Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi 4: All ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2016-2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used, but over time it can start to slow down, give out errors or even lock down due to a forgotten password.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset for Redmi 4 (including modifications 4X, 4A and 4 Pro), and also explain how to avoid the typical errors that can turn a phone into a “brick”.

Warning: Hard Reset deletes all data from internal memory (photos, contacts, messages, apps). If the phone is still working, back up first. If not, read on to bring the device back to life.

What is Hard Reset and When You Need It

Hard reset is a complete reset of a smartphone to factory settings, removing all user data. Unlike reset software, it affects system files and can solve problems that are not fixed by conventional methods.

The main reasons why Redmi 4 owners need a hard reset are:

• 🔒 A forgotten pattern lock, PIN Password – if you have entered the wrong code several times, your phone is locked.
• 🐢 Strong brakes and lags – the device works slowly even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot – the smartphone is constantly turned on and off, not loading until the end.
• 📱 Hanging on the Mi logo – the phone does not pass the boot stage of the system.
• 🦠 Viruses or Malware – If the antivirus doesn’t work, the reset will delete all suspicious files.
• 🔧 Preparing for the sale – so that the new owner does not get access to your data.

It is important to understand that hard reset does not always solve hardware problems (for example, battery failure or damage to the motherboard). If after reset problems remain, it may be due to hardware, and you need repairs.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start a hard reset, follow a few important steps to avoid data loss and problems in the process:

1. Check the battery power - the level should be at least 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage the firmware.
2. Backup – If the device is still working, copy important files to your computer or cloud.
3. Find out the MIUI version – this will help you choose the right reset method (for example, for older versions, a reset via Settings may not work).
4. Prepare your cable and computer if you need to reset via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

If you have forgotten your password and can’t unlock your phone for backup, try connecting it to your computer in MTP mode (if it’s still defined as a drive), which in some cases allows you to copy some files.

Battery level of charge ≥ 50%|Created a backup copy of important data|Extracted. SIM-card and memory card (if any)|The phone model (Redmi) has been tested 4/4X/4A/Pro)|Cable's ready. USB and computer (in case of reset via Fastboot)-->

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

This is the easiest and safest method, but it is only available if you can unlock your phone and go to Settings.

Instructions for MIUI 8-14 (depending on the firmware version, the path may vary slightly):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section (or additionally → About Phone).
3. Tap a few times on the MIUI version until you become a developer! (this unlocks hidden settings).
4. Return to the main Settings menu and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
5. Click Reset Settings (or Delete all data).
6. Confirm the action by entering a password (if required), and wait for the process to be completed.

The phone will automatically reboot and start the reset process, which will take 5-10 minutes, and then you will get a clean device, just like after you buy it.

Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

If Redmi 4 doesn’t respond to clicks, freezes on the logo, or you forget your password, the only way out is to reset through Recovery Mode, which works even if the system doesn’t boot.

Step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: For Redmi 4/4X/4A: Volume up + Power. For Redmi 4 Pro: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

Choose a language

Wipe Data

Confirm the reset

Wipe All Data

Wait for completion

Reboot

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the buttons:

• 🔘 The first button on top is Wipe Data (reset).
• 🔘 The second button is Reboot (reboot).
• 🔘 Third button - Connect with MiAssistant (not needed for reset).

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If the phone doesn't respond to the button combination, try plugging it into charging for 10 to 15 minutes, and then try again. Sometimes, a dead battery blocks the Recovery entrance.

Method 3: Fastboot reset (if Recovery doesn't work)

In rare cases, the Recovery menu may be damaged or missing (for example, after a failed firmware), then the only way out is to reset via Fastboot mode using the computer.

You'll need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better than the one that came with the kit).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
• 📱 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (to work with ADB and Fastboot). Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power on the device off). In Device Manager, check that Redmi 4 is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

Launch the Mi Flash Tool

• Unpack the archive with the program and open MiFlash.exe.
• Click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder (it should be in.tgz or.zip format).
• Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
• Wait until it's done, it takes 5-15 minutes, and then the phone automatically restarts.

⚠️ Attention! If after a reset the phone requires you to enter a Mi Account that you do not remember, do not try to bypass the lock yourself.This can lead to permanent locking of the device.

If you are selling a phone, don’t forget:

• 📱 Unlock Mi Account in Account Settings.
• 🔄 Get out of all the associated services (Google, social networks).
• 🗑️ Delete everything SIM-memory-cards.

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After a hard reset, be sure to update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. This will fix possible errors and improve performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about hard reset on Redmi 4