How to completely reset Xiaomi 4X to factory settings without a password: all working methods

Xiaomi Mi 4X β€” It's a popular smartphone that, even after years, is still in demand because of its balanced characteristics, but what if you forget your password, your pattern lock, or your computer? PIN-You can't always recover access through your Mi Account, you can't have the device unlinked to your account, or you can't remember the login details, and the only way out is to hard reset to factory settings.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the three official methods of resetting Xiaomi 4X without a password: through Recovery Mode, using Fastboot mode and using Mi Cloud services. Each method has its own nuances, from data loss to the need to unlock the bootloader, we will also explain how to avoid common errors and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to standard commands.

Preparation for resetting: what you need to know before starting

Before you start resetting, keep in mind that all data on the device will be deleted, including photos, contacts, messages, installed apps and settings. If the Xiaomi 4X has been enabled to sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account, some of the information can be restored after unlocking, otherwise the data will be lost irretrievably.

Another important point is that the bootloader is locked, which is locked by default on most Xiaomi devices, which means that using the Fastboot method will require pre-unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool, and if the bootloader is locked and you haven't unlocked before, the Fastboot method won't work.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge at least 50%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can lead to the "bricking" of the device.
  • πŸ”Œ Original. USB-Cheap cables don't have to transmit data in Fastboot mode.
  • πŸ’» Windows computer (for Fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool methods) Mac/Linux Possible problems with drivers.
  • πŸ“± Backup copy IMEI. In rare cases, the net may be lost after a reset. IMEI (printed on a box or under a battery).

⚠️ Attention: If on Xiaomi 4X Find Device has been activated, and you may need to reset your previous Mi Account, which is a theft protection measure, and if you haven't owned the device before, you can't unlock it.

πŸ“Š How often do you reset your settings on your smartphone?
Never.
Once a year.
Only when you sell
In case of serious failures

Method 1: Recovery Mode Reset (without PC)

The easiest way to reset the Xiaomi 4X without a password is to use the built-in Recovery Mode, which requires no connection to a computer and works even when the screen is locked, but is only available if:

  • πŸ”“ The device does not have custom Recovery installed (for example, TWRP).
  • πŸ“± Smartphone responds to power and volume buttons.
  • πŸ”„ Recovery menu is available in Wipe Data.

Step instructions:

  1. Turn off the device. Press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
  2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery: Power button + Volume Up button Hold both buttons until the Mi logo and recovery menu appear.
  3. Select a language. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for confirmation.
  4. Go to Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data.
  5. Confirm the reset. The system will ask you to enter a confirmation code (usually yes or confirm).
  6. Wait until it's done. It'll take 2-5 minutes. Once it's restarted, it'll look like new.

β˜‘οΈ Preparing for resetting through Recovery

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may have Wipe Data hidden. If you only see Reboot and Connect with MIAssistant, this method won't work - use Fastboot.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, and you do not remember them, try:

  • 🌐 Log in to account.xiaomi.com and restore your password.
  • πŸ“§ Check the email linked to your account – there may be a login email.

Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (with computer)

If standard Recovery is not available or works, you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires connecting to a PC and installing special drivers, but is suitable even for devices with damaged firmware.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on Xiaomi 4X:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Power + Volume Down to log in to Fastboot Mode.
  3. Connect the device to the PC.
  4. In the command line (cmd) enter: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has the line Device unlocked: true - the bootloader is unlocked.

If the bootloader is locked, first unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (instruction below).If unlocking is already done, follow the next steps:

Step 1: Installation of drivers and tools

  • πŸ–₯️ Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool (official tool from Xiaomi).
  • πŸ”Œ Install the drivers. ADB/Fastboot (For example, through Android. SDK or Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  • πŸ“‚ Download the firmware for Xiaomi 4X (Choose the version of Fastboot ROM).

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader (if required)

If the loader is locked:

  1. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under the same account as your phone.
  2. Connect Xiaomi 4X in Fastboot mode.
  3. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).

Step 3: Reset via Fastboot

When the loader is unlocked:

  1. Unpack the downloaded Fastboot ROM firmware in the folder.
  2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM β†’ Open the PowerShell window here).
  3. Enter the command to completely reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot
Team team.Description
fastboot erase userdataDeletes all user data (photos, apps, settings).
fastboot erase cacheClears the system cache.
fastboot flash system system.imgReinstalling the system partition (restores the firmware).
fastboot rebootReboots the device.

⚠️ Warning: If after completing commands, the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo, repeat the firmware using the full Fastboot package ROM via fastboot command flash_all_lock.bat (Windows).

πŸ’‘

If Xiaomi 4X Not defined in Fastboot, try another one. USB-cable or port. Also check if Qualcomm drivers are installed HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (can be found on the forums) XDA Developers).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Cloud (if an account is linked)

If you have Mi Cloud sync enabled on Xiaomi 4X and you remember your account information, you can reset your device remotely, which works even if your phone is turned off or locked, but requires:

  • πŸ”— Linking the device to the Mi Account.
  • 🌐 Internet access on your phone (via mobile network or Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ“± Find Device functions must be activated in the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
  2. Select your Xiaomi 4X from the list of devices.
  3. Press Erase Data (Erase Data).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
  5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Once the phone is successfully reset, it will reboot and prompt it to be set up as new. Importantly, if the device has been stolen, this method will not work, because Xiaomi blocks remote resets for other accounts.

What if the Mi Cloud can’t see the device?
If the Xiaomi 4X is not displayed in the Mi Cloud, check: 1. Is the phone connected to the Internet (even when locked, it can use mobile data). 2. Is synchronization enabled in account settings (before locking). 3. Has the account been deleted or blocked. If nothing helps, try Recovery or Fastboot methods.

What to do if the reset didn't help: common problems and solutions

Sometimes, even after a successful reset, Xiaomi 4X may not behave properly.

Problem 1: Phone asks for password after reset

If after Wipe Data, the device still requires a password, this means that:

  • πŸ”’ Security activated FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
  • πŸ“± The device is linked to a Mi Account and proof of ownership is required.

Decisions:

  • πŸ”‘ Enter the Mi Account that was linked before the reset.
  • πŸ“§ If you do not remember the password, restore it through the official website.
  • πŸ› οΈ If your account is not yours (for example, a phone is purchased by hand), contact the previous owner or use Fastboot for a full flashing.

Problem 2: The phone doesn't turn on after the reset

If the Xiaomi 4X is stuck on the logo or does not respond to the buttons:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the battery power – it may be that the device has run out during the process.
  • πŸ”„ Try re-entering Recovery and repeat resetting.
  • πŸ“₯ If resetting through Recovery doesn’t help, run the device through Fastboot (see Method 2).

Problem 3: No network after reset

If the signal of the mobile network or Wi-Fi is missing:

  • πŸ“Ά Check if the settings have gone wrong. IMEI. Please enter the number number: *#06# If instead of IMEI zeros or error will be displayed, you will need to restore through Engineering Mode or firmware.
  • πŸ”§ Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks and manually configure the operator.

πŸ’‘

If you lose your IMEI after reset, do not try to restore it through third-party programs – this can lead to a complete loss of the network.

How to avoid blocking in the future: security tips

To avoid the need to reset Xiaomi 4X in the future, follow the simple rules:

  • πŸ” Use a strong but memorable password, avoid simple combinations like 1234 or date of birth.
  • πŸ“ Write backup codes. When setting up a pattern lock or PIN Xiaomi offers to create a backup password – save it in a safe place.
  • ☁️ Activate sync with Mi Cloud, which will allow you to recover data even after a reset.
  • πŸ”„ Regularly back up through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.
  • πŸ“± Link your device to your Google account, which will help you unlock your phone through Find My Device if you forget your password.

If you often forget passwords, consider using biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition). on Xiaomi 4X, these features work stably and speed up access to the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi 4X reset

Can you reset the Xiaomi 4X without losing data?
No. Any reset method (Recovery, Fastboot, Mi Cloud) results in the complete deletion of user data, and the only way to keep the information is to back up regularly through Mi Cloud or manually copy files to a PC.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password?
Restor access via the official account.xiaomi.com website. If you have a mail or phone number attached, you can reset your password. If the account is not yours (for example, a phone is bought with your hands), contact the previous owner or contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
Why does the phone ask for an old password after reset?
This is the work of FRP (Factory Reset Protection) β€” reset protection after theft. If the device was tied to a Mi or Google account, the reset will require that account data to be entered after the reset, and if you don't remember it, the only way out is to completely flash it through Fastboot (but that can lead to the loss of IMEI).
Can I reset Xiaomi 4X through my computer without unlocking the bootloader?
No. Fastboot requires an unlocked Bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, the only methods available are Recovery Mode or Mi Cloud (if the account is tied). Unlocking the bootloader takes up to 72 hours and requires the official Mi Unlock Tool.
How do I know if my Xiaomi 4X bootloader is unlocked?
Log in to Fastboot Mode (press Power + Volume Down) and connect your phone to your PC. In the command line, type: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, you will need to unlock.