Xiaomi Mi 4X Formatting: 5 Ways to Reset to Factory Settings

Xiaomi Mi TV 4X (including the 43, 50, 55" and 65") can eventually start to slow down, issue errors or simply require a "clean sheet" before selling. Formatting is not only a reset, but also a complete rewriting of system partitions, which solves 90% of software problems. However, improper actions lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device, especially if it is a manual intervention through ADB or Fastboot.

In this article, we present current formatting methods for all versions of the Mi TV 4X firmware (including PatchWall and Google TV), taking into account the features of the Amlogic hardware platform.

  • πŸ”„ Soft reset (without data loss)
  • βš™οΈ Hard reset via menu and physical buttons
  • πŸ’» Formatting through ADB (power-user)
  • 🚨 Recovery after a failed reset
  • ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

If your Mi TV 4X is released before 2019, some methods (such as Fastboot reset) may not work due to an outdated version of the bootloader, in which case use alternative methods from the Disaster Recovery section.

πŸ“Š Why you are formatting Xiaomi Mi TV 4X?
I'm fixing lags and mistakes.
I'm getting ready to sell.
After a failed update
Experimenting with firmware
Other

1.Soft reset: return factory settings without data loss

This method is suitable if the TV is working, but β€œgluts”: slows down the interface, settings are not saved or some functions are lost. Mild reset reboots the system, resets cache and temporary files, but does not affect user data (apps, accounts, Wi-Fi).

How to do this:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Device β†’ Reset and Recovery.
  2. Choose Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting to Factory!).
  3. Confirm the action. The TV will reboot automatically.

If you don't have Settings Reset, your firmware doesn't support soft reset, in which case, move on to the next section.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4X With PatchWall 2.0 firmware and below, a soft reset can cause your Mi Account to sync to a failure.Untie your TV from your account in Settings before the procedure. β†’ Account.

πŸ’‘

After a soft reset, check the remote: sometimes button bindings are reset. If the remote does not respond, reconnect it to Settings β†’ Remote Control.

2. Hard reset via menu: full formatting

Factory reset removes all user data, including installed applications, Wi-Fi settings, accounts and files, and is recommended for:

  • 🐒 Strong interface lags and freezes
  • πŸ”“ Preparation of TV for sale or transfer
  • πŸ› οΈ Fixing errors after a failed update
  • πŸ“¦ Google Play Services or Mi Account

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Device β†’ Reset and Recovery.
  2. Select Reset to factory settings.
  3. If you ask. PIN-Enter the standard code for Xiaomi TV: 0000 or 1234.
  4. Confirm the action. It'll take 3-5 minutes.

After the reset, the TV will reboot and offer to go through the initial setup, as after the purchase. If the screen has hung on the Mi logo for longer than 10 minutes, see the recovery section.

Untie Mi Account in Settings β†’ Account

Record Wi-Fi settings (SSID and password)

Take screenshots of important screens (e.g. image settings)

Get out. USB-memory-storage

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Resetting through buttons: if the TV is not turned on

If the Mi TV 4X doesn’t respond to the remote, is getting stuck on the screensaver or doesn’t turn on at all, use the physical buttons on the case.

  • πŸ“Ί On the back panel (near the ports) HDMI) β€” power-button + Reset (small hole).
  • πŸ”„ On some models, only the Power button (you need to hold 10-15 seconds).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the TV (remove the plug from the socket).
  2. Press and hold the Power button on the body.
  3. Without releasing Power, plug the power back in.
  4. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo or recovery menu appears.
  5. In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).

If the recovery menu doesn’t appear, try an alternative method:

1. Turn off the power.


2. Press the Power + Volume Down button (if any).




3. Connect the power, hold the buttons for 20 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4X 2018 (with an Amlogic processor) S905X) Holding the buttons longer than 20 seconds can cause the bootloader to reset. If the screen is out and does not turn on, you need firmware through the USB Burning Tool.

4. ADB Formatting: For Power Users

This method is suitable if standard methods do not work, or you need to perform deep formatting (for example, to clear the /data partition of virus residues).

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux macOS
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB-A β†’ USB-A (PC-connector)
  • πŸ› οΈ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download from the official website)

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the TV Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About TV. Press 7 times on the build number (you will be notified "You became a developer"). Go back to Settings β†’ For developers and enable debugging on USB.

CMD

Terminal

adb devices

The serial number of the device should appear.

adb shell


recovery --wipe_data

Or for full formatting:

adb shell


recovery --wipe_all

If the team is recovering --wipe_data It doesn’t work, try an alternative method:

adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.deviceinfo.ResetFragment
ADB Team TeamAction.Application
adb shell recovery --wipe_dataResetting user dataRemove applications and settings, but saves firmware
adb shell recovery --wipe_allFull formattingClears all sections except the loader
adb reboot bootloaderReboot to FastbootNeed to run through USB Burning Tool
fastboot erase userdataCleaning up /data sectionUse it if ADB-teams are not working

⚠️ Note: Fastboot erase commands on some Mi models TV 4X If the TV does not turn on after execution, you will need an official firmware with unlocking through the Xiaomi Unlock Tool.

What if ADB can’t see the TV?
1. Check the cable - use the original USB-A β†’ USB-A (not Micro-USB!). 2. Install drivers for Amlogic USB Device (download on the Amlogic website). 3. Try another USB port on your PC (preferably USB 2.0). 4. Enable in the developer settings Debugging over USB (Secure Mode). 5. Reboot the TV and PC.

5.Recovery after failed formatting

If the TV doesn't turn on after reset, freezes on the logo or shows a No command error, use emergency recovery methods.

  • πŸ”Œ Interrupted formatting process (power cut off)
  • πŸ“₯ Damaged firmware after reset
  • πŸ”§ The conflict of Bootloader and Recovery versions

Method 1: Firmware via USB Burning Tool

  1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
  2. Install the USB Burning Tool (link in the archive with the firmware).
  3. Connect the TV to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down when you turn on).
  4. In the USB Burning Tool, select the firmware file (.img) and press Start.

Method 2: Recovery through Recovery

If the TV is loaded into the Recovery Mode menu, but the reset does not help:

  1. Download the firmware in.zip format for your model.
  2. Copy the file onto a flash drive (FAT32) and paste it into the TV.
  3. From the Recovery menu, select Apply update from USB.
  4. Specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.

Method 3: Unlock the bootloader

If the TV needs to be unlocked after reset (Device is locked):

  1. Go to the Xiaomi Unlock website and log in.
  2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect the TV in Fastboot mode.
  3. Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

πŸ’‘

If the TV doesn't respond to any method, check the power supply. On the 2017-2018 Mi TV 4X models, a common problem is the bloated capacitors on the board that block the system from starting.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Formatting errors Xiaomi Mi TV 4X fall into two categories: software (fixable) and hardware (required repair).

Mistake.Reason.Decision
No command in RecoveryRecovery section damagedSwitch the official Recovery.img via Fastboot
Hanging on the Mi logoConflict of firmware and loader versionsRun fastboot erase cache and reflash
ADB: device unauthorizedUnconfirmed access to debuggingOn the TV, confirm the permission in the dialog window
Black screen after resetThe /system partition is damagedSwipe the full firmware image through USB Burning Tool
Fastboot: command not allowedLoader locked.Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

Hardware errors (requires the intervention of the service center):

  • πŸ”₯ Processor overheating (TV turns off 5-10 minutes after switching on).
  • πŸ”Œ Power supply failure (the indicator flashes red, but the screen does not turn on).
  • πŸ“Ί Damage to the matrix (vertical stripes or no image when sound is working).

If the sound or image is missing after formatting, check:

  • πŸ”Š Settings HDMI-CEC (It can be in conflict with external devices).
  • πŸ“Ά Firmware region (some Mi models) TV 4X Require firmware for the Global or China region).
  • πŸ”„ Resetting sound settings in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Reset to factory.

Frequently asked questions

Can formatting be cancelled after launch?
No. Once the process has started, you can't interrupt it, it will damage the system files. If the TV is stuck during the reset, wait 15 to 20 minutes. If there's no change, turn off the power and try to recover via Recovery or Fastboot.
After the reset, the TV asks for a password.
This is standard Mi Account protection. If you haven't linked an account, try the standard ones. PIN-codes: 0000, 1234 or 6753 (service code for Xiaomi) TV). If your account has been linked, unlock your device through the Xiaomi website (Section "Find the device").
How to find out the model of your Mi TV 4X to choose firmware?
The model is shown on the sticker on the back of the TV (e.g. L43M5-5AIN or L55M5-5XIN). You can also see the menu: Go to Settings β†’ About TV. Find the lines Model and Model Number. For firmware, it is important to match the first 5 characters (e.g. L43M5).
Can I format a TV without a remote?
Yes, there are three ways: Buttons on the case: use Power + Volume (if any). Mobile app: install Mi Remote (requires a connection to one Wi-Fi network). ADB: If debugging was enabled earlier, connect to the TV from a PC. If the remote is lost and the buttons on the case do not work, only the firmware is left over via Fastboot.
After formatting, there's no Russian. How do I get it back?
This means that the firmware is installed for another region. Solutions: Reset the settings again and find Russian (maybe at the end of the list) Install firmware for the Global or EEA region via USB Burning Tool. If the language is not on the list, download the localization top (for example, MoreLocale 2) and install it through ADB: adb install morelocale.apk