Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from the banal sale of the device to combat freezes or viruses. This procedure, known as hard reset, completely cleans the internal memory of the smartphone, returning it to the “out of the box” state. But before you start, it is important to understand that not all reset methods are equally safe, and some can lead to irreversible data loss or even lock the bootloader if done incorrectly.

The Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017 and is still popular due to its reliability. However, as the device ages, users face slowdowns, MIUI errors or problems after failed firmware. In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), and also explain how to prepare for the procedure to avoid typical errors.

If your Redmi 4X doesn't turn on, you're stuck on your logo, you're not panicking, and 90 percent of the time, you can fix it without going to the service center, you can follow the instructions and you can't skip the preparation steps, and we'll start with the simplest method.

1.Reset preparation: what to do before hard reset

Factory reset is an irreversible process that deletes all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed apps. Even if you plan to reset your phone because of the sale, pre-preparation will help avoid unpleasant surprises.

The first thing you need to do is back up. Redmi 4X has MIUI built-in to do this.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup and mark the data for saving (contacts, SMS, notes, Wi-Fi settings).
3. Click Create a backup and wait until it is completed (the file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder).

Note that this copy does not include photos, videos, or files from internal memory, but must be copied manually to a computer or cloud (e.g., Google Photos or Mi Cloud).

The second is to check the battery status, if the charge level is below 50%, connect the device to charge, and resetting at low charge can cause the process to interrupt and "brick" the phone, especially when using the Fastboot method.

Third, make sure you know your Mi Account details. Once reset, the phone may require you to enter a username and password from the Xiaomi account associated with the device (Mi Account Lock feature). If you forget the data, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X If you're hand-held and you don't know the Mi Account, a reset could lock your phone permanently, and you'll need to officially unlock it through the service center.

Finally, if you have installed custom firmware or modified system files, make sure you have access to the unlocked bootloader.Otherwise, after a Fastboot reset, the phone may stop booting.

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

This is a method that works if the phone is on, it's not frozen, and you have access to the settings menu, and it's the simplest and doesn't require any additional tools.

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Click Delete all data and confirm the action by entering a pattern lock or PIN-code.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the phone will reboot automatically).

The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes, and after the reboot, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase.

⚠️ Note: If the phone fails to reset during the reset process, it may mean that the system files are damaged.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 Does not require computer or special knowledge.
• 🔹 Maintains the integrity of the firmware and loader.
• 🔹 Minimum risk of error.

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 It won’t help if the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes.
• 🔸 Does not delete system updates (current version remains) MIUI).

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

If the Redmi 4X is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or does not respond to touch, resetting through Recovery will help, which works even with corrupted system files, but requires care.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it freezes).
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).

In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

1. Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (or Clear Data in older versions).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Confirm.
3. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Reboot to System.

If instead of a standard Recovery, you see a menu that says "No command" or a black screen with an error, it means that the Recovery partition is corrupted, in which case you will need firmware through Fastboot (mode 3).

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), The reset procedure may be different. In this case, select Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik, Cache, Data, System, but DO NOT touch Internal Storage if you do not want to lose files on internal memory.

Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is the most radical and requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool.

• 🔹 The phone does not turn on or respond to buttons.
• 🔹 Recovery is damaged or missing.
• 🔹 You need to stitch stock firmware over the custom room.

We warn you that the wrong actions in Fastboot can turn your phone into a brick. If you are not sure of yourself, you better contact the service.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
2. Download the Redmi 4X stock firmware (santoni code) from the official website. Choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!
3. Unpack the archive with the firmware in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\santoni_fastboot).
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press the Power button + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
5. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
7. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) and click Flash.
8. Wait until the end (green tick in the program) and turn off the phone.

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a “Couldn’t find device” error, check the driver installation or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Also make sure that the phone is displayed as Android Bootloader Interface in Device Manager.

Once firmware is in place, the phone will reboot to its original state, a method that is guaranteed to delete all data, including viruses and corrupted system files, but requires more time and preparation.

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If your phone is stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes after you have Fastboot, try re-entering Recovery and doing Wipe Data. Sometimes the remnants of old data conflict with the new firmware.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

1.The phone is not included in Recovery or Fastboot

• 🔸 Cause: Faulty buttons, a dead battery or a damaged plume.
• 🔹 Solution: Try to press the buttons tighter or hold your phone charging for 30 minutes. If it doesn't work, check the buttons for physical damage.

2. Mi Account Lock error after reset

• 🔸 Reason: The phone is tied to a Xiaomi account and you don’t remember the login details.
• 🔹 Solution: Restore account access on account.xiaomi.com. If the phone is hand-built, contact the previous owner or service center with proof of purchase.

3. After reset, the phone does not turn on (black screen)

• 🔸 Reason: Interrupted firmware or incompatible version MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the firmware via Fastboot by choosing the correct version for Redmi 4X (If it doesn't work, check the battery or the display plume.

4.Recovery does not have a Wipe Data item

• 🔸 Reason: Custom Recovery is installed (for example, TWRP) or damaged system partition.
• 🔹 Solution: If this is TWRP — Choose the Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation). If Recovery is damaged, run the stock through Fastboot.

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be the hardware (e.g., damaged eMMC memory), in which case self-repair is impossible – a diagnosis is required in the service center.

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Check battery power and backup before any reset. 80% of hard reset errors are due to an interrupted process or incompatible firmware.

6.What to do after resetting: initial setup

After a successful reset, the Redmi 4X will launch with a greeting screen, just like after the purchase.

1. Select a language and region

• 🔹 On the first screen, select Russian (or other language you want).
• 🔹 Indicate Russia (or your country) – this is important for the correct operation of services Google and Xiaomi.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

• 🔹 Select your network and enter your password. Without the Internet, you can not log into your Mi Account or download updates.

3. Log in or miss the Mi Account binding

• 🔹 If your phone is yours, sign in to your Xiaomi account (this will protect your data in future resets).
• 🔹 If the phone is for sale, skip this step (Skip the bottom of the screen).

4.Restore data from backup

• 🔹 If you have created a copy through MIUI, Select Restore from backup and specify the file.
• 🔹 To recover photos and files, connect your phone to your computer and copy the data manually.

5. Update MIUI to the latest version

• 🔹 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and check for updates.
• 🔹 Install all available patches – this will improve stability and security.

If you have reset your phone due to slow operation, it is recommended to:

• 🔹 Disable animation in Settings → Additionally. → For developers (enable developer mode by clicking 7 times on the Version) MIUI).
• 🔹 Remove unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications (but do not delete service processes!).
• 🔹 Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system.

7.Alternative methods: when standard discharge does not help

If none of these methods worked, your Redmi 4X may require a deeper intervention.

1. Firmware via EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

• 🔹 This mode is used if the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected in Fastboot.
• 🔹 Special cable is required (EDL cable) or soldering contacts on the board, as well as the Mi Flash Pro program.
• 🔹 Risk: High – if the phone fails, it can fail completely.

2. Software replacement via testpoint

• 🔹 It is used if the eMMC memory is damaged and the phone is not stitched with standard methods.
• 🔹 Device disassembly and connection to programmer (e.g. UFi Box) is required).
• 🔹 Risk: Extremely high – only for experienced craftsmen.

These are the techniques used in service centers and require special equipment, and if you're not sure about your skills, you should consult a professional.

Also worth mentioning are informal firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which can bring your phone back to life if the stock MIUI is damaged, but have its downsides:

• 🔸 Possible problems with the camera, module NFC sensory.
• 🔸 No official support from Xiaomi.
• 🔸 An unlocked loader is required.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions