How to make a complete reset of Xiaomi Redmi 4: 3 working methods (2026)

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4 to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from preparation for sale to fix critical failures. However, not all users know that a full reset (also known as hard reset) removes not only applications and settings, but also all the data in internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages. If you did not back up in advance, it will be extremely difficult to recover information after the reset – especially on devices with FBE encryption (File-Based Encryption), which is activated by default in new versions of MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss the three official ways to reset Redmi 4 (including the Redmi 4A, Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4 Prime models), as well as how to bypass the locking of Mi Account after the procedure. We will pay special attention to the hidden nuances: why the phone can not turn on after reset via Recovery, how to avoid the “No command” error and what to do if the smartphone is getting stuck on the Mi logo. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware and newer, but also suitable for older versions (provided by unlocking the bootloader).

Before you start, answer the key question: Why do you need a reset? If the goal is to speed up your phone, maybe it's enough to clear the cache or roll back the update. If the device is locked, sold or "glued" after the firmware, a full reset is the only solution. But remember: on Redmi 4 with a locked bootloader, some methods may not work without first unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure

Even if you're sure there's no data on the phone, check again.

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📞 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Cloud
• 💬 Communications in SMS Messengers (including WhatsApp history if no backup is made)
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and accounts in apps

Redmi 4 with MIUI 10 and later has a built-in backup feature to take advantage of:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select the data to save (we recommend that you mark everything except System Settings – they will reset anyway).
3. Click on “Create backup” and wait until it is completed (it can take 10–30 minutes).

The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory, and then you can copy it to your computer or cloud, and it will disappear after the reset.

Attention! If the device protection function is activated on the phone (in Settings → Lock and Protection → Device protection), after reset, you will need to enter the password from the Mi Account. Without it, you will not be able to unlock Redmi 4!

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If you forget your Mi Account password, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com before the reset, and after the procedure, access to the recovery can be limited to 72 hours.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest way)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage is the minimum risk of "bricking" the device.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the About Phone section. → Backup and reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. Read the warning and click Delete Everything.
5. If you ask for a password, enter it. PIN-lock-code.
6. Confirm the action by pressing OK or Reset.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

What if the reset freezes? If you press "Delete All" the phone doesn't respond for more than 15 minutes:

• 🔄 Force it to restart by pressing the Power button for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔌 If it doesn’t help, connect to the charger and try again.
• ⚠️ If the phone does not turn on after restarting, go to the method via Recovery.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (for locked phones)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code;
• 🐌 The phone is slow and does not respond to touch;
• 📱 The screen is not working (but the device is switched on).

Redmi 4 uses Xiaomi's stock Recovery, which supports Russian, to get into it:

1. Turn off the phone (clip Power + Volume up for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the buttons: Power + Volume Up Hold until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the menu, select the language (move with volume arrows, confirm the Nutrition button).
4. Select Wipe Data (or Delete Data in Russian).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
6. Once completed, select Reboot (or Reboot).

If you select Wipe Data and you have a "No command" error or your phone is rebooted to normal mode, you will:

• 🔧 You have customized recovery (for example) installed, TWRP), And you need to use another method.
• 🔄 Try repeating the steps by holding the buttons for longer (up to 20 seconds).
• 📱 If nothing helps, go to the method via Fastboot.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, but it's the most reliable if other methods have not worked.

• 🚨 Hanging on the Mi logo;
• 🔄 Cyclical reboot;
• 📵 Total inoperability of the screen.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux driverless ADB/Fastboot);
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original);
• 🛠️ Google's Platform Tools utility;
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, read the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the platform-tools in a folder on your computer.
2. Turn off Redmi 4 and press: Power + Volume down Hold until the screen with the rabbit in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. Open the command prompt in the folder with platform-tools (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Important! If the phone doesn't turn on after the fastboot reboot command or it's stuck on the logo, it's got custom firmware installed on it, and you'll need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Reset via Fastboot does not remove the firmware, but erases all user data.If the phone has been encrypted (FBE), a password may be required after the reboot.

5.How to unlock a bootloader on Redmi 4 to reset via Fastboot

If you try to reset via Fastboot you see an error:

FAILED (remote:'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')

So the bootloader is locked, so you can unlock it.

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to it under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
3. Connect Redmi 4 in Fastboot mode (as in the previous method).
4. In the utility, click Unlock and wait until the end (can take up to 72 hours if the account is new).

⚠️ Attention, after unlocking the bootloader:

• 🔄 The phone will be dropped automatically;
• 🛡️ The warranty (if any) is cancelled;
• 📱 Some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

6. Frequent errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, Redmi 4 may not behave properly.

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Correct installation SIM (Redmi 4 supports nano-SIM);
• 🔧 Network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks;
• 📡 IMEI (If you reset, restore it through Engineer Mode).

7.How to recover data after reset (if there was no backup)

If you haven't backed up, the chances of recovering the data are minimal, but there are.

Method 1: Recovery programs

Connect Redmi 4 to your computer and use utilities like:

• 🖥️ EaseUS MobiSaver (for photos and videos);
• 📱 Dr.Fone (for messages and contacts).

Efficiency: ~30-50% (depending on whether the data was overwritten after resetting).

Method 2: Recovery through Mi Cloud

If you have synced with Mi Cloud on your phone:

1. Sign in to i.mi.com.
2. Go to the Devices section → [Your Redmi 4] → Backup copies.
3. Download the latest backup (if any).

⚠️ Attention! If you've used your phone since reset (installing apps, taking photos), the chances of recovering old data are near zero.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions