Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: the full guide

Introduction: Why you need to reset your settings on Redmi 4X

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state, as after buying. This can be necessary in several cases: if the device has started to brake, often overheats, gives out errors when updating or you are going to sell / give the phone. It is important to understand that a full reset removes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications.

The Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017 and runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor. Despite its age, the device is still in active use, but over time, debris can accumulate in the system, conflicting applications or errors after failed firmware. Reset helps solve most software problems without resorting to repair.

In this article, we will look at three official ways to reset: through your phone settings, using Recovery Mode and remotely via Mi Account, and learn how to prepare for the procedure so as not to lose important data, and what to do if the Redmi 4X does not respond to buttons.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, be sure to follow a few steps to avoid data loss. Even if the phone is unstable, try to save at least the most important information.

• 📱 Sync your contacts and calendar with your Google or Mi Account account. → Accounts. → Google/Mi and turn on the sync.
• 📷 Copy photos and videos to a computer or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud). USB-cable or wireless transmission via Mi Drop.
• 🔑 Write down your Wi-Fi passwords. You can find them in Settings. → Wi-Fi by clicking on the connected network.
• 📝 Export. SMS using applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available on Google Play).

If the phone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, skip this step and proceed immediately to reset via Recovery. However, please note that in this case, all data will be lost without the possibility of recovery.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Device Protection is enabled (in the Settings menu) → Additionally. → Privacy, after reset, you may need to enter a password from the previously linked Mi Account!

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method to use if the Redmi 4X is powered on and touch-responsive.The instructions are relevant for official MIUI firmware (including global and Chinese versions).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to About Phone (or Additional → Recovery and Reset in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Resetting (may be called Factory Resetting).
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually takes 2-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you bought it, and if you had a Mi Account attached on your phone, you'll need to log in.

Fully charged battery (minimum 50%)

All accounts are disabled (Google, Mi, social networks)

Backup of important files is made

Memorized password from Mi Account (if tied)

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Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No need for additional tools.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.
• ✅ Keeps working MIUI needlessly.

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, use Recovery mode, which is also suitable if you have forgotten the pattern lock.

Instructions for standard Recovery (not TWRP):

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons. You'll be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in Chinese).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

• 📛 The second item on top is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• 🔄 The last item is Reboot (reboot).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may require re-activation of the device via Mi Account after a Recovery reset, and if you don’t remember your account details, the phone will turn into a brick»!

Method 3: Remote reset via Mi Account (if phone is lost)

If you lost the Redmi 4X or it was stolen, you can remotely erase all data through Xiaomi’s Find Device service.

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in to your Mi Account.
2. In the Find Device section, select your Redmi 4X (if it is linked to your account).
3. Click Erase Data and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the command to be executed (it can take up to 30 minutes).

Important: This method only works when the phone is connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi), and if the device is turned off or without communication, the command will be executed the next time it connects.

After the remote reset, the phone:

• 🔄 Reboot and return to factory settings.
• 🔒 You will need to enter your Mi Account data when you turn on the next time.
• 📍 It will stop showing up on the map in Find Device.

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If you are selling Redmi 4X, be sure to untie it from the Mi Account before transferring it to the new owner. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Delete the account (you need a password).

What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis of problems

In rare cases, even after a reset, the Redmi 4X may not work properly, signaling more serious problems.

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – battery may be worn out (check in Settings) → Battery → Status).
• 📱 Spontaneous reboots – motherboard malfunction or processor overheating.
• 🚫 Not turned on after reset - the bootloader or firmware is damaged (requires flashing through Fastboot).

If the problem is hardware, the reset won't help, it'll need repairs.

1. Try booting into Safe Mode (keep Volume down when you turn on). If that mode is stable, it's the third-party app's fault.
2. Check the temperature of the case using the AIDA64 application (normal to 40-45 ° C in plain).
3. Connect to the PC and check logs through ADB (adb logcat command).

⚠️ Note: If after the Redmi reset 4X Requires a password from a Mi Account you don't remember, don't try to pick it up repeatedly - the device can lock up for 72 hours.

Data recovery after reset: is it possible?

If you didn't back up before reset, the chances of getting the data back are minimal, but there are.

To recover files from internal memory:

1. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode).
2. Use programs like EaseUS Data Recovery or 7-Data Recovery.
3. Scan the /data partition (root rights are required if the memory is encrypted).

Important: The less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of recovering data. Each new memory record reduces the likelihood of a successful recovery.

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If data is critical, contact a specialized data recovery lab, and if you try it yourself, you can lose files permanently.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X