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

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the smartphone to its previous performance, eliminate software failures or prepare the device for sale. However, an incorrect reset can lead to the loss of important data, locking the Mi Account or even “bricking” the phone. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting – from the standard menu to Recovery mode – and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

The Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017, but is still popular thanks to its robust hardware and custom firmware support. However, over time, even this smartphone starts to slow down due to clogged memory, application conflicts or an outdated version of MIUI. Resetting to factory settings helps in 80% of cases, but requires preparation — this is the first thing we will talk about.

When you need to reset to factory settings

Before you reset the Redmi 4X, evaluate whether it is necessary.The procedure deletes all user data, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud)
• 📷 Photo and video in internal memory (microSD card not affected)
• 🎵 Music, downloads and documents
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, accounts in apps
• 🎮 Save in games (unless tied to the cloud)

The discharge is justified in the following cases:

• 🐢 Smartphone is slowing down, applications are constantly flying out.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Glitches (black screen, system services errors).
• 📲 The device is infected with a virus that cannot be removed by antivirus.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-unlock.
• 💰 Prepare your phone for sale or transfer to another user.

⚠️ Attention: If Redmi 4X It does not appear or hang on the logo. MI, Resetting via the settings menu is not possible - you will need Recovery mode or flashing through Fastboot.

If the problem is with the battery (fast discharge, sudden shutdowns), reset will not help - you need to replace the battery, the same applies to hardware breakdowns: a broken screen, a dead camera or a speaker.

Preparing for resetting: how to save data

The main mistake users make is to reset without backing up. It is almost impossible to recover deleted data after Hard Reset, so devote 10-15 minutes to creating a backup.

Methods of backup

For full backup via Mi Cloud:

1. Open the Settings. → Mi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Turn on sync for all the categories you need (contacts, gallery, etc.).
3. Click Backup and wait for the process to be completed.

If there is not enough space in the cloud, use the local backup:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select data to save (e.g. Applications, SMS).
3. Click Create a backup and specify the folder to save (preferably on the microSD card).

⚠️ Note: Local backup Xiaomi does not save photos and videos – they need to be copied manually through the explorer or connecting the phone to the computer as a drive (MTP).

Backup contacts and SMS| Copy photo/video to PC or cloud | Remember login/password from Mi|Remove microSD card (if there are important files) | Charge phone to at least 50%-->

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

If the Redmi 4X is turned on and reacts to touch, use this method. It is the simplest and requires no additional tools.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select Additional.
3. Slip on Recovery and Reset.
4. Select Resetting (sometimes called Resetting All Settings).
5. The system will tell you what to delete: 📱 Annexes and their data 📞 System settings 🔐 Accounts (if you transfer your phone to another person)

Reset your phone settings

password from the Mi Account

Erase everything

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

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 4X You need to enter a password from your old Mi Account, and you don't remember it, you can unlock the phone only through the official Xiaomi service (you need a check about the purchase.

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If the phone is slower than before the procedure, check the animation settings. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in the settings) and turn off animation in Settings → Additional → For Developers.

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 buttons or is locked with a pattern lock, use Recovery mode, which works even in case of serious software failures.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press simultaneously: Power button (Volume Up)

Hold them until the Mi logo appears and vibrations (usually 5-10 seconds).

Recovery

Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.

Wipe Data

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

Reboot

Reboot to System

If you don't have Wipe Data on the Recovery menu, you may have custom firmware installed, so look for options like Factory Reset or Format Data.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔧 Recovery damaged or missing.
• 📱 Phone 'bricked' after failed update.
• 🔒 You need to delete Mi Account without password (requires unlocking the bootloader).

To reset via Fastboot, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot, as well as the original USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (or Mi Flash Tool for firmware).
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers.
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

After these commands, all data will be erased and the phone will restart to the clean system. If you also want to delete the Mi Account, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process takes up to 72 hours).

⚠️ Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. Don't use commands like fastboot erase system, it will remove the firmware, and the device won't turn on without flashing it.

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Resetting via Fastboot is a last resort. If you are unsure of your actions, contact the service center. Wrong commands can lead to the loss of IMEI or damage to the EFS section (responsible for communication).

Frequent post-reset problems and their solutions

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 4X may not behave properly. Let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

1.The phone asks for a password from Mi Account after resetting

This is the standard Mi Cloud Lock protection.

• Enter the password from the Mi Account that was linked to the phone.
• If you have forgotten your password, restore it through account.xiaomi.com.
• If the phone is bought with hands and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him or Xiaomi with a check.

2.The smartphone brakes after reset

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Weak battery: check the battery status in Settings → Battery. If the capacity is below 70%, replace the battery.
• 🗑 Residual files: Reset again by selecting Internal Storage Cleanup.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

3. Mobile or Wi-Fi is not working

If the signal is missing or Wi-Fi is not connected:

• Check if it's inserted. SIM-map.
• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and enable data transfer.
• Reset network settings: Settings → Wireless Networks → Additional → Network reset.
• If the problem persists, the EFS section may be damaged (reflashing required).

4. Cannot log into a Google account after resetting

This may be due to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection.

• Enter the login and password from Google that was on the phone before the reset.
• If your account is deleted, restore it through accounts.google.com.
• To bypass FRP (if your phone is yours), use official methods from Google or contact the service.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions