Xiaomi Redmi 4X Reset: 3 Proven Ways With Instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require cleaning before selling, in such cases, a complete reset to factory settings helps.

In this article, you will find three working reset methods for Redmi. 4X (codename santoni, including Recovery, Settings menu, and Fastboot, we'll also learn how to prepare for the procedure so you don't lose important data, and what to do if your smartphone doesn't respond to commands. MIUI different versions from the old MIUI 8 to current custom builds based on Android 7.1 Nougat.

When do I need a full Xiaomi Redmi 4X reset?

Resetting to factory settings is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 🐢 Smartphone slows down, applications constantly fly out, and cleaning the cache does not help.
• 🔒 You forgot your pattern lock or password and other unlocking methods didn’t work.
• 📱 Before selling or transferring a phone to another person – to delete personal data.
• 🔄 After a failed firmware update when the system is unstable.
• 🛠️ To eliminate software errors, such as persistent reboots or a black screen".

However, not all problems are solved by resetting: If the Redmi 4X does not turn on due to a physical breakdown (for example, a motherboard or battery is damaged), then resetting via Recovery or Fastboot may not work, in which case diagnostics are required at the service center.

⚠️ Note: On models with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in a device lock if custom firmware was previously installed.

Preparing for resetting: how to save important data

A complete reset deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (except for those in the gallery) SD-map).
• 📱 Contacts that are not synced to Google or Mi Account.
• 💬 Messages in messengers (if backup is not enabled).
• 🎮 Save in games and settings of applications.
• 📥 Uploaded files in the Download folder.

To avoid losing information, follow the following steps:

Backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive

Copy photos/videos to your computer or cloud

Export contacts to.vcf file

Record logins/passwords from important accounts

Make sure the phone has enough charge (minimum 50%)-->

For backups via Mi Cloud:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select Mi Cloud and log in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Backup and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Mi Cloud may be disabled. in this case, use Google Drive or manual file copying on your PC.

Yeah, through the settings menu.

Yes, through Recovery.

No, it's my first time.

I don't know how to do that.-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest one)

This method is suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You know your password or pattern lock.
• 🔄 You want to save data on SD-map (they are not deleted).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Additional → Recovery and Reset (in MIUI 8/9) or About Phone → Reset (in MIUI 10+).
3. Select Settings Reset (sometimes called Erase All Data).
4. Confirm the action by entering the password from the lock screen.
5. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-5 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on with the initial setup, as after the purchase.

• Choose a language.
• Connect to Wi-Fi.
• Sign in to your Google or Mi Account (if previously linked).

💡

If after resetting the phone asks to enter the old password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it – use the recovery function on account.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

This method will be useful if:

• 🔐 Forgotten pattern lock or password.
• 🖥️ The phone is stuck on the logo. MI or cyclically reboot.
• 📵 The screen does not respond to touch, but the device is turned on.

To enter Recovery on Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press both Loudness up (+) and Nutrition at the same time.
3. Hold the buttons until the Mi logo and Recovery menu appear.

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

1. Select Wipe Data (sometimes called Wipe & Reset).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware may call the Wipe Data item a different name (e.g. Factory Reset). If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters (data cleanup).

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reset the phone with an unlocked bootloader.
• 🖥️ Recovery damaged or missing.
• 📡 You need to sew the original firmware after the custom.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Firmware file for Redmi 4X (You can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode, clamping Volume down + Power.
2. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

If you need to flash the original firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download and unpack the firmware for Redmi 4X (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.0.1.0.NCGMIXM_20210112.0000.00_7.1_global).
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
3. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

💡

Fastboot resets all data without recovery, a method recommended only for advanced users or in critical system failures.

What if Redmi 4X is not turned on after reset?

In rare cases, after resetting, the phone can:

• 🔄 Hanging on the logo MI.
• 🖥️ Showing a "black screen" with backlight.
• 🔋 discharge quickly or overheat.

Possible causes and solutions:

If the phone doesn’t respond to any manipulations, there may be a problem with the hardware:

• 🔋 Failed battery (blown, loss of capacity).
• 🔌 Damaged motherboard (for example, after falling or getting moisture).
• 🛠️ The screen or buttons have gone off.

In such cases, a diagnostic is required at a service center, the average cost of repairing the Redmi 4X in 2026:

• Battery replacement: 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• Maternity Board Repairs: From 3,000 ₽.
• Screen replacement: 2,000–4,000 ₽.

How to recover data after resetting?

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data depend on:

• 📱 Reset type (via menu or recovery).
• 🔧 Pre-reset root rights.
• 💾 Uses SD-Maps (files on them usually remain intact).

Recovery methods:

• 🔍 Recovery software: DiskDigger, Recuva, EaseUS MobiSaver. Connect your phone to your PC MTP And you scan the internal memory, and success depends on whether the data was overwritten.
• 📁 Files on SD-card: If photos or documents were stored on a memory card, simply remove it and connect it to another device.
• ☁️ Cloud Services: Check out Google Photos, Mi Cloud or Dropbox – it’s possible that data synced automatically.

⚠️ Note: Do not install data recovery software directly on the dropped phone – this can overwrite deleted files, making them impossible to recover.

💡

If you used Titanium Backup or Swift Backup with root rights before reset, backups could be saved to the backup. SD-You can restore the card in the Titanium Backup or Swift Backup folder after you re-root it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X