Xiaomi’s Redmi series is widely regarded as one of the most reliable devices in the budget segment. However, even the most stable MIUI system can accumulate software errors, cause application conflicts, or simply require cleaning before selling a gadget. Owners of the popular Redmi 4X model often face the need to return the device to its original state to eliminate lags or forget an old pattern lock.
The factory reset procedure, known as Hard Reset or software reset, is a radical but effective method of solving many software problems. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to restore the health of your Redmi 4X, focusing on personal data security and the right course of action. A deep understanding of the process will allow you to avoid typical errors and return the phone to factory speed.
Before you start taking action, it is important to realize the irreversibility of this process. All user files, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications, will be completely deleted from the internal memory of the device. The Android system partition will remain intact, which ensures that you return to the state of the software that was installed at the moment of preparation or the last global update.
Preparation of the device before the discharge procedure
You should start with careful preparation, which minimizes the risks of data loss and interruption. The first and most important step is to back up all the important information. MIUI backup SD-You can use the Mi Cloud service if it is activated on your account, and you can also manually copy photos and documents to your computer through the service. USB-cable.
The second critical aspect is the battery charge level. The process of formatting memory partitions and reinstalling system files can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, during which time the device must be turned on. If the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a “brick.” Make sure that the charge is at least 60-70%, and better connect the device to the charger throughout the process.
The third thing you need to do is to prepare for your accounts, and if you have Mi Account or Google account theft protection activated on your phone, the system will require you to reset your username and password that you used earlier, which is FRP, or Factory Reset Protection, which is a security mechanism, and if you forget that, it's very difficult to unlock your device, so it's advisable to untie your accounts or remember your passwords securely before you start your operation.
☑️ Redmi Preparation Checklist 4X
Don’t forget to remove the microSD card as well. SIM-The card before the procedure, although the current versions MIUI Usually ask for confirmation to format only system partitions, physical extraction of the drive ensures that your media files on the memory card will not be affected by random formatting.
Method 1: Reset via the system settings menu
The easiest and most secure way to return to factory settings is directly through the operating system interface, which is suitable for when the phone is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you have access to the main menu. The action algorithm is standardized for most versions of the MIUI shell installed on the Redmi 4X.
To start, open the Settings app and find the About Phone section. At the bottom of the menu list, you'll find the Reset option (or Reset and Reset depending on the firmware version). Click on it and the system will offer two options: Reset (without deleting data) and Erase all data (full reset).
Once you select "Erase All Data," the system will perform a final verification and request proof of identity if you have a password or pattern lock on the lock screen. Enter it, then click the "Next" button and confirm the action by tapping the red "Reset" button. The phone will reboot, and the cleaning process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: Once the reset is confirmed through the settings menu, you can't interrupt the process by pressing the buttons.The phone will complete the cleanup itself and restart to the clean system, as if you just took it out of the box.
It is important to note that this method does not delete files stored on an external drive unless you select the appropriate option (if available in your version of the software), however, the internal memory will be completely cleared. This method is considered Soft Reset, since it is performed by the operating system’s usual means without interfering with low-level partitions.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If the smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten your lock password, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode. This method works at the bootloader level and doesn't require access to the operating system. On Redmi 4X, this mode is logged in with a combination of physical buttons.
The order of action is to turn off your smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up and Power button. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears. Once the menu loads, the power button can be released. This menu is controlled by volume buttons (up/down), and selecting the item with a short press of the power button.
From the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English and Chinese), then go to Wipe Data. Inside this section, you will find the Wipe All Data option. Confirm the selection, and the system will request final confirmation, often with a countdown or re-select Confirm. After starting the cleanup process, wait for the Data wiped successfully message.
The sequence of buttons for entering Recovery:
1. Turn off the phone.
2. Clamp Volume Up + Power.
3. Hold until the Mi logo appears.
4. Release Power when the menu appears.Once the cleanup is completed successfully, go back to the main Recovery menu (Back or Menu) and select Reboot, then Reboot to System. The first download after Hard Reset can take up to 5-10 minutes to complete, which is normal behavior as the system optimizes applications and creates new system files.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not open?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google and Mi Cloud
There is also the option to reset Redmi 4X remotely if the device is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), but access to the screen itself is not. This is true, for example, if the phone is lost or the screen is broken, but the sensor is partially working.
Mi Cloud is available for Xiaomi ecosystem users. Go to the official website from your computer or other device, log in to your Mi Account. In the Find Device section, select your Redmi 4X from the list and click the "Clean" button. The device will receive a command to completely reset the data.
Google Find My Device provides a similar service: Go to the service’s website, log in to the Google account that was used on the phone, select the device and click “Clean the device,” which also requires an active Internet connection on your smartphone.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery. | Remotely (Cloud) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the menu | Required. | Not required | Not required |
| We need the Internet. | Not necessarily. | No. | I'll be on the phone. |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Depends on the link. |
Solution: Account blocking and errors
One of the most common problems after a reset is a FRP (Factory Reset Protection) request: If a Google account is entered on a phone before a reset, the system will require it to be entered on its password the first time it is set up, which is protection against theft: if the phone is stolen and reset, the thief will not be able to use it. The owner must know his data.
Another common situation is a cyclic reboot after a reset. If the phone is constantly showing the Mi logo and rebooting, it may be that the system partition is damaged or the update is interrupted, in which case a simple reset via Recovery may not help, and you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires a password from Mi Account, which you do not remember, you can only restore access through the procedure of restoring an account on the mi.com website.
Users may also experience a “failed to reset” error, which can occur when there is a lack of space in the system partition for temporary files or when the file system is damaged, and in such cases it is recommended to try to clear the cache through Recovery (Wipe Cache) before attempting a full reset.
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If the phone is slow after reset, give it 15-20 minutes at rest on the desktop.The system performs background file indexing and database optimization, which temporarily loads the processor.
Initial adjustment after reset
After you successfully complete the procedure and download it for the first time, you will see the Miui Welcome screen, select a language, connect to the Wi-Fi network for activation, check for updates and prompt you to restore data from a backup if you previously created it through Mi Cloud or Google.
When you set up your accounts, be careful to enter only the data that belongs to you. If you plan to sell your phone, you can skip this step by simply turning off the device after you choose the language, and the new owner will customize it for himself.
It is recommended to check the version of the system in the About Phone section immediately after setting up and install available security updates. This will close vulnerabilities that could have led to the need to reset if the cause was viruses or malware. 4X.
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A complete reset returns the phone to the "out of the box" state, removing all personal data but not affecting the firmware version. MIUI need to be reflashed.