How to fully format Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down: temporary files accumulate, updates fail, and viruses or incorrect settings can make the phone almost unusable, in which case full formatting helps - resetting to factory settings or "clean" firmware.

But not all users know that formatting and resetting are not the same thing. The first term involves removing all data from internal memory (including files in DCIM, Downloads, etc.), and the second is returning system parameters to the state “out of the box”. In this article, we will discuss all the formatting methods for the Redmi Note 4X: from a standard reset through the menu to deep cleaning through Fastboot and TWRP. Also tell you how to avoid errors and what to do if the phone “blocks” after a failed procedure.

1.When do I need to format the Redmi Note 4X?

Before you start taking drastic measures, make sure the issue does require a complete cleanup.Here are the key signs your Redmi Note 4X needs formatting:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications open or fly out for a long time.
• 📱 Errors are constantly appearing on the screen like “Com.android.phone process is stopped».
• 🔒 Phone locked after failed password/pattern lock input.
• 🦠 Suspicion of viruses or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.
• 🔄 Incorrect work after updating MIUI (For example, the camera is not working or the communication is missing).
• 📲 Memory is filled with unknown files, even though you haven't downloaded anything.

If you know any of these things, formatting can help, but remember, it's an irreversible process. All photos, contacts, messages and apps will be deleted.

⚠️ Warning: If you forget the password from your Mi Account tied to your phone, a reset via Recovery or Fastboot will lock your device.

2. Method 1: Reset via phone settings (soft formatting)

The easiest and safest method is to reset to factory settings directly from the MIUI menu.

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Remember your password/pattern lock.
• 📶 No critical errors in the system.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About Phone → Update the system and make sure the phone has the latest version of MIUI installed (this minimizes the risk of reset errors).
2. Return to the main settings menu and go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Erase all data).
4. The system will prompt you to enter a password from your Mi Account (if it is tied) and confirm the action.
5. Wait until the process is complete (it takes 5-10 minutes), the phone will restart and return to the factory settings.

This method does not remove files from the microSD card, but it does:

• 📁 Internal memory (photos, videos, music, documents).
• 📱 Installed applications and their data.
• 📞 Contacts, messages, call log.
• 🔧 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fingerprints.

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old password (for example, after deleting the pattern lock), and you do not remember it – you will have to use Fastboot or TWRP For full cleaning, more on this in the following sections.

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the Redmi Note 4X doesn't turn on, hovers on the MI logo or doesn't respond to touch, a reset via Recovery will help.It's the standard recovery mode built into firmware. It works even if the system isn't booting.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds 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 (in some versions – Wipe & Reset).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
6. Once completed, select Reboot to reboot.

Unlike resetting through settings, this method:

• ✅ It works even on a dead phone (if it reacts to buttons in any way).
• ✅ Deletes all data, including system files that may have been corrupted.
• ❌ It does not help if the firmware itself is damaged (in this case, you need a Fastboot).

Method 3: Complete formatting via TWRP (for advanced)

If you have installed custom Recovery (like TWRP), you can do deep formatting to clean all partitions.

• 🔧 Custom firmware installations (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🧹 Complete cleaning before selling your phone.
• 🛠 Fixing errors after failed updates.

Instructions:

1. Boot in TWRP (similar to standard Recovery: Power + Volume Up).
2. In the main menu, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
3. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache.
4. Swipe to confirm (the Swipe to Wipe slider will appear at the bottom of the screen).
5. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

⚠️ Important: Cleaning the System partition will remove the firmware! After that, the phone will not turn on until you install a new firmware through TWRP or Fastboot.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after formatting via TWRP, try flashing the official firmware through Fastboot. You can download it at en.miui.com (select the Redmi Note 4X version codenamed mido).

5. Method 4: Formatting via Fastboot (for power users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., the phone doesn't boot even to Recovery), it's left with the Fastboot, which requires a computer and commands, but is guaranteed to bring the phone back to life.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/Mac.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📱 Firmware for Redmi Note 4X (mido) in.tgz or.zip format.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (unless Windows picks them up automatically).
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
4. Connect your phone to your computer. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error, try:

• 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 📥 Download the firmware again (possibly the archive is damaged).

💡

Fastboot is the only way to bring your phone back to life if your system or Recovery is damaged, but remember, this method erases ALL, including IMEI (in rare cases).

Method 5: Formatting a memory card (if the phone can’t see it)

Sometimes the problem isn't with the phone itself, it's with the microSD card, and if the Redmi Note 4X doesn't recognize the drive or it gives you a "damaged card" error, you can format it directly from your phone or computer.

Through the phone:

1. Go to Settings → Storage → Memory Map.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Storage Settings.
3. Select Format (Warning: All data will be deleted!).
4. Confirm the action.

Through the computer:

1. Connect the card to the PC through the card reader.
2. Open this computer, find a removable disk and right-click on it.
3. Select Format → FAT32 → Start.

⚠️ Note: If the memory card is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), formatting will not help.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory) in which case, contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions