Hard Reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: 3 ways to reset to factory settings

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, but even it’s not immune to software failures, viruses, or slowdowns. If your device starts to slow down, spontaneously reboot, or locks down after a failed update, hard reset may be the only solution, but it erases all data from the device, so it’s important to understand the nuances of each method.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset: through the settings menu, using physical buttons, and in fastboot mode. We will also discuss how to prepare the phone for the procedure, what errors users most often make, and what to do if the Redmi Note 4 does not respond to commands. For convenience, we add screenshots of key steps, a method comparison table and answers to frequent questions.

What is Hard Reset and When is It Needed?

Hard reset is the complete deletion of all user data and return of the smartphone to factory settings. Unlike soft reset, this process affects system files, cache and installed applications. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, a reset may be required in the following cases:

• 📱 The phone is heavily braked or hangs on the logo MI switch-on.
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or screen unlock password.
• 🦠 The device is infected with a virus that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI There were critical errors.
• 📲 You need to sell or transfer your phone to another user.

It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 4 models with a Helio X20 processor (global version) and the Snapdragon 625 (Chinese version) may have different reset procedures due to different firmware, for example, the Chinese versions may not have a Recovery menu in Russian.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is not solved by more gentle methods:

• 🧹 Cleaning the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Restart in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → long tap on "Switch off").
• 📥 Update MIUI last-minute.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is locked with Mi Account, hard reset will not remove this lock! to unlock you will need to enter your Xiaomi account details after reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Hard reset deletes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photo and video at the gallery.
• 📞 Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music, documents and downloads.
• 📱 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Account Settings.
• 🎮 Game saving and application data.

To minimize losses, follow the following steps:

1. Sync your data with the cloud: Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Cloud and enable sync for contacts, notes, photos. For Google Account: Settings → Accounts → Google → Sync.
2. Copy files on a PC: Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer Mode). Copy DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads), Documents folders.

Save the IMEI.

• Dial *#06# and write down both IMEI numbers – they may be needed to restore the network after a reset.

If your phone is not switched on or locked, try removing the microSD card (if you have one installed) that will not be affected by the reset, and check the battery power: it takes at least 30% to complete the procedure successfully.

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If you plan to sell your phone, after hard reset, format internal memory through Settings → Storage → Clean everything. This will delete residual data that can be recovered by special programs.

Method 1: Hard reset via the settings menu (if the phone is running)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it is only available if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the password/pattern lock.
• 🔋 Battery level above 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Reset and reset (or reset settings).
4. Select Settings Reset (not to be confused with Local Reset, which only deletes some data!).
5. The system will prompt you to enter a password/pattern lock for confirmation.
6. Click Remove everything and wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Once completed, the phone will turn on with factory settings, and you will need to go through the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

Battery charge >30% | Contacts and photo | Important files copied on PC | IMEI recorded (optional) | Password/pattern lock known

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Recovery and reset may be in the About Phone section → Updating the system → Three dots (menu) → Reset. If you don't find an option, search in the settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (volume buttons + power)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔒 Phone locked with password.
• 📱 The device is turned on, but hangs on the logo MI.
• 🎯 We gotta get around the failure. MIUI, off-load.

Instructions for Redmi Note 4:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the volume button (+) and the power button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. In the Recovery menu, the control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).
5. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data on Chinese firmware).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the phone freezes on the logo again after the reboot, repeat the procedure or try Method 3 (via fastboot).

On the Recovery screen, you can see the following items (depending on the MIUI version):

Method 3: Hard reset via fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 📱 The phone does not turn on at all (black screen).
• 🔧 Recovery Menu Unavailable or Damaged.
• 🖥️ You have access to a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fastboot-install).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📥 The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔋 Battery charge >50% (recommended).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download Google's Mi Flash Tool or Platform Tools. Connect the phone turned off to your PC by holding down the volume button (-). Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.

Launch the command line

• Open the Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd).
• Go to the folder from fastboot (for example, cd C:\platform-tools).
• Fastboot devices (should display your phone serial number) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you are selling a phone, don’t restore your accounts – just complete the initial setup and hand over the device to the new owner.

To accelerate the work after discharge:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode) → Developer settings → The scale of animation (off).
• 🔄 Limit background activity: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.
• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions