How to reset Xiaomi Mi 4X to factory settings: a complete guide with photos and videos

Xiaomi Mi 4X is a popular mid-range smartphone released in 2018, but still in use today due to its balanced features and support for updates. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, give out errors or require transfer to a new owner, in which case a full reset to factory settings becomes the optimal solution.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to reset the Mi 4X, from a standard menu reset to hard-core methods via Recovery and Fastboot. We will focus on unlocking your Mi Account after a reset, as this is a common problem for users, and learn how to save important data before the procedure and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before zero

Factory reset is an irreversible process that deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications, and even some system settings, so preparation is a critical step.

The first thing you need to do is back up.

• 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → System system → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, call logs and some settings).
• ☁️ Connect to Google Account and activate sync in Settings → Accounts. → Google.
• 💾 Copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Yandex Disk).
• 🔐 Write down or take photos of passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications – after resetting them will have to re-enter.

If you are resetting your smartphone before selling, be sure to log out of all accounts:

• 📧 Google Account (Settings) → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account).
• 🔴 Mi Account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Get out).
• 💳 Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) – delete them or exit them.

⚠️ Note: If you do not log out of the Mi Account before resetting, the new owner will not be able to use the smartphone - you will need to enter your login and password to unlock (Mi Account Lock).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

This method is suitable if the smartphone is stable, you have access to the menu, and you remember the pattern lock or the key. PIN-The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone (or About Device) section.
3. Slip on Reset (may be called Reset and Reset).
4. Select Reset all settings or Delete all data.
5. Enter the pattern lock or PIN-code, if required.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The smartphone will automatically reboot and start the cleaning process. This can take 5 to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it even if the screen stays black for a long time. Once completed, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

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If after resetting the smartphone requires entering the username and password from the Mi Account, and you do not remember them - use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the smartphone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi Mi 4X doesn’t respond to touch, hovers on the logo, or doesn’t load beyond the lock screen, resetting via Recovery Mode will help.This mode lets you control your smartphone using physical buttons.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

1. Turn off your smartphone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
4. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu in English or Chinese.

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (Up/Down - move, Power - select).

1. Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data)
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or Yes).
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. 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:

• 🔹 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🔹 The second item is Wipe Data (reset).
• 🔹 Third item - Connect with MiAssistant (for firmware).

⚠️ Note: In some versions of Recovery on Mi 4X Wipe Data may not be available, and you may need to use the method via Fastboot.

Method 3: Hard reset via Fastboot (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing special drivers.

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on or hangs on the screensaver.
• 🔐 Forgotten pattern lock and Recovery is not available.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after a failed update.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔧 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (You can install it through Mi. PC Suite).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down button for 10 seconds - the device will go to Fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
5. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear) - continue. If not, install the drivers.
6. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the reboot is complete, you will be cleared. If you need a full flash, download the official firmware for the Mi 4X (codenamed santoni) and use the Mi Flash Tool.

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The Fastboot method is the only way to reset the Mi 4X if the pattern lock is forgotten and the Recovery menu is not available, but it requires minimal command line skills.

Unlocking Mi Account after resetting

One of the most common problems after resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4X is requesting a username and password from the Mi Account, which is protection against theft, but it also prevents the new owner from using the device, and let's look at how to unlock the smartphone in different situations.

If you have forgotten your account details:

1. Go to the Mi Account recovery page.
2. Enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Confirm the recovery via SMS or backup email.
4. Create a new password and log in to your account on your smartphone.

If the smartphone is bought from hands and tied to someone else’s account:

• 📧 Ask the seller to remove the device from your Mi Account via i.mi.com (Devices section).
• 📞 If the seller doesn’t respond, contact Xiaomi with a check to buy (they can help unlock the device).
• 🔧 In extreme cases, use the Mi Account Lock bypass through the firmware (risky, can lead to blocking). IMEI).

⚠️ Note: Use of informal methods to bypass Mi Account Lock (e.g. via EDL Mode) may result in blocking IMEI And we recommend that you try the official ways first.

Frequent errors in resetting and their solution

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1.The smartphone does not go out of Recovery/Fastboot mode

• 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 30%).
• 🔌 Try another charger or cable.
• 🔄 Forced reboot the device by holding the power button for 20-30 seconds.

2.After reset, the smartphone asks for an old password

• 🔑 This means that you did not log out of your Google Account before resetting.
• 📧 If you don’t remember your password, restore it through Google.

3.The "Cannot receive Hello Packet" error in Fastboot

• 🖥️ Reinstall the drivers ADB/Fastboot (Download from the official Android website).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Turn off the antivirus and firewall during firmware.

4.Reset interrupted and the smartphone does not turn on

• 🛠️ Try re-entering Recovery and resetting.
• 📱 If it does not help - run your smartphone through Fastboot official firmware.
• 🔧 In the extreme, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions