Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: the full guide

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing software failures. This budget-proven but time-tested device (released in 2017) is still in active use, and its owners often face the need to “clean” reboot the system. However, not everyone knows that there are three fundamentally different methods of reset, each of which is suitable for specific scenarios – from regular through the menu to emergency through Fastboot.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways, including hidden nuances that the manufacturer doesn’t always mention in the official documentation, such as why IMEI can disappear after a reset via Recovery, how to properly prepare the device so that you don’t lose access to the Mi Account, and what to do if the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo after a failed attempt, and how to bypass the locking of Xiaomi account after a reset – a problem that one in five users faces.

Before you start, make sure your Redmi is available. 4X charged at least 30% — This is critical to avoid "bricking" the device. 15%, Some resetting methods may result in E:Error in error /cache/recovery/last_locale.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Factory reset is an irreversible procedure that deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to crashes, backup remains a must.

Here is what you need to do before starting:

• 📱 Sync data with Mi Cloud: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and enable sync for contacts, notes and photos. It's free for Mi Account holders.
• 💾 Create a local copy: Use the built-in Backup app (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset) or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔑 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account: After resetting, the phone may require authorization to unlock (Find Device feature).
• 📶 Check Wi-Fi Connection: If you reset via a menu, a stable internet connection is needed to re-activate the device.

On Redmi 4X with MIUI 9/10, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can work after a reset, which requires you to enter the last synchronized account. If you forget your password, restore it in advance at accounts.google.com.

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If you are selling a phone, remember to log out of your Mi and Google account manually before resetting: Settings → Accounts → Delete your account. This will save the buyer from activation problems.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-It's the simplest and least risky, because it's through the standard interface. MIUI.

Step instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or About Phone in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Tap Reset settings (or Reset to factory settings).
5. Choose Delete all data and confirm the action.
6. When requesting, enter a pattern lock/PIN-code.
7. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

Once the phone is rebooted, it will suggest that you configure it as new, and if the message appears on the screen, "This device has been reset. Enter Mi Account details," then the Find Device function was active, and enter the username and password from the associated Xiaomi account.

Make sure your phone is charged >30%|

Synchronize data with Mi Cloud|

Remember the username/password from Mi Account and Google|

Shut down. SIM-Card (optional if there is a problem with the network)|

Prepare a stable Wi-Fi connection-->

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

If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn't respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but has risks:

• ⚠️ Possible loss IMEI (Re-flashing the modem part).
• ⚠️ Some firmware requires a password from Mi Account even after resetting.

How to log in to Recovery and perform a reset:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
3. Hold on for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Choose Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
6. Confirm the action (Confirm).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Important: On some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS), the Wipe Data item may be called Format Data, in which case, after formatting, you will need to re-install the firmware through ADB Sideload.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

The method through Fastboot is the most radical and is used when:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update.
• 🔒 You need to bypass the Mi Account lock (only for unlocked bootloader).

This method will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for firmware) or Platform Tools (for fastboot commands).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down (-) + Nutrition, hold until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

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Resetting via Fastboot does not delete the firmware, only user data. If the phone does not boot due to a damaged system partition, you will need a complete firmware reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Warning: If the bootloader locks on the phone, the fastboot commands will not work until unlocked through the official Mi Unlock tool:

(bootloader) Variable not accessible


FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 4X can be unstable, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If the phone does not detect after the reset SIM-map, check it out:

• 📶 Correct installation SIM (on the Redmi 4X supported by nano-SIM + MicroSD or two nano-SIMs).
• 🔧 Network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selecting a network (select manually).
• 📡 Status. IMEI: enter *#06# — if displayed Null/Unknown, restoration.

Through the settings menu |

Through Recovery Mode|

Through Fastboot|

Another way.-->

6.How to reset Xiaomi 4X without data loss (partial reset)

If the goal is not to clean the phone completely, but only to fix the malfunctions of the applications or interface, you can perform a partial reset, which saves user files (photos, videos, music), but returns system parameters to the factory settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset.
3. Tap Reset application settings (or Reset all settings, but without a tick to Delete data).
4. Confirm the action.

What will be dropped:

• 📱 Settings of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network.
• 🔊 Sound profiles and notifications.
• 🎯 Screen settings (brightness, timeout).
• 🔧 Application parameters (cache, permissions).

What's left:

• 📂 Files in the phone memory (DCIM, Downloads, etc.).
• 📞 Contacts and messages (if synced with Mi Cloud or Google).
• 🎮 Installed applications (but their data can be reset).

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If there are problems after a partial reset, try clearing the cache of individual applications manually: Settings → Applications → Select the application → Clear the cache.

7.Alternative methods: reset via ADB and Mi PC Suite

For users who do not have access to the phone menu, but have a computer, two additional ways are suitable:

Reset via ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

1. Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and do: adb shell pm uninstall-k --user 0 com.miui.securitycenter (optional, to remove unnecessary applications) adb reboot recovery
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data.

Reset via Mi PC Suite:

1. Download and install Mi PC Suite.
2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
3. In the program, select Backup → Reset to factory settings.
4. Follow the master's instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Mi PC Suite may not recognize Redmi 4X On older versions of Windows (below Windows 10), in which case, install drivers manually through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X