How to log in to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: All ways + problem solving

Why you need Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 4

The Recovery Mode on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is a hidden tool that allows you to perform critical operations with the system, from resets to factory settings to custom firmware installation. Unlike the conventional MIUI interface, the recovery works at a low level, which gives you access to functions that are not available in standard mode.

The main reasons why users are looking for a way to go to the recovery on this model are: deleting the pattern lock, recovering from a failed update, installing TWRP for rooting or cleaning the cache when hanging. It is important to understand that on Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido), there are two types of recovery: stock (from Xiaomi) and custom (for example, TWRP).

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to log into the recavators, including hardware buttons, ADB commands, and the nuances of working with a locked bootloader. We will pay special attention to typical errors, for example, when the device does not respond to the key combination or hangs on the Mi logo.

Preparation: What to Know Before Entering Recovery

Before you try to enter the recavery, check out a few key points:

• 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is above 30%. Entering the recavers at low charge can lead to inability to exit the mode due to automatic shutdown.
• 🔐 bootloader status: On the Redmi Note 4 with a locked bootloader, some ways of entering the Recovery may not work. ADB).
• 📱 Modification of the device: If previously installed custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), The button combinations may differ from the standard buttons.

Also prepare:

• 🖥️ Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed (if you plan to use it) ADB or Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified).
• ⚙️ Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader) and Minimal ADB and Fastboot (for command line).

⚠️ Note: If you have not previously unlocked the bootloader, trying to install a custom Recovery through the stock menu will lead to an error "E:footer is wrong.

Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for stock and TWRP)

The most versatile method is physical buttons, and it works on both a drain Recovery and a TWRP, if it's installed.

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 4 completely (press the power button and select Turn off or hold for 10 seconds to force shutdown).
2. Press the combination: Power button + Volume Up button Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and the Recovery menu appear.
3. If the screen flashes or the device vibrates but the menu doesn’t appear, release the buttons and try again.

In the drain Recovery, volume buttons (Volume Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are used to control the flow receptacle. In TWRP, the touch interface is used, but the volume buttons also work.

⚠️ Note: If the device restarts to normal mode after holding the buttons, this may indicate a damaged firmware or locking of the bootloader. ADB.

Method 2: Entry through ADB-commands (if the phone is on)

If the device is working but needs to reboot to the recavator (for example, to install an update), it is convenient to use ADB. This method requires on-board debugging over USB and connection to the computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 4: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

CMD

ADB

adb devices

Make sure the device is identified (should appear its serial number).

adb reboot recovery

If the command fails and the device restarts to normal mode, it could mean:

• 🔄 bootloader is locked (unlocking is required via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔧 Recovery section is damaged (you need to reflash through Fastboot).
• 📵 Driver problems (check the connection in Device Manager).

💡

If the adb reboot recovery command doesn’t work, try an alternative command: adb reboot bootloader, and then manually select Recovery Mode from the Fastboot menu using volume buttons.

Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi Note 4 does not boot into the system (hangs on the logo or cyclically reboots), but reacts to a PC connection, you can use Fastboot.This method is also suitable for installing a custom recovery if the stock is damaged.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone (if it freezes, hold the Power for 20 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot Mode (Green Robot should appear).
3. Connect the device to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Fastboot.
4. Check the connection: fastboot devices
5. Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

If the command returns the error "FAILED (remote: unknown command)", it means that the recovery partition is damaged or missing.

1. Download the official recovery.img for Redmi Note 4 (model mido) from MIUI Downloads.
2. Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
3. Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

⚠️ Attention: Installation of informal recovery.img (For example, from another Xiaomi model, it will lead to a brick (completely inoperable) device. Always check the compatibility of the file with the codename mido.

Unlock the bootloader to install TWRP

Stock reavers on the Redmi Note 4 are very limited: it does not allow you to install informal firmware or make backups. For advanced features, you need to install TWRP, but first you need to unlock the bootloader.

The unlocking process:

1. Link Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in to your account (if not, sign up). Activate Device Search and Sync.

Mi Unlock Tool

Fastboot Mode

Power + Volume Down

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Unlock

After unlocking, you can flash TWRP:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for mido from the official TWRP website.
2. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img
3. Immediately after the firmware reboot to the recavers: fastboot reboot recovery Do not boot into the system, otherwise the stock firmware will overwrite TWRP!

For the error "No command" (black screen with the robot lying down), do the following:

1. Hold the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds.
2. Release Power, but keep holding Volume Up until the menu appears.

What to do after entering Recovery Mode

Once you have successfully entered the Recaveri, the next steps depend on the goal:

• 🔄 Resetting: In the drain Recovery, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. TWRP Use Wipe. → Format Data (Warning: This will delete everything, including files on internal memory!).
• 📦 Firmware installation: B TWRP Choose Install, find it. ZIP-Firmware file and confirm installation. In the drain Recovery, it's not possible. You'll need a Fastboot.
• 🔧 Cache Clearing: Select Wipe Cache Partition (Secure for Data, but Can Solve Troubles with Hangings).
• 🔐 Deletion of the pattern lock: B TWRP delete the file /data/system/gesture.key or password.key via File Manager.

After the operations have been completed:

• Restart the device via Reboot System.
• If you have a new firmware installed, the first turn on can take 10-15 minutes – do not interrupt the process!
• If the phone is stuck on the logo, repeat the procedure or run the full Fastboot ROM.

⚠️ Attention: B TWRP After installing the firmware, be sure to perform Wipe Dalvik/Cache, Otherwise, the system may not boot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Redmi Note 4