How to fully format Xiaomi Mi 4X: 5 proven ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Mi 4X (also known as Mi TV 4X in some regions) is a popular TV with PatchWall smart platform, but sometimes its owners need to return the device to its original state. The reasons are different, from selling equipment to fixing software failures after a failed update. Unlike smartphones, Xiaomi smart TV formatting has its own nuances — there is no classic Recovery Mode on Android devices, but there are alternative methods.

This article covers all the current reset methods for the Mi 4X (L43M5-5AIN, L50M5-5AIN and other 4X series modifications), including software and hardware methods. We will discuss how to save personal data before formatting, what errors can occur when resetting via ADB, and what to do if the TV hovers on the logo after a failed firmware update.

Preparation for Formatting: What to Do Before Resetting

Before you start resetting, make sure you don't lose important data. Xiaomi smart TVs store:

• 📺 Channel lists (manually configured or via auto search)
• 🔑 Logins from services (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video)
• 🎮 Game settings (if you use Google Play Games or emulators)
• 📁 Local files (uploaded movies, music, screenshots)

For backup:

1. Connect an external drive (a flash drive or hard drive) to the USB 3.0 port on your TV.
2. Go to Settings → Device → Storage → Backup.
3. Select the items to save (we recommend marking everything with ticks).
4. Click Create Backup and wait until it is completed (may take 10–30 minutes).

💡

If the TV doesn’t respond to the remote, use the official Mi Remote app (available for Android and iOS) or connect the keyboard over Bluetooth to control.

It is important to check the firmware version before resetting:

1. Open the settings → About TV → The version of the software.
2. Record the current version (e.g. MIUI TV 2.0.123).
3. If the version is older than 2 years, a forced USB upgrade may be required after the reset.

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

This method is suitable if the Xiaomi Mi 4X TV is on and responsive to commands.The interface may vary slightly depending on the PatchWall version, but the overall logic is maintained:

1. Open Settings (cog in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to the Device section → Resetting and remediation.
3. Select Resetting (sometimes called Factory Resetting).
4. Enter. PIN-code (by default 0000 if not changed).
5. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The process will take 5-10 minutes, and the TV will restart and offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase.

Make sure the TV is connected to the network | Disable all external devices (flash drives, hard drives) | Record data from your Mi Account (if tied) | Check the remote charge (or use a spare)

-->

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the TV requires entering the username and password from Mi Account, and you do not remember them – use the unlock instructions at the end of the article.

Method 2: Hard reset through buttons on the body (if the TV is not turned on)

If the Mi 4X doesn't respond to the remote and doesn't load beyond the logo, you can try a hardware reset.

1. Turn off the TV from the network (remove the power cord from the socket).
2. On the back, look for the reset button (usually located next to HDMI or USB ports, marked as RESET).
3. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button, holding it for 10-15 seconds.
4. Connect the power back - the TV should start in recovery mode.

If there is no RESET button (on some models), use the combination:

1. Hold the power button on the case (not on the remote!) for 30 seconds.
2. Let it go and press it again once.
3. Wait 2-3 minutes and the recovery screen will appear.

Method 3: Reset via ADB (for power users)

The method is suitable if the TV is turned on, but the settings menu is not available (for example, due to an interface failure), you will need a computer with ADB drivers installed and a USB-A → USB-A cable (to connect the TV to a PC).

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. On the TV, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About TV. Press 7 times on Software Version (you will receive a notification "You are a developer"). Return to Settings → Developer and enable USB Debugging.

Command line.

ADB

adb devices

(A device should be displayed, e.g. 192.168.x.x:5555)

adb shell

am start -a android.settings.RESET_SETTINGS

After you execute the last command, the reset menu will open on the TV screen, confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Through the settings menu |Strict button reset |ADB|Called to the service center |Never reset

-->

⚠️ Note: If you are connected to ADB An unauthorized error appears, check: The TV must pop up a window requesting trust on this PC (to be confirmed). USB-A cables fit. port USB TV must be 3.0 (usually blue).

5. Method 4: Flashing over USB (if reset didn't help)

If the Mi 4X TV loads in a loop (the Xiaomi logo is infinite) or there are errors after the reset, a complete firmware reflash may be required.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Support website (choose the Fastboot or Recovery version).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the update.zip file to the FAT32 formatted flash drive.
3. Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the TV.
4. Press the Menu button on the remote and the Power button on the case simultaneously for 10 seconds.
5. From the recovery menu, select Apply update from USB and select update.zip.

Firmware time: 15-40 minutes. Don't turn off power during the process!

💡

Flashing over USB removes all data, including the Mi Account binding, and is the only way to get around the lock if you forget your account password.

6. Solving problems after discharge

After formatting the Xiaomi Mi 4X, you may have problems. Here’s how to fix them:

🔒 TV requires Mi Account after reset

If you do not remember your account information:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and try to restore access via email or phone.
2. If your account is not yours (for example, TV was bought by hand), contact the previous owner for an unbundling.
3. In extreme cases, perform flashing via USB (method 4) - this will reset the binding.

📶 No Wi-Fi connection after reset

The problem is often with resetting the network.

• 🔄 Reboot the router.
• 📱 Enter your Wi-Fi password manually (sometimes the auto-connection doesn’t work).
• 🔧 Reset the router settings (if you have a IP-address blocked).

🖥️ No image after firmware update

If the screen is black, but the power indicator is on:

• Connect the TV to another signal source (HDMI, AV).
• Hold the Source button on the remote for 5 seconds to reset the inputs.
• Reset through ADB (mode 3).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Mi 4X formatting errors are usually due to non-compliance with instructions, and the most common ones are:

💡

If the sound is gone after the reset, check the settings of Settings → Sound → Output device. Sometimes the reset resets the output to HDMI ARC or Optical instead of speakers.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions