Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: 3 proven ways

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand's most popular budget smartphones, but even it eventually starts to "brake," give out bugs or require a complete clean before selling.Reset to factory settings (hard reset) solves most software problems, but it's important to do it right so as not to lose important data and turn the phone into a "brick."

In this article, three current reset methods (via settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot), detailed warnings about the consequences, and instructions for recovering data after the procedure. We took into account all the nuances of MIUI firmware (including blocking Mi Account) and collected answers to frequent user questions. If your Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or just needs a clean reboot, you are in the right place.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not a cure-all, but 80 percent of the time it helps bring a smartphone back to life without going to a service center.

• 📱 Phone slows down, applications spontaneously close or give out errors (for example, "Application stopped").
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-Find My Device does not help unlock the device.
• 📦 Before selling or transferring a smartphone to another person – to delete all personal data.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI, When the system is malfunctioning or not loading at all.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.

However, resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 🔋 Physical breakdown of the battery or motherboard (phone not turned on, not charged).
• 📡 Hardware malfunctions of modules (camera, speaker, microphone).
• 🔌 Connector damage. USB-C or charging contacts.

⚠️ Note: If you are dropping Redmi 4X Because of the Mi Account lock (forgot the username / password from the Xiaomi account), after the procedure, the phone may require the entry of account data. Without them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device - you will need official proof of ownership.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance?

Reset removes all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Music, documents and other files stored in your phone’s memory.
• 📌 Application settings, game saves, account data (if not linked to the cloud).

To avoid losing important things, follow the mandatory steps:

Make a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset

Synchronize contacts with Google or Mi Account

Copy photos/videos to your computer or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive)

Record the username and password from Mi Account (if linked to the phone)

Make sure the battery is charged > 50% (to avoid shutdown during resetting)-->

If the phone does not respond to touch or does not turn on, backup will not work – in this case, after reset, the data will be lost irretrievably.

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

This method is suitable if the phone is switched on and you can log in. Instructions are relevant for MIUI 8-14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional (or About Phone in newer versions of MIUI).
3. Go to Backup and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Select Erase All Data (or Reset to Factory Settings).
5. If required, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone (or similar button).

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes, and when you complete it, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after you purchase it.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI You may be asked to enter Mi Account data after a reset, even if you didn't have one before. This is due to the Anti-Theft function. If you don't remember your username/password, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

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If after reset, the phone asks for a Xiaomi account, but you did not tie it down, try connecting to the Internet via a mobile network (insert it). SIM-Sometimes you miss the check.

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

If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch or does not load beyond the lock screen, use Recovery Mode.

Step 1. Go to Recovery.

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 and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (black screen with blue text in English or Chinese).

Step 2. Perform the reset:

• 🔹 Use volume buttons to navigate the menu.
• 🔹 Select Wipe Data (or Clear Data in Chinese firmware).
• 🔹 Confirm your choice by pressing Yes (power button).
• 🔹 Wait until the process is complete (Wipe data success will appear on the screen).
• 🔹 Go back to the main menu and select Reboot. → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware may call Wipe & Reset or Factory Reset. If the Recovery menu does not have the right item, your firmware is modified (for example, custom installed). TWRP). Use Method 3 (via Fastboot).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is used if:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
• 🔄 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Phone locked in Mi Account and standard reset doesn't help.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Mac/Linux fixed ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 🔋 Battery charge > 30%.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to your computer. Hold the buttons until the bunny in the hat appears on the screen (Fastboot mode).
3. On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd).
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be completely cleaned, including the Mi Account settings (but only if reset protection has not been activated before!).If the device still requires a Xiaomi account, you will need an official unlock through the service center.

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Fastboot reset is the most radical method. It even deletes system data, so only use it if the first two methods don't work.

What do I do after the dump?

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will return to the "out of the box" state.

1. Setting up the language and region. Select Russian (or any other language you want) on the first screen.
2. Wi-Fi connection: Without the Internet, you can’t log into Mi Account or recover data from the cloud.
3. Log in to your Google and Xiaomi account. If you forget your password, restore it before you set up your phone.
4. Data recovery: If you backed up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the system will offer to restore contacts, apps and settings.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 🔄 The phone is stuck on the logo. → Repeat the reset via Recovery or run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📵 Not catching the net. → check the settings APN (Usually restored automatically after insertion SIM-map).
• 🔋 It's discharged fast. → Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right reset, users face problems. Here's the top-5 mistakes and their solutions:

If none of the methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case, contact Xiaomi’s service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions