Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 may become slower over time or may encounter software errors that cannot be fixed by standard cleaning methods. In such situations, a full return to factory settings, known as Hard Reset, becomes the most effective solution.
However, before starting the procedure, it is important to be clear that it will not be possible to recover deleted files without prior backup. Owners should prepare to lose contacts, photos and system settings if they were not stored in the cloud or on an external medium. This article describes in detail all available ways to perform a reset for the Redmi Note 4 model (including versions with Snapdragon and Helio processors).
There are several ways to do this: through the standard menu of the system, through the recovery mode (Recovery Mode) and using the computer. The choice of the particular method depends on whether the device has access to the desktop or is locked. Below we will discuss each of the options in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the MIUI shell.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start taking action, you need to follow a number of preparatory steps that will secure your data and ensure the successful completion of the process. The first thing to do is to back up all important information. In Xiaomi smartphones, you can use the built-in Mi Cloud cloud or third-party services such as Google Drive.
It is also critical to check the battery level: the data partition formatting process can take 5 to 15 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage system files, the charge should be at least 60-70% to ensure stable operation.
⚠️ Note: If the device is installed SIM-Google’s two-factor authorization enabled (FRP), Make sure you remember the password from the account. Once reset, the system will require you to enter data to confirm ownership.
Remember to remove the microSD card if installed. Although modern versions of MIUI usually ask if external memory should be formatted, it is better to be safe so that you do not accidentally lose photos and documents stored on the flash card.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The easiest and safest method is for cases where the smartphone is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you have access to the desktop, which is ideal for selling the device or transferring it to another user, as it cleans all partitions correctly.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. At the bottom of the screen, there will be a Reset button. In some firmware versions, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Advanced Settings → Recover and Reset.
After you go to the reset menu, the system will offer two options: "Clear everything" or "Reset settings (without deleting files)". To completely clean up, choose the first option. The system will warn you about the consequences several times and ask for a screen unlock password or a pattern lock.
- 📱 Click on the “Reset Settings” button in the bottom corner of the screen.
- 🔐 Enter the unlock password or pattern lock if it is installed.
- 🔄 Confirm the action in the pop-up window by tapping “OK».
- ⏳ Wait for the reboot and cleaning process, which will take a few minutes.
Once the procedure is complete, the device will automatically restart, and the first run may take longer than usual, as the system will reinitialize all components, at which point Hard Reset is considered complete.
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Before resetting via the settings menu, turn off the internet.This will help avoid automatically linking to your Google account immediately after rebooting if you plan to reset. FRP-defense.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the system does not boot, the screen does not respond to touch or the smartphone goes into a cyclic reboot, you need to use the recovery mode. On Redmi Note 4, this mode is entered by a combination of hardware buttons.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to hold the volume. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will appear.
Navigation in this menu is done by the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data or Clear Data item. Depending on the version of Recovery, the interface can be in English or Chinese.
| Action. | Control button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Moving on the menu | Volume Up/Down | Selection of the right item |
| Confirmation of choice | Power (Power) | Transition to submenu or start of action |
| Data resetting | Wipe All Data | Complete deletion of user data |
| Reboot. | Reboot | Exit from the recovery regime |
Select Wipe All Data and confirm the action. The system may request additional confirmation via Confirm. Once successful, the message "Data wiped successfully" will appear. Select Reboot to restart.
What to do if you recover in Chinese?
Method 3: Reset a forgotten password via Fastboot and PC
In situations where the unlock password is forgotten and login is not possible, and Recovery requires authorization, you can try using Fastboot mode in conjunction with the computer. USB-cable and installed driver ADB/Fastboot PC-only.
Turn off your smartphone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time, and you'll see a picture of a rabbit fixing an android that says Fastboot, and you'll connect the device to your computer.
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cacheExecuting these command-line (CMD) commands will start the process of clearing data partitions and cache, but it’s worth noting that on newer versions of MIUI with a secure bootloader, this method may not work without unlocking Bootloader.
⚠️ Note: Using Fastboot commands to erase data on devices with a locked bootloader and Find My Device protection enabled can lead to device locking (FRP Use this method only if you understand the risks.
If the commands are successful, the phone will reset and try to reboot. In case of a “device locked” error, the bootloader will need to be officially unlocked via Mi Unlock, which takes 7 to 168 hours of latency.
Solution: Post-Reset Problems (Bootloop and FRP)
After performing the Hard Reset procedure, users sometimes experience a situation where the phone gets stuck on the Mi or Android logo, a phenomenon called Bootloop, most often caused by corrupting system files or failing to update before reset.
In this case, you need to reflash the device using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the official firmware in the Fastboot format. A simple reset via Recovery may not help, since the problem lies deeper than user data.
Another common problem is Google blocking (FRP), where if a Google account was entered on a phone before the reset, the system will require that account to be passwordd after the account is turned on, which is a security mechanism against theft.
- 🔒 FRP It is automatically activated when you have a Google account.
- 📡 A stable internet connection is required to bypass.
- 🛠 The official way to unlock – entering the correct account data.
If you bought the phone with your hands and it is locked, the only legal way is to contact the previous owner to remove the device from their account remotely.
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Bootloop after reset most often indicates damage to the system partition, not user error, and requires flashing through the PC.
Setting up the smartphone after returning to factory parameters
After a successful reset and first boot, you'll see a welcome screen.The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4's initial setup process is standard on the Android platform, but has its own features in the MIUI shell.
The system will offer you to select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network and log into your Mi Account. It is recommended to log in to the same account that was used earlier to automatically restore contacts, notes and schedules from cloud synchronization.
At the security setting stage, the system may suggest setting a new password or fingerprint. Don't ignore this step, as it protects your data in the event of a device loss.
It will take a while to restore the apps, and if you've used Google, when you log in, your phone will suggest you re-establish a list of previously installed programs from the Play Market history, which will greatly speed up the process of returning to the usual use of the gadget.