Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for firmware. However, the wrong actions can lead to data loss, locking the bootloader or even βbrickingβ the smartphone. In this article, 3 proven reset methods (including the option for a locked screen), detailed screenshots and unique nuances for the Redmi Note 4 model (codenamed mido) that are not in the general instructions.
Many users confuse βsetting resetβ with βrolling back firmwareβ or βunlocking bootloader.β These are different procedures: reset only deletes user data and applications without affecting system files. If your Redmi Note 4 brakes, spontaneously restarts, or issues errors like βcom.android.phone process stoppedβ, reset often helps. But there are contraindications: for example, for hardware malfunctions (charging connector, battery) or if the phone does not turn on at all, repair is needed, not a software reset.
Before proceeding, please note:
- π± All data will be deleted: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications, and you can restore them only from a backup copy (if you have one).
- π If the phone was enabled Mi Account and tied to the device, after reset, you will need to enter a login / password from the Xiaomi account.
- π On the Redmi Note 4, the reset takes 5-15 minutes, but the first run after the procedure can last up to 30 minutes β this is normal.
- π‘ Connect to stable Wi-Fi or make sure you are on the SIM-enough traffic: After the reset, the phone will require you to download updates.
1. Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is turned on)
The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in reset function in the MIUI menu.
- π The screen is not locked (you know). PIN/graphical).
- π± The phone is turned on and stable (no cyclical restart).
- π You want to save data on a memory card (it can be retrieved before resetting).
Step-by-step:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the About Phone section. β Backup and reset.
- Select Resetting β Delete all data.
- If required, enter PIN-code.
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (button usually red).
The phone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. The MI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen. Don't turn the device off at this point, this can damage system files. Once completed, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, as when you first turned on.
Make sure battery power > 50% | Backup important data | Remember login/password from Mi Account | Remove memory card (if you need to save files) | Connect to Wi-Fi for quick setup after resetting
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β οΈ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi Note 4, after reset, you may get an error "This device is tied to Mi Account." If you do not remember your account information, it will be difficult to unlock the phone - you will need to contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership.
2. Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on or locked)
If the Redmi Note 4 doesnβt respond to touch, reboots cyclically, or you forget your pattern lock, Recovery mode will help.This method works even without access to the main menu, but requires care: wrong actions in Recovery can lead to loss of IMEI or other problems.
Instructions for entering Recovery:
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
Further action:
- π§ Use volume buttons to navigate the menu and power button to select the item.
- π Choose Wipe Data β Wipe All Data (or similar item, depending on the version of Recovery).
- π Confirm the reset by selecting Confirm or Yes.
- π Once complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot. β Reboot to System.
If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
| Menu item (English) | Translation into Russian | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe Data | Clearing the data | Select for discharge |
| Wipe All Data | Delete all data | Confirm discharge |
| Reboot to System | Reboot to the system | Complete the process |
| Mount | Connecting the drives | Don't touch! |
What happens if Recovery does not open?
β οΈ Note: Redmi Note 4 with custom Recovery (e.g, TWRP) The reset process may be different. If you've installed unofficial software, after resetting through TWRP phone may not boot up - you will need to re-firm the official version MIUI.
3. Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)
This method is necessary in extreme cases:
- π» Phone does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons).
- π§ Previous methods didnβt work (for example, a reset to Recovery ends up with an error).
- π¦ Refuse the device to a clean version MIUI (For example, after a failed update).
The work will require:
- π₯οΈ Windows computer (7/10/11).
- π Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- π₯ Firmware for Redmi Note 4 (mido version) can be downloaded on the official Xiaomi website (select Fastboot version).
- π οΈ Mi Flash Tool (download from the forum) MIUI).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (usually bundled with the utility).
- Turn off the phone. Press Volume down. + Power and plug in. USB-You're going to get a Fastboot screen).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Press Refresh β your Redmi Note 4 should appear in the list of devices.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all (recommended). Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader) (only if you sell a phone).
Flash
π‘
If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the phone has blocked the bootloader. To unlock it, you need to apply on the Xiaomi Unlock website and wait for approval (can take up to 30 days).
Once you have firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, the phone will be like new, with stock MIUI and without being tied to Mi Account (unless you have chosen the bootloader lock option), but this method resets all settings to factory settings, including:
- π IMEI (Restores automatically when you first connect to the network).
- π Mi Account information (if any).
- π All user information (including files on internal memory).
4.What to do after resetting: initial setup
After a successful reset, the Redmi Note 4 will turn on in initial setup mode.
- Choose a language (Russian or other).
- Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-mobile-internet.
- If required, enter your Mi Account information (login and password) without this step, you can not use your phone!
- Set up a pattern lock or PIN-code (require to write it down).
- Restore data from a backup (if any) or set up your phone as a new device.
Pay attention to the following nuances:
- π After resetting, the phone may suggest an update MIUI. If you have had firmware issues, it is best to refuse the update at this stage and first check the stability of the work.
- π± In the Settings section β About the phone, check the version. MIUI. If it is outdated, update it through Settings. β Updating the system.
- π If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of Mi Account and delete all Google accounts in the settings.
π‘
After resetting via the Mi Flash Tool, the first start can take up to 20 minutes β do not interrupt the process, even if the screen does not react for a long time.
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
When you reset Redmi Note 4, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This device is locked (in the Mi Flash Tool) | bootloader locked | Unlocking through the official Xiaomi tool |
| The phone will not turn on after resetting | Firmware damaged or process interrupted | Swipe through the Mi Flash Tool (see Section 3) |
| Mi Account Locked After Resetting | The phone was tied to the account. | Enter the username/password from Mi Account or contact Xiaomi |
| No net after reset | IMEI settings are reset | Reboot your phone or manually enter IMEI via ##4636## |
If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check it out:
- Is SIM inserted correctly (on Redmi Note 4 there is a tray for two cards, but the second one can only work in 3G mode).
- Is mobile data activated in settings (Settings) β SIM-maps and mobile networks).
- Have you been reset? APN. If yes, add them manually (options can be obtained on your operatorβs website).
β οΈ Warning: Some of the firmware for Redmi Note 4 disappears after reset.Security in settings.It's not a mistake - just update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β Updating the system.
6.How to avoid problems when resetting
To make the reset go smoothly, follow these recommendations:
- π The battery must be at least 50% charged, and if the phone runs out during reset, it can damage system files.
- π‘ Disable all accounts (Google, Mi Account) before resetting if you plan to sell the phone, this will save the new owner from problems with binding.
- π Save a backup through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset or manually copy files to your computer.
- π§ If you are using custom Recovery (TWRP), Before reset, check if your version is compatible with MIUI. Incompatibility can lead to bootloop (cyclic reboot).
If youβre resetting your phone before firmware to a custom ROM (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), consider:
- π First, unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi Unlock Tool.
- π Make sure you download the firmware specifically for the Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido). 4X (Mido code is fine, but for other models (e.g. nikel) it is not.
- π After custom-made firmware ROM Maybe he'll stop working. OTA-Update, data encryption, and some camera features (e.g. portrait mode).
π‘
Before selling Redmi Note 4, reset via Mi Flash Tool with Clean all and lock option.This will delete all data and block the bootloader, which will protect your accounts from restoration by the new owner.