How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: 3 working ways

Why Redmi 4X reset could be a lifesaver for your smartphone

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X (The codename santoni is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price, but even the most stable device eventually begins to slow down. Applications suddenly close, the battery goes down in a few hours, and the system issues errors like “UI Stopped” MIUI». In 80% of these cases, a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the phone to its original state, as after buying.

But it's not that simple. An incorrect reset can lead to loss of access to your Mi Account if you forget your password, or even "bricking" the device when you interrupt the process. In this article, we'll discuss three safe ways to reset Redmi 4X (including the method through Fastboot for cases when the phone is not turning on), explain how to save important data, and warn against typical errors that users make.

Before you go to the instructions, answer one question:

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset is an irreversible process that removes all user data from internal memory, and if you don't prepare in advance, you risk losing photos, contacts, and even access to some accounts.

Make a backup copy of the data|Unplug Google and Mi Accounts|Remember passwords from Wi-Fi|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Make sure that SIM-Card retrieved (when reset via Recovery)-->

You have to pay special attention to backup. On the Redmi 4X, you can do this in two ways:

• 📱 Through MIUI: Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup: The system will save contacts, messages, Wi-Fi settings and applications (but not photos!).
• ☁️ Using Mi Cloud: In the same settings, select Backup to Mi Cloud. Make sure you have enough space in the cloud (free 5GB).
• 💾 Manually: copy photos, videos and documents to a computer or external drive. Media folders are usually along the way /storage/emulated/0/DCIM and /storage/emulated/0/Download.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a pattern lock or PIN-code, but don't remember it, you can't reset the settings menu. №2 (via Recovery).

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

This method is suitable if your Redmi 4X is turned on and you remember the unlock password.The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional.
3. Go to Backup and Reset.
4. Slip on Settings Reset.
5. Select Reset your phone settings (not to be confused with Reset Network settings!).
6. The system will prompt you to enter a password or pattern lock (if it is installed).
7. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will reboot and start the reset process, and the MI logo and progress bar will appear on the screen, and don't turn the device off at that point, because it can damage system files, and it usually takes 3 to 10 minutes.

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If after resetting the phone hangs on the logo for a long time MI (For more than 15 minutes, try to force reset it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, repeat the reset via Recovery (method). №2).

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

If Redmi 4X doesn’t respond to clicks, hovers on the logo, or requires a password you’ve forgotten, Recovery mode can help.

Steps to Enter Recovery:

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 5-7 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 (in some versions – Wipe & Reset).
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 → Reboot to System.

⚠️ Warning: If you see items in Chinese on the Recovery menu, it means that the phone has custom firmware installed. №3 (via Fastboot) to avoid errors.

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Recovery Reset deletes all data, including files on internal memory, but does not affect the contents. SD-cards (if they are installed).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
• 📱 The logo is constantly on the screen. MI (bootloop).
• 🔒 You forgot your Mi Account password and your phone is locked.

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and put it into Fastboot mode: Press the Power Button + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the firmware folder for Redmi 4X (download here).
5. At the bottom of the program, select clean all (this is a full reset) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Using the Mi Flash Tool with the wrong firmware can permanently incapacitate your phone. Make sure you download the firmware specifically for the santoni model (codenamed Redmi). 4X).

What to do after resetting: set up Redmi 4X from scratch

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in initial setup mode, like after purchase.

1. Select language and region. Redmi 4X is recommended to specify Russia or Global to avoid problems with Google services.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is the way to download the latest system updates.
3. Sign in to Mi Account (if you haven't reset via Fastboot) If you forgot your password, restore it through the official website.
4. Set up your fingerprint or pattern lock. On the Redmi 4X, the fingerprint scanner works fast, but can glitch at low temperatures.
5. Restore your data from the backup. If you backup through Mi Cloud, the system will offer to restore contacts and messages.

⚠️ Note: After a reset, some system applications (such as Theme or Security) may give out errors.This is because they were updated through the Play Market, and after the reset, the factory version returned. → My apps. → Update everything.

If the phone is running slower than before, check:

• 🔄 Version MIUI: Go to Settings. → If the version is outdated (e.g., the phone, MIUI 9), update it through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🧹 Residual files: sometimes temporary files remain in memory after reset. → Memory. → Cleanup.
• 🔋 Battery status: if the phone is quickly discharged, battery replacement may be needed. - Redmi 4X normal wear – 70-80% of the original capacity after 3-4 years of use.

Typical Redmi 4X Reset Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to additional problems, and here are the most common ones:

1. Interrupting the reset process: If you take out the battery or force the phone to turn off during the reset, it can damage the /data partition. At best, the phone will turn on but be constantly restarted. At worst, you will need to flash it over the Fastboot.
2. Using unofficial firmware: Some users try to reset the phone by installing custom firmware (like LineageOS) without unlocking the bootloader, resulting in an Anti Rollback error and a complete lockdown of the device.
3. If the phone has Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled, after the reset, the system will require you to enter the username and password from the last Google account associated with the phone, without this data, the phone will be blocked.

To avoid these problems:

• 🔋 Always charge your phone at least 50% before resetting.If the battery runs out during the process, it could cause a failure.
• 🔗 Untie all accounts (Mi, Google, social networks) before reset.
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware Updater) Do not use files from torrents or questionable forums.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X