How to format Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 working methods + FAQ

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used thanks to reliable “stuffing” and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require complete firmware reflashing, in such cases formatting comes to the rescue - a procedure that returns the smartphone to factory settings.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset the Redmi 4X (including models with MIUI 8-12 firmware), learn how to save important data before formatting, and what to do if the phone does not turn on after a failed reset. We will also analyze common errors that can cause the procedure to go wrong, and give recommendations for restoring the system.

Important: instructions are suitable for all versions of the Redmi 4X (santoni), including versions with 2/16 GB, 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB of memory. If your device is locked through the Mi Account, first unlock it - otherwise after reset the phone will turn into a "brick".

Preparing for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Xiaomi Redmi 4X formatting deletes all user data: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and even files on internal memory (unless you use special modes).

• 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Save the file to SD-map or cloud to Mi Cloud.
• 📁 Copy media files (photos, videos, music) to a computer or external drive. USB file transfer (MTP).
• 🔑 Write down your account details: logins and passwords from social networks, emails, banking applications.
• 📡 Check the battery power, it must be at least 50%, and if the phone runs out during formatting, it can damage the system partitions.

If you plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another person, you should also:

• 🔄 Log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social networks).
• 💳 Remove Bank Cards from Google Pay, Mi Pay and Other Payment Systems.
• 📍 Turn off Find Device in Mi Cloud, otherwise the new owner will not be able to activate the phone.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Custom recovery is established (for example, TWRP), A standard reset via the menu may not work, in which case use the method via fastboot or Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the safest and easiest method to use if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🛠️ You need to return the factory settings without deleting files to SD-map.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with factory settings, you will only have to go through the initial setting (choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your account).

⚠️ If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it – you will have to unlock the device through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure can take up to 72 hours).

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 The phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🐢 The device is strongly braked and does not respond to touch.
• 🔄 You need to reflash the smartphone, but first clean the data section.

To log in to Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the recovery menu in English or Chinese.

Further action:

1. Select the Wipe Data (or Clear Data) buttons.
2. Confirm the choice of the power button.
3. Choose Wipe All Data (full cleaning) or Wipe Cache (cache cleaning if you need partial cleaning).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion (the screen will appear the inscription Success).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot to reboot.

If the recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

Method 3: Complete reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool

This is the most radical method used if:

• 🧱 The phone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔧 You need to reflash the device on official or custom firmware.
• 🔒 Recovery Mode is damaged or missing.

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and firmware for Redmi 4X (codename).
• 🔧 Qualcomm drivers and ADB (It is installed automatically when connecting the phone in fastboot mode).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool. Unpack the archive with firmware (the file must have the extension.tgz or.zip).
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds to enter fastboot mode. The hare in the eardry hat will appear on the screen.
3. Connect your phone to your computer. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock the bootloader).
6. Press Refresh – your Redmi should appear in the list. 4X (COM-port).
7. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (link). This will require a tied Mi Account and a wait of 72 hours (if unlocking is performed for the first time).

What to do if the phone does not turn on after reset

In rare cases, after formatting, Redmi 4X can:

• 🔄 Hang on the Mi logo (bootloop).
• 📵 Do not respond to buttons (black screen).

Causes and solutions:

If none of the methods helped, perhaps the problem in the hardware (for example, damaged flash memory or power controller).In this case, we recommend contacting the service center. The average cost of diagnosis Redmi 4X — 500-1000 rubles.

💡

If the phone after the reset asks you to enter the password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it - do not try to find it! After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

How to Recover Data After Formatting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning deleted files depend on:

• 🕒 Time after reset (the earlier you start recovery, the better).
• 📱 Memory type: on Redmi. 4X eMMC is used, which is worse than remediable. UFS.
• 🔧 Formatting Method: After fastboot, chances are minimal.

Recovery programmes:

• 🖥️ DiskDigger (for Windows) – scans internal memory for deleted files.
• 📱 EaseUS MobiSaver (for Android) – works through OTG-cable.
• 🌐 Recuva – a free utility with support for deep scanning.

Instructions for recovery through DiskDigger:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer in MTP mode.
2. Start DiskDigger and select your phone’s drive.
3. Press Dig Deep (deep scan) and wait until it is completed.
4. Mark the desired files (photos, videos, documents) and click Recover.
5. Save the data to your computer or external drive.

⚠️ Warning: Do not save recovered files back to your phone! this may overwrite the remaining data and make it impossible to further restore.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X formatting