Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, but over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or simply require a complete cleaning before selling. factory reset is a universal solution for most software problems, from endless reboots to viruses and update errors. However, an improper reset can turn a phone into a “brick”, especially if it comes to models with a locked bootloader or custom firmware.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the current ways to reset for the Redmi Note 4 (including the Note 4X and Note 4 Pro versions), their pros and cons, and give you a checklist for safe preparation. Separately, we’ll focus on common mistakes – for example, why a phone may require a Mi Account even if you didn’t tie it, and how to get around it. If your device hovers on the Xiaomi logo or does not respond to buttons, there’s a solution.
Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start
Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the smartphone. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to minor glitches, without a backup, you risk losing photos, contacts and messages, especially critical for the Redmi Note 4, which is the default on data encryption (starting with MIUI 9).
Here is the minimum set of actions before resetting:
- 📱 Save it. IMEI. Dial *#06# in the dialer and write down both numbers (or take a picture). IMEI After resetting, it will be difficult to restore communication.
- 🔐 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require authorization, even if it was not previously available.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), resetting through the standard menu can lead to a loop on the logo. TWRP.
Also check if the bootloader is unlocked. To do this, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power and look at the screen: if there is an inscription on the bottom that says Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked. If not, after reset via Fastboot, you will need official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)
This method is suitable if the phone turns on and reacts to touch, and if you have not changed the firmware, the main advantage is to keep the bootloader unlocked (if any) and minimal risk of errors.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Select Settings Reset (not to be confused with Local Reset, which only deletes some data!).
- If you have the option to clear internal memory, mark it – it will delete all files, including viruses.
- Confirm the action with a password or pattern lock (if installed).
- Wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
Once reset, the phone will turn on in its initial setup mode, as after purchase. If you request Mi Account, use the data that was tied to the device before the reset. If you forget the password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
Backed up | Charged phone >50% | Remembered Mi Account | Checked IMEI| Make sure the phone wasn't rooted-->
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After reset, you may lose access to the mobile network. APN. To return the Internet, manually add APN Your operator in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
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 touches or reboots cyclically, a reset via Recovery will help.This method works even without access to the system, but requires accuracy - an error in choosing menu items can lead to a loss of IMEI or lock.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (press the power for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears (usually in English or Chinese).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and Power for selection. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm.
Reboot
Reboot to System
If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- 📱 The third item on top is Wipe Data.
- 🔄 The Last Item: Reboot.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
After resetting via Recovery, the phone can take a long time to boot (up to 15-20 minutes). Do not interrupt the process! If after this time the Mi logo is still burning on the screen, then the system files are damaged - you will need to flash it.
Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)
This method is used if:
- 🔓 The bootloader is unlocked (the Fastboot screen has the inscription Unlocked).
- 📱 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
- 🔄 You need to remove the custom firmware and return the stock MIUI.
To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and MiFlash utility. Without an unlocked bootloader, this method will not work - the phone simply will not accept commands.
Instructions:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 4 (Fastboot version) from en.miui.com.
- Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume Down + Power.
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
- Wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes). The phone will automatically restart.
| Mode in MiFlash | What's he doing? | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean All | Full reset + flashing | If you need to return the stock MIUI or the phone does not turn on |
| Clean All and Lock | Reset + lock loader | Only if you plan to sell your phone and want to return to the factory. |
| Save User Data | Flashing without deleting data | If you need to upgrade without losing files (rarely stable) |
⚠️ Note: If the phone requires a Mi Account that you did not link to after you have firmware through Fastboot, you have previously activated Find Device on the device. In this case, you will need official unlocking through Xiaomi support (can take up to 72 hours).
💡
If MiFlash gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool, wait 72 hours (if the account is new) and try again.
Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them
Even after a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
- 📵 No net after reset: As mentioned earlier, it's related to loss APN. Manually add operator settings (they can be found on the website of your provider).
- 🔒 Requires an old Mi Account you don't remember: If the phone was bought with your hands, contact the previous owner.If that's not possible, contact Xiaomi's support with a purchase check.
- 🔋 Battery discharges quickly: After resetting, the system needs 2-3 charging cycles to calibrate the power controller. If the problem persists, reset the battery settings to Settings → Battery → Settings → Resetting battery statistics.
- 📱 Sensors fail (gyroscope, approximations): This may be due to damage to the persist partition when reset via Fastboot.
If after resetting the phone began to warm up strongly or spontaneously reboot, check:
- Are there any “heavy” apps installed (like games or Facebook)?
- Is the battery damaged (swelling, quick discharge).
- Is it not worth the unofficial firmware (check in Settings → About the phone).
💡
If the phone doesn't turn on at all after reset (black screen, no vibration), the bootloader is likely damaged. EDL-Mode using an authorized Xiaomi account (for example, through a service center).
How to bypass Mi Account request after reset (legal ways)
One of the most frustrating things is when Redmi Note 4 requires you to type in a Mi Account that you didn't tie in, and it's because Find Device, which is activated automatically when you add an account.
Legal methods:
- 📄 Contact Xiaomi Support: Provide a purchase check, a box from your phone and IMEI. Support can remove the blockage within 1-3 days.
- 🔓 If the phone is bought with hands: Ask the previous owner to remove the device from your Mi Cloud account (Find Device section).
Which won't help:
- ❌ PAttempts to bypass via TWRP or ADB — newer MIUI This is locked at the loader level.
- ❌ Resetting via Fastboot with Clean All and Lock flag will only make the problem worse.
- ❌ Using left-handed services to unlock is a high risk of losing your phone forever.
If the legal methods do not work, only the firmware through EDL with an authorized account remains, this can be done at the Xiaomi service center or through proven workshops (costs from 1000 to 3000 rubles).