How to format Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even it eventually begins to slow down, glitch or simply requires a complete reboot of the system. Formatting (reset to factory settings) solves most software problems, from freezes to viruses. However, an improper reset can lead to data loss or even “bricking” the device.

In this article, you’ll find all the current ways to format Redmi 4X, from simple resets through settings to complex manipulations via Fastboot and Recovery. We’ll take a look at when to soft reset (without deleting files) and when to hard (complete cleaning), and give tips on saving important data before the procedure. If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, doesn’t respond to buttons or just works unstablely, here you will find a solution.

When should I format Xiaomi Redmi 4X?

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring a smartphone back to life. Here are the key situations where formatting is warranted:

• 🐢 Smartphone is very slow, applications are constantly flying out, and there is almost no free memory - even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The device began to work unstable (self-reboots, errors of system applications).
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password and you can’t unlock it through Mi Account.
• 📱 The device is getting stuck on the Xiaomi logo or cyclically rebooting (bootloop").
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another person (required to protect personal data!).

But don't rush to reset the settings if the problem is solved more easily. For example, if the smartphone just discharged "to zero" and does not turn on, first try to charge it for 15-20 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Formatting deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you have not made a backup, it will be impossible to restore the information!

Preparing for Formatting: How to Save Data

Before resetting, make sure to copy important files. Here's what you can do:

• 📁 Photos and videos: transfer to your computer via USB-Cable or upload to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts: sync with your Google account or export to a file VCF.
• 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore to save history.
• 🎮 Game saves: check if the game supports cloud sync (e.g., through Google Play Games).
• 🔑 Passwords and settings: write down logins from important accounts (social networks, banks, mail).

If the smartphone doesn’t respond to touch or doesn’t turn on, try connecting it to your PC in Fastboot mode (keep Volume Down + Power on when turned on) and copy the data via ADB. However, this requires skills – if not sure, it’s better to contact the service.

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (without file loss)

If the smartphone turns on and responds to commands, the easiest way is to reset through the menu, which doesn't delete photos, videos and music, but returns the system settings to the factory settings, and is suitable if you need to eliminate minor glitches without completely cleaning.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
2. Choose Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting all settings – it’s a complete cleanup!).
3. Confirm the action by entering the lock password (if installed).
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 2-5 minutes).

After the reset, you will need to reconfigure your Wi-Fi, accounts, and some system settings, but your personal files will remain in place.

⚠️ Note: This method will not help if you forget the lock password or the smartphone is stuck on the logo).

Method 2: Complete reset via Recovery (Hard Reset)

If your smartphone is not turning on, it’s stuck on the screensaver, or you need to clean up your phone (including your personal files), use Recovery Mode, which works even when your screen is locked, but removes everything, returning the device to the “out of the box” state.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 4X (if it doesn’t respond, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is carried out by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (confirm your choice).
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The first turn on after the reset will take longer than usual (5-10 minutes). If the process lasts more than 15 minutes, there may be an error - try repeating the procedure or use Fastboot (see the next section).

Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

If Recovery is not available or resetting through it does not help, then Fastboot is a mode for firmware and recovery through the computer, which requires installing drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program, but is guaranteed to clean the device even in case of serious failures.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link to Mi Account).

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power.
2. Connect to a PC. Install drivers if the system requests them.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the firmware folder (download the stable version for Redmi 4X from Xiaomi’s website).
4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the finish (5-10 minutes). The smartphone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If you turn off your cable or turn off your PC while you're running through Fastboot, your smartphone can turn into a brick. Use a laptop with a charged battery or UPS.

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable the antivirus - it can block the utility.-->

Method 4: Reset via Mi Account (if you forgot your password)

If you have blocked Redmi 4X and do not remember the password, but you have linked the device to the Mi Account, you can reset the lock through the Xiaomi website. This method only works when you are actively Interneting on your smartphone (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).

How to unlock:

1. Go to the Mi Account page and log in.
2. In the Devices section, find your Redmi 4X.
3. Select Find the device → Unlock the screen.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
5. The smartphone is unlocked, after which you can reset through settings or Recovery.

If the device does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔄 Connection to the Internet on a smartphone.
• 🔒 Correctness of the entered login / password from Mi Account.
• 📱 Account binding to the device (check in the settings of the smartphone, if it is enabled).

- The device is connected to the Internet.

The account was tied before the screen was locked.

- On the smartphone was not formatted via Recovery (it resets the account binding).-->

Frequent Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes experience problems when resetting the Redmi 4X, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔋 "Not enough battery: Recovery or Fastboot resets require a minimum of 30-50% charge.If the device runs out during the process, a failure may occur.
• 🔌 "Not defined USB-Device": Problem with drivers or cable. Try another port, disable antivirus, install drivers manually.
• 🔒 "Password Required After Reset: This is Protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection: Enter the data from the Mi Account that was linked to the device.
• 📱 "Hanging on the logo after reset": "Maybe the firmware is damaged. Try reflashing the device via Fastboot.
• 🚫 "Unable to log in to Recovery: If buttons don't respond, use ADB Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (memory, power controller, etc.) in which case it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions