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

Why does the Redmi 4X reset require a special approach?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular years later due to its price-performance balance. However, its MIUI-based firmware has features that make resetting to factory settings not as easy as on other devices. For example, many users experience Mi Account locking after hard reset, if a Xiaomi account was previously activated. In addition, an incorrect reset can lead to a device "brick" - a state where the phone does not turn on or loads only in Fastboot mode.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot), and how to avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the Mi Account after a reset - this is the only Redmi model where the procedure may require additional actions due to a vulnerability in the firmware of 2017-2018.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge - at least 50% (slug-drop Recovery/Fastboot higher-risk).
• 📱 Version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. For stable operation, a version not lower than 9.6 is recommended.
• 🔐 Mi Account status: if the phone is tied, remember the login and password - they will be required after the reset.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-It saves the bootloader unlock (if it was done earlier) and minimizes the risk of errors.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Settings Reset (not to be confused with Local Reset, which only deletes some data!).
3. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account (if requested).
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

Make sure that sync with Mi Cloud is disabled (otherwise the data will be deleted from the cloud)|Download backup photos/contacts on PC|Remember the Wi-Fi password (required after resetting)|Get out. SIM-card if it is blocked PIN-code-->

⚠️ Warning: If after reset, the phone requires you to enter Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, do not try to guess the password more than 5 times - the device will lock for 72 hours.

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If the sound is lost or the sensor is not working after the reset, update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update. This will correct driver errors caused by incompatibility of MIUI versions.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method is used if the phone is not turning on, getting stuck on the Mi logo or locked with a pattern lock. For the Redmi 4X, the Recovery type is important:

• 🔄 Stock Recovery (original): supports only Chinese/English, but guarantees the safety of the bootloader.
• 🛠️ Custom recovery (TWRP): allows you to make backups, but can lead to blocking Mi Account if the binding is not disabled.

Step-by-step instructions for stock recovery:

1. Turn off the phone. Press Volume++ Power for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
2. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
3. Confirm the action, wait for the completion (the screen will appear the inscription Data wipe successful).
4. Choose Reboot. → Reboot to System.

Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (for experienced)

This method is used if the first two didn’t work or you need to reflash the phone from scratch.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files in internal memory, and can lock the bootloader if it was unblocked unofficially.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (select the Fastboot version, not Recovery!).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash\santoni_global_images_...).
3. Turn off the phone. Press Volume + Power to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh → Flash.
5. Wait for the end (10-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

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If after firmware the phone hangs on the Mi logo, do:

• 🔌 Turn off the phone from the PC, remove the battery for 30 seconds (if removable).
• 🔄 Repeat the firmware by selecting Clean All (not Clean All and Lock) in the Mi Flash Tool, otherwise the bootloader will be blocked!).
• 📱 If the error repeats, download another firmware version (e.g., stable global instead of Chinese firmware).

How to Unlock Mi Account After Resetting Redmi 4X

If after a reset, the phone requires Mi Account details that you don’t remember, there are several ways to solve:

1. Password Recovery: Go to account.xiaomi.com, select Forgot password?. Enter the linked email or phone number. If access is lost, try to restore via backup email. If the account is linked to a phone number, ask SMS-code (works only for Chinese numbers) +86).
2. Official unlock: Contact Xiaomi support via official website by providing: 📄 Check of purchase (if saved). 📱 IMEI phone (indicated on the box or under the battery). 🔐 Serial number (you can find in Fastboot via the command fastboot getvar all).

The period of unblocking is up to 3 working days.

Bypass of lockdown (informally):

⚠️ Note: This method may violate warranty conditions and result in a lock IMEI. Use it at your own risk!

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If the phone is bought from hand and tied to someone else’s Mi Account, the only legal way to unlock is to contact the previous owner. Xiaomi will not unlock the device without proof of ownership (check, warranty card).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right reset, Redmi 4X users face typical problems.

If photos or contacts are missing after reset, check:

• 📁 folder MIUI/backup/AllBackup internal memory (sometimes backups are saved automatically).
• 🌐 Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
• 💾 Local backups on PC (if done through Mi) PC Suite).

How to Prepare Redmi 4X for Sale After Reset

If you drop your phone before selling, follow the following steps:

1. Untie your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. If the phone is already reset, the new owner will have to enter their details.

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Pre-sale formatting SD-card via PC – sometimes after resetting it remains hidden files with personal data (for example, the cache of messengers).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions