Owners of the popular budget model Xiaomi Redmi 4X often face the need to completely clean the device from accumulated digital debris or software failure. Over time, the Android operating system becomes overgrown with cache, residual files of remote applications and system errors that can significantly slow down the gadget. In such situations, the only right solution is to return to the original state, which allows you to return the smartphone to its previous response speed and stability.
The reset procedure, also known as Hard Reset, completely removes all user information, including contacts, photos, messages and installed programs. That is why it is critical to back up data before starting any manipulations so that valuable files are not lost forever. We will look at all the available methods for restoring factory settings, from standard menu settings to deeper methods through the Recovery engineering menu.
It should be understood that Redmi 4X is based on the MIUI shell, which has its own features in the organization of menus and security processes. Even if the device is locked with a pattern lock or a forgotten password, there are ways to circumvent these restrictions, but they require careful follow the instructions. Below we will discuss each step in detail so that you can safely resuscitate your smartphone.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
Before you go into action, you need to make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 50-60%. the process of formatting the system partition can take from 5 to 15 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point can damage the bootloader. If the battery is discharged, connect the device to the original charger and wait for the set of capacity.
The second critical step is to back up: Xiaomi owners can use Mi Cloud's built-in cloud storage or third-party services like Google Drive, and you can manually copy media files to your computer or microSD card if it's installed in a slot.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Remember to remove the memory card if you don’t want it to be formatted during the reset process, although modern versions of MIUI usually ask about this separately.It’s also a good idea to untie the device from your Google account if you plan to transfer the phone to another owner so that FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection doesn’t work.
Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)
The easiest and safest way to get the Xiaomi Redmi 4X back to factory status is available right from the operating system, which is suitable for cases when the phone turns on, the screen responds to touch, and you remember the unlock password or it is simply not set.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to Advanced Settings. In some firmware versions, this section may simply be called “Advanced” or be located in the top menu depending on the modification of MIUI. Find the Recovery and Reset section.
Inside the menu, select Reset option, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If there are multiple users on the device, you will be asked to choose whether to reset the settings for the current user or for everyone.
⚠️ Warning: Once you press the "Clean Up All" button, the process becomes irreversible, and you can only interrupt it by removing the battery on the Redmi. 4X It is impossible to do without opening the case, so make sure that your actions are correct.
The device will reboot and start a formatting process that is visually displayed by the Mi logo and progress bar, and when completed, the smartphone will turn on as a new one, suggesting you choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
What to do if the menu does not open?
Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the Android operating system is not booting, the phone is stuck on the logo or you have forgotten the pattern lock, you will need to use Recovery Mode. This is a special diagnostic interface recorded in the device memory regardless of the main firmware.
To enter this mode on the Redmi 4X, you need to turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, after which the power button can be released, continuing to keep the volume.
You'll see a menu with English text and a few items, and you'll be able to navigate with volume buttons (up/down), and you'll have a power button to select a point. You'll need a Wipe Data section.
- 🔹 Select Wipe Data with the volume button and confirm with the power button.
- 🔹 In the next menu, select Wipe All Data.
- 🔹 The system will ask you to confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
- 🔹 The message is “Data wiped successfully».
Once successfully completed, return to the main menu by selecting Back, and press Reboot, then Reboot to System.The first run after such a reset can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-7 minutes.
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If the phone enters Recovery mode on its own each time it turns on, it may have stuck the volume button or damaged the plume. Try gently tapping the case or checking the buttons.
Deleting Google Account (FRP) after resetting
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a security system that links the device to a Google account. If you made a reset via Recovery, but did not delete the account from the settings in advance, the first activation of the phone will require you to enter a password from the last synchronized Google account.
This is a theft protection known as FRP, or Factory Reset Protection, which is a legal owner, if you just enter your data, and if you forget your password, you need to restore it through a Google site on your computer or other device.
| Situation | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| You know the password. | Data entry upon activation | Successful login |
| Forgot the password. | Recovery via email/phone | Access to the account returned |
| We bought a used phone. | Relationship to the previous owner | It must be present for discharge. |
Bypassing this protection without owner data is extremely difficult and often requires flashing the device using specialized software and cables, such as the Test Point method, which is not recommended for beginners.
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The FRP system only locks the device if the reset was made via Recovery. Reset via the settings menu automatically untie the account.
Solving problems: the phone does not turn on after resetting
Sometimes, after the Hard Reset procedure, Xiaomi Redmi 4X can freeze on the logo, go into an endless restart (bootloop), or completely stop responding to buttons, most often due to damage to the system firmware files or conflicting Android versions.
If the device has stuck on the logo for more than 15 minutes, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.If that doesn't work, you'll need to re-enter Recovery and try resetting again, possibly with formatting the internal partitions if the menu allows.
In more complex cases, when the software reset does not help, the only way out is to flash the smartphone through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility. This will require you to download the official firmware image for a particular model of Redmi 4X (codename: santoni) and transfer the phone to Fastboot mode.
⚠️ Warning: Fastboot flashing completely erases device identifiers. Make sure you use firmware specifically for the santoni, as firmware from other Redmi 4 models can turn the phone into a brick».
It’s also worth checking the integrity of the volume buttons. If the Volume Up button is stuck when pressed, the phone will constantly try to log into Recovery, creating the illusion of a system malfunction.