How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: a complete guide with 3 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand even years after its release. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: temporary files accumulate, updates conflict, and viruses or failed firmware can completely disable the device, in such cases, resetting to factory settings is the most effective way to return the phone to its former performance.

But how to make a hard reset on Redmi Note 4 so as not to turn it into a brick? In this article, you will find 3 proven methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), learn how to save important data before reset, and deal with the typical mistakes that users make, and we will also explain why sometimes resets do not work and what to do in such cases.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a panacea, but it solves software problems in 80% of cases. Here are 5 signals that your Redmi Note 4 needs a "cleanup":

• 🐢 The phone is very slow, applications open for a long time or spontaneously close.
• 🔄 Constant reboots, especially after installing new apps or updates.
• 📱 The lock screen does not respond to the password / fingerprint, although you are confident in the correctness of the data.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses (pop-up ads, unknown apps, fast battery discharge).
• 🔧 Preparation for sale – to delete all personal data without the possibility of recovery.

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is related to hardware: a broken screen, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard, in which case repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your pattern lock or password, resetting via Recovery or Fastboot is the only way to unlock the Redmi Note 4!

Resetting: How to save important data?

The factory reset completely removes all the contents of the phone's internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, apps, and even some system settings. To avoid losing important information, follow 3 mandatory steps:

1. Sync with Mi Account Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for Contacts, Notes, Bookmarks and Photos. This is free (up to 5 GB) and will allow you to recover data after a reset.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB, select File Transfer (MTP) mode and copy the DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp folders (if you use the messenger).
3. Exports SMS and call logs Install the application SMS Backup & Restore from Google Play and save your archive to Google Drive or send it to your email.

Don’t forget about Wi-Fi passwords! You can save them using the WiFi Password Viewer app (root rights required) or simply take a picture of the network list in the settings.

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

If the phone turns on and you remember the lock password, it's the fastest and most secure method, and it works even on a locked bootloader and doesn't require any additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings → Recovery and reset.
3. Select Resetting (may be called Resetting All Settings).
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Delete all data from the phone (required) 💾 Clean your internal memory (optional if you want to erase music and photos)

lock-in

Drop it.

The phone will automatically restart and start setting up as it did after purchase, and you will need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously linked to the device during the activation phase.

⚠️ Note: If you bought Redmi Note 4 from hand and do not know the username / password from the previous Xiaomi account, the phone may be locked after reset.

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If the phone asks for an old Mi Account after a reset and you don’t know it, try contacting the previous owner. If that’s not possible, contact Xiaomi’s customer service with a check to buy.

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

If the Redmi Note 4 is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to touches, or is locked with a graphical key, a Recovery reset will help, which works even without access to the settings menu, but requires physical access to the phone’s buttons.

How to get in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold it together: 🔘 Power button (Power) 🔼 The Volume Up button (Volume Up)

Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In Recovery, the volume buttons (Volume Up/Down, Power, Selection) are controlled.

1. Choose a language (usually English or English).
2. Go to Wipe & Reset (or Wipe Data).
3. Select Wipe All Data (full reset).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
5. Once you’re done, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite or manually install ADB drivers for Redmi Note 4.
2. Download the phone to Fastboot Turn off the device, then pinch Power + Volume Down before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (the serial number will appear), enter the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the phone still requires the old Mi Account after these commands, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours).

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Fastboot reset is the only way to get around Mi Account lock, but requires unlocking the bootloader, and without it, the phone will remain tied to the old account even after firmware is installed.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting the Redmi Note 4. Here are 4 of the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔋 If the battery is under 30%, the process may be interrupted, leading to a knock (inoperability) of the device!
• 🔑 Forgot the password from Mi Account If the phone is tied to the Xiaomi account and you do not remember the login details, restore access through the recovery form.
• 📱 If you reset your phone, it won't turn on. Maybe the firmware is damaged. Try flashing your device through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔧 Sensor not working in Recovery In Redmi Note 4 touch control in Recovery is disabled – use the volume and power buttons.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 will launch as a new one, and here are 5 steps to help you quickly recover your performance:

1. Enter data from your Xiaomi account (or create a new one). This is a must for Mi Cloud, Themes and Security services.
2. If you sync your data to Mi Cloud, it will automatically download. PC files can be copied back through USB.
3. Update your firmware Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest security patches.
4. Set up your fingerprint/face This will speed up unlocking. Path: Settings → Screen lock and password → Add fingerprint.
5. Disable unnecessary apps In MIUI, a lot of pre-installed software (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music). Disable them in Settings → Applications → Application Management.

If your phone is running slower than before, try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔄 Install custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience) – but this will require unlocking the bootloader.
• 🔋 Replace the battery (if the phone is running out quickly).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 reset