How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: 3 ways + FAQ

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in active use thanks to its reliable hardware base and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in which case a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the phone to the state of “out of the box”.

But how do you properly reset the Redmi 4X so you don't lose important data and turn it into a brick? In this article, we'll look at three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Mi Account), outline the pitfalls of each method, and give you a checklist for safe preparation, and at the end, answer frequent user questions, including data recovery after reset.

Why do you need to reset the Redmi 4X?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical solution, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 🐢 Strong brakes and lags. If the smartphone became "thoughtful" even after cleaning the cache and turning off background applications, resetting will help restore performance.
• 🔄 Preparing for sale or transfer, so that the new owner does not gain access to your accounts, photos and messages.
• 🚨 Viruses or suspicious activity: Some malware is so deeply rooted that it can only be removed by zeroing it out.
• 🔧 Errors after the update MIUI. If after the update the system began to behave unstable (apps fly out, Wi-Fi does not work), reset often solves the problem.
• 🔓 Forgotten pattern lock or password, in which case only resetting via Recovery will help.

However, before you start, please note that the reset deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (unless saved in the cloud or on PC).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Account).
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications.
• 📁 Files in internal memory (documents, music, etc.).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X With an unlocked bootloader, resetting via Recovery can result in an anti-rollback protection. If you have installed custom firmware, use only the method through the settings!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ Remember your password or pattern lock.
• ✅ You need to save data on a memory card (microSD).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Slip on the Reset item.
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Reset your phone settings (required). 💾 Clear internal memory (if desired, delete all files).

Mi Account

Drop it.

After the reboot, you will see the screen of the original setup, as after the purchase. Now you can restore data from the backup (if it was created).

Make a backup copy of important data|Battery charge > 50%|Unplug Google and Mi accounts (if you sell a phone)|Remember the username / password from Mi Account (required for activation after resetting)|Remove the memory card (unless you want to format it)-->

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

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 Forgot your password or pattern lock.
• 📵 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI and.
• 🛠️ You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).

To enter Recovery on Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press Volume Up (+) + Power button at the same time.
3. Hold on for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the device is locked after the reset, the device has been activated with the Mi Account security mechanism, in which case you will need to enter the username and password from the associated Xiaomi account.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X with custom recovery (e.g, TWRP) The reset procedure may be different. In this case, select Wipe → Format Data, then type yes for confirmation. Do not format the System partition, otherwise the phone will not boot!

Method 3: Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via your Xiaomi account.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 4X (it should be linked to your account).
3. Click on three dots next to the device and select Find the device.
4. In the window that opens, click Erase the data and confirm the action.

Please note that for this:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level of charge > 15%.
• 🔒 Find the device must be activated in the phone settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Find the device).

Once the command is sent, the reset will occur the next time the phone is connected to the network.This method does not guarantee 100% cleanup (for example, if the phone is turned off or discharged), but the chances are high.

What do I do after the dump?

After resetting the Redmi 4X, you will have to:

1. Activate phone: Connect to Wi-Fi or insert SIM-Enter the data from the Mi Account if it was linked. Accept the terms of use and adjust the basic parameters (language, region, date).
2. Recover data (if backed up): When set up, the system will prompt you to restore data from Google Drive or Mi Cloud. If a copy was made via the Mi PC Suite, connect the phone to your computer and follow the instructions of the program.

Update firmware

• Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
• Install the latest MIUI for the Redmi 4X (currently MIUI 12.5.8 for the Santoni).

If your phone is running slower than before, check:

• 🔋 Battery status (a worn-out battery may brake the system).
• 📱 Number of installed applications (remove unnecessary ones).
• 🛡️ Viruses (scan your phone through Google Play Protection).

How to avoid problems when resetting?

To make the procedure go smoothly, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage system files.
• 📁 Save it. IMEI. On the Redmi. 4X rarely, but there is a loss IMEI Recovery requires a backup copy (can be done through the application) MTK Engineering Mode).
• 🔓 Unplug accounts. Before selling your phone, delete Google and Mi Account in your settings, or the new owner won't be able to activate it.
• 🛠️ Check the version. MIUI. If the phone has not been updated for a long time, after the reset, you may need to manually firmware through Fastboot.

If you are planning to sell the Redmi 4X, after the reset:

1. Turn off Find the device in Mi Account.
2. Remove all fingerprints and faces (if supported).
3. Out. SIM-microSD card and microSD card (if any).

💡

If the phone is slower after reset, try to turn off the animation system. To do this, activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the settings) and in the section For developers, set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animator Duration to 0.5x or Disabled.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, Redmi 4X users sometimes run into problems.

• 🔴 This device is locked error: Appears if the phone was tied to Mi Account and you forgot the login details.Solution: Restore access to your account or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 📵 No network after reset: Often associated with resetting settings APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and adjust your operator’s settings manually.
• 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI: This can happen because of a damaged firmware. Solution: run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (instructions are on the forum). 4PDA).

💡

If after the Redmi reset 4X It doesn't turn on or it makes errors, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can fix the problem by running a Fastboot or resetting it by using a Fastboot. EDL-Mode (this will require an authorized Xiaomi account and cable) USB Type-C).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions