Xiaomi’s mobile devices are known for their reliability and excellent optimization, but even the most stable smartphone can eventually start to work incorrectly. The Redmi 4X model, released in 2017, is still popular due to a successful combination of price and performance, but the accumulated software debris over the years can slow down its work. If your gadget begins to “brake”, freeze or consume charge faster than usual, a radical solution will be to return to the original state.
A complete system cleanup procedure known as Hard Reset removes all user data, returning the software to the “out of the box” state.This action effectively eliminates the effects of application conflicts, malware and system errors that cannot be fixed by a simple reboot. In this article, we will detail all available reset methods for Redmi 4X, including situations where the device refuses to respond to touching the screen.
Before taking action, it is critical to understand the consequences of this operation: all photos, contacts, messages and installed applications will be permanently deleted from the internal memory of the device, which is why preparation is a key step, ignoring which can lead to the loss of valuable information. Below we will consider the preparatory steps and the recovery process itself.
Preparation of the device for complete reset
Start by backing up your data, because once you run the reset command, it will be impossible to recover the information using standard methods. Xiaomi owners can use built-in MIUI tools or third-party cloud services to save important files. Make sure you copy photos, videos and documents to your computer or to cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Yandex.Disk.
Special attention should be paid to synchronizing contacts and notes. If you use a Google account, check your phone settings that the last sync was successful. For users of the MIUI ecosystem, Mi Cloud is relevant, which allows you to save not only contacts, but also desktop layout, call history and system settings. Without this step, you risk losing phone numbers and important records.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Another important aspect is the battery level: the process of formatting internal memory and reinstallation of system files can take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which the device should not shut down.If the battery runs out at a critical moment, there is a risk of damage to the bootloader or file system errors, which will require more complex recovery through the computer.
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The easiest and most secure way to get back to factory settings is directly from the operating system interface, which is suitable for situations where the smartphone is turned on, the screen is responsive to touch, and you have access to the main menu. The MIUI shell action algorithm may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall logic remains the same for all models.
To start, open the Settings app and scroll down to the bottom. You're interested in the About Phone section, which contains technical information about the device. This menu should look for the Reset option. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted, and will offer two options: Reset settings (without deleting files) and Clear everything (full reset).
Once you select the cleanup function, the system will require proof of your identity, and you will need to enter the pattern lock, digital pin or password that is set to unlock the screen, a security measure to prevent deletion of data in the event of a device being stolen, and if the password is forgotten, this method will not work, and you will have to use Recovery mode.
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If you forget the screen unlock password, you will not be able to reset the standard settings through the settings – use the button combination to log into Recovery Mode.
The final step is to confirm the operation, and the smartphone can ask you several times if the decision is correct to prevent accidental pressing, and once confirmed, the device will restart, and the formatting process will begin, which is visually displayed by the MI logo and the progress scale, during which time you should not touch the control buttons.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)
If the Android operating system is unstable, the screen does not respond to touches or the phone “hangs” on the logo, you need to use recovery mode. This low-level tool is built into every Xiaomi smartphone and allows you to control the system bypassing the main interface.
Turn the device off completely by holding the power button. When the screen goes out, simultaneously press the Volume Up and the power button. Hold both keys until the MI logo appears, and then the power button can be released while you keep holding the volume key. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will open, which is controlled by the volume button and the power button selects.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch screen does not work. Navigation is carried out only with mechanical volume buttons (up/down) and an on button (confirmation).
In the list that opens, you need to find Wipe & Reset (or simply Wipe Data). Move your cursor to that line and press the power button. Then the system will prompt you to select Wipe All Data. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm. The cleaning process will begin, which will take some time. When completed, the screen will show the inscription "Data wiped successfully".
What to do if the Recovery menu is in Chinese?
Once you have successfully completed the procedure, select Back to Main Menu and then Reboot -> Reboot to System. The phone will reboot and the initial setup will begin, just like the new device. The first run can last longer than usual, sometimes up to 10 minutes, which is normal behavior for the system after formatting.
Comparison of discharge methods and their features
The choice between resetting via menu and using Recovery Mode depends on the current state of your Redmi 4X. Both methods result in the same result – a complete cleanup of the user’s memory partition.
The method through settings is more “soft” because the system itself controls the process of closing applications and saving system logs before cleaning. Recovery mode works more aggressively and directly addresses the file system, making it an indispensable tool for critical software errors. Below is a table to help you choose the right option.
| Parameter | Through Settings. | Through Recovery Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Work interface required | It works even with the "brick" software |
| Difficulty | Minimum | Requires precise hitting of buttons |
| Risk of error | Low. | Medium (human factor) |
| Implementation time | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
It's worth noting that both methods don't affect the Internal Storage partition in the sense that they don't erase the operating system itself, but only return it to its original configuration. However, if the phone is infected with a virus that has penetrated the system partition, a simple reset may not help, and you will need to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Google account (FRP Lock) problem after reset
Modern smartphones, including the Redmi 4X, are equipped with a system of protection against theft, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which is activated automatically if the device has added a Google account.
This is done so that the attacker who stole the phone can’t just reset the phone and use the device. If you forget the password from your Google account, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the phone, so before the reset procedure, it is strongly recommended to either remember the login details or delete the account from the phone settings in advance.
In the settings menu, go to Accounts and Sync, select your Google account, and click Delete Account. Only then can you safely reset. If the device has already been reset and you don't remember it, the only legal way to restore access is to restore your account through Google's website from another device.
⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP Third-party protection is a violation of the terms of use of Google services and can be regarded as an attempt to unlock someone else's device.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
Xiaomi users may encounter various difficulties in resetting, and one of the common problems is hanging on the MI logo after rebooting. If that happens, don't panic. Often, the system takes longer to verify file integrity. Wait 15-20 minutes. If there's no change, try resetting through Recovery.
Another situation is that the phone is not in Recovery mode. Make sure you use an original or quality cable (if you connect to a PC) and that the buttons do not stick. On the Redmi 4X model, you sometimes need to press the button combination not on the phone turned off, but when you vibrate when you turn on. Experiment with the timing of volume and power buttons.
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If the phone cycles to restart (bootloop) even after reset, the problem could be hardware-related, such as a power button malfunction or memory damage.
Users also often forget to remove the MicroSD card before resetting. Although the system reset should not affect the external card, there is a risk of accidentally formatting or damaging the card's file system if the card fails. Always remove the SIM cards and memory cards before starting any operations with the system software.
Primary setting after returning to factory parameters
When the cleaning process is complete and the phone is turned on, you'll see a welcome screen. Select the interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. The system will suggest recovering data from the backup. If you've used Mi Cloud or Google Drive, you can return contacts, apps and some settings in a couple of clicks.
Be sure to check for system updates in the About Phone section. Over the years, Redmi 4X has released many security patches and optimizations that improve stability. Installing the current version of MIUI immediately after reset will ensure the best performance.
Don't install all the apps at once. Install only the programs you need and watch your phone run for hours to see if a particular application is causing a system conflict. Clean application installation often works better than recovering a full copy from an old state.