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

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains a popular budget smartphone even 7 years after its release. But over time, any gadget begins to slow down, glitch or require resale - and then comes the help of a reset to factory settings. However, not everyone knows that on Redmi 4X this process has nuances: from binding to Mi Account to the features of working with TWRP.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery Mode and Mi Unlock Tool), learn how to bypass the lock after the reset, and get a checklist to save important data. And we will analyze the unique Redmi 4X problem with “eternal hanging on the Mi logo” after hard reset and give working solutions.

When do I need to reset to factory settings?

Resetting is not always a panacea, but in some cases it is really necessary:

• 🐢 The smartphone has become unbearably slow – applications are open for a long time, animation “suppresses”, although free memory is enough.
• 🔄 After a failed update MIUI (Especially relevant to Redmi. 4X firmware MIUI 12).
• 📱 Before selling or transferring the phone to another user – to delete all personal data.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-Code and Find Device doesn’t help.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by antiviruses.

But there are also situations where resetting will not help:

• ❌ Hardware problems (for example, touchscreen or speaker is not working).
• ❌ Broken screen if not on USB Debugging.
• ❌ Damaged motherboard (symptoms: phone not turning on, not charging).

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X Recovery resets can result in a device being locked if Mi Account was previously enabled and not logged out, in which case you will need to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, be sure to follow these steps - otherwise you risk losing important data or getting a "brick":

1. Save backup. On Redmi 4X, you can do this through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local Backup. Alternatively, use Mi Cloud (if sync is enabled) or manually copy files to your PC.
2. Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged, and interrupting the discharge process may make it impossible to load the system further.
3. Untie Mi Account. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sign out. If you do not, after resetting, the phone will require you to enter a login / password from the previous account.
4. Remember or record the login details to Google. After the reset, you will need to confirm the Google account (FRP) that was associated with the device.

If you drop your phone before selling, additionally:

• 📌 Extract. SIM-microSD card and memory card.
• 📌 Turn off all syncs (Google, Mi Cloud, social networks).
• 📌 Remove the attached devices in Mi Home (if you used Xiaomi smart gadgets).

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (soft reset)

This is the safest method, but it only works if:

• 🔓 You know the password/pattern lock.
• 📱 The phone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔄 No critical errors in the system.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the reboot (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the reset, don't panic - this is a typical problem for the Redmi 4X on old firmware.

• 🔌 Connect the charger and wait 10-15 minutes.
• 🔄 Forced to restart the device by clamping the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, move to reset via Recovery (method 2).

💡

If photos are missing after reset, check the MIUI/Backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory – sometimes backups are saved there automatically.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode

This method will be useful if:

• 🔒 Forgot the lock password.
• 📱 The phone doesn't respond to touch.
• 🔄 We need to get around. MIUI log-in.

Instructions for Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press the Power for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the Power + Volume Up at the same time and hold it for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to Recovery Mode (English or Chinese menu).
4. Use volume buttons for navigation and power to select.
5. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data and confirm.
6. Once you have finished, select Reboot → Reboot to System.

The following are the key features for the Redmi 4X:

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 4X (for example, MIUI 9) after resetting via Recovery, an error may appear "This device is locked" This means that the phone is tied to Mi Account and will require an official tool from Xiaomi to unlock it.

Method 3: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool (if you need Mi Account)

If Redmi 4X requests data from Mi Account after reset and you don’t remember it or the phone was bought with your hands, you will need an official unlock.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website.
2. Install ADB and Fastboot drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
3. Put your phone into Fastboot mode: Hardware: turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Down. Software: Enter adb reboot bootloader (if USB Debugging is enabled).
4. Connect Redmi 4X to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
5. Sign in with the same Mi Account that was tied to your phone.
6. Follow the instructions (usually wait 72-168 hours to unlock).

If you do not remember your account information:

• 📧 Try to restore access through the recovery page.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box).
• 🔧 In extreme cases, run your phone through Fastboot with the removal of Mi Account (requires skills).

💡

Officially unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to bypass the binding to the Mi Account after a reset.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Redmi 4X resets often come with specific errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, maybe the problem is the hardware failure.

• 🔧 Check the screen and battery plumes (often oxidized over time).
• 🔋 Try connecting another charger (sometimes the reset is interrupted due to unstable power supply).
• 📡 You can use the phone. EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

How to recover data after resetting

If you have not made a backup, the chances of returning the data are there, but they depend on the type of reset:

• 📁 Soft Reset (via Settings): Some files may remain in the folder MIUI/Backup.
• 🧹 Hard Reset (via Recovery): Data deleted irrevocably if there was no backup in the cloud.
• 🔄 Firmware reflashing: You can try programs like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but success is not guaranteed.

For recovery from Mi Cloud:

1. Sign in to your phone under the same Mi Account.
2. Go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud → Restore.
3. Select a backup copy (if it was created earlier).

To restore contacts from Google:

1. Add the same Google account that was tied before the reset.
2. Go to Contacts → Settings → Restore Contacts.

💡

If you have lost photos after reset, check the DCIM/.thumbnails folder – sometimes thumbnails are saved and can be restored through special programs.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions