How to completely reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used thanks to a reliable “iron” base and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require a reset before selling. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to completely reset the Redmi Note 4X – from the standard menu to forced recovery via Fastboot.

It is important to understand that a “full reset” (or hard reset) deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications, while the system files return to factory status. If you plan to sell or transfer a phone, a reset is mandatory. If the goal is to eliminate software errors, try less radical methods first (cache cleaning, software updates).

This article is relevant for all Redmi Note 4X versions (including Snapdragon 625 versions and different memory capacity) and is suitable for other MIUI devices, but menu items may differ.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do before the start

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or even locking your device (for example, if Mi Account protection is enabled).

First, back up. Even if the phone doesn't turn on, some of the data can be recovered through TWRP or PC connection.

• 📱 Local Backup: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. Save a copy to SD-map.
• ☁️ Mi Cloud: sync contacts, notes and photos through your Xiaomi account (if it’s tied).
• 💻 Computer: Copy files from internal memory via MTP-Protocol (plug your phone like a flash drive).

Second, check your Mi Account status. If your phone has Mi Account protection on (even if you haven't set it up!), after resetting, your device may need to enter your username and password.

• 🔑 You remember the data from the Xiaomi account (email and password).
• 📧 Account is not blocked (check at account.xiaomi.com).
• 🔄 Two-factor authentication is disabled on the phone (if enabled, disable it in advance).

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Redmi Note 4X The previous owner did not untie his Mi Account, after resetting the phone will turn into a “brick”.The only way to unlock is to contact the seller or contact Xiaomi support with proof of purchase.

Third, charge the battery to at least 50%. Recovery or Fastboot resets can take up to 10-15 minutes, and if the phone runs out in the process, it will lead to serious software failures.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the data from the Mi Account|Charge the phone to 50%+|Disable two-factor authentication (if any)|Ensure the stability of the Internet connection (for cloud dumping)-->

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

This is the easiest and safest method, but it only works if:

• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know the pattern lock./PIN-code (if the screen is locked).
• ⚙️ No serious system failures (e.g., logo getting stuck).

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. If required, enter the password from the lock screen.
6. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

The whole process takes 3-7 minutes. After the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial settings, as after the purchase. If the phone asks you to enter your Mi Account, use the linked account.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Reset can be called Restore and Reset or Reset to factory. If you don't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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If the phone hangs on the Redmi logo for a long time after reset (more than 10 minutes), try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 15-20 seconds. If the problem recurs, proceed to reset via Recovery.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (hard reset)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔄 The phone is not switched on or constantly restarted.
• 🔒 Forgotten password/pattern lock.
• 🐢 The system is severely slowing down, and the settings menu is not available.

To log in to Recovery on Redmi Note 4X, use the hardware buttons:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Note firmware 4X (Recovery menu may be missing or replaced with TWRP. In this case, select the Wipe. → Format Data, enter yes and confirm.

Through the settings menu | Through Recovery Mode | Through Fastboot | Never reset |Another way-->

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a connection to a PC and is used in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not load into Recovery.
• 📦 You need to reflash the device (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader).

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google).
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi Note 4X (Download only from official sources, such as miui.com).

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB drivers and unpack Platform Tools into a separate folder.
2. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-out (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers again.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If you need to reflash your phone completely (for example, after a system crash), use the command:

fastboot flash all [name file firmware].zip

⚠️ Warning: Continuous use of Fastboot without proper experience can lead to loss IMEI or damage to the section EFS. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.

5. Reset via Mi Account (remote)

If your phone is lost or stolen and you want to erase it, you can use the Remote Reset feature via your Xiaomi account.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. Select your Redmi Note 4X from the list of devices.
3. Press Find the device. → Erase the data.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

Consider the limitations:

• 📶 The phone must be connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Battery level - at least 20%.
• 🔒 The function only works if the phone is enabled Remote lock (Settings) → Mi Account → Remote control).

Once the command is sent, the reset will occur the next time the phone is connected to the network, and if the device is turned off, the command will be executed after it is turned on.

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Remote reset via Mi Account does not work if the phone has geolocation services disabled or reset network settings, in which case you can only restore access to data physically (via Recovery or Fastboot).

6. Solving errors after reset

Sometimes, after a Redmi Note 4X reset, it doesn't behave properly. Consider the problems and ways to fix them.

If the phone does not turn on after reset (black screen, no reaction to charging), check:

• 🔌 Try another one (original one) 5V/2A).
• 🔋 Battery – If the phone doesn’t respond to charging for more than a day, you may need to replace the battery.
• 🔧 Hardware buttons - press the power supply + Volume up for 20-30 seconds (sometimes helps when the power controller is getting stuck).

If none of the methods worked, there is a possible hardware malfunction (such as damage to the motherboard), in which case contact the service center.

7.How to avoid problems when resetting

To minimize the risks, follow these tips:

• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly. Up-to-date version MIUI Reduces the likelihood of failure. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Do not install unofficial firmware without unlocking the bootloader.This can result in the blocking of your Mi Account.
• ☁️ Sync your data with the cloud, and even if your phone gets stolen, you can recover your contacts and your photos.
• 🛡️ Disable Find Device before selling.This will save the new owner from account problems.

If you're a firmware experimenter, install TWRP Recovery and back it up, and it allows you to restore the system in minutes, even if something goes wrong.

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Before selling the Redmi Note 4X, not only reset your settings, but also format your internal memory via Recovery (Wipe → Format Data) which will completely delete your data, including hidden files.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X