How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, released in 2017 but still in active use.Over time, any gadget starts to “brake”, give out errors or require complete cleaning before selling.Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods – through phone settings, Recovery mode and Mi Flash Tool (for advanced users), we will discuss when you need a soft reset (without deleting files), when you need a full reset, how to save important data before the procedure and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands, and you will learn why the Redmi Note 4 can freeze after the reset and how to fix it.

If you've never done this kind of manipulation, don't worry. The instructions are written in plain language, with step-by-step photos and warnings of typical errors. FAQ-section with answers to frequent questions, including problems with Mi Account and unlocking the bootloader.

1.When do you need to reset Redmi Note 4 to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but a tool that should only be used in certain cases. Here are 5 signals that your Redmi Note 4 needs a "clean":

• 🐢 Smartphone strongly slows down, applications open for a long time, and animation “suppresses” even after the background processes are closed.
• 🔄 The phone spontaneously reboots, turns off or hangs on the Mi logo.
• 📱 Memory is filled with unknown files, and cleaning the cache and deleting applications does not help.
• 🔒 You have forgotten your pattern lock or password, and you can not unlock the screen in other ways.
• 💰 Planning to sell or transfer your phone to another person – a reset will delete all personal data.

Before you start the procedure, check if a more gentle method will help:

• 🧹 Clean the cache manually through Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (if available).
• 🛠️ Remove unnecessary apps and turn off autoboot via Settings → Battery → Battery management.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is locked through Mi Account (Xiaomi account), a reset without detachment will lead to activation of the protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: In this case, after the reboot, you will need to enter the username and password from the previous account.

2.Resetting preparation: what must be done?

Resetting to factory settings removes all data from the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and even some system settings. Here's a checklist to help avoid losses:

Let's take a closer look at each item:

Data backup

The most reliable way is to copy files to a computer or the cloud.

• 🖥️ Wired connection to the PC via cable USB Type-C (file transfer mode) MTP).
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive, Mi Cloud (if you have a Xiaomi account attached), Yandex Drive.
• 📁 Local copy on SD-map (if installed).

For backup contacts and SMS, use the built-in tools:

1. Open Settings → System and Device → Backup and Reset.
2. Choose Local Backup or Mi Cloud.
3. Check the data for saving (contacts, messages, call log).
4. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed.

2.2. Checking the Mi Account and FRP protection

If you forget the data from the Xiaomi account associated with the phone, the reset will result in a lock due to Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

• 🔑 Make sure to remember the username (email or phone) and password from the Mi Account.
• 📱 Check if your account is linked: Settings → Mi Account.
• 🔄 If your phone is already locked, try resetting your password through the official website.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 with firmware MIUI 10+ After reset, you may need to enter your Mi Account data even if you have disabled protection.This is due to Xiaomi's security policy.If you do not remember the password, contact support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

Battery charge and physical fitness

The reset process can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, and if the battery runs out during the operation, the phone may fail.

• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 50%.
• 🔌 Connect your phone to the charger during the reset (especially if you use Recovery).
• 📶 Turn it off. SIM-map SD-map to avoid accidental formatting.

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If the phone is very warm during operation, before reset, let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

3. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft method)

This is the safest and easiest way to do this if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ You remember the screen unlock password.
• ✅ You need to return the factory settings without deleting files to SD-map.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional Settings (or System and Device in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Click Backup and Reset.
4. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
5. The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 All data (full reset). 📎 Clean internal memory (if you need to delete files).

Confirm the action by entering a password or pattern lock.

Drop it.

Once rebooted, the phone will launch with the original setup wizard, like after you bought it. If you backed up through Mi Cloud, you can restore the data at this point.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting through the settings, debris may remain in the form of temporary files. If the phone continues to brake, repeat the reset via Recovery (method 2).

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Resetting through settings is the safest method, but it won’t help if the phone is locked or not turned on.

Method 2: Recovery Mode Reset (Hard Method)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your password.
• 📵 The smartphone does not turn on or hangs on the Mi logo.
• 🔄 All data must be deleted, including viruses.

To log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4, use the hardware buttons:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the power button at the same time. Volume Up button.

Mi

Recovery

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Volume Up/Down – move, Power – select) can be controlled. The interface can be in Chinese or English – focus on the icons:

For full discharge:

1. Select Wipe Data (or ).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes or.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

The phone will reboot and start setting up from scratch, so if you request Mi Account data after the reset, FRP protection has been activated (see section 6).

5. Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is necessary in extreme cases:

• 💀 Phone "Bricked" (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons).
• 🔧 Refuse the device to another version MIUI.
• 🔒 We need to get past the defense. FRP (If you are a phone owner, there is evidence).

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can permanently shut your phone down.If you're not sure what you're doing, call the service center.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 The original cable. USB Type-C.
• 📁 Firmware for Redmi Note 4 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you are stitching through an informal firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers: Download and install Qualcomm drivers (Redmi Note 4 chipset – Snapdragon 625). Connect the phone off to your PC while holding Volume Down (to go to Fastboot mode).
2. Prepare the firmware: Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi Note 4 (for example, mido_global_images_...). Unblock the file to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_firmware).
3. Sweep your phone: Open the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press Select and point the way to the firmware folder. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (the screen should display the hare in the eardress cap). In the program, press Refresh - should appear. COM-Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock mode. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Warning: If the phone hangs on the Mi logo after you've firmwareed, try: Take it out and put it back in the battery (if it's removable). + Volume Up for 20 seconds for forced reboot. Repeat firmware with Clean all and lock option. If the problem persists, the firmware is not suitable for your model (check out mido for global firmware, nikel for Chinese firmware).

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Firmware running through the Mi Flash Tool is an extreme method. If the phone just slows down, try resetting through Recovery first (mode 2).

6. Post-discharge problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 can be unstable, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure, the reason may be:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery (check battery health through Settings) → Battery → Battery status).
• 📉 Refreshing the old slate (refresh) MIUI through settings → Updating the system).
• 🧩 Application conflict (remove unnecessary programs after data recovery).

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After reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption, which will help restore the correct charge count.

7.How to avoid data loss in the future?

To avoid having to save photos and contacts every time before resetting, set up automatic backup:

• ☁️ Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud. enable sync for Contacts, Messages, Gallery and Notes. Set a free storage limit (5GB) or buy extra space.

We also recommend:

• 📸 Automatic uploading of photos to Google Photos or Yandex Drive.
• 📱 Exports SMS through apps SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Sync games through Google Play Games or accounts in games.

On the Redmi Note 4 with MIUI 12+ firmware, the built-in backup may not save data from some applications (like WhatsApp or Viber).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reset