How to completely clean Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: from cache to reset to factory settings

Why Redmi Note 4X is slowing down and how to fix it

Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is slower, apps are constantly flying out and memory is filled with unknown? The problem is familiar to many owners of this smartphone, released in 2017. Even with 3/4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of memory, the device eventually begins to “choke” from the accumulated garbage.

The main causes of contamination are: app cache, residual files after deleting programs, duplicate photos in the gallery and system debris from MIUI updates. But don't rush to reset the phone to factory settings - in 80% of cases, deep cleaning is enough without losing data. In this article, we will analyze all the methods from manual cleaning to radical reset.

⚠️ Important: Redmi Note 4X Does not support official updates MIUI Update 12.5 (Android 7.0 Nougat) If your smartphone is running custom firmware (like LineageOS), some cleaning methods may differ.

Method 1: Cleaning cache and garbage without root rights

So let's start with the safest method, which doesn't require super-user rights or delete personal data, and MIUI has built-in cleaning tools, but they often skip the deep layers of garbage. Here's how to do it better:

• 🧹 Cleaning the app cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select any app (like Facebook or Chrome) and click Clear Cache. For bulk cleaning, use the Clean All button in the upper right corner.
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary files: Settings in the menu → Click on "Clean" and the system will show how much space is occupied by temporary files, downloads and unused files. APK.
• 📁 Manual folder check: Open Explorer (or Files) and delete the contents of folders: Download – downloaded files; DCIM/.thumbnails — photo-picture; Android/data — game cache (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

🔹 Hidden garbage: Folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup It can weigh a few gigabytes, which are backups of applications that the system has created, and if you don't use the backup feature, you can delete it completely.

Clear the cache of all applications|Remove the old ones APK-file|Check the Download folder|Delete thumbnails (DCIM/.thumbnails)|Clean the basket in the gallery

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⚠️ Attention: Do not delete folders Android/obb and Android/media — They store game and media data, and if they're cleaned, they'll crash games like Call of Duty Mobile.

Method 2: Using the Optimization Tool in MIUI

Xiaomi has built a utility into MIUI to speed up the system, but many users neglect it. The Optimization feature not only clears the cache, but also closes the background processes, saving battery life.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the Optimization icon** (three bars in the upper right corner).
3. Select “Clean” – the system will scan the device for garbage.
4. After cleaning, click “Optimize” to close unnecessary processes.

📊 What removes the optimizer:

🔹 Secret mode: If you press the Optimize button for 3 seconds, an extended menu will open with the ability to clean the Dalvik cache (helps with lags after updates).

Once a week | Once a month | Only when the phone brakes | Never clean |I don't know what it is

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Method 3: Remove system applications (without root)

The Redmi Note 4X comes with Xiaomi apps (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) that cannot be removed by standard methods, but can be disabled or removed via ADB (no superuser rights).

📌 Instructions for disconnection:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (such as Mi Browser).
3. Click “Disable” – it will disappear from the menu and stop updating.

🔧 Removal through ADB (advanced):

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser (replace com.android.browser with the desired application package).

⚠️ Warning: Removing system applications may cause malfunctions MIUI. For example, removing Mi Security (com.miui.securitycenter) will disable the virus scanner and optimizer.

Method 4: Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo, doesn't turn on or brakes even after cleaning, the radical method is a complete reset, which will delete all data, including photos, contacts and apps.

• 🔄 Make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50%.
• 📡 Untie your Xiaomi account (if you forget your password, the reset will block your device!).

🔧 How to make a Hard Reset:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After reset, select Reboot.

⏳ How long does the reset last: On the Redmi Note 4X If the screen is stuck on Wiping... for more than 10 minutes, do not turn off the phone, wait for completion or reboot forcibly (press the power for 15 seconds).

💡

Resetting to factory settings removes all information, including the associated Google account, after the procedure, you will need to enter the login and password from the last used account (FRP protection).

Method 5: Cleaning through Recovery and Fastboot modes

If the phone doesn't boot into the system but responds to buttons, try cleaning through recovery modes. There are two options available on the Redmi Note 4X:

🔹 1. Stock Recovery (official):

• Press Volume up + Nutrition.
• Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (clears only the cache, the data will be saved).
• For a full reset, select Wipe All Data.

🔹 2. Fastboot (for experienced ones):

1. Connect your phone to a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to Enter Fastboot.
3. Run the commands: fastboot erase cache fastboot format userdata (second command will delete all data!).
4. Reboot your phone: fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Note: The fastboot format userdata command will delete all user data, including files on internal memory. If you want to save a photo, pre-extract the memory card (if installed).

💡

If the phone is stuck on the screensaver after reset via Fastboot, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. You can download the official ROM for Redmi Note 4X on en.miui.com (choose the version for mido).

How to Prevent Memory Clogging in the Future

To prevent the Redmi Note 4X from braked again, follow the following simple rules:

• 📱 Turn off the autoload of applications: In Settings → Permits → Autorun: disable background work of unnecessary programs (such as Facebook or AliExpress).
• 🔄 Clean the cache once a month: Use a built-in optimizer or apps like this SD Maid (requires root).
• 📸 Transfer the photo to the memory card: In the gallery, select "Move to" SD» Freeing up internal memory.
• 🚫 Avoid cleaners: Applications like Clean Master or CCleaner often become a source of garbage themselves.

📊 Optimal memory allocation:

• Free space: at least 2 GB (otherwise the system starts to brake).
• App cache: no more than 1 GB (clean regularly).
• System files: up to 8-10 GB (don't touch!)

🔋 Bonus: If the phone is running too fast, check the Settings section → Battery. → Battery use: High-consumption apps (e.g. Telegram or Google Play Services) can be restricted in the background.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the Redmi Note 4X