Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones has a reputation for being reliable, but even the most stable MIUI system can take drastic measures over time. If your Redmi 4X is slow, hanging, or you forget your pattern lock, the only surefire solution is often a complete return to its original state, a procedure that completely cleans the device’s internal memory by removing all user data, apps, and settings.
The factory reset process, known as Hard Reset, is a powerful tool in the arsenal of any Android gadget owner, not only deletes files, but also rewrites system configuration sections, eliminating software errors that have accumulated over the course of operation. It is important to understand that once this operation is performed, the phone will look and behave the same as when it was first turned on after buying in-store.
Before taking action, you need to understand the irreversibility of the process of deleting personal information. Photos, contacts, correspondence in messengers and installed programs will be irretrievably lost if you do not take care of their safety in advance. In the following sections, we will discuss in detail all available methods of resetting, precautions and nuances of working with the recovery on this particular model.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
The first and most critical step is to keep important information safe. Since resetting will destroy all the contents of internal memory, you need to back up contacts, photos and documents. For Xiaomi Redmi 4X, the most convenient way to use the Google Photos cloud service for media files and synchronize contacts with your Google account.
Also worth paying attention to the battery charge level. The process of formatting the data partition and reinstalling system files can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and interruption of power at this point is highly undesirable. Make sure that the indicator shows at least 60-70% charge, or connect the device to the original charger.
⚠️ Note: If the phone has two-factor authentication or binding to a Mi Account, be sure to remember the username and password. After the reset, the system will require authorization in the previously used account to confirm ownership.
Remember to remove the microSD card if it's installed in the slot. MIUI They usually ask if they need to format. SD-The card, the risk of accidental deletion of important files from it still exists, it is better to be safe and remove the drive before the procedure.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The safest and easiest method is available if you remember the screen unlock password and have access to your smartphone desktop, which is ideal for selling the device or transferring it to another user, as it ensures that data is deleted correctly without the risk of damaging system files.
To start, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon, and in the settings list that opens, scroll down to Advanced Settings, and that's where the memory management and factory state recovery functions are hidden.
Inside the menu, select Recover and Reset. The system will offer you several options, but we are interested in Reset. By clicking on this button, you will see a warning that all data will be deleted. Before confirming, carefully read the list of what is subject to destruction.
What exactly is removed when discharged?
To start the process, you will need to enter a digital password or a graphical key to unlock the screen. After that, the phone can think for a few seconds, then restart and begin the cleaning process, which visually looks like a quick flash of the Mi logo.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If you can’t access the settings menu because of a forgotten password, an interface freeze, or viral activity, Recovery Mode comes to the rescue. It’s a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory that allows you to control the system bypassing the main Android interface.
To enter this mode on the Redmi 4X, you need to turn off the smartphone completely, then you need to press two buttons simultaneously: Volume Up and Power button, hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, while continuing to hold the volume.
When the MIUI Recovery menu appears on the screen (usually with a black background and orange or blue buttons), the volume buttons (up/down) control the menu, and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item and select it.
| Action on the menu | Control button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Point navigation | Volume Up/down | Moving the cursor |
| Confirmation of choice | Power (Power) | Entrance to the submenu |
| Data resetting (Wipe Data) | Loudness + Nutrition | Starting the cleanup |
| Reboot (Reboot) | Loudness + Nutrition | System entry |
In the next screen, select Wipe All Data. The system will request confirmation again, as this is a critical action. After the confirmation, formatting will begin. Once completed, a success message will appear, and you will need to select Reboot to restart the phone.
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If the Recovery menu does not respond to volume buttons, try connecting the device to your computer via USB-On some versions of the firmware, this activates touch control in the recovery menu.
Use of service code for resetting
There is a lesser-known but effective method of resetting settings using an engineering menu through dialing, which only works if the phone is turned on and can make calls even if the screen is locked (if you have access to the caller).
Open the dialing app and type in a special command: ##7780##. In some versions of MIUI, this code may not work directly, then use an alternative path through the hidden menu. Enter the code ##4636##, which will open the test menu.
However, the Redmi 4X code ##7780## is the most relevant, which triggers a direct reset menu, and once you enter the code, a system notification will appear on the screen requesting confirmation, and you will need to enter the unlock password.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse this code with ##7378423##, which opens the service menu for testing components.
This method is good because it automatically clears the user partition, but leaves system logs and some network settings, which sometimes allows you to get back on track faster than with a full Hard Reset via Recovery.
Problem Solving: Cyclical Reset and Errors
Sometimes, after trying to reset or while performing it, the phone can get into what's called a bootloop, which is an endless reboot. The Mi logo is constantly on the screen, and the device does not boot any further, often when system files are damaged or the recording process is interrupted.
In most cases, re-entering Recovery mode and executing the Wipe All Data command solves the problem. If it doesn't help, the cache section may be damaged. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Cache (if available in your version) or try resetting again.
A more difficult situation arises if the phone does not respond to buttons at all or does not enter recovery mode, in which case it may be necessary to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
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If the phone continues to hang on the logo for more than 20 minutes after reset, it is likely that the problem lies in a hardware memory malfunction or a complete flashing through the PC is required.
It’s also worth considering that older models like the Redmi 4X may have worn flash memory, and frequent write and erase cycles could have caused memory cells to wear out physically, which is manifested in errors after a reset.
Primary adjustment after recovery
Once the reset and reboot is successfully completed, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language, a stage familiar to anyone who has ever turned on a new smartphone. Choose Russian and click Start.
The system will suggest connecting to a Wi-Fi network. This is a necessary step to activate the device and check for security updates. If you had a Google account, the system will ask you to enter your login and password, which is a measure of protection against theft (FRP - Factory Reset Protection).
This will be followed by a suggestion to restore data from a backup, and if you've created a backup in the Google cloud or on the Mi Cloud, you can select a restore point, and your contacts, calendar, and installed app list will be downloaded automatically.
Set up your fingerprint and face if you plan to use biometric protection. Once you have completed the initial setup, you should immediately go to Settings → About Phone and check the MIUI version to make sure you have the latest version of the software installed.