Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones despite the release of new models. Device owners often face the need to enter Recovery mode — whether to reset settings, install custom firmware or restore the system after a failure. However, the process of logging into Recovery on this model has nuances, especially if the bootloader is blocked.
In this article, you will find all the current ways to sign in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4, including methods for devices with locked and unlocked bootloader. We will also analyze common errors (for example, why the phone does not enter Recovery or loads into Fastboot), and give recommendations for safe use of recovery mode, if you plan to sew your smartphone or reset settings, this guide will help avoid the “brick”.
What is Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and why you need it
Recovery mode is a special environment built into Android devices that allows you to perform critical operations without loading the main system. Redmi Note 4 has Xiaomi’s stock Recovery (with limited features) installed by default, but many users are replacing it with custom (for example, TWRP) for advanced features.
The main tasks for which Recovery is needed are:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (wipe) – if the smartphone slows down or does not turn on.
- 📦 Installation of official/custom firmware (through ZIP-file).
- 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (partially, in conjunction with Fastboot).
- 🛠️ System Recovery After Failed Update.
- 📡 Clearing the cache (Dalvik, ART) speed up.
It is important to understand that stock Recovery on Redmi Note 4 does not support the installation of unofficial firmware – this requires TWRP. Also, standard Recovery does not have a file manager, so you can only stitch through ADB sideload.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to stitch your smartphone through Recovery, make sure the battery is at least 50% charged. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to a complete loss of operation of the device (hard brick).
Method 1: Log in to Recovery via hardware buttons (for unlocked bootloader)
The simplest and most versatile method is to use a combination of physical buttons. It works on the Redmi Note 4 with the bootloader unlocked (if the bootloader is locked, the smartphone instead of Recovery will boot to Fastboot).
Instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone (press the power button and select Turn off).
- Press and hold at the same time: Volume Up button Power button
10-15 seconds
Mi
If after releasing the buttons, the smartphone is loaded into Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit and an inscription). FASTBOOT), This means that the bootloader is locked, in which case proceed to Method 3 (via ADB) or Method 4 (unlocking the bootloader).
Turn off your phone completely (not reboot!)|Check your battery (minimum 30%)|Use the original USB cable (if you need ADB)|Disable all peripherals (earphones, memory cards)
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Method 2: Log in to Recovery via ADB (if the smartphone is turned on)
If your Redmi Note 4 is turned on but you can’t log in to Recovery through buttons (for example, due to a broken volume button), you can use it. ADB-This method requires the debugging on. USB and installed drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable (use the original cable!).
command-line
terminal
adb devicesMake sure the device is identified (serial number should appear).
adb reboot recoveryIf the smartphone is loaded into Fastboot after the command is executed, this means that the bootloader is blocked, in which case ADB will not be able to transfer the device to Recovery - unlocking will be required (see Method 4).
1. Reinstall Xiaomi ADB Interface drivers through Device Manager.
2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
3. Enable the option Cancel authorization in the developer settings USB reconnect.-->
Method 3: Log in to Recovery via Fastboot (if the bootloader is blocked)
If your Redmi Note 4 has a locked bootloader, then when you try to log in to Recovery through the buttons, it will automatically boot into Fastboot. In this case, you can try to transfer the device to Recovery via Fastboot command, but this will only work if:
- 🔓 On the smartphone has already installed custom Recovery (TWRP).
- 🔧 The bootloader is partially unlocked (for example, after official unlocking via Mi Unlock).
Instructions:
- Download your smartphone to Fastboot (press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds).
- Connect it to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
- Run the command to download in Recovery: fastboot boot twrp.img (where twrp.img is the TWRP image file for Redmi Note 4).
If after this command the smartphone still boots to Fastboot or reboots to the system, it means that the bootloader is completely locked, in which case the only way out is official unlock via Mi Unlock Tool (see next section).
⚠️ Attention: Fastboot boot and fastboot flash recovery are different operations. TWRP The second one is always running it, and on the locked bootloader, the second command will lead to the brick, because the system will overwrite Recovery the next time it boots.
Method 4: Unlock the bootloader to access Recovery
If all previous methods didn’t work, most likely your Redmi Note 4 has a full bootloader locked, in which case you’ll need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool to log in to Recovery.
The unlocking process includes several stages:
- Mi Account Link: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Enable sync and confirm the link via SMS.
- Activation. OEM-Unlocking: In Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on OEM-Unlock. Connect your smartphone to the Internet (required!).
- Download and install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version of the utility from the official Xiaomi website. Install drivers and run the program on behalf of the administrator.
Unlocking
- Download your smartphone to Fastboot (Volume Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
- Wait 10-15 minutes (the process can take up to 72 hours on the first unlock!).
Once successfully unlocked, you can log in to Recovery via buttons (Volume Up + Power) or flash TWRP for advanced features.
Yeah, a long time | Yeah, but back to locked | No, I'm afraid of a brick | I'm planning to unlock | I don't know what it-->
| Status of loader | Entrance through buttons | Entrance through ADB | Entrance via Fastboot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlocked. | ✅ It works (Vol Up) + Power) | ✅ It works (adb reboot recovery) | ✅ It works (fastboot boot) twrp.img) |
| Blocked. | ❌ Downloads to Fastboot. | ❌ Downloads to Fastboot. | ⚠️ Unless it's set up TWRP |
| Partially unlocked (after Mi Unlock) | ✅ It's working. | ✅ It's working. | ✅ It's working. |
Typical errors and their solutions
When trying to log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4, users often face problems.
1.The phone does not respond to the buttons
- 🔋 Check the battery charge (minimum 30%).
- 🔌 Try another charger – sometimes the smartphone won’t turn on due to a discharge below the critical level.
- 🛠️ If the buttons are physically damaged, use the ADB (see method 2).
2. instead of Recovery, Fastboot is downloaded
- 🔒 This means that the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📱 If unlocking is not possible (for example, due to linking to the previous owner’s account), try it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
3. Recovery does not respond to sensor
- 🖱️ In stock recovery Xiaomi management is carried out by volume buttons (Volume) Up/Down — Moving, Power - Choice).
- 📲 V TWRP The sensor should work. If it doesn't, re-follow the Recovery.
4.Once you log in to Recovery, the phone restarts
- 🔄 This may be due to a damaged Recovery partition. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img
- 🚨 If the reboot occurs in a bootloop, try flashing the full firmware through MiFlash.
What to do if your smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo after leaving Recovery?
What to do after entering Recovery
When you successfully logged in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4, you will see a menu with different options, depending on the type of Recovery:
In stock recovery (original from Xiaomi):
- 🔄 Reboot - Reboot system.
- 🧹 Wipe Data – reset to factory settings (deletes all data!).
- 📥 Install update.zip — Installation of official firmware (only) ZIP Xiaomi).
- 🔌 Connect with MIAssistant – Connecting to a PC for Recovery.
In TWRP (Castom Recovery):
- 📁 Install - installation ZIP-files (firmware, cores, mods).
- 🧽 Wipe – Extended Cleaning (Dalvik, Cache, Data, Internal Storage).
- 🔄 Backup – backup of the current firmware.
- 🔧 Mount – Partition mounting (for example, to access files via PC).
- 📡 Advanced → ADB Sideload – installing firmware through ADB.
If you plan to sew a smartphone, it is recommended to first make a backup in the TWRP (Backup item.Save a copy to SD-Card or PC – this will help to recover data in case of an error.
💡
Never choose the Format Data option in TWRP unless absolutely necessary!This operation completely erases internal memory (including photos and documents) and can lead to encryption issues if you use a password.