How to reset to factory settings on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 working ways

Resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a necessary measure when the smartphone starts to brake, emit errors or need to transfer it to a new owner. The procedure removes all user data, returning the device to the state of “out of the box.” However, not everyone knows that Redmi 4X (codename santoni) has nuances, such as locking the bootloader or features of working with Mi Account.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods — through settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot — and how to avoid common errors. We will focus on preparation: without it, the risk of turning a phone into a brick increases significantly.

If you plan to sell or transfer the Redmi 4X, a reset is mandatory, otherwise the new owner will have access to your accounts, photos and messages, but even for personal use, the procedure is useful: it helps to get rid of the “junk” in the system that has accumulated over the years.

Important: Xiaomi Redmi 4X came with different firmware versions (MIUI 8/9/10/11), and the menu interface may be slightly different.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do necessarily

Before you start resetting, follow four critical steps, which can lead to data loss or device lockdown.

First, back up. Even if you plan to reset your phone due to a problem, save contacts, photos, and documents. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or cloud services like Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

Second, check the Mi Account binding. If you forget the password from your Xiaomi account, after resetting, the phone may require you to enter data to unlock, make sure that your logins and passwords are recorded in a safe place.

Third, charge the battery to at least 50%, and interruption of the process due to discharge can damage the system files.

Finally, remove the memory card and SIM-The reset does not affect external drives, but it is better to be safe.

• 📱 Backup: Use built-in tools MIUI Third-party applications like Titanium Backup (require root).
• 🔑 Mi Account: Make sure your account is not blocked and you remember your password.
• 🔋 Battery Charging: Optimally — 70-100%. If the battery is weak, connect the charger.
• 📁 External media: remove microSD and SIM, avoiding accidental formatting.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X established TWRP Or custom firmware, resetting through standard Recovery can result in a looped reboot. In this case, use only the method through Fastboot.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you remember the pattern lock or password. the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is retained.

Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen) and go to Additional. Next, select Backup and Reset → Reset. The system will offer two options:

• Settings reset – only deletes user data, leaving system files.
• Resetting all settings - a complete reset to factory state (recommended).

Choose the second option. The phone will request confirmation, enter the unlock password (if installed) or the pattern lock. Once confirmed, the process will begin, which will take 3-5 minutes, and the device will reboot automatically.

If you need to enter Mi Account data after resetting Redmi 4X, connect to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network) and log in.This is the theft protection that Xiaomi has introduced on all devices with MIUI 8 and later.

Make sure your phone is over 50% charged |

Backup of important data |

Remember the password from Mi Account|

Disable two-factor authentication (if enabled)|-->

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

If Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked by a password you have forgotten, Recovery Mode will help.This mode allows you to reset settings without access to the main interface.

For entrance to Recovery:

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 (usually 5-10 seconds).

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. The interface can be in Chinese or English - look for Wipe Data or (the first character means "clean up"). Then select Wipe All Data and confirm the action.

Once the process is complete, go back to the main Recovery menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run after a reset can take up to 10 minutes - that's fine.

⚠️ Note: If this error is displayed in Recovery MIUI version cannot be installed on this device, which means the firmware is damaged. In this case, you will need to reflash the phone via Fastboot (method 3).

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

• The phone is not included in or included in Recovery.
• Installed custom firmware or TWRP.
• We need to refashion the device completely.

First, download and install:

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (official tool from Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Drivers. ADB for Redmi 4X (can be found 4pda.ru or xiaomiflash.com).
• 📁 Stock firmware for your model (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery version).

Next, follow the steps:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down (-) + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
2. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer via USB.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh – the program must determine the device.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-15 minutes. When you're done, the phone automatically restarts. If you have an Anti Rollback error after you've run the firmware, you're trying to install an older version of MIUI than you did before, in which case, download a newer firmware.

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo after Fastboot, check: Correctness of the selected firmware (should be for santoni). USB-Qualcomm 9008 drivers (sometimes required to restore bricks").

💡

If after the Redmi reset 4X does not SIM-map, check network settings: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point settings (APN) and select the operator manually.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when you follow instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Error 1: The phone asks for Mi Account after resetting.

This is Xiaomi’s standard protection against theft. If you forget your account details, restore them through account.xiaomi.com. If your account has been deleted or blocked, contact the support with proof of ownership of the device (check, box with IMEI).

Mistake 2: Resetting doesn't help - the phone still brakes.

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Worn-out battery: at a discharge below 20%, the system begins to limit performance.Replace the battery.
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: reflash your phone via Fastboot.
• 📱 Hardware malfunctions: memory or processor problems. Diagnostics required.

Error 3: After reset, there is no connection or Wi-Fi is not working.

It's probably the settings. IMEI or MAC-This is a common problem when you're incorrectly resetting through custom Recovery:

1. Check the IMEI in Settings → About Phone → General information.
2. If you don’t have an IMEI, restore it using Engineer Mode (code #3646633##) or specialized utilities like the SN Write Tool.

Mistake 4: The phone is stuck on the logo after being reset.

This is a sign of damage to system files.

• Go to Recovery and repeat the reset.
• Fastboot phone over the phone (mode 3).
• If nothing helps, bring it to the service (possibly an issue with eMMC memory).

💡

If the Redmi 4X does not turn on after reset, DO NOT try to empty the battery to zero - this can finally kill the device.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setting

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will offer you to go through the initial setup.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.

This will allow you to download updates and restore backups. Avoid mobile Internet - MIUI updates can weigh 1-2 GB.

2. Enter the Mi Account.

If you don't do this right away, some features (like Find Device or Mi Cloud) will not be available. Enter the account details that were tied before the reset.

3. Restore the data from the backup.

If you created a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup, the system will prompt you to restore it at the setup stage. Select the desired copy and wait for the process to complete.

4. Update the firmware.

Go to Settings → About Phone → Update the system and install the latest version of MIUI. This will fix possible bugs and improve performance.

5. Set up security.

Set a pattern lock or password, turn on Google Find My Device and Mi Anti-Theft. This will protect the data in the event of theft.

• 🌐 Wi-Fi: Connect to a reliable network, avoid public hotspots during the setup phase.
• 🔄 Updates: Install all available security patches.
• 🔒 Security: Enable device encryption in Settings → Lockdown and protection.
• ☁️ Cloud: sync your contacts and photos with Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions