Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: 3 working ways to log in and solve problems

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw) is a popular 2017 smartphone that is still in use today for its reliability and customization capabilities. One of the key features for power users is access to Recovery mode, a special recovery environment that allows you to reset settings, install firmware or fix system errors. However, the entry into this mode on Xiaomi devices has its nuances, especially if the bootloader is blocked.

In this article, you will find the current 2026 ways to log in to stock recovery and custom recovery (such as TWRP) on Redmi 4 Pro, as well as solutions to typical problems: black screen after login, the “No command” error, and how to bypass bootloader lock.

What is Recovery Mode and Why You Need It on Redmi 4 Pro?

Recovery mode is a system-independent environment built into the smartphone at the firmware level. On the Redmi 4 Pro, it can be of two types:

• 🔄 Stock Recovery is a standard recovery from Xiaomi, with limited functionality (reset, upgrade via ZIP, memory check).
• 🛠️ Custom Recovery (e.g., TWRP) is a modified version with advanced features: custom firmware installation, NANDroid backups, root partition access.

The main tasks for which Recovery is needed are:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the smartphone is not booted or locked).
• 📦 Installation of official/unofficial firmware (via ZIP- files).
• 🔧 Clearing the cache (Dalvik/Cache) to eliminate lags.
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (first step before installation TWRP).
• 📱 Recovery from the backup (if TWRP is installed).

Redmi 4 Pro may require a Recovery login if:

• 📵 The smartphone hangs on the Mi logo (bootloop).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📲 You must roll back to the previous version MIUI.
• ⚡ A custom core is required to improve performance.

⚠️ Warning: On the Redmi 4 Pro with a locked bootloader (BL Lock), some features in Stock Recovery will not be available. For example, installing ZIP- firmware files is only possible after unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 1: Enter Recovery via hardware buttons (for all versions)

The most universal method is the use of a combination of physical buttons, which works regardless of the operating system state (even if the smartphone does not turn on).

Step-by-step:

1. 🔋 Turn off your smartphone. If it freezes, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. 🔘 Press and hold at the same time: Volume Up. Power button.

8-10 seconds

Mi

FASTBOOT

Volume Up

Recovery

If done correctly, you’ll be taken to Stock Recovery with a blue background and an English/Chinese menu.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware MIUI may open a Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit) after the Mi logo appears, in which case try again by holding the buttons longer (up to 12-15 seconds).

If you are in Fastboot instead of Recovery, it means that:

• 🔧 bootloader is locked (unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required).
• 📱 Recovery is damaged (must be reflashed through Mi Flash).
• 🔄 You let go of the buttons too early (try again).

Method 2: Login via ADB (if the smartphone is turned on)

If the smartphone is working, but you need to reboot to Recovery without using buttons (for example, to automate the process), you can use the ADB command.

Requirements:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 The smartphone has debugging enabled on USB (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers → Debugging on USB).

Instructions:

1. 🔗 Connect Redmi 4 Pro to your computer via USB.
2. 🖥️ Open the command line (Win) + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. 📋 Enter a command to check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is identified (a serial number will appear), do:

adb reboot recovery

The smartphone will automatically reboot to Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: If after the adb reboot recovery command, the smartphone loads into Fastboot, it means that the recovery partition is damaged or replaced with Fastboot (typical for devices with a locked bootloader), in which case you will need to reflash Recovery via Fastboot.

💡

If the adb device command does not find the device, try reconnecting the USB- cable, enabling file transfer mode on your smartphone, or installing Mi USB Driver drivers.

Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if Recovery is corrupted)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, after a failed firmware), you can boot to Recovery via Fastboot mode.

Step-by-step:

1. 📵 Turn off your smartphone.
2. 🔘 Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit in its cap).
3. 🖥️ Connect the device to your computer and open the command line in the Fastboot folder.
4. 📋 Enter the command to download to Recovery:

fastboot boot recovery.img

If you have TWRP installed, replace recovery.img with the path to the custom recap file (e.g. twrp-3.7.0-markw.img).

For permanent firmware Recovery (for example, after unlocking the bootloader) use:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-markw.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 4 Pro: why it is necessary for Recovery

All Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 4 Pro, have their Bootloader locked by default, which means that:

• 🔒 You cannot flash custom recovery (TWRP).
• 📦 Unofficial firmware installation will not be possible.
• 🔧 Some features in Stock Recovery will be disabled (e.g., install ZIP).

To unlock the bootloader, follow the following steps:

1. 🌐 Go to Mi Unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. 📱 On your smartphone, link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Mi Account → Link your device).
3. 🔌 Connect Redmi 4 Pro in Fastboot mode to your computer.
4. 🖥️ Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same Mi Account and follow the instructions.

Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will perform a full reset (wipe data).

The unlocking process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi's policy, which means that each time you try to unlock the timer will decrease.

• 🛠️ Set TWRP or other custom Recovery.
• 📦 Switch unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for custom Recovery, without which you can only use Stock Recovery with limited functionality.

Typical Recovery Login Errors and Their Solutions

Even with the instructions, users often face problems, and let’s look at the most common errors on the Redmi 4 Pro and how to fix them.

If you see a menu in Chinese after you log in to Recovery, use this transcript:

• 📱 Reboot system (reboot)
• 🔄 — Wipe data (setting reset).
• 📦 — Install update (installation ZIP).
• 🔧 - Advanced (additional settings).

💡

If Stock Recovery doesn’t have a sensor, use volume buttons for navigation and power button to confirm your choice.

What to do if Recovery doesn’t start at all

If none of the ways helped you log in to Recovery, it could be the firmware or hardware of your smartphone that's damaged.

1. 🔌 Check battery power: plug the charger in for 15-20 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.
2. 📡 Sweat your smartphone through Fastboot: Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (markw). Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and select Clean All.
3. 🔧 Check hardware: Disconnect and reconnect the battery (if you disassemble the device); clear the volume button contacts with alcohol; check the power button plume for damage.

Contact the service center.

If after firmware through Mi Flash smartphone still does not boot, try flashing Recovery manually:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Where recovery.img is a standard or custom Recovery file for Redmi 4 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Redmi 4 Pro