Xiaomi smartphones are known for their performance, but over time, even the reliable Redmi Note 4 can start to run slower or produce software errors. Often the only effective solution is a complete return to the original state, which allows you to remove accumulated debris and reset system conflicts. This procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely cleans the internal memory of the device.
Before you start any manipulation of the software part of the gadget, you need to understand that you delete absolutely all user data. Once you complete the procedure, it will be impossible to restore photos, contacts and correspondence without a pre-created backup copy. So approach the process consciously and carefully follow each step of the instructions so that you do not turn the work machine into a brick.
There are several ways to do this: through the standard settings menu of the Android operating system or through a special engineering menu Recovery. The choice of method depends on whether the phone has access to the desktop or blocked by a forgotten pattern lock.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Before you start the cleaning process, you need to perform a number of preparatory actions that will protect your data and the gadget itself. 50-60%, As a sudden shutdown during formatting can damage system partitions, it is also recommended to remove the system partitions. SIM-MicroSD card and memory card, unless you plan to format an external drive with your phone.
Make sure to back up your important data using Google’s cloud services or built-in MIUI tools. Move your photos and videos to your computer or cloud storage, and sync your contact list with your account. Remember to write down passwords for important apps, as you’ll have to re-enter them once you reset them.
Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account and Google Account. If you do not untie the devices before resetting, the security system can request a password from these accounts on the first turn on, this is a standard FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security measure designed to protect data in the event of theft.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Make sure you remember the login details to your main Google account. Without that data, login after cleaning will be blocked, and it's almost impossible to circumvent this protection by legal means.
Method 1: Reset via the MIUI settings menu
The simplest and safest method is available if the smartphone screen is touch-sensitive, and you can unlock the device, which is ideal for selling the phone or transferring it to another user, because it correctly completes all system processes before cleaning. You don't need additional buttons or a computer.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom of the list. Find About and click on your phone. From the menu that opens, select Reset option, which is usually located at the bottom of the list. The system will alert you to the consequences of the operation.
You'll see a choice of cleaning type on the screen, you'll be interested in the Wipe All Data button, and you'll see the final warning that all files will be deleted, you'll confirm the action by entering the unlock password if you have it installed, and the device will reboot and start the cleanup process, which can take 5 to 15 minutes.
What to do if the menu does not open?
Once the procedure is complete, the phone will turn on as new, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. All your applications will be removed, and only standard system shortcuts will remain on the desktop, which corresponds to the moment the smartphone is removed from the box in the store.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the operating system is not booting, it's stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten the pattern lock, you'll have to use Recovery mode, which works at the low-level software level and allows you to clean the phone even when the Android interface is broken, and you use physical buttons on the case to enter this mode.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume down until the Recovery menu appears. In this menu, the touch screen does not work, the navigation is done with the volume buttons, and the choice is with the power button.
In the main menu, select English (if available) or use icons. Find Wipe Data and click the power button to confirm. Then select Wipe All Data. The system will again request confirmation — select Confirm. The formatting process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed as a percentage.
⚠️ Note: In Recovery mode, navigation may not be obvious. If after choosing Wipe Data, the phone rebooted in normal mode, then you chose Reboot instead of Confirm.
When you finish cleaning, you'll see the message "Data wiped successfully" on the screen. Press Back to Main Menu, then select Reboot and Reboot to System. The first download after the reset usually lasts longer than usual, up to 10 minutes, as the system needs to re-index the files and adjust the settings.
Comparison of data dumping methods
Both of these methods have the same effect of clearing the user's memory, but there are technical differences that can be important in certain situations, and understanding these nuances will help you choose the best option for your case.
The method through settings is "soft" since the system itself closes applications and saves configuration files before being deleted.The method through Recovery is more "aggressive" and is often used to correct boot errors when the system cannot run regular cleanup scripts.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Through Mi Cloud (remotely) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the desktop | Required. | Not required | Not required (we need the internet) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Minimum |
| Implementation time | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 minutes | Depends on the link. |
Remote reset via Mi Cloud is only possible if the device is synced and has access to the Internet. This option is convenient when losing your phone, but for a planned reset before selling, it is better to use local methods described above.
Recovery of accounts after cleaning
Once the smartphone reboots and the welcome screen prompts you to choose a language, the initial setup process begins. At this stage, it is critical to have data from your Google account on hand.FRP security will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was synced to the device before the reset.
If you don't remember the password, it takes time to recover access through the Google password reset procedure on another device. Don't try to guess the password repeatedly in a row - the account may be temporarily blocked by the security system. Enter data carefully by checking the keyboard layout and the letter register.
Once you've logged in successfully, the phone will offer to restore your backup. If you've created a backup before, select it from a list. This will return contacts, call history, Wi-Fi settings, and a list of installed applications. The recovery process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet connection.
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Use a stable Wi-Fi connection to recover data, as mobile traffic can run out quickly and download speeds will be slow.
Be sure to also log in to your Mi Account if you have used Xiaomi cloud services, which will allow you to recover notes, voice recordings and other data specific to the MIUI shell. Without this step, some information may not be available.
Solving problems in discharge
Sometimes the cleaning process can run into technical difficulties, such as the phone can freeze during the formatting phase or go into an endless reboot, in which case you should not panic, since most problems are solved by repeating the procedure or waiting.
If the reset through the menu is not complete, try the Recovery method. If Recovery also produces an error or a reboot cycle, the system partition may be damaged, in which case you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the official firmware.
⚠️ Note: If after a reset, the phone requires a password from an account that does not belong to you (for example, the previous owner), it is impossible to unlock it legally without the owner's data.
In rare cases, the touch screen may not work properly immediately after reset due to calibration. Give the device 10-15 minutes at rest after the first boot so that the drivers stabilize. If the problem persists, check for system updates in the settings menu.
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If standard methods do not help and the phone goes into a cyclic restart (bootloop), the only solution is to flash it over the PC.