Hard reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X through buttons: a complete reset without password

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the brand’s most popular budget smartphones, but even it’s not immune to software failures, viruses or forgotten passwords. If your phone has stopped responding to touch, hangs on the logo or requires unlocking after unsuccessful firmware experiments, hard resetting through the buttons will be the only working solution. Unlike software resetting in the settings menu, this method works even with a fully locked screen or “bricked” system.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for resetting the Redmi 4X to factory settings using the physical power and volume buttons. We will discuss two scenarios: a standard reset via Recovery Mode and an alternative method for devices with damaged Recovery. You will also learn how to prepare the phone for the procedure to avoid losing important data, and what to do if the reset failed the first time.

When you need a hard reset through the buttons

Hard reset is an extreme measure when software recovery methods are not available, and these are typical situations that require resetting through physical buttons:

• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-Phone is locked and Find My Device is disabled.
• 🐢 System lags and freezes – smartphone slows down, apps fly out, and reboot does not help.
• 📱 "Brick after firmware – a failed software update led to a cyclical boot or black screen.
• 🦠 Viral Infection – Malware blocks access to settings or encrypts data.
• 🔄 Preparation for sale – you need to completely clear the device of personal data.

It is important to understand that hard resets remove all data from internal memory, including:

• 📁 Photos, videos and music (if not saved) SD-map).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS Call log (if not synchronized with Mi Account).
• 🎮 Installed applications and their settings.
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi and accounts.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Encryption of data is enabled (Settings option) → Security → Encrypting the phone, after resetting the phone may require you to enter the old password to decrypt it!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start the procedure, follow a few critical steps:

1. Check the battery. Make sure the charge level is above 50%. If the phone runs out during reset, it can damage the system files and completely inoperable the device.
2. Extract. SIM-Although the reset does not affect external drives, it is better to be safe. SD-The map will remain intact, but in rare cases, reading errors may occur.
3. Connect your phone to charging.Use the original Xiaomi cable and adapter (5V/2A) to avoid power surges.
4. If you need a reset due to a software failure, prepare the official firmware for Redmi 4X (codename santoni) from en.miui.com.

If your phone still responds to commands, try backing up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. If the screen is locked, use Mi PC Suite (requires prior authorization to Mi Account).

Method 1: Standard Resetting with Recovery Mode

This is the main method that works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 4X. Instructions are suitable for phones with stock recavers (unchanged user).

Sequence of action:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the Power button (10-15 seconds). If it does not respond, remove and re-insert the battery (if removable).
2. Press the buttons at the same time: Volume up (+) + Power Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when the Recovery Mode menu (usually in English or Chinese) appears on the screen.
4. Use the up/down Volume buttons for navigation and Power to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data (or in Chinese), then confirm Wipe All Data.
6. After the process is completed (1-3 minutes), go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

The phone will reboot and start setting up as new. The first run can take up to 10 minutes -- that's OK.

Battery charge > 50%|Extracted. SIM and SD-map|Phone connected to charging|Firmware downloaded (if you need to flash it back)|The efficiency of the volume and power buttons is checked

-->

⚠️ Note: If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data, then the phone has custom recovery (for example, the Recovery menu, TWRP). In this case, select Advanced Wipe. → Mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System → swipe for confirmation.

Method 2: Alternative Fastboot reset (if Recovery doesn't work)

If the standard recavator is damaged or the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, you can use Fastboot mode. ADB/Fastboot and the Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press: Volume down (-) + Power Hold until the image of Fastboot Mode (robot with open stomach) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: fastboot devices If the device is defined, type: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

These commands will clear the partition with user data and cache, which is equivalent to a factory reset.If the phone is not identified, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port.

Table: Comparison of Reset Methods for Redmi 4X

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

• 🔄 Phone hangs on Mi logo after reset. Cause: System partition damaged. Solution: Sweat your phone through Mi Flash Tool with Clean All option choice.
• 🔌 The computer does not see the device in Fastboot. Cause: There are no drivers or a faulty cable. Solution: Install the drivers manually (see spoiler above) or use another USB-port.
• 📵 The volume buttons don't work. Cause: Mechanical damage or oxidation of contacts. Solution: Disassemble the phone and clean the buttons with alcohol or replace the plume.
• 🔒 After reset, the old password is required. Reason: Encryption was turned on. Solution: Enter the password or run the phone with complete cleaning (loss of all data).

💡

If the Redmi 4X doesn't turn on after reset, try clamping Volume Up + Power for 20 to 30 seconds for a forced reboot. Sometimes this helps get out of the soft breeze.

What to do after resetting: the initial setting

After a successful reset, the phone will start in initial setup mode.

1. Skip the Mi Account binding. If you don't remember your account details, click Skip (if available) otherwise you may need to unlock through the official website.
2. Recover your data. Use your Google Account to restore your contacts, or connect. SD-backup.

If you have problems with the sensor, camera or communication after the reset, this may indicate hardware malfunctions, in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.

💡

After the Redmi hard-reset 4X Be sure to reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings to avoid mobile internet and call issues.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions