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

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the company’s most popular budget smartphones, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still in use today thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, produce errors or require complete cleaning before selling, in which case a factory reset comes to the rescue – a procedure that returns the phone to its original state.

But how do you reset your Redmi 4X to avoid turning it into a brick? In this article, we'll look at all the relevant ways: through the settings menu, Recovery mode, and even Fastboot for complex cases. We'll focus on preparing data, because without a backup, you risk losing photos, contacts and messages. And we'll also tell you what to do if the phone hangs on the Mi logo after a reset or requires a password from your Mi Account.

Why do you need a Redmi 4X factory reboot?

Factory reset is not just a memory cleanup; it is the complete removal of all user data, applications and personal settings, returning the system to the “out of the box” state. On the Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codename santoni), the procedure may be required in several cases:

• 🐢 Phone slows down, apps crash or system issues errors "Application stopped».
• 🔄 You plan to sell or transfer the device to another person – a reset will delete all personal information.
• 📱 After a failed update MIUI The phone stopped turning on or was not working properly.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or password from the lock screen.
• 🛠️ Software failures caused by viruses or incompatible applications must be fixed.

But before you start, it's important to understand that resetting doesn't solve hardware problems: If your Redmi 4X has a broken screen, doesn't have a speaker or a quick battery, factory settings won't help, and in such cases, repairs or replacements are required.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Redmi 4X Resetting via the settings menu or Recovery does not delete data from the memory card (if installed (DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp, etc. will be erased forever!

Preparing for resetting: what must be done?

Many users skip this stage and then regret the lost data. To avoid losses, follow a few simple steps:

1. Backup. Use the built-in MIUI (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup) or third-party services like Google Drive, Mi Cloud.
2. Remember your Mi Account. After reset, the phone may require you to enter your username and password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock).
3. Check the battery power. Make sure the charge level is at least 50% - this will prevent the device from turning off during the procedure.

If you use a Google account, sync contacts, calendar and notes through Settings → Accounts → Google. Apps like SMS Backup & Restore are suitable for booking SMS and call logs.

Backup important data|Remember the username/password from Mi Account|Charge your phone to 50% or more|Delete SD-map SIM|Disable protection with a pattern lock (if any)

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On Xiaomi Redmi 4X with MIUI 9 and below, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account after a reset, even when Find Device is disabled.

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

If the phone turns on and responds to touch, this is the best method, it requires no additional tools and takes only a few minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Reset all settings depending on the MIUI version).
4. The system will tell you what to drop: 📱 Annexes and their data 📞 System settings 📁 Media files and documents (optional if you want to clear your internal memory)

Reset the settings

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. This can take 5 to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it! -- Once completed, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Device Protection (Settings) has been enabled → Lockdown and protection → Device protection, after reset, you'll need to enter the password from the last Mi Account tied to the phone. Without this data, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult!

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If after resetting the phone asks for a password from Mi Account, but you do not remember it - try to restore access through the site account.xiaomi.com. In extreme cases, the official Xiaomi service center can help, but you will need a confirmation of purchase (check or box).

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

If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, Recovery will help.

1. Turn off the phone. Press the power button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Press the button combination: Volume up (+) + Power. Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selecting the item. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Confirm the action with Confirm.

Reboot

Reboot to System

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

• 🔹 The first item is reboot (Reboot).
• 🔹 The second is a reset (Wipe Data).
• 🔹 The third is the installation of updates (Install Update).

If the phone is reset via Recovery, it may be damaged, and only flashing through Fastboot will help (see next section).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and special tools, but it is the only one that will help if:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 📱 Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update).
• 🔒 Mi Account password is forgotten and the device is locked.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.
• 📄 Firmware for Redmi 4X (santoni) in.tgz or.zip (download available on the official website).

1. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers. Android SDK Platform-Tools is suitable for Windows.
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down (-) + Power before the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat (Fastboot Mode).

Connect your phone to your PC

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number in response, the drivers are installed correctly.

Unpack the firmware.

C:\santoni_firmware\

Mi Flash Tool

:

• Select a firmware folder.
• Please enter the Clean All mode (complete cleaning).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

If you have used third-party backup services (such as Google Drive or Titanium Backup), install the relevant apps from the Play Market and recover data through them.

After discharge, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Disable automatic synchronization of unnecessary data (Settings) → Accounts).
• 🛡️ Install antivirus (such as Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
• 📱 Set up battery optimization to extend operating time.

Common Post-Dumping Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Redmi 4X may not behave properly.

If the phone is running slower than before the procedure, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – at a level below 20%, the system can slow down.
• 📱 Free space – if internal memory is clogged, clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse.
• 🔄 Version MIUI — old firmware (below) MIUI 10) may brake on modern applications.