How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete guide with 3 methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, still in use by many users.Over time, any device starts to slow down, glitches or just requires a "clean start" before selling.A hard reset solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so you don't lose important data or turn the phone into a "brick."

In this article, you'll find three proven ways to reset the Redmi 4X -- through system settings, Recovery mode, and Fastboot. We'll go through each method in detail, point out possible errors, and give you tips on how to prepare the device. And if you're afraid of breaking something, at the end of this article, there's an FAQ with answers to frequent questions.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Before you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings, follow a few critical steps that will save you from data loss and unforeseen problems.

1. Create a backup. Reset will delete all data from internal memory, including:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo and video at the gallery
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Contacts (unless synced with Google or Mi Account)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Communications in SMS and messengers (if not saved in the cloud)
  • ๐ŸŽต Music, documents and downloads
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game saving (if not linked to an account)

For backup, use:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Mi Cloud (Integrated Cloud) by Xiaomi)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Google Drive (synchronization of contacts, calendar, photo)
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Local copying on PC through MTP Xiaomi PC Suite

๐Ÿ’ก

If you have a bootloader unlocked, use TWRP to create a full system backup (including apps and settings) to restore the phone exactly as it was after resetting.

2. Check the battery. Make sure the Redmi 4X has at least 50% charge left. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the phone may stop turning on.

3. Find out the firmware version. This will help you avoid problems when you restore. Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version and write down the number (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.1).

4. Untie your accounts. If you're selling a phone, delete:

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Mi Account (in Settings) โ†’ Accounts. โ†’ Mi Account)
  • ๐Ÿ” Google Account (in Settings) โ†’ Accounts. โ†’ Google)
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Bank cards in Google Pay or Mi Pay
๐Ÿ“Š Have you ever done a setup reset on Xiaomi?
Yes, through the menu.
Yes, through Recovery.
No, I'm afraid to break it.
No, there was no need.

Method 1: Reset via phone settings (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if Redmi 4X is enabled and you remember the pattern lock or password.It is the most secure and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to the section Additional โ†’ Recovery and Reset.
  3. Select Settings Reset.
  4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
  5. If required, enter the Mi Account password or pattern lock.
  6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, which will take 3-7 minutes, and once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Create a backup copy of important data

Record the MIUI version and phone model

Unrespond Mi Account (if you are selling the device)

Get out. SIM-card and memory card (optional)-->

Possible problems and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Forgot the password from Mi Account โ†’ Restore it at account.xiaomi.com or through Find Device.
  • โš™๏ธ The โ€œResettingโ€ button is inactive โ†’ Check if the mode for developers with restrictions is turned on.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The phone is stuck on the logo. MI โ†’ Wait 10-15 minutes. If it doesn't work, go to method 2 (Recovery).
What if the phone needs an old password after resetting?
If you reset Redmi 4X through settings, but after the reboot, the device asks you to enter the password from the previous Mi Account, this means that the phone is linked to the account. You will need: 1. Enter data from the old account (if you remember). 2. If you do not remember, restore access through the official website. 3. In extreme cases, contact Xiaomi with a proof of purchase (check, box).

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

If Redmi 4X is unresponsive, hovers on the screensaver, or is locked with a password you forgot, use Recovery.

How to log in to Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Hold it together: ๐Ÿ”˜ Power button (Power) ๐Ÿ”ผ The Volume Up button (Volume Up)

Mi

Recovery

In Recovery, control is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and power button (select).

Resetting instructions:

  1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
  3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
  4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot โ†’ Reboot to System.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
  3. Connect the Redmi 4X to your computer.
  4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool and press Select to select the downloaded firmware (file with.tgz extension).
  5. Press Refresh โ€“ the program must identify the device.
  6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
  7. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Possible errors and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Couldn't find fastboot devicesDrivers are not installed or the cable is faultyInstall Mi USB Driver or try another cable
Flash is not doneIncorrect firmware or a corrupted fileDownload the firmware again from the official website
Device is lockedThe bootloader is locked (Bootloader)Unlock through the official tool
The phone does not turn on after the firmwareIncompatible version of the firmwareRepeat the process with the correct version of Fastboot ROM

โš ๏ธ Note: Fastboot firmware completely erases all data, including IMEI If the network is lost after the procedure, restore it. IMEI Use the engineering menu (#4636##) or contact the service.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will turn on in initial setup mode. Follow the instructions on the screen, but pay attention to a few important points:

Selection of language and region:

  • ๐ŸŒ Please indicate your country (or Russia) to avoid Google Play issues.
  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Choose Russian as your primary language.

Connection to the network:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Connect to Wi-Fi to download updates.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ If there is no Wi-Fi, use the mobile Internet (insert). SIM-map).

3. Log in to accounts:

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Donโ€™t sign in to your old Mi Account if youโ€™re selling a phone.
  • ๐Ÿ” Sign in to Google Account to restore contacts and apps.

Data recovery:

  • โ˜๏ธ If you have backups in Mi Cloud or Google Drive, select Restore from backup.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Transfer files from your computer or memory card manually.

Updating the system:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Update the system and install the latest patches.
  • โš ๏ธ Do not upgrade โ€œover the airโ€ if the phone was purchased in China (risk of locking).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the phone is slower after reset, turn off animation in the developer settings. Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number. Then to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers, set Animation = Off.

Frequent mistakes after resetting and how to fix them

Even after a successful Redmi 4X reset, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

1.The phone asks for a password from Mi Account after resetting

This means that the device is linked to a Xiaomi account.

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ Enter data from your old account.
  • ๐Ÿ“ง Restor access via account.xiaomi.com.
  • ๐Ÿ“„ If you bought your phone with your hands, ask the seller to untie your account.

2. No net or no catch SIM-map

Possible causes:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Damaged. IMEI (It often happens after the firmware through Fastboot).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Faulty slot for SIM-map.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Network settings reset.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Setting up APN Add the parameters of your operator.
  • If your IMEI is missing, restore it with the Engineering Menu (#4636##) or the MTK Engineering Mode.

3.The battery goes down quickly after being discharged

This is normal in the first 2-3 days, as the system indexes files and optimizes work.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Recalibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Turn off unnecessary background processes in Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimization.

4. Sensors are not working (gyroscope, accelerometer)

Most often, it's because of a firmware failure.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Fastboot your phone (see Method 3).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Check the sensors with the Sensor Test app from Google Play.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

โ“ Can we reset Redmi? 4X data-free?
No, any factory reset removes all data from internal memory. The only way to save the information is to back up in advance (via Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or locally on a PC).
โ“ The phone doesn't turn on after the reset?
If the Redmi 4X doesn't respond to the power button: Connect it to charge for 30 to 60 minutes (possibly battery dead). Try logging in to Recovery (Power + Volume Up) and resetting again. If it doesn't, swipe your phone through Fastboot (see Method 3).
โ“ How to Reset Redmi 4X, If you forget the pattern lock?
There are two options: via Mi Account: On the lock screen, click Forgot your password? โ†’ enter the data from Mi Account โ†’ reset the key. Through Recovery: Reset the instructions from Method 2. Attention: this will delete all data! If Mi Account is also forgotten, restore access on the official website.
โ“ Can you reset only settings, not touching files?
In the standard settings of Redmi 4X There's no such option: ๐Ÿ“ Manually copy files (photos, videos, music) to a memory card or PC. โ˜๏ธ Upload them to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). ๐Ÿ”ง Use it. ADB to selectively remove settings (power users only), then complete a full reset and return the files back.
โ“ How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4X?
Check Bootloader Status: Enable Developer Mode (7 taps per version) MIUI In settings. Go to Settings. โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers, find the Unlock Status item. OEM: ๐Ÿ”“ Unlocked - you can sew custom firmware. ๐Ÿ”’ Blocked โ€“ Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is required.