Reset Xiaomi Mi4 to factory settings: 3 working methods (2026)

The Xiaomi Mi4, released in 2014, remains popular with users for its reliability and custom firmware installation. However, over time, any smartphone starts to “brake”, emit errors or require complete cleaning before selling. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for such cases, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to turn the device into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), as well as answers to frequent questions: what to do if the phone does not turn on after a reset, how to save data before cleaning and why Mi4 It can hang on the Xiaomi logo, and the instructions are valid for all firmware versions, including: MIUI 5/6/7/8 and custom assemblies of the type LineageOS.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not always a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone – deletion of personal data (photos, messages, accounts).
• 🐢 Slowdown of work – lags, hanging, long loading of applications.
• 🔄 System errors – constant crashes, application crashes, cyclic reboot.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN — If other methods of unlocking have not helped.
• 🛠️ Preparation for firmware is a mandatory step before installing custom software.

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions, such as a broken screen, a broken power button, or a damaged motherboard, in which cases repairs are required.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi4 Unlocked bootloader resets can result in loss of boot capability if you previously installed unofficial firmware.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch.The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall algorithm is maintained.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to About Phone (or Additional → Restore and Reset in older versions).
3. Select Settings Reset (or Factory Data Reset).
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. When requesting, enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked) or the pattern lock.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If after resetting the Mi4 requires you to enter your Xiaomi account details that you don’t remember, use the instructions in the FAQ.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Remember or reset your password from your Mi Account

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 50%)

Make sure your phone is not connected to your PC (to avoid crashes)-->

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

If the Mi4 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode, which is also suitable if you forget the pattern lock.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe & Reset (or Wipe Data in custom TWRP recavators).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or Factory Reset).
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

If the Recovery menu does not have Russian, look for English inscriptions or icons. In TWRP, the path can look like this: Wipe → Format Data → type "yes".

⚠️ Attention: If Mi4 custom-made (TWRP), Disposal through it can lead to the loss of the ability to download the official firmware without additional manipulation. MIUI via Fastboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔓 You need to bypass Mi Account protection (only for unlocked bootloader!).
• 📦 Requires a complete refashion of the device.

The work will require:

• A computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
• USB cable (preferably original).
• Archive with the official firmware for Mi4 (you can download on the official website).
• Mi Flash Tool (for Windows)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect the Mi4 to your PC via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (file with the.tgz extension).
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error, try:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers ADB Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 📥 Download a different firmware version (e.g. Global Stable instead of China Stable).

⚠️ Attention: Resetting via Fastboot with the option "Clean all and lock" will block the bootloader, which will make it impossible to install custom firmware without re-unblocking. TWRP Or LineageOS, choose only Clean All.

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the phone, try manually installing drivers through Windows Device Manager. In the list of devices, find "Android Bootloader Interface" and update the driver by specifying the folder with ADB.

How to save data before resetting?

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots).
• 📞 Contacts (if not synchronized with the Google/Mi Account).
• 💬 Communications (SMS, chat-room).
• 🎵 Music and uploaded files.
• 🎮 Game saving (if not linked to an account).

Methods of backup:

For a full system backup (including settings and applications), root rights and the TWRP + Titanium Backup utility will be required. Without root access, copy at least the most important files manually through Explorer or Mi PC Suite.

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Even if you have made a backup, check its integrity before resetting! connect the phone to your PC and make sure the files are readable and not corrupted.

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after reset?

If Xiaomi Mi4 after resetting:

• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo – most likely, the system partition is damaged or the firmware is incompatible with the bootloader version.

Solutions for each case:

1. Hanging on the logo: Try to go to Recovery and repeat the reset. If it doesn't work, run the official firmware through Fastboot (see Method 3). For custom firmware, check compatibility with the bootloader version.
2. Unresponsive: Connect to charge for 30 to 60 minutes, maybe the battery is dead. Try to pinch Power Button + Up/down Volume for 20 to 30 seconds (forced reboot). If it doesn't work, bring it to the service, there may be a malfunction of the board.
3. Requires Mi Account: Enter the last account associated. If the account is deleted or forgotten, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box). For unlocked devices, you can flash the firmware through Fastboot with the Clean all and lock option (but this will delete all data).

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged flash memory) in which case, contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi4