How to make a hard reset on Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: all working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give out errors or even lock down because of a forgotten password.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to reset for the Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw), including methods through Recovery, Fastboot and even without access to the screen. We will also discuss how to avoid the typical errors that can turn your phone into a “brick”, and what to do if the reset does not help.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset is a forced reset of all device data to factory settings, and unlike a normal reset via the settings menu, it runs at the hardware level and works even if:

• 🔒 You forgot the pattern lock, PIN-code
• 🐢 The phone is slowing down or constantly restarting.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch (but the device is switched on)
• 🤖 Incorrect firmware is installed or a software conflict has arisen
• 🚨 Critical system errors (e.g. com.android.phone)

On the Redmi 4 Pro, hard reset can be done in three main ways: through Recovery (the easiest), through Fastboot (if Recovery is not available), and using the Mi Flash Tool (for flashing).

• 📁 All user data (photos, videos, music)
• 📱 Installed applications and their settings
• 📞 Contact and SMS (If not synchronized with your account Google/Mi)
• 🔧 All changes in system parameters (root, custom cores, etc.)

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi 4 Pro with a locked bootloader, a reset via Fastboot or firmware will require pre-unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Without this, the device will not accept commands and can go into mode EDL (emergency loading), which will require service intervention.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start a hard reset, follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss and problems restoring the device.

1. Back up your data. Even if your phone is locked, some data can be saved:

• 🖥️ Connect the device to the PC and try to copy files through MTP (if unblocking is not required)
• ☁️ Check if sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account is enabled (contacts, notes, photos)
• 📱 Use it. ADB backup (if debugging is enabled) USB): adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

2. Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, this can lead to:

• 🔋 Loss of the opportunity to boot into Recovery
• 🛠️ Needs to be scalable through EDL (Requires an authorized Xiaomi account)
• 💀 Total loss of data without recovery

3. Find out the firmware version. This will help you choose the correct reset method: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If access to the menu is blocked, the version can be found through Fastboot:

fastboot getvar product # Must return "markw"


fastboot getvar version-bootloader

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 Pro with older firmware MIUI 10 may require you to link your Mi Account before unlocking the bootloader.If you don't remember your account details, a Fastboot reset will not be possible without an official unlocker.

Backup important data|Charge the phone to 50%+|Get a version. MIUI|Download Mi Unlock Tool (if you need Fastboot)|Prepare. USB-cable (original!)

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Method 1: Hard Recovery (the easiest method)

This method works if you have access to the Recovery menu, even if the phone is locked with a password.Redmi 4 Pro uses stock or custom recovery (e.g., stock recovery, TWRP).

Steps for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power 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 see the Recovery menu (in Chinese or English).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset)
6. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (1-2 minutes).
7. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If a TWRP is installed:

• 🔧 Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe
• 📋 Check Dalvik, Cache, Data, System (if you need a full reset)
• 🔄 Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe)
• 🔄 After completion, press Reboot System.

What if Recovery does not start?

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (low-quality cables can block buttons)
• 🔋 Charge the phone. 10-15 minutes, even if it's off.
• 🛠️ If after resetting the phone is stuck on the logo - reflash through Fastboot (see the next section)

Method 2: Hard Recovers via Fastboot (if Recovery is not available)

If the Recovery menu doesn't open or the phone is stuck on the logo, you can reset via Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot and unlocked loader.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Food before the appearance of the screensaver Fastboot (robot with an inscription on the stomach).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the loader is locked:

• 🔓 Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
• 📱 Sign in to the Mi Account linked to the phone.
• 🔗 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions (unlocking takes up to 720 hours on new accounts!).
• 🔄 After unlocking, repeat reset commands.

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4 Pro with firmware newer MIUI 11 the fastboot erase userdata may not work due to anti-rollback protection, in which case you will need a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

💡

If an error occurs after the fastboot erase userdata command FAILED (remote: 'This device is locked', which means bootloader is locked. Use Mi Unlock Tool or run your phone through the phone EDL (Requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Method 3: Complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool (extremely)

If the first two methods did not work, the last option is a complete flashing of the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

• 📱 The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo
• 🔒 Forgot the password, FRP-locking does not allow you to enter the system
• 🤖 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update)

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important!)
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (code markw) from the site MIUI Downloads
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the archive with firmware (should be an image.tar file or a folder with.img files).
3. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power).
4. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
6. Select the firmware method: Clean all – complete reset with all data deleted (recommended) Clean all and lock – same + Locking Save user data bootloader – firmware without data loss (not always working)

Flash

After successful firmware, the phone will restart automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option will block the bootloader. If you plan to install custom firmware, choose Clean all without locking.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on or hangs on the Mi logo after firmware, try flashing it again with the Clean all option. If it doesn't help, you'll need firmware through the phone. EDL (Requires authorization from Xiaomi).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, there can be problems. Let’s look at the most common errors on the Redmi 4 Pro and how to fix them.

1. "This device is locked" error in Fastboot

❌ Reason: The bootloader is locked and you try to execute commands that require unlocking.

✅ Decision:

• Use the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
• If the Mi Account is not tied, create a new one and attach the device (takes up). 7-15 days).
• In the extreme, run the phone through EDL (requires authorization).

2. the telephone shall not be switched on after discharge

❌ Reason: Firmware or incompatible version is damaged MIUI.

✅ Decision:

• Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
• Check firmware compatibility (for markw only the firmware with markw code is suitable).
• If the phone is not responding, try to pinch the power supply. + Volume up on 20-30 seconds (hardware discharge).

3.After reset, asks for the old password (FRP)

❌ Reason: Factory Reset Protection is included (FRP).

✅ Decision:

• Enter the details of the last Google account.
• If you don’t remember, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with a shutdown. FRP (use a marked firmware no_verify).
• To get around FRP can be used ADB (requires debugging USB): adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1

4. "Anti-rollback check fail" error when firmware

❌ Reason: You are trying to flash an older version MIUI, than the one now installed.

✅ Decision:

• Download the firmware of the new version (check the release date).
• Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
• If the error remains, then pass through EDL (requires authorization).

How to recover data after a hard reset

If you haven’t made a backup in advance, the chances of recovering data depend on what type of reset was performed:

1. Restoration through Google Account:

• ☁️ Contacts, calendar and certain settings are automatically restored when you first log in to your Google account.
• 📷 Photos and videos can be returned from Google Photos (if sync is enabled).

2. Recovery via Mi Cloud:

• 📱 Go to Mi Cloud and check available backups.
• 🔄 On your phone, when you first start, select Restore from Mi Cloud.

3. Recover deleted files (unless data is overwritten):

If after the reset you did not write new data to the phone, you can try to restore files using the following programs:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Android)
• 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver (for PC)
• 🖥️ Recuva (if you connect the memory as a disk)

⚠️ Important: The less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of recovery.Do not install new apps or copy files!

4. Recovery IMEI (if it's gone after the firmware):

On Redmi 4 Pro after incorrect firmware can reset IMEI. To restore:

• 📱 Install MobileUncle Tools from Play Market.
• 🔢 Enter the engineering code: ##3646633##
• 📡 Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
• 📝 Enter commands (replace) XXXX yours IMEI): AT +EGMR=1,7,"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX" AT +EGMR=1,10,"XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions