How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi 4: a complete guide with photos

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can lead to a Mi Account lock, data loss or even a “brickle” smartphone. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), explain how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for safe preparation.

Redmi 4 (codename prada) features two firmware versions: global (Global) and Chinese (China), which determines the availability of certain menu items and the requirements for the Mi Account. For example, on Chinese versions without a linked account, a reset via Recovery can result in an error This device is locked. We took into account all the nuances and prepared universal instructions.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you reset Redmi 4, follow the mandatory steps to avoid data loss and device lock. On Chinese versions of MIUI without a tied Mi Account, a reset via Recovery will result in a username/password requirement after the reboot - even if you haven't used it!

Here's what you need to check:

• 📱 Save important data: contacts (export to Google Account), photos/video (copy to PC or cloud), SMS (Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore: Internal memory will be completely cleared!
• 🔒 Check the status of your Mi Account: if your phone is linked to your account, remember your login and password, which will be required after you reset. → Mi Account.
• 🔋 Battery charge: must be at least 50%.When reset via Recovery or Fastboot, discharging during the process can result in loss of IMEI or damage to the system partition.
• 📡 Turn off Google. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: If a Google account has been set up on your phone, after a reset, the system may require you to enter your account details. → Accounts. → Google.

If you drop your phone before selling, we recommend you to:

• 📲 Get out. SIM-card and memory card - they are not affected by the reset, but it is better to be safe.
• 🔄 Disable "Find Device" in the Mi Account settings (if the feature has been activated).

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If you forget the password from your Mi Account, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. After resetting, you will only have 3 attempts to enter - then the phone will be locked for 24 hours.

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

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you have access to the menu, and you remember the pattern lock./PIN-The advantage of the method is the minimum risk of errors and the preservation of unlocking the bootloader (if it was performed earlier).

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Additional → Recovery and Reset (on some versions of MIUI, the path may be different: Settings → About Phone → Resetting).
3. Select Reset (or Erase All Data).
4. If required, enter a password/pattern lock.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Remove Everything).
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Once the phone is rebooted, it will suggest you set it up as new, and if you previously had a Mi Account attached, you will need to enter your username and password.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting through the settings, garbage may remain in the section /data, This will lead to slow operation, in which case it is recommended to repeat the reset via Recovery. 2).

Method 2: Recovery reset (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

This method is used when:

• 🔐 The phone is locked with a pattern lock/PIN-code, and you forgot it.
• 🚫 The device does not boot (hangs on the Mi logo or cyclically reboots).
• 🔄 You need to clear the cache or reflash the phone (for example, after a failed update).

There are two types of Recovery for Redmi 4:

• Stock (original) - with a Chinese or English interface (depending on the firmware version).
• TWRP – if you have previously installed it for firmware.

Instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in Chinese).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
6. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If you have a TWRP installed, the path will be different:

1. In the main TWRP menu, select Wipe.
2. Swipe right to confirm Factory Reset.
3. After cleaning, press Reboot System.

Important nuances:

• 🌐 On Chinese firmware, the Recovery menu can be entirely in Chinese. Look for characters (clear data) and (confirm).
• 🔒 If you want to reset your phone and you don't remember it, try entering the last account you linked to. Three failed attempts will block you for 24 hours.

⚠️ Note: If you see this device is locked in Recovery, it means that the bootloader is locked and reset is impossible without the attached Mi Account. In this case, you will have to use Fastboot (method 3) or official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or unavailable.
• 🔒 Phone blocked by Mi Account, and other ways do not help.
• 📥 You need to stitch the original firmware over the custom.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 4 (download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Nutrition and hold until the image of the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot mode) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the firmware folder.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
6. Complete cleaning: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
7. If you need to reflash your phone, use the command: fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip (replace the file name with the current one).
8. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

Warnings:

• 🚨 Do not interrupt the process – this can cause damage to the boot partition and “bricking” the phone.
• 🔧 If the phone does not turn on after firmware, try repeating the command fastboot flash all or scrolling through separate partitions (system, boot).

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method, and only use it if other methods have not worked, as it requires technical skills and can lead to a loss of warranty.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 4

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 4 users face typical problems.

Error 1: "This device is locked" in Recovery

• Reason: The bootloader is blocked and a reset without a Mi Account is impossible.
• Solution: If your account was yours, enter your username/password after the reboot. If the previous owner's account, contact Xiaomi's unlock service (purchase check required). If your phone is yours but your account is not tied, use Fastboot reset (mode 3).

Error 2: phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset

• Cause: Damage to system files or incompatible firmware.

Error 3: After reset, there is no network (disappeared IMEI)

• Solution: Check IMEI in Settings → About Phone → General Information. If IMEI is missing, restore it via Mi Flash Tool (requires a backup or original firmware). Contact the service center if you are not sure about your actions.

Error 4: Sensor fails after reset

• Cause: Incompatible firmware or damage to sensor drivers.
• Solution: Sweep through the original firmware for your model (prada for Redmi 4) and check if it is installed from another model (e.g. Redmi 4A or Redmi 4X).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires a password from the Google account (FRP), And you don't remember him, the only official way to unlock it is to enter the account that was tied before the reset. FRP Through third-party services violates Google’s policies and may result in device locking.

7.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

If the reset was through the settings:

• 📁 Some files may remain in the folder. /MIUI/backup/AllBackup (Check through the file manager).
• 📱 Contact and SMS You can restore them if they were synced to Google or Mi Account.

If the reset was via Recovery/Fastboot:

• 🚫 Data from internal memory (/data) removed irretrievably.
• 💾 The only chance is if you back up through TWRP Mi Cloud.

Recovery programs (such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver) can help, but only if:

• 📱 No new data was recorded on the phone after the reset.
• 🔧 You have root access (on a locked phone, it's unlikely).

For the future: set up automatic backup in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or activate sync with Mi Cloud.

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions