How to set up Xiaomi Redmi 4X after resetting to factory settings: the full guide

Recovery of the smartphone after reset: where to start

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a radical but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses or prepare the device for sale. However, after this procedure, users are faced with the need to reconfigure the smartphone, restore data and optimize its operation. Unlike modern Xiaomi models, the Redmi 4X (codename santoni) has its own features: an outdated version of MIUI, limited resources (2/3 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB of memory) and specific drivers that require a special approach to setup.

The main difficulty is that after a reset, the device returns to the “out of the box” state, but given the model age (released in 2017), the standard recommendations for new smartphones do not always work here. For example, updating MIUI through OTA may not be available due to the termination of official support, and restoring backup through Mi Cloud often leads to synchronization errors. In this article, we will discuss a step-by-step configuration algorithm that takes into account all the nuances of the Redmi 4X, from the first on to fine optimization of the system.

First Entry and Basic System Configuration

After reset, the smartphone will start in initial settings. Here it is important to choose the right settings to avoid problems with localization, network and performance in the future. On the welcome screen, select the language (Russian or English if you plan to use global firmware), then connect to the Wi-Fi network. Redmi 4X supports 802.11 b/g/n standards at 2.4 GHz - make sure that the router works in this range, otherwise the connection may be interrupted.

At the stage of signing in to Xiaomi account, there will be a dilemma: whether to link the device to Mi Account. If you have previously used backups in Mi Cloud, then authorization is mandatory. However, note that on outdated Redmi 4X firmware (for example, MIUI 9 or MIUI 10), synchronization may not work stable. The alternative is to skip this step (click Skip or Skip) and set up an account later through Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi.

• 📱 Region choice: Install Russia or Ukraine (if you use global firmware) and this will affect available services such as Mi Pay or Mi Video.
• 🔒 Screen lock: We recommend you to set up immediately PIN-A code or a pattern lock. A fingerprint on Redmi. 4X It works slowly, so it is better to use it as an additional method.
• 📲 Google Services: Sign in to your Google account to access Play Market and contact backups. Without it, many apps won't work.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the smartphone requires the old Mi Account password, but you do not remember it, do not try to guess - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.

Firmware Update: Is It Worth It?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X received the last official update to MIUI 11 in 2020, after which support was discontinued. However, even on this version, there are possible bugs, such as spontaneous reboots or problems with Google Play Services. Before updating, check the current firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If it costs MIUI 9 or MIUI 10, it makes sense to upgrade to MIUI 11 via recovery or fastboot.

You can download the official firmware on the Xiaomi Firmware website. For the Redmi 4X, versions will suit:

• santoni_global_images_... — Global firmware (recommended for Russia and CIS);
• santoni_eea_global_images_... — European version (without pre-installed Chinese services);
• santoni_images_... — Chinese firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader).

Update via Settings → Update may not work due to an outdated security certificate. In this case, use the Mi Flash Tool (for PC) or TWRP (for power users).

⚠️ Note: If you decide to flash your smartphone through fastboot, make sure that the Mi Flash Tool version is compatible with your firmware.Use newer versions of the program (e.g. Mi Flash 2023) for Redmi firmware 4X This can cause an anti-rollback error and a complete loss of device performance.

Optimizing performance: how to speed up the Redmi 4X

The Redmi 4X's weak point is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor and just 2-3 GB of RAM. Once reset, the system can run faster, but the lags come back over time, especially when multitasking, to minimize the brakes:

1. Turn off animation: Go to Settings → Additional → For developers (if the partition is hidden, tap 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section). Set settings: Window animation: 0.5x Transition animation: 0.5x Animator Duration: 0.5x
2. Limit background processes: In the same section, select Process Limit → Maximum 2 Processes in the background.
3. Use “Easy Mode”: In Settings → Battery and Performance → Modes Activate Charge Savings – This will turn off unnecessary services.

For additional acceleration, you can turn off MIUI Optimizations (optimizations) MIUI), And that's what's happening, which is often delaying:

1. Install ADB on your PC and connect your smartphone in debugging mode (Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB).
2. Follow the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.powerkeeper

💡

If notification problems occur after disabling MIUI optimizations, return the settings with the adb shell pm enable com.miui.powerkeeper command.

Data recovery: contacts, photos, messages

After reset, all user data is deleted, but it can be restored from backups. Redmi 4X supports several ways:

• 📱 Mi Cloud: If sync was previously enabled, the data will automatically be downloaded after you log in to your Xiaomi account.
• ☁️ Google Account: Contacts, calendar and some app settings are synced through Google. check this in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization.
• 💾 Local Copy: If you have backed up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup, connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the backup file to your folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup.

To recover photos and videos, check:

• DCIM folder on the memory card (if it was not formatted during reset);
• Google Photos (if you have enabled autoloading)
• MIUI/Gallery/Cloud folder – Miniatures from Mi Cloud can be stored here.

⚠️ Note: If you used an encrypted backup in Mi Cloud and your Xiaomi account password changed, it will not be possible to recover data. Xiaomi does not provide backup password reset tools.

Network and Internet setting: solutions to typical problems

Redmi 4X often has problems connecting to a mobile network or Wi-Fi after a reset, due to outdated modem drivers and APN settings.

1. Check it out. APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). For most Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) use the following parameters: APN Internet.mts.ru (for MTS) Type of authentication PAP
2. Reset network settings: In Settings → Wireless Networks → Additional → Network Reset.
3. Update the operator profile: Send text message 123 room 111 (for Beeline, or use USSD-team *111*181# (for MegaFon).

If there is a Wi-Fi problem:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and smartphone;
• 📶 Check that the router settings are on mode 802.11 b/g/n (ac-free);
• 🔧 Change your Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6 or 11 (in router settings).

💡

If the mobile Internet is only working 2G, Check your preferred network settings: → SIM-map → Preferred type of network → 3G/4G.

Installation of applications and cleaning the system from garbage

After resetting to Redmi 4X, Xiaomi applications (e.g. Mi Music, Mi Video, Browser) that take up space and consume resources remain pre-installed, and you can’t delete them with standard means, but you can disable:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unnecessary app (such as Mi Pay) and click Disable.
3. For complete removal, root access or ADB use will be required: adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

When installing new apps, consider the limitations of Redmi 4X:

• 🎮 Avoid heavy games (such as Genshin Impact or GAME) PUBG maximum-setting);
• 📷 To shoot high-resolution video, use Google Camera with modified settings (e.g., GCam 7.3 for Snapdragon 435);
• 🔋 Give preference to the "light" versions of the applications: Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite.

To clean the system from cache and debris:

1. Use the built-in Cleanup utility (Settings → Cleanup);
2. Install SD Maid (requires root) for deep cleaning.
3. Check the Download folder regularly and delete unnecessary files.

Additional settings: battery, sound, safety

The battery on the Redmi 4X (3860 mAh) loses capacity over time.

• 🔋 Turn off Auto Brightness and set the brightness to 50–60%;
• ⏱️ Activate Saving Mode in Settings → Battery;
• 📵 Turn on Traffic Savings to Limit Background Activity of Applications.

The sound on the Redmi 4X is often criticized for its low volume.

• 🎧 In the settings, Sound → Enable the Mi Sound Enhancer;
• 🔊 Use a uniform equalizer (e.g., the Equalizer app) FX);
• 📢 For the speaker, set the mod. ViPER4Android (Magisk demands).

Safety:

• 🔐 Install Google Play Protect to scan for viruses;
• 🛡️ Disable the installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings) → Confidentiality → Unknown sources);
• 🔑 Set up a Smart Lock to automatically unlock in secure locations (such as at home).

💡

If the battery is running out quickly, check the flow rate in Settings → Battery → Battery Use. Apps with abnormal consumption (such as Facebook or Google Play Services) are better removed or restricted.

FAQ: Frequent questions after Redmi 4X reset