How to Reset Xiaomi Mi 4X to Factory Settings: A Complete Guide to Error Solutions

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4X to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from the banal sale of the device to combat software failures that cannot be eliminated by standard methods. However, the procedure has nuances - especially if we are talking about models with a tied Mi Account or custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss three official methods of resetting (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), and also explain how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the phone requires an old account after a reset.

It’s important to understand that the Mi 4X (codenamed ferrari) is a 2015 device, and some reset methods may differ from current Xiaomi smartphones. For example, it has a closed bootloader installed by default, and the Recovery menu has an outdated interface. If you’ve never worked with Xiaomi on Android 5.0 Lollipop before, we advise you to carefully read each step.

Before you start, answer two questions: whether you need to save data (photos, contacts, messages) and whether you are tied to the Mi Account phone, which determines the choice of reset method and additional preparations. For example, when you reset via Fastboot, all data will be erased without recovery, and if you forget the password from the account, the phone can turn into a brick.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Even if you are sure that the data on the phone is not important, check the Mi Account binding. After resetting, the Xiaomi Mi 4X may require you to enter a login and password from an account that was active before the reset. This is part of the Mi Cloud Activation Lock protection system, and without the right data, it will be extremely difficult (sometimes impossible) to unlock the device.

To avoid problems:

• 🔍 Make sure you remember the email and password from the Mi Account tied to the phone. → Mi Account.
• 📱 Back up your important data. 4X Manual copying of files on the PC through MTP (Cloud services: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or Yandex Disk. Third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (require root).
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. Interrupted reset due to battery discharge can cause the device to lose its performance.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile network. After the reset, you will need to download updates and re-authorize.

If you reset your phone before selling, be sure to log out of Mi Account in the settings. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device without your data.

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On Xiaomi Mi. 4X backup of contacts and SMS You can create it through the standard application “Backup” (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Select Contacts and Messages, then save the file to SD-map.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The main advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since the reset occurs through the standard Android interface.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or Advanced Settings, depending on the firmware version).
3. Slip on the item Backup and reset.
4. Select Resetting (or Resetting to factory settings).
5. The system will tell you what to reset: 📱 Application data (all installed programs will be deleted). 📞 Phone settings (including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound). 🔐 Accounts (Google, Mi Account and others).

Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code, if required.

Drop the phone.

After the reboot, the phone will suggest setting it up as new. If you request Mi Account entry during the setup phase, use the account data that was tied before the reset.

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

If the Xiaomi Mi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern lock that you forgot, resetting through Recovery mode will help.This method works even without access to the main system, but requires accuracy - wrong actions can lead to damage to the firmware.

How to Sign In to Recovery on Mi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear on the screen (usually 5-10 seconds).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd in Windows) and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), you can continue.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once the commands are executed, the phone will restart and start setting up as a new device, and if errors occur after the reset (such as No command or logo getting stuck), you may need to completely flash through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: On some versions of the Mi 4X Fastboot reset can block the bootloader if it was unlocked earlier, in which case the official firmware and the Mi Flash Tool will be required to restore functionality.

5. Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and consider the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

If the Mi 4X doesn't turn on or gives you an error after reset, you'll probably need a full flashing.

1. Download the official firmware for the Mi 4X (Ferrari version) from Xiaomi’s website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and run the firmware through the program (select the Clean All option).

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If after resetting the phone requires a Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not try to bypass the lock through third-party programs. This can lead to complete loss of performance. Contact the official Xiaomi service with proof of purchase (check, box).

6.How to recover data after reset

If you haven’t made a backup in advance, the chances of recovering the data depend on the reset method:

• 📱 Once reset via Settings or Recovery, you can try to recover files (photos, videos) using programs like DiskDigger or Recuva.
• 💾 If the reset was done via Fastboot, recovery is almost impossible – the data is deleted at a low level.
• ☁️ If sync with Mi Cloud or Google Account was enabled before reset, contacts, notes and some applications can be returned after authorization.

To recover via Mi Cloud:

1. After the reset, log in to the same Mi Account that was tied before the reset.
2. Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Select Restore and mark the necessary data (contacts, messages, photos).

If you used Google Account to sync, the data will be automatically restored when you first connect to the internet after you set up your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)