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

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from preparing the device for sale to fixing critical system failures. This budget but extremely popular device (released in 2017) is still in use, but its MIUI-based firmware can eventually start to slow down, and the accumulated data can take up precious megabytes of internal memory.

Unlike modern flagships, the Redmi 4X has a number of features when reset: limited memory (16/32 GB), a specific version of MIUI (up to MIUI 12), as well as potential problems with binding to a Mi Account. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting, including recovery through Recovery, bypassing the locking of an account and saving important data before the procedure.

If your Redmi 4X is slow to work, spontaneously restart or fail to install applications, factory resets are often the only effective solution, but before you get started, it’s important to understand that this is not a magic button, but a serious interference with the system that can lead to data loss or even locking the device, if you do not consider the nuances.

1.Resetting preparation: what to do beforehand

The first and most critical step is data backup. Xiaomi Redmi 4X doesn't support modern cloud services like Google Drive at the system level, so you'll have to do it manually. To begin with, all photos, videos and documents from internal memory will be deleted without recovery, and even if you have a microSD card installed, files on it can suffer when reset via Recovery.

For backup, use:

• 📁 Local copying on PC: connect the smartphone USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads and Documents on the hard drive.
• ☁️ Cloud services: upload media files to Google Photos or Yandex.Disk via the mobile application (make sure sync is complete!).
• 📱 Third-party applications: Swift Backup or Titanium Backup (requires root rights) will save the list of installed programs and their data.
• 🔑 Export passwords: If you use Mi Browser or Google Chrome, export saved logins through your browser settings.

Pay special attention to the Mi Account binding. If you forget the login details for Xiaomi account, after reset, the device may require you to enter a username / password to unlock (Mi Cloud Activation Lock function). On Redmi 4X models with MIUI global version, this lock works in 80% of cases when reset via Recovery.

• 🔄 Untie your account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete the account.
• 📝 Write down your login and password on paper (or take a picture of the screen with the QR-authorization).

⚠️ Note: If the device is enabled Find Device, it must be disabled before resetting, otherwise, after the procedure, the smartphone may remain locked even with the correct data entry Mi Account.

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

This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, reacts to touch, and you have access to the main menu, the advantage of which is to minimize the risk of errors and keep the ability to unlock through the Mi Account after the reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Recovery and Reset.
3. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. The system will tell you whether to clear your internal memory. To reset completely, mark Clear everything.
5. Confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or password (if installed).
6. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

Once you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, like after you buy it, and at this point, you can either reconfigure the device or restore the data from the backup.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, the smartphone requires the entry of Mi Account data, but you do not remember them, do not try to guess the password repeatedly - after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the device will be locked for 24 hours.

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

If the Redmi 4X doesn't respond to the power button, is stuck on the MI logo or is locked with a pattern lock, the only way out is to reset through Recovery, which is a riskier method, because:

• 🔌 This can cause data loss on the microSD (if installed).
• 🔒 It is highly likely to activate the Mi Account lock.
• ⚡ Requires accurate following of the instructions - an error in the selection of menu items can lead to a "brick" (inoperability) of the device.

Instructions for entering and resetting Recovery:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power Button + Volume Up button 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 (on Chinese firmware).
6. Confirm the action by choosing Confirm (or ).
7. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

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

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and using the Fastboot utility, which is useful if:

• 🔄 Recovery is damaged or not opened.
• 🔧 You need to flash the device after a failed update.
• 📱 You need to unlock the bootloader before resetting.

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠 The Mi Flash Tool or ADB/Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press the Power button + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode (the image of a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC.
4. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the command: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (the serial number will appear).
5. For a full reset, type fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Attention: fastboot erase commands delete data without recovery.If you plan to flash the device after reset, first unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the procedure takes up to 72 hours!).

1. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.

2. Use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

3. disable driver signatures in Windows (to do this, restart your PC with the Shift key pressed and select Disable the mandatory driver signature verification).-->

5.How to unlock Xiaomi Redmi 4X after resetting

If after reset you see a screen with the requirement to enter Mi Account data, but do not remember the password, act on the algorithm:

Option 1: Password recovery

1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
2. Click Forgot Password? and enter the linked email or phone number.
3. Follow the instructions in the letter or SMS to reset your password.
4. After successful recovery, enter new data on your smartphone.

Option 2: Bypassing the lock (if recovery is not possible)

It is not possible to get around Mi Cloud Activation Lock officially, but there are legal ways to:

• 📄 Provide proof of purchase (check or box with) IMEI) Xiaomi service center – they will remove the lock remotely.
• 🔧 Use it. EDL-mode (requires special cable and Qualcomm command knowledge).
• 🛒 Contact the seller (if you bought from hand) to provide information about the previous account.

💡

Blocking Mi Account on Redmi 4X works even if you unplug your account before resetting, but you haven't disabled Find Device. Always check both!

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reset the Xiaomi Redmi 4X, users face typical problems. Let’s consider the most common and ways to fix them:

Mistake 1: The smartphone does not go out of Recovery mode

If you select Reboot to System, the device returns to Recovery again, it means that the system partition is corrupted.

• 🔄 Try flashing your smartphone through Fastboot with the official firmware (you can download it on the Xiaomi website).
• 📥 Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option (delete all data, but restore the functionality).

Mistake 2: After reset, there is no network (IMEI is missing)

This is a typical problem for the Redmi 4X after an incorrect reset via Fastboot.The reason is the damage to the modem files in the /efs partition.

• 📶 Restore. IMEI via the Engineering Menu: Enter ##4636##, go to Phone Information and select Update IMEI (root).
• 🔧 Sweep the modem section separately through Fastboot (you need a file) non-hlos.bin firmware).

Mistake 3: Lack of memory after reset

Even after a complete reset of the Redmi 4X from 16GB of memory, it can show less than 10GB of free space.

• 📱 System system MIUI borrower ~5GB.
• 🗃 Pre-installed applications (bloatware) – more ~1-2 GB.
• 📁 Section /cache It is not completely cleaned when reset via the menu.

Solution: After reset manually clean the cache in Settings → Storage → Clear the cache and remove unnecessary system applications via ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.weather2

(Replace com.miui.weather2 with the desired application package).

7. Alternatives to resetting: when can you do without it

Before you resort to radical measures, check if one of these procedures will help:

1. Cleaning up the app cache

If the smartphone is slowing down, but does not give critical errors:

• Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
• Choose the “heaviest” app (like Facebook or Instagram).
• Click Clear the cache and Clear the data.

2.Rejection of MIUI updates

If the lags appeared after the system update:

• Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
• Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
• Download the older version of MIUI for Redmi 4X (e.g. MIUI 10) and install it manually.

3. Resetting network settings

If you only have problems connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile:

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• Confirm the action – this will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and APN settings.

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions