How to Reset Xiaomi Mi 4X to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Mi 4X is a popular smartphone that even after years remains in demand due to balanced characteristics and support MIUI. However, over time, any gadget begins to “brake”, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution for such cases, but it is important to do it correctly so as not to lose important data or turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to reset the Mi 4X: through phone settings, using hardware buttons and in Fastboot mode. We will analyze each method in detail, point out critical nuances for the Mi 4X model (for example, features of work with a bootloader), and give recommendations for data preservation and recovery after a reset. If your smartphone is getting stuck, does not turn on or requires unlocking, here you will find the latest solutions.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before cleaning

Before you start resetting, make sure you follow all the key steps.An unprepared reset can result in loss of photos, contacts and even locking up your Xiaomi account (if you have a Mi Account attached).

• 📱 Save important data: contacts (export to.vcf), photos, messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying on your PC.
• 🔒 Make sure you know the username/password from Mi Account. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter credentials to unlock.
• 🔋 Charge the battery by at least 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with software failures.
• 📡 Turn off Find My Device (if enabled).In some cases, the feature may block resets.

Pay special attention to Mi Account. If you forget your password, restore it before reset via the official website account.xiaomi.com. Xiaomi Mi 4X based on MIUI can request confirmation of account after cleaning, and without access to mail / phone to unlock the device will be extremely difficult.

⚠️ Attention: If on Mi 4X custom recapable (for example, TWRP), standard resetting through settings may not work. In this case, use the hardware button method or Fastboot.

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

The easiest and safest method is to reset directly from the MIUI interface. This is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch and you have access to the menu. Instructions are relevant for the Mi 4X on all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the About Phone section → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Resetting (may be called Resetting to Factory).
4. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code (if installed).
5. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

Once you reboot, you'll see the initial setup screen, like after you buy it. If your phone requests Mi Account data, enter it. If you forgot your password, use the restore feature on Xiaomi's website.

Make a backup copy of the data|Disable Find My Device|Battery charge ≥50%|Remember the Mi Account data|Make sure your phone is not connected to your PC-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware 4X After the reset, you may see an error "This device is locked." This means that the phone is tied to the Mi Account, and you will need to enter a login / password to unlock it. If you do not remember the data, contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device (check, box).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery (if the phone is not turned on or got stuck)

If the Mi 4X doesn’t respond to touch, is stuck on the logo, or doesn’t load beyond the lock screen, use Recovery Mode, which works even in severe software failures, but requires precise execution of instructions.

To enter Recovery on Xiaomi Mi 4X:

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 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (black screen with English text).

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in newer versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The phone will reboot and start the cleaning process. It can take up to 10 minutes -- don't interrupt it! If the Mi 4X freezes again after the reboot, repeat the procedure or try the Fastboot method.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it requires connecting the phone to the computer and installing special drivers.

• 🔧 Phone is not included in Recovery;
• 📱 On the screen is a constant loading (bootloop);
• 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before the firmware.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS fixed ADB/Fastboot);
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality);
• 📥 Xiaomi drivers and the Mi Flash Tool utility (download from the official website);
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not previously unlocked, you will need to link to Mi Account).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Mi 4X.
2. Press Volume Down + Power and hold until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot) appears.
3. Connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB/Fastboot and type:

fastboot devices

If the device appears in the list, execute the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

If the error "FAILED (remote: unknown command)" appears, the bootloader is locked, in which case it will need to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).

1. whether Xiaomi drivers are installed (download Mi Flash Tool).

2. whether you use the original cable (cheap cables often don't transfer data to Fastboot).

3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).-->

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi 4X will return to its original state.

1. Go through the initial setting: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to Mi Account (if tied).
2. Restore data from a backup (if you did a backup via Mi Cloud or Google).
3. Update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
4. Set up a fingerprint/face (if you use biometric authorization).

If your phone is running slower than before, follow these steps:

• 🧹 Clear the application cache manually (Settings) → Annexes → Clear the cache).
• 🚫 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary applications (Settings) → Battery → Auto-start).
• 🔄 Reset the partition cache (Wipe Cache) via Recovery (does not delete data, but speeds up work).

⚠️ Note: If after the discharge of the Mi 4X Not connected to the mobile network, check your settings APN. Sometimes they're reset to standard, which leads to no internet. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and adjust your operator’s settings manually.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common errors when resetting the Xiaomi Mi 4X and how to fix them:

If none of the methods worked and the phone remains inoperable, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged memory or motherboard), in which case we recommend contacting the Xiaomi service center.

💡

If after resetting the Mi 4X requires a password from the Mi Account but you don't remember it, DO NOT try to enter random combinations. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device can lock for 72 hours. Contact Xiaomi support with a check or box from the phone to unlock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the reset Xiaomi Mi 4X