How to Reset Xiaomi Mi 4X to Factory Settings: 3 Working Methods + Error Solving

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4X to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical system failures. This smartphone, released in 2018 under the Xiaomi brand, is still popular due to balanced characteristics and support for custom firmware. However, over time, even reliable technology begins to slow down, and accumulated data and settings can conflict with each other.

Unlike the newer models, the Mi 4X (codename santoni) has its own features when resetting. For example, not all versions of MIUI support standard menu reset if the device is locked with a pattern lock. In addition, after resetting on some firmware, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account account — this is important to consider if you do not remember the login data. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods, as well as how to avoid typical errors and save important data before the procedure.

If your Xiaomi Mi 4X doesn't turn on, you're stuck on your logo, or you're getting a "No command" error in Recovery mode, don't panic. In 90% of cases, you can fix the problem without going to the service center, and the key is to choose the right method and follow the instructions.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure

The factory reset removes all data from the device’s internal memory, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map)
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents
• 🔑 Saved passwords from Wi-Fi and applications
• ⚙️ All user settings (wallpaper, sounds, brightness, etc.)

Before you start, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Create a backup. Use the built-in MIUI tools:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Backup
• 💾 Select Local Backup or Mi Cloud (Xiaomi account required)
• ⚠️ Note: Backup in Mi Cloud may not save some application data (such as WhatsApp or Telegram messages.

2 Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50%. If the reset is interrupted due to discharge, the device may stop turning on and you will need to run the firmware through the Fastboot.

3.Read the MIUI version. This will help you avoid errors:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.4)
3. Write down or take a picture of this information - it will come in handy if you need to download the firmware.

4. Unplug your Mi Account (if you plan to sell your phone) After the reset, the new owner will not be able to use the device if it is linked to your account.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account
2. Click on your profile → Exit
3. Confirm the action with a password.

💡

If you have forgotten the password from Mi Account, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. After resetting, unlocking your device without an account will be extremely difficult!

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest way)

This method is suitable if:

• ✅ The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• ✅ You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code
• ✅ No critical system failures

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional settings.
3. Press Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Settings Reset.
5. The system will offer two options: Reset all settings - deletes only settings, application data and accounts (photos and files remain); Reset all data (full reset) - returns the phone to the "out of the box" state.

All data dumping

Enter your password (if required) and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-10 minutes).

Once completed, the phone will automatically restart and prompt you to set it up as new.

Battery power checked (≥50%)|Backup created|Mi Account is untied (if necessary)|Recorded version MIUI|All applications closed.-->

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode reset (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Xiaomi Mi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery mode. This method works even on a broken system, but requires accuracy.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then let them go.
4. In a few seconds, you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

Resetting instructions:

1. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
2. Select Wipe Data (or Chinese firmware).
3. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (or similar).
4. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
5. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

Possible problems and solutions:

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and drivers installed.

• ✅ Recovery is not working or damaged
• ✅ Your phone is locked and you don’t remember your Mi Account details.
• ✅ You need to reflash the device after a failed update

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality)
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool and Firmware for Mi 4X
• 🔧 Xiaomi Drivers (you can download here)

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers and Mi Flash Tool: Download and install Mi PC Suite (enables drivers). Unpack the Mi Flash Tool into a folder on the C: drive (e.g., C:\MiFlash).
2. Download firmware: Go to MIUI Downloads. Select the Redmi 4X (santoni) model and download the latest stable version (e.g. MIUI 12.5). Unpack the firmware archive into a folder (e.g., C:\MiFlash\rom).
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume down until the screensaver with a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.

Connect your phone to your PC and go through:

1. Open the Mi Flash Tool (on behalf of the administrator).


2. Press Select and point the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.




3. at the bottom, select Clean all (full reset).




4. Press Refresh – the program must detect the device.




5. Click Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).

Important: Once you have Fastboot, all data will be permanently deleted, including the contents of internal memory.This method also resets Mi Account settings, but if the phone was linked to an account, you may need to enter a login and password after you turn on.

💡

Fastboot reset is the only way to bring a phone back to life if it doesn't respond to other methods, but it requires you to follow the instructions accurately, otherwise you risk getting a brick.

5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often face problems.

1.The phone asks for Mi Account after reset.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't remember the Xiaomi account that the phone was linked to, it will be extremely difficult to unlock it. Xiaomi requires proof of ownership, and without a check or box, it's almost impossible to prove it.Solution: Try to restore the password on account.xiaomi.com. If you bought a used phone, contact the previous owner. In extreme cases, contact the service center with documents on the device.

2.The reset is interrupted and the phone is not switched on.

This can happen because of:

• Battery discharge (always check the charge before resetting!)
• Damaged firmware (the solution is to flash through Fastboot).
• Unstable PC connection (use the original cable)

3.After the reset, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo.

Probable reasons:

• Incompatible version of the firmware (download only official assemblies for santoni).
• EFS section is damaged (reflashing via Fastboot is required).
• Conflict with custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP)

4. Can't log into Recovery or Fastboot.

Check it out.

• Faulty buttons (especially Volume up/down).
• Connect to charge (sometimes the phone doesn’t respond due to the discharge).
• Physical injuries (for example, after a fall)

💡

If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the device, then charge to 100% without interruptions. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

6.How to recover data after reset

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on the reset method:

• 🔄 After resetting via the settings menu, the data is deleted irrevocably (unless there was a backup in Mi Cloud or Google).
• 🛠️ After resetting via Recovery, you can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but success is not guaranteed.
• 💻 After Fastboot Firmware – Recovery is Nearly Impossible (Data Overwritten).

How to restore backup copy:

1. When you first set up your phone, select Restore from backup.
2. Log in to the Google or Xiaomi account that the copy was linked to.
3. Choose the most recent copy and wait for the restoration to be completed.

Recovery of selected data:

7. Alternative ways to solve problems without resetting

Before resorting to a complete reset, try more gentle methods:

1. Clearing the cache.

If the phone is slowing down but not critical:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select All Apps and sort by size.
3. For each major application, click Clear Cache.

2. rollback updates.

If the problem started after the MIUI update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → Update Package.
3. Remove the latest update and restart the phone.

3. Reset network settings.

If you have problems with Wi-Fi or communication:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action (save Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings will be removed).

4. Safe mode.

If the phone is glitching due to a third-party app:

1. Press the power button before the off menu appears.
2. Hold your finger to turn off power until a request to switch to Safe Mode appears.
3. In this mode, remove suspicious applications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset Xiaomi Mi 4X