Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, formatting helps – resetting to factory settings.
In this article, you will find three working methods for resetting Redmi 4X (codename santoni), including Recovery and Fastboot recovery, and detailed instructions for saving important data. We will break down common errors (such as This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device) and explain how to avoid them. If your smartphone is getting stuck on the Mi logo, does not respond to buttons or requires unlocking the bootloader, there will be a solution here too.
Warning: Reset deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and installed apps, so the first step is to create a backup.
1.Preparation: backup of data before reset
Redmi 4X formatting erases the device’s internal memory, including:
- 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
- 📞 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Account
- 📁 Application files (game saving, cache) WhatsApp/Telegram)
- 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and network settings
- 🎵 Music and documents downloaded manually
In order not to lose important, use one of the ways:
| Method | What keeps | How do you do it? |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Contacts, SMS, notes, photos (up to 5 GB free) | Go to Settings → Mi Account → Mi Cloud → Synchronization and enable the necessary items. |
| Google Account | Contacts, calendar, mail, some application settings | In Settings → Accounts → Google select data to sync. |
| Local copy. | All files (photos, videos, documents) | Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB, select File Transfer mode and copy the data to your computer. |
| Backup applications | SMS, call log, application settings | Install Swift Backup or Titanium Backup (root rights required). |
⚠️ Note: If you use Mi Cloud, make sure that there is enough space on your account. If you exceed the limit, the sync will be interrupted, and some of the data may not be saved. → Memory. → Backup enabled option Automatic backup.
Important: After a reset, Redmi 4X may require data input from the previous Mi Account (if Device Protection was enabled). To avoid blocking, unplug the account in advance at Settings → Mi Account → Sign out.
2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)
If your smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch, use the built-in reset function. This method does not require a computer or additional tools.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
- Slip on Resetting (may be called Erase All Data).
- The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
- Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone settings.
- Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).
Once completed, the Redmi 4X will launch with a clean firmware, just like after purchase.
⚠️ Note: If after reset, the smartphone requires you to enter a login / password from the old Mi Account, and you do not remember it - you will have to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website.
Battery Charging (minimum 50%)
Synchronized contacts with Google/Mi Cloud
Photos copied on PC/cloud
The pattern lock is disabled (if forgotten)
Exit from Mi Account (if you plan to sell your phone)-->
3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the screensaver, reboots cyclically or does not respond to the screen, use Recovery Mode. This is a built-in recovery menu, available even when the firmware is damaged.
Instructions for Redmi 4X (codename santoni):
- Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
- Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
- Select the Wipe Data option → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data).
- Confirm the action by selecting Confirm (a password may be required).
- After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.
If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:
- 📱 (first paragraph) — reset.
- 🧹 — Data reset (Wipe Data).
- 🔧 — supplemental.
It can take up to 10 minutes, and if you're rebooting your phone, it's hanging on the logo again, it's possible that the firmware is damaged, and you'll need to install it through Fastboot.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for experienced)
The Fastboot method is used if:
- 🔄 The smartphone is not even included in the Recovery.
- 🚫 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.
- 📥 You need to refashion the phone to another version. MIUI.
This will require a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and the official firmware for Redmi 4X. Download it from Xiaomi’s website (choose the version for santoni).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your PC (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Turn off Redmi 4X and turn to Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds. The hare in the eardress hat will appear on the screen.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\MIUI\
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
- Run the firmware script: fastboot flash all or (for new versions) MIUI): flash_all.bat
- Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
Once rebooted, the phone will be clean firmware, no link to the old account. If this MIUI version cannot be installed on this device is an error, then you have downloaded firmware not for santoni or are trying to install an older version than the current one.
⚠️ Note: When you are running through Fastboot, be sure to turn off antivirus checks – some files (for example, flash_all_lock.bat) They can be recognized as a threat, and make sure that the battery is not lower. 30%, otherwise the process will be interrupted.
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If the phone doesn’t turn on after Fastboot, try to type in the command fastboot erase userdata, then run again. flash_all.bat. This will help with errors with memory partitions.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
When resetting Redmi 4X users often face problems.We have collected the most common and explained how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This device is locked (in Fastboot) | bootloader locked | Unlock the device through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72 hours). |
| Phone hangs on Mi logo after reset | System partition or incompatible firmware damaged | Swipe the device through Fastboot with the official firmware for santoni. |
| E:unknown command in Recovery | Recovery menu damaged | Install custom TWRP via Fastboot, then repeat the reset. |
| Requires a password from your old Mi Account | Find Device protection included | Untie your account via i.mi.com or run your phone through Fastboot with userdata cleanup. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge – at a level below 10%, the reset may be interrupted.
- 🔌 Cable USB — Use original or certified (cheap cables often don’t transfer data to Fastboot).
- 🖥️ Drivers - install the Mi PC Suite or Android SDK work-in ADB.
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If the Redmi 4X doesn’t respond to any manipulation (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t go to Recovery/Fastboot), the problem may be in the hardware — for example, the power button or power controller is faulty.
6. Custom firmware reset (TWRP)
If your Redmi 4X has custom TWRP recovery installed, the reset process is simplified, and this method also allows you to create a full backup system before cleaning.
Instructions:
- Boot to TWRP: Press Volume Up + Nutrition.
- On the main screen, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
- Check the boxes for Dalvik/ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (optional)
- Swipe to the right for confirmation (Swipe to Wipe).
- After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.
Advantages of TWRP:
- 🔄 Ability to selectively reset (e.g., only cache or application data).
- 📦 Create a full backup system (Backup) before cleaning.
- 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
⚠️ Note: If you delete the Internal Storage section, all files on internal memory (photos, music) will be permanently erased).
7. What to do after discharge
After the successful Redmi 4X formatting, you will have to:
- Complete the initial setting (choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Google/Mi Account).
- Restore data from a backup (see Section 1).
- Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Disable unnecessary features that may slow down the system (such as Mi Cloud Sync or Auto-Update apps).
To avoid repeated “brakes”, follow the advice:
- 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check your system regularly.
- 🧹 Clean the cache once a month through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
- 🚫 Do not install applications from unknown sources (enable Settings). → Security → Unknown sources → Off.).
- 🔄 Avoid heavy launchers (like Nova Launcher or Apex) – they consume additional resources.
If the smartphone is still slow, consider installing light firmware (such as MIUI Lite or Android Go). Redmi 4X also suits custom builds based on Android 10/11, optimized for weak iron.