How to reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: all ways with photos

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 thanks to a reliable “iron” base and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, helps reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the smartphone to its original state.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to make a hard reset on Redmi. 4X: We will discuss each method in detail, warn about possible risks and give tips on how to recover data after a reset if you forgot to back up. MIUI, including the latest updates to 2026.

When do I need to reset my settings to Redmi 4X?

Reset the smartphone to factory parameters in several typical situations:

• 🐢 Phone is severely slowing down, apps are constantly flying out, and there is less than 1 GB of free memory left - even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔒 You have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code and your Mi Account is not tied (or you don’t remember the password from it).
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the device to another person – to delete all personal information.
• 🛠️ After a failed update MIUI, When the system is malfunctioning or not starting at all.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.

However, don't rush to reset the settings if the problem is solved more easily.

• 🔄 When brakes, first try to clean the cache manually (Settings) → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 📴 If you don’t have enough memory, transfer the files to the SD-map.
• 🔋 With fast battery discharge, check background processes in Settings → Battery.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X Recovery does not delete files from the memory card (if installed), but all data in internal memory (photos, messages, applications) will be erased forever!

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and you can log in, the advantage is that it does not require additional tools and takes only 5-10 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Additional section (or About Phone depending on the MIUI version).
3. Select Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
4. Click Reset your phone settings and confirm the action.
5. If requested PIN-code or password - enter it.
6. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 15 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on as new – you will need to reconfigure the language, connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account (if it was tied).

Save your contacts on Google or on SIM-map

Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud

Write down passwords from Wi-Fi and apps

Make sure your phone is at least 50% charged

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⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 4X Device Protection (in security settings) is enabled, after reset, you may need to enter a username / password from the Mi Account that was previously associated!

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, resetting through Recovery mode will help.

Step-by-step:

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 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button to select the item.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data → Confirm.
6. After the process is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

• 📛 The first item is Reboot (reboot).
• 🧹 The second point is Wipe Data (data cleanup).
• 📥 Third item – Connect with MiAssistant (for firmware via PC).

Once reset via Recovery, the phone will also require an initial setup.If the Mi Account was previously tied, an account entry request may appear.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Flash Tool (for bricks)

This method is necessary in extreme cases when:

• 🧱 The phone has become a “brick” (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons).
• 🔄 Resetting via Recovery did not help (for example, due to damaged firmware).
• 📉 Reduce the version. MIUI or install custom firmware.

This will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set).
• 📥 Mi Flash Tool Programming.
• 📦 Firmware for Redmi 4X (Download from the official Xiaomi website or forum 4PDA).

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi (they usually come bundled with the program).
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi4x_firmware).
3. Turn off your phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. Connect your phone to your PC - a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot symbol) will appear on the screen.

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Refresh

COM-port

• Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended).
• Clean all and lock – clean + lock the bootloader (only for power users!).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory. IMEI, If you use unofficial firmware. 4X It is recommended to take firmware only from official sources!

1. Repeat the process with another version of MIUI.

2. check the cable and USB port (sometimes it helps to change the port to the PC).

3. Hold the power button for 30–60 seconds for forced reboot.-->

How to recover data after resetting?

If you didn’t back up before resetting, the chances of returning the data depend on which reset method you used:

• 📱 Reset via settings: data is deleted software and can be tried to recover using special utilities (e.g. Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver.
• 🔧 Recovery: The odds are lower, but if the phone wasn’t used after the reset, some files can be recovered via the reset. ADB or professional instruments like UFS Explorer.
• 💻 Firmware via Mi Flash: Data is deleted at a low level, and its recovery is almost impossible without specialized equipment.

Try this for recovery:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (scan internal memory as a removable drive).
2. If the phone is rooted, try TWRP+Nandroid Backup (but it requires technical skills).
3. Contact the service center – some workshops offer data recovery services with soldering equipment (expensive, but sometimes works).

Importantly, the less you use your phone after a reset, the better the chances of getting your data back, and each new record in your internal memory (installing apps, taking photos) reduces the likelihood of recovery.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting Redmi 4X users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to solve them:

Another common problem is that the phone hangs on the Mi logo after it's reset.

• 🔄 Incorrectly selected firmware (for example, for another model).
• 📉 Damaged memory partitions (for example, due to interrupted updates).
• 🔋 Battery discharged (even if the phone was charged before resetting).

In such cases:

1. Connect your phone to charge and wait 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Repeat the reset via Recovery.
3. If it doesn’t work, run your phone through the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All mode.

💡

If after reset, the phone requires a password from Mi Account, and you do not remember it, do not try to enter random combinations. After 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions