Hard Resets on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: 3 working ways to reset to factory settings

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even 7 years after release. But over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give errors or require complete cleaning before selling. In such cases, hard reset helps - resetting the device to factory settings. However, an improper procedure can turn the phone into a "brick." In this guide, we will analyze all the safe ways to reset for the Redmi Note 4X, including hidden nuances that are not mentioned even in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that a hard reset erases all user information -- photos, contacts, messages, installed applications -- while keeping system files (firmware, kernel) intact. If your goal is to fix software failures, return a clean MIUI, or prepare the phone for transfer to another user, this method is perfect, but if the problem is in the hardware (for example, a faulty battery or a damaged motherboard), reset will not help.

In the article you will find:

• 🔄 3 proven hard reset methods (including Fastboot for dead phones)
• ⚠️ Critical Mistakes That Will Turn Redmi Note 4X Into the bricks (and how to avoid them)
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions with photos for each version MIUI (8-to-14)
• 🔧 Methods of data recovery after reset (if there is no backup)
• ❓ Answers to frequent questions: what to do if the phone does not turn on, hovers on the logo or requires a password after the reset

1. Preparation for hard reset: what to do before the reset

Before you start reset, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which neglect can lead to the loss of important data or even the inability to recover the phone after the reset.

First and foremost, back up your phone, even if it's barely working, try to save your contacts and photos.

• 📲 Use the settings. → Google → Backup to sync contacts, calendar and some settings with your Google account.
• 🖥️ Connect the Redmi Note 4X computer-to-computer USB and manually copy files from folders DCIM (Photos, Downloads (downloads) and WhatsApp/Media (messenger).
• ☁️ Upload important files to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud or Yandex.Disk). MIUI It may not support automatic synchronization.

The second is to check the battery power. Make sure it's at least 50 percent charge level. If the phone runs out during a reset, it could damage the system files. If the Redmi Note 4X doesn't turn on, charge it for at least 20 to 30 minutes before the procedure.

The third is to find out the version of MIUI. This will help you choose the correct reset method. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If the phone does not turn on, you can determine the version by the label under the cover (for example, V9.6.1.0 or V12.5.1.0).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has a custom Recovery (TWRP) If the bootloader is unlocked, a standard hard reset may result in a loss of the system boot capacity.In this case, use the Fastboot reset method (section 4).

Make sure battery power >50%| Backup contacts and photos | Remember Mi Account details (if tied) | Turn off graphical key protection/PIN| Check MIUI-->

2. Method 1: Hard Resets via the settings menu (the safest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, it is the simplest and does not require additional tools, instructions are relevant for all versions of MIUI (8 to 14).

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Additional section (in older versions of MIUI - Advanced Settings).
3. Select Restore and Reset (or Reset in MIUI 12+).
4. Slip on Reset (in some versions - Erase all data).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code or pattern lock (if installed).
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset Settings (or Remove Everything).

The phone will automatically restart and start cleaning up, which can take 5 to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, wait for the screen to come in.

If after reset, the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account information, but you do not remember them, use the instructions from the FAQ (section 5).

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If the menu does not contain the item "Reset settings", try to enter the "Reset" request in the search box of settings - the system will show a direct link to the desired section.

3. Method 2: Hard Recovery Mode (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi Note 4X doesn’t load, freezes on the Mi logo, or reboots cyclically, use Recovery Mode, which works even on phones with damaged firmware, but requires precise execution of instructions.

For entrance to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear (usually 5-10 seconds).

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data (or Wipe & Reset in older versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. Wait until the process is complete (the screen will display the inscription Data wipe complete).
4. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the Recovery menu does not have Wipe Data or the phone is running an E:unknown command error, it means that:

• 🔧 Custom Recaveri installed (TWRP) — Use the method in Section 4.
• 🚫 Firmware damaged – you will need to flash through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you have a password request in Recovery and you don't remember it, you won't be able to reset through this menu.

Method 3: Hard Resets via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable for completely dead phones that do not respond to buttons, as well as for devices with custom firmware or unlocked bootloader.

Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently knock your phone out of order. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact the service center.

Steps to reset via Fastboot:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers on PC.
2. Turn off your phone and turn it into Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume button for 10 seconds. The screen will show a hare in a hat-eared and the words Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute commands in order: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of your device) fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If after the reboot the phone requires you to enter your Mi Account details, but you do not remember them, use the instructions from the FAQ section.

⚠️ Note: The fastboot oem edl command may permanently lock the bootloader on some versions of the Redmi Note 4X. Use it only as a last resort and if you know exactly how to get out of the mode. EDL.

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Resetting via Fastboot is the only way to bring back a phone that doesn’t respond to buttons or is stuck in a bootloop (cyclic reboot).

5.What to do after a hard reset: setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will boot in initial setup mode, just like after purchase.

1. Choose a language and region.
2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (it is recommended to use the same network as before the reset – this will speed up the recovery of backups).
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if it was linked before the reset) or Google to restore contacts and apps.
4. Set up a fingerprint/pattern lock (optional).

If you have backed up through Mi Cloud or Google Drive, the system will offer to restore the data automatically.

• 📁 Connect your phone to your PC and copy the saved files back to your device memory.
• 📱 Install apps from Google Play (a list of previously installed programs can be found at play.google.com) → Library).
• 🔄 If you used Titanium Backup or similar utilities, restore data through them (root rights required).

After discharge, it is recommended:

• 🛡️ Update MIUI Up to the latest stable version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) via Settings → Annexes.
• 📵 Set up autocleaning cache in Settings → Memory. → Cleaning to prevent future brakes.

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To speed up the phone after reset, turn off the animation interface. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and 5 times tap the MIUI Version. Then go back to Additional → For developers and set the animation scale on Off..

6. Frequent problems after hard reset and their solutions

Even after a properly reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

6.1 Phone requires Mi Account after reset

If the Redmi Note 4X has Mi Account enabled and is tied to the device, the system will ask for a login and password after the hard reset, which is protection against theft, and it is impossible to circumvent it by official methods.

• 🔑 Enter the account that was linked to the phone.
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com.
• 🛠️ If the phone is bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the account, contact him or Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

6.2 phone is stuck on Mi logo after reset

If the Redmi Note 4X does not load beyond the logo after the reset, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
• 🔧 Damaged firmware – Fastboot Flashing is required (Section 4).
• 🛡️ Custom Recovery Conflict – Install Standard Recovery via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img


fastboot reboot

The sensor or buttons do not work after resetting

If the touchscreen or physical buttons stopped working after the hard reset, the problem is likely hardware.

• 💧 Moisture under the screen.
• 🔌 Damage to the plume during disassembly of the phone.
• ⚡ Static electricity when connected to a PC.

Solution: go to the service center. A software reset won't help.

7. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About the Redmi Note 4X Hard Reset