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

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in active use due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, give out errors or require complete cleaning before selling, in which case it helps to reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state.

In this article, you will find three official reset methods (via settings, Recovery and Fastboot) and solutions to typical problems that arise in the process. We'll go into detail on how to save important data before resetting, what to do if the phone doesn't respond to commands, and how to avoid common errors. MIUI, including the latest stable firmware for Redmi 4X.

We warn you in advance that the reset deletes all user data — photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you don't back up, it won't be possible to restore the information, so the first step is to save important files.

Resetting Preparation: What to Do Before Cleaning Redmi 4X

Before you start resetting, make sure you have done all the critical things. Neglecting preparation can lead to data loss or even a “brick” device (especially when reset via Fastboot).

First, back up. So, you can do this.

• 📱 Use the built-in Settings function → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup, it'll keep the contacts, SMS, call log and some settings.
• ☁️ Connect Mi Account and activate sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.This will save contacts, notes and photos (if the option is enabled).
• 💾 Copy manually to a PC or folder flash drive DCIM (Photo/video, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp (if you use the messenger).

Second, check the battery. It's not lower. 50%, Otherwise, the smartphone may turn off during the reset, which is fraught with software failures. Also make sure you have access to stable Wi-Fi (if you plan to reset through the settings) or the original Wi-Fi. USB-cable (for methods through the Recovery/Fastboot).

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X a graphical key is installed or PIN-Once reset via Recovery, the device may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you haven't used it. FAQ.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the battery to 50% higher|Make sure you have a stable internet (for resetting via settings)|Prepare original USB-cable Recovery/Fastboot)|Remember the password from Mi Account (if tied)

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts 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 → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. Read the warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. When you request, enter a pattern lock or PIN.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The smartphone will automatically restart and start the cleaning process. The Mi logo and progress indicator will appear on the screen. Do not turn off the device at this point, this can damage the system files. Once completed, the Redmi 4X will boot into a “out of the box” state.

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If after reset, the smartphone hangs on the Mi logo for a long time (more than 15 minutes), try forcibly rebooting it by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the problem recurs, use the reset via Recovery (method 2).

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

If Redmi 4X doesn’t respond to touch, hangs on the screensaver or is locked with a pattern lock you forgot, resetting via Recovery will help.This mode lets you control the device using physical buttons (volume and power).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English).
4. Use Volume Down for navigation and Volume Up for selecting a point. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
5. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data (in some firmwares – Yes).
6. After cleaning, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not include Wipe Data, you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS), and use Factory Reset or Format Data, and be careful: some custom recoveries (like TWRP) require additional confirmation.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This is the most reliable method, but it requires a connection to a computer and the installation of special drivers.

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on and does not respond to buttons.
• 🔧 Recovery Menu is damaged or missing.
• 🛠️ You need to “resuscitate” the device after a failed firmware.

The work will require:

• Computer with Windows (7/10/11).
• Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• Mi Flash Tool (download from the official Xiaomi website)
• Qualcomm drivers (unless installed automatically)

Instructions:

1. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers on PC.
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and put it in Fastboot mode: press Power + Volume down for 5-10 seconds. The screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and select the firmware folder for Redmi 4X (download it in advance from the official website).
5. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All mode (full clean) and press Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes) and the smartphone will automatically restart.

⚠️ Note: If you are reset via Fastboot Redmi 4X requires a password from Mi Account, and you don't remember it, the only way to unlock it is to officially contact Xiaomi with a confirmation of purchase.

Through the settings menu|Through Recovery Mode|Through Fastboot.|I haven't tried it yet.|Another way.

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Table: Comparison of reset methods for Redmi 4X

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when you follow the instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions.

1.The smartphone is not included in Recovery or Fastboot.

• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 10%, the device may not respond to button combinations.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable or port on PC (for Fastboot).
• 🔄 If the combinations do not work, the power button may be damaged - contact the service.

2.The error appears after the reset "This device is locked" (Mi Account).

This means that the smartphone is tied to the Mi Account, and you need to enter your username and password to unlock it.

• 📧 Try to restore access through the official website.
• 📄 If the device was bought from hand, ask the previous owner to untie the account.
• 🚨 In extreme cases, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase.

3.The reset is interrupted and the phone is not turned on (the "brick").

If the cleaning process has been interrupted (for example, the battery has run out), try:

• 🔄 Repeat the reset via Fastboot (method 3).
• 🔧 Reflash the device using the Mi Flash Tool (instruction above).
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, bring it to the service (memory may be damaged).

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If the Redmi 4X does not turn on for more than 20 minutes after reset, do not try to repeat the procedure many times - this can aggravate the problem.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Redmi 4X reset