How to Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in use today due to its reliability and custom firmware installation. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, produce errors or require complete cleaning before selling, in which case, a factory reset helps – a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to reset the Redmi 4X, including hidden nuances for models with a locked bootloader or damaged firmware. We will analyze each method in stages, from the simplest (through settings) to the advanced (using the Mi Flash Tool), and you will learn how to save important data before resetting and what to do if the device does not respond to standard commands.

Warning: an improperly executed reset can lead to the loss of all data, including photos, contacts and applications. If you sell a phone, be sure to unplug your Mi Account account, otherwise the new owner will not be able to use the device. For owners of Redmi 4X with an unlocked bootloader, a bonus is added: instructions for installing clean firmware after the reset.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset Redmi 4X to factory settings, follow the mandatory steps to avoid losing important data and activation issues after the procedure. Many users miss this step, and then face the need to restore photos or unlock the device through the Mi Cloud.

First, back up all critical data, and even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save:

• 📸 Photos and videos – transfer to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📞 Contacts – sync with your Google account or export to a file VCF.
• 📱 SMS and call log - use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Save Games – Link your gaming accounts to Google Play or social media.

Second, unplug all accounts, especially if the phone is being sold or transferred to another person:

• 🔑 Mi Account – Remove to Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account.
• 📧 Google – Turn off in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Delete the account.
• 💳 Banking applications – deactivate in the settings of each bank.

Third, check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge. If the reset is interrupted by a discharge, the phone may stop turning on and you'll need to run the Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Find Device enabled, after resetting, the phone will require you to enter a password from the previous Mi Account. → Mi Account → Find Device.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The procedure takes 5-10 minutes and requires no additional tools.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. When you request, enter a pattern lock or PIN.
6. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

After the reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after the purchase, and if the phone requests Mi Account data, then the account was not untied in advance, you'll need to enter your username and password.

Make sure your phone is 50%+ charged

Make a backup copy of the data

Unlock Mi Account and Google

Remember the pattern lock/PIN

Turn off Find Device-->

This method is not suitable if:

• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or password.
• 🛑 Phone hangs on Mi logo or doesn't turn on.
• 🔧 Complete reflashing is required due to system failures.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may call Reset and Reset or Backup. If you don't find a section, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

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

If Redmi 4X is not touch-sensitive, is stuck on the boot or is locked with a password, use Recovery mode, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires physical access to the phone buttons.

Step-by-step:

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 and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu (black screen with blue text).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
5. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset on some versions).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 Second or Third: Wipe Data (Reset).

If after reset via Recovery the phone still does not turn on or gives errors, then the problem is deeper - you will need a complete firmware reflash (see the next section).

Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool (for experienced)

This method is needed if:

• 🔄 Phone does not turn on at all (black screen, no reaction to buttons).
• 🔧 Previous methods failed or led to errors.
• 📥 You need to install a clean firmware (for example, after viruses or a failed update).

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📂 Firmware for Redmi 4X (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\santoni).
2. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers (if the utility did not pull them automatically).
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the buttons "Nutrition + Volume down" before the hare appears in the hat-eared.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full reset) and click Flash.
7. Wait until it's finished (green tick in the program). The phone will reboot automatically.

Important: If the Redmi 4X has a locked bootloader, you will need to unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool app before you run the firmware.The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for new Mi accounts.

1. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.

2. disable the antivirus (it can block drivers).

3. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).-->

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will launch with a greeting screen, just like after a purchase.At this stage, it's important to set up the phone properly to avoid problems in the future.

Follow these steps:

1. Choose a language - we recommend English or Russian (if the firmware is a lot of language).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi – this is necessary to check for updates and sync accounts.
3. Skip the Mi Account sign-in if the phone is for sale (click Skip).
4. Set up a pattern lock or PIN – don’t use simple combinations (e.g. 1234).
5. Restore data from the backup (if you did backup via Mi Cloud or Google).
6. Disable unnecessary functions: 📡 Auto-Update (can slow down older models). 🔋 Optimizing the battery for applications (interfering with the work of messengers).

If the phone asks for the previous owner's account, the Mi Account was not untied to reset.

• 🔑 Ask the previous owner for a login and password.
• 📧 If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase.
• 🔧 In extreme cases, the flashing through Fastboot will help (but it will delete all data irrevocably).

For owners who want to improve performance after resetting, we recommend:

• 🚀 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🧹 Disable system applications through ADB (guideline).
• 🔋 Replace the battery (if the phone is quickly discharged – the battery is worn out).

💡

Once reset, Redmi 4X may run faster, but for maximum performance, uninstall unnecessary system applications via ADB or install custom firmware.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct follow-up, users sometimes encounter problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.

If Redmi 4X does not turn on after reset (black screen, flashing indicator), try:

1. Connect to charging for 30 minutes - perhaps the battery has run out.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds (forced reboot).
3. Swipe your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (method 3).

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, it's a sign of a broken firmware.

• Try to go to Recovery and make Wipe Cache.
• If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot.

How to speed up Redmi 4X after resetting

Resetting to factory settings deletes user data, but doesn't always solve the brake problem. If the phone is still slow, use these tips:

1. Turn off the animation system:

• Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).
• Go to the Supplementary → For developers.
• Set Windows animation = Off, Transition animation = Off, Animator Duration = Off.

2. Remove system applications via ADB:

• Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging.
• Open the command line and type: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.videoplayer

3. Install the light firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary services Xiaomi.
• 🚀 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface from Google Pixel.
• 🔧 MIUI Pro – Optimized version of the standard firmware.

Replace the battery:

If the phone quickly discharges or turns off at 30-40%, the problem is the battery. For the Redmi 4X, a BL-419 battery with a capacity of 4100 mAh is suitable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 4X reset