a backup copy of important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Remove the memory card (if you need to save files)-->

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't respond)

If Redmi 4A doesn’t turn on, is getting stuck on the screensaver or locked with a password you don’t remember, Recovery mode will help.This method doesn’t require a computer, but has nuances:

• ⚠️ After the reset, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account tied to the device.
• 🔧 On some firmware, the Recovery menu items may differ.
• 📵 Memory map and SIM-The card is not affected, but the internal memory is cleared.

Instructions for entering and resetting Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it doesn’t respond).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. From the Recovery menu, select the language (usually English or Chinese).
5. Move through the menu with volume buttons, confirm the choice of the power button.
6. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you reset your phone and you don't remember it, you'll have to use the Fastboot method (described below) or go to a service center, which is the theft protection that Xiaomi has introduced on all devices with MIUI 8 and later.

3. Reset via Fastboot (advanced method)

This method is suitable for experienced users or when:

• 🔒 Phone is blocked by Mi Account and you don’t remember the data.
• 💻 You have a computer with drivers installed. ADB/Fastboot.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device or eliminate serious software failures.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

1. Install Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot) on PC.
2. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4A (select the Fastboot version).
3. Connect the phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clamp Power + Volume Reduction when the phone is off).

Follow the commands in the terminal (Windows or Terminal command line on macOS/Linux):

fastboot oem edl # Translation to EDL mode (if you need firmware)


fastboot flashing unlock # Unlock bootloader (requires confirmation on the phone)




fastboot erase userdata # Clearing up user data




fastboot erase cache #Cache cleaning




fastboot reboot #Reboot

Attention! Fastboot flashing unlock will reset all data and can lock the device for 72 hours if the Mi Account was not untied in advance, a method recommended only in extreme cases.

Yes, via the settings menu | Yes, via Recovery | Yes, via Fastboot/EDL | No, never | I don't remember-->

4.What to do after reset: initial setup

After a successful reset, Redmi 4A will offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase.

• 🌍 Language and Region Choice: Install Russian and Russia for proper service operation.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Connection: Without the Internet, you can not log in to Mi Account or download updates.
• 🔑 Sign in to Mi: If your phone was linked to your account, enter the same information. If you forgot your password, restore it at account.xiaomi.com.
• ☁️ Restore from backup: If you did backup through Mi Cloud, you can restore contacts and some settings.

If your phone is running slower than before, check:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Turn off animation in Settings → Additional settings → Special. features → Remove animation.
3. Install a lightweight launcher, such as Nova Launcher, if the standard interface is slowing down.

💡

If the IMEI is missing after the reset, try to restore it through the engineering menu. Enter the dial ##4636##, select Phone Information and check the IMEI status. If it is missing, you will need firmware via Fastboot.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you reset Redmi 4A, users often face preventable problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ If you're buying a Redmi, 4A hand, always ask the seller to reset with you and untie the device from your Mi Account. Otherwise, the phone may be locked after flashing.

Another common problem is that you lose root rights after you reset, and if you've previously gotten root access through Magisk or SuperSU, you'll have to re-install it.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Try custom Recovery (such as TWRP).
3. Install. ZIP-File from Magisk via Recovery.

6. Alternative cleaning methods (without complete reset)

If you don’t need a full reset, but just want to make room or speed up your phone, try these methods:

Cleaning the app cache:

Go to Settings → Apps, select any app and click Clear cache. For bulk cleaning, use Settings → Storage → Clean.

Disconnection of unnecessary services:

• 📴 Turn off auto-launch applications in Settings → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🔄 Limit background activity in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
• 📡 Turn off syncing of unnecessary accounts (Google, Mi Cloud) in Settings → Accounts.

Resetting network settings:

If the problem is only with Wi-Fi or mobile internet, reset your network settings in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. This will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi, but will not affect personal data.

💡

Before any reset, check if the phone is tied to the Mi Account. If so, make sure you remember the username and password, otherwise you risk getting a brick.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4A