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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but even it eventually begins to slow down, glitches or requires a complete reinstallation of the system. Reset to factory settings helps solve most software problems, from accidental crashes to viruses or the consequences of a failed update.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset — through your phone settings, Recovery mode and Fastboot, and learn how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important files. We will analyze the nuances for different versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware) and give recommendations for recovery after reset. If your Redmi Note 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or just works unstable — this guide is for you.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset removes all data from the smartphone’s internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even some system settings. If you don’t back up in advance, it will be almost impossible to recover information.

Here is what must be done necessarily:

• 📱 Sync your Mi Account, and it saves contacts, notes, and some of your settings in the cloud. You can check sync at Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
• 🖼️ Copy media files to a computer or external drive. Use a wired connection (file transfer mode) or wireless services like Google Photos.
• 📋 Export. SMS and call logs with applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader (if it was done before). After resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, the phone may require re-entering your Mi Account data even if you untied it. If you don't remember the password, resetting through these modes will lead to locking the device.

⚠️ Note: If Redmi Note 4 has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard settings menu can result in a boot cycle.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it requires no additional tools and takes a minimum of time, the instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14 on global and Chinese firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or Device in New Versions).
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset (in some firmware - Additional → Reset settings).
4. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
5. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it. If the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account information but you don't remember it, use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After the reset, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is tied to your Mi Account, and you will need to enter a username / password to continue working. If you do not remember the data, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy it.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi Note 4 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to buttons or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode.This method is also suitable if you have forgotten the pattern lock or unlock password.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up 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 (usually in English or Chinese).

The following steps depend on the type of recovery:

If the phone still doesn’t turn on after reset, try the method via Fastboot or check for hardware malfunctions (such as a charging connector or battery).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most radical method, and it's used if the first two don't work, USB-cables and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for unlocked bootloader or if the phone is fully "bricked".

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (the official tool from Google).
2. Turn off the Redmi Note 4 and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear) - continue. If not, install the drivers manually.
5. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after the restart, the phone requires Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, you will have to use the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool) or contact the service center.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase system or fastboot flash without firmware will cause a complete loss of performance of the device!

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after reset via Fastboot, try flashing it through the Mi Flash Tool with the official firmware, and you can download it at en.miui.com (select the Redmi Note 4 version for the model code: mido for global or nikel for Chinese).

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 will return to the "out of the box" state.

• 📱 Go through the initial setting – select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Google and Mi Account (if required).
• 🔄 Recover data from a backup (if you did it through Mi Cloud or third-party services).
• 🔒 Update the system to the current version MIUI through settings → Update of the PO.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web) if the reset was due to viruses.

If the phone is running slower than before the reset, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – if it is below 20%, the system can artificially limit performance.
• 📉 Background Processes – Open Settings → Annexes → Auto-start and disable unnecessary programs.
• 🗑️ Residual files - sometimes temporary data is left after the reset. → Warehouse → Cleanup.

If you dropped your phone before selling, remember:

1. Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi, social networks).
2. Turn off Find My Device in Google Settings.
3. Delete the data from the memory card (if it was installed).

💡

After resetting via Fastboot or Recovery, the phone may require re-activation. SIM-If you're not reconnecting, check your settings. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you do the right things, there are sometimes problems, and here are the most common ones and the ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone still doesn’t turn on or isn’t working properly, a hardware malfunction could be the cause:

• 🔋 Battery – if it is swollen or does not hold the charge, the phone may turn off during the boot phase.
• 🔌 Display plume / buttons - if damaged, the phone does not respond to presses.
• 🧠 Memory (eMMC) – if it fails, the system cannot boot.

In such cases, it is better to contact the service center. The average cost of diagnosis for Redmi Note 4 is 500-1000 rubles.

How to unlock Redmi Note 4 after resetting if you forget your Mi Account

If after a reset, the phone requires Mi Account details, but you don’t remember them, there are several ways to solve the problem:

1. Restore your password through the official website: Go to the recovery page. Enter your linked email or phone number. Follow the instructions in the email/SMS.
2. Use the Mi Unlock Tool (if the bootloader is unlocked): Download the utility from the official website. Log in to Fastboot on your phone and connect it to your PC. Follow the program instructions (you will need to link a new Mi Account).

⚠️ Note: Do not use "gray" ways to bypass the lock (such as firmware through the lock). EDL This can lead to a complete loss of warranty and unstable phone operation. Official methods are safer, even if they take longer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reset