How to return factory settings to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: the complete guide

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

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset the Redmi 4X (including models with MIUI 8-12 firmware), as well as answers to frequent questions: what to do if you forget the pattern lock, how to bypass the Mi Account after the reset, and why the phone may not turn on after the procedure. We will discuss each method in detail - from the simplest (through settings) to advanced (using the Fastboot) - so you can choose the best option depending on the situation.

Preparation for resetting: what to do before the start

Factory reset is the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the smartphone: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even files on the memory card (if it is used as internal storage).

• 📱 Backup. Use the built-in function. MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive. Especially important to save: Contacts (synchronize with Google Account) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (export through apps like SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 50%. interruption of the reset process due to a discharged battery can lead to a device "brick" (complete failure), especially when using methods through Recovery or Fastboot.
• 📋 Remember your Mi Account details. After a reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from the Xiaomi account associated with the device!
• 🛠️ Prepare tools (if you plan to reset via PC): USB-cable (preferably original) Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot method)

If you drop your phone before selling, remember to log out of all accounts (Google, Mi Account, social media) and delete it. SIM-This will protect your data from access by the new owner.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 4X With an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery can result in an automatic device lock (Mi Account Lock.

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touch, and you remember the pattern lock or password. The procedure takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no additional tools.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (in some versions of MIUI – Reset all settings).
4. Read the data deletion warning and click Reset your phone settings.
5. If you request a password or pattern lock, enter it.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete Everything.

The phone will automatically restart and start the reset process, which will take 2-5 minutes. Once completed, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

Backup created|Phone's charged. >50%|Extracted. SIM microSD|Password from Mi Account is stored-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Resetting may not be available. In this case, use an alternative path: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Menu (three dots) → Reboot to Recovery and then follow the instructions from Method 2.

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

If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touch, or you forgot the pattern lock, resetting through Recovery mode will help. This method works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires accuracy.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the button combination: Power button + Volume button up (hold 5-10 seconds until the Mi logo appears).

Recovery

Wipe Data

Clear Data

Wipe All Data

Data wipe complete

Reboot → Reboot to System

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

• The 3rd item on top is Wipe Data.
• The last item is Reboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
• A complete reset with flashing is required (for example, after a failed update).
• You need to remove custom Recovery (TWRP) and return stock.

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📋 Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (a faulty cable may interrupt the process!).
• 📦 Stock firmware for Redmi 4X (Choose the model code version: santoni for the global version or rolex for the Chinese version).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it into Fastboot mode: Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds. The hare in the hat-outer (Fastboot logo) will appear on the screen.

Connect your phone to your PC via USB.

C:\rom\santoni

Mi Flash Tool

Select

Clean All

Clean All and Lock

Refresh

Redmi 4X

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

1. Use a different version of the program (e.g. Mi Flash 2018).

2. Select Clean All and Lock mode instead of Clean All.

3. Flash the phone through EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).-->

⚠️ Note: Fastboot reset deletes all data without recovery, including files on internal memory. If you used microSD as internal storage, it will also be formatted.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will launch with a greeting screen, just like after you buy it. To get your phone back on track, follow these steps:

1. Choose a language (English or Russian is recommended if available).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi – this is necessary to download updates and restore backup.
3. Sign in to your Mi Account (if your phone was linked to your Xiaomi account). Without this step, further settings will be blocked!
4. Recover data: From a MIUI backup (if you created it before resetting) from a Google Account (contacts, calendar, some settings).

Set up your fingerprint and pattern lock

Update the firmware

Settings → About the phone → System update

If your phone is running slower than before, try:

• 🧹 Clear the cache with Recovery (Wipe Cache).
• 🔄 Disable animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Scale of animation and choose No animation).
• 📉 Remove unnecessary system applications through ADB (Developer rights are required).

💡

After resetting via Fastboot, it is recommended to perform battery calibration: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that the problem lies in a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged memory or power controller), in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X