Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro

2017

factory-setting

But how to do this properly so that you don’t turn your phone into a brick? In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reset, from the standard menu to Recovery and Fastboot modes, and how to prepare for the procedure and avoid typical errors. We’ll focus on the nuances associated with Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw), including problems with unlocking the bootloader and recovering from a failed reset.

If your smartphone is slower, overheats frequently, or doesn’t respond to touch, resetting can bring it back to life. But remember, this operation removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, and installed apps. So make sure to back up before you start!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting to factory settings is an irreversible process that erases all user data. To avoid losing important information, follow a few mandatory steps:

First, you can save a backup. You can use built-in tools to do that. MIUI Or third-party apps like Titanium Backup (requires root:

• 📱 Contacts – export them to the file VCF sync with your Google account.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📝 Messages – Use apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Application Data – Save game files (e.g. via Helium).

Second, check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the smartphone runs out during reset, it can damage the system files and need to flash through the Fastboot.

Third, get the version. MIUI This will be useful if the reset goes wrong, to check the version:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. Write down the assembly number (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.1 Stable).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 Pro has custom firmware installed (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), a standard reset via the menu may not work. TWRP Recovery.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the easiest and safest method that is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch. MIUI, Including the latest updates to the Redmi 4 Pro.

To perform the discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. If necessary, enter the password from the Mi Account (if linked).
6. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

After the reboot, you get a clean smartphone, like after you buy it, but this method doesn't always work if you:

• The device is infected with a virus that blocks access to settings.
• The system is severely damaged (cyclic reboot, bootloop).
• Forgot a pattern lock or password.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Synchronize contacts with Google account|

Copy photos to a computer or cloud|

Record data from the Mi Account (login and password)|

Disable the protection. FRP (If you plan to sell your phone)-->

If after reset, the smartphone requires you to enter data from your Mi Account, but you do not remember them, you will have to use the official Mi Unlock Tool tool or contact the service center.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If the smartphone doesn't turn on, freezes on the logo or doesn't respond to touch, resetting through Recovery Mode will help, which works even with damaged firmware, but requires care.

Instructions for Redmi 4 Pro:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 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 and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
7. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🔹 The second point is the power off (Power Off).
• 🔹 The third item is reset (Wipe Data).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after reset via Recovery may require re-activation of the device through the Mi Account. If you do not remember the login data, the smartphone will become useless without unlocking the bootloader.

If standard Recovery is missing or does not work (for example, due to custom firmware), you will need to install TWRP. It's an advanced tool that allows you to backup and restore the system, but it requires an unlocked bootloader to install.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used in extreme cases where:

• The smartphone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• Complete flashing is required due to damage to system files.
• We need to get around the lock. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

To reset via Fastboot you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (you can download from the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with fastboot.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run the full reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. If necessary, re-flash the system: fastboot flash system system.img
6. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase and fastboot flash commands can cause permanent data corruption if executed incorrectly!

If after reset via Fastboot smartphone does not turn on or stuck on the logo, try to reflash it completely using the Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Select the firmware folder and press Flash.

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If after reset via Fastboot smartphone requires an account Mi, but you do not remember it, try to use the official service of password recovery: account.xiaomi.com. ~1500–30 rubles).

What if the reset didn't help?

In some cases, even a complete reset doesn't solve the problem, so let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them:

1.The phone is stuck on the logo after being dumped

• 🔹 Try to boot up to Recovery and repeat the reset.
• 🔹 If it doesn’t help, run your smartphone through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction above).
• 🔹 Check if the battery is discharged (plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes).

2 Requires a Mi Account after a reset (FRP Lock)

• 🔹 Enter the data from the linked account. If you don't remember, restore the password on the Xiaomi website.
• 🔹 If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner or service center.
• 🔹 Do not use questionable programs to get around FRP — They may contain viruses.

3.The smartphone does not turn on after being reset via Fastboot

• 🔹 Check if you've executed the commands correctly. A syntax error can damage the firmware.
• 🔹 Try to flash the phone through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or boxing).
• 🔹 If nothing helps, bring it to the service (possible problems with iron).

If you suspect that the problem is in the hardware (for example, after a fall or moisture), resetting the settings is unlikely to help, in which case it is better to contact the service center immediately for diagnosis.

How to recover data after resetting?

If you forgot to back up, you have a chance to get your deleted data back, but it's not very good. Here's what you can try:

1. Recovery of photos and files

• 🔹 Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required).
• 🔹 Connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP And scan your internal memory.
• 🔹 If the data was on the memory card, retrieve it and check it on another device.

2. Recovery of contacts and messages

• 🔹 If your contacts are synced with Google, they will automatically be restored when you log in to your account.
• 🔹 You can try to recover messages through SMS Backup & Restore (if previously backup).
• 🔹 For WhatsApp and Viber, check if there is a backup in the cloud.

3. Restore applications

• 🔹 Go to Google Play. → Library → Installed – here will be a list of previously installed programs.
• 🔹 If you had root, try to restore data through Titanium Backup (if the backup is saved to a memory card).

⚠️ Note: The more you use your phone after a reset (installing programs, downloading files), the less likely you are to recover old data. If information is critical, contact a data recovery lab (e.g., Hetzner or a data recovery lab). ACE Lab).

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If you plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another person, after the reset, be sure to untie your Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → It will save the new owner from the problems with the FRP-lock-in.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you reset the Redmi 4 Pro, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to prevent them:

Interruption of the discharge process

If you take out the battery or turn off power during a reset, it can lead to:

• 🔸 Damage to system files (bootloop).
• 🔸 Loss of access to Recovery.
• 🔸 Needs to Firmware through Fastboot.

How to avoid: Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged and don’t interrupt the process until it’s fully restarted.

2.The Forgotten Mi Account

If you don't remember the data from the linked account, the phone can turn into a brick after the reset.

• 🔸 Restore your password through the official website.
• 🔸 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 🔸 Use the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a wait of 7-15 days).

3. Wrong firmware

If you are flashing Redmi 4 Pro files from another model (e.g. Redmi) 4A), that will lead to:

• 🔸 Poose. IMEI.
• 🔸 Network problems (not catching) SIM-map).
• 🔸 Complete inoperability of the device.

How to avoid: Always check the model code name (markw for Redmi 4 Pro) and download the firmware only from official sources.

4.Driver problems when resetting via Fastboot

If the PC doesn’t see the phone in Fastboot mode, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔸 Drivers not installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔸 It's not original. USB-cable.
• 🔸 Debugging mode disabled USB.

How to fix: Install drivers manually through Device Manager or use Mi PC Suite.

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Before you use Fastboot, disable the antivirus – it can block firmware files, perceiving them as a threat.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions