How to Restore Xiaomi Redmi 4X After Resetting to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Why does the smartphone not turn on or work incorrectly after reset?

Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X Hard reset is a standard procedure for fixing software failures, removing viruses, or preparing a device for sale, but it often leads to problems when the phone hangs on the logo. MI, unrecognisable SIM-The card loses access to the Mi Account or refuses to turn on at all, the reasons are rooted in firmware features, errors during reset or hardware malfunctions that masqueraded as software.

In this article, we will look at all possible recovery scenarios, from basic actions (set up after reset) to complex manipulations (firmware via Fastboot or EDL). Particular attention will be paid to typical errors, for example, when Redmi 4X requires you to enter a password from Mi Account that you do not remember, or when the system writes β€œNo Command” when you try to log into Recovery.

Important: If your Redmi 4X was bought hand-held or previously used by another owner, there is a high probability that it has FRP activated, in which case standard recovery methods will not work – additional steps will be required, which we will also describe.

πŸ“Š What problem did you face after the Redmi reset? 4X?
Phone's off.
Hanging on the MI logo.
Requires a password from Mi Account
He doesn't see. SIM-map
Other

Preparing for Recovery: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start taking action, check out a few key points that will save time and help avoid additional problems:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: Make sure the charge level is at least 50%.If the phone doesn't turn on, plug it into charging for 15 to 20 minutes - sometimes a discharged battery blocks access to Recovery.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable and port USB: Use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified counterpart. A damaged cable can interrupt the firmware, which will lead to the "bricking" of the device.
  • πŸ’» Computer: For complex recovery methods (via Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool) you will need a Windows PC 7/10/11. MacOS or Linux may have driver problems.
  • πŸ“₯ Firmware and tools: Download in advance: Official firmware for Redmi 4X (codename santoni from the site MIUI Download.Utilities: Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers (if required) EDL).

If you are recovering your phone after a reset to sell it, be sure to remove the Mi Account link. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to use the device. To do this, go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Sign out before the reset is performed.

πŸ’‘

If the phone doesn’t respond to the power button, try pinching Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds, which will force the device to restart and can help get out of the β€œhang” state.

Method 1: Basic setting after reset (if phone turns on)

If the Redmi 4X has successfully booted after resetting, but requires initial setup, follow the standard procedure:

  1. Select Russian (or other language you want) on the first screen.
  2. Wi-Fi Connection: Connect to the network. Without the Internet, you can't download updates or log into Mi Account.
  3. Sign in to Mi: If your phone was linked to your account, enter your username and password. If the account is someone else's (for example, when buying a used one), try contacting the previous owner to unblock. Without this, some functions (for example, unlocking the bootloader) will not be available.

Data recovery

Backup of MIUI

After completing the setup, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Work. SIM-cards (if the phone doesn't see it, restart the device or check the tray).
  • πŸ”Š Sound and microphone (sometimes audio settings are lost after resetting).
  • πŸ“· Camera (if it doesn't work, you may need to flash it back).

β˜‘οΈ Checklist after reset

Done: 0 / 5

If the phone requires a password from Mi Account that you don’t know at the setup stage, go to β€œMethod 4: Bypassing Mi Account protection.” Trying to find a password is pointless – after 5 failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours.

If Redmi 4X is turned on but not loaded beyond the MI logo, it is likely that the firmware or Recovery settings are damaged.

To enter Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone (squeeze the power for 10 seconds).
  2. Press Power + Volume up at the same time and hold until the MI logo appears.
  3. Release the buttons and you will see the Recovery menu (in English or Chinese).

From the Recovery menu, select:

  • 🧹 Wipe Data β†’ Wipe All Data (if the reset did not help previously).
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Wipe Cache (cleaning the cache often solves the problem of hanging on the logo).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot β†’ Reboot to System (Reboot).

If after cleaning the cache, the phone still does not boot, try installing the firmware through Recovery:

  1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (file with.zip extension).
  2. Move it to the root directory of internal memory (use the memory card if the phone is not turned on).
  3. In Recovery, select Install update.zip to System and confirm installation.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
If you press Power + Volume up, you only have a black screen or the phone vibrates and turns off, it could mean: Recovery is damaged. Volume button is faulty (solution: use ADB to log in to Recovery). Hardware failure (solution: diagnostics at the service center).
Problem.Possible causeDecision
Phone vibrates and turns off when entering RecoveryRecovery partition is damaged or button is faultySwitch Recovery through Fastboot or use ADB
Recovery displays "No Command"Failure in stock recoveryHold Power + Volume Up 10 Seconds to Force Open Menu
After Wipe Data, the phone again requires a Mi Account password.FRP protection activatedBypass Fastboot or contact the previous owner

Method 3: Fastboot firmware (if Recovery doesn't help)

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to flash your phone through a Fastboot, which is a good way to do this.

  • πŸ“± The phone doesn’t even load in Recovery.
  • πŸ”„ After the reset, the error "This" appears. MIUI version cannot be installed on this deviceΒ».
  • πŸ”“ You need to unlock the bootloader (for example, to install custom firmware).

Step-by-step:

  1. Install drivers: Download and install ADB & Fastboot. Install Xiaomi drivers (you can use the Mi Flash Tool).
  2. Log in to Fastboot: Turn off the phone. Press Power + Loudness down until the image of a hare in a hat-eared hat (Fastboot logo) appears.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (e.g. abc12345678 fastboot), you can continue.
  4. Sweep the firmware: Download the firmware for Redmi 4X (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RDFCNXM_20211015.0000.00_10.0_global). Unblock it to a folder with the Mi Flash Tool. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, and press Refresh. β†’ Flash.

Important: When you run through Fastboot, all data will be deleted, including files in internal memory. The memory card (if installed) is not affected.

πŸ’‘

Fastboot firmware is the most reliable way to bring Redmi 4X back to life if other methods have not worked, but it requires an unlocked bootloader (if you are stitching through unofficial firmware).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a β€œflash not done” or β€œanti-rollback” error, it means that you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one that was before. EDL Mode (described below).

Method 4: Bypassing Mi Account protection (if the phone requires a password)

One of the most common problems after a Redmi 4X reset is locking due to a link to the Mi Account, and if you don't remember the login details or the phone was bought with your hands, you can bypass the protection in several ways:

Method 1: Through the official Xiaomi website

If your phone is linked to your account but you have forgotten your password:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Click on β€œForgot your password?” and follow the instructions (you will need access to an email or phone linked to your account).
  3. After restoring the password, enter it on the phone.

Method 2: Through Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked)

If the bootloader is unlocked, you can remove the binding to the account by the command:

fastboot erase frp

After that, restart your phone (fastboot reboot), but this method does not work on all versions of the firmware.

Method 3: Through EDL Mode (for power users)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone at a low level, bypassing all locks.

  1. Download the firmware for Redmi 4X in.tgz format (for example, from the XDA forum).
  2. Install the Qualcomm 9008 drivers.
  3. Connect the phone off to the PC, keeping Volume up + Loudness down (should be defined as QHUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
  4. Flush the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Mode can cause complete data loss and even a β€œbricking” of the device if the wrong firmware is selected, a method recommended only to power users or in service centers.

Method 5: Recovering Deleted Data After Resetting

If you reset without backing up, the chances of returning data (photos, messages, contacts) depend on whether the internal memory was overwritten after the reset. If the phone was not streamed or actively used, you can try recovery software:

  • πŸ“± For Android: DiskDigger (recovers photos and documents) EaseUS MobiSaver (works with contacts and messages).
  • πŸ’» For PC: Recuva (scans internal memory if the phone is connected as a storage device). 7-Data Recovery (deep scanning).

How to increase your chances of recovery:

  1. Do not install new apps or copy files to your phone after a reset.
  2. Use a memory card (if the data was on it, not in the internal memory).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode and scan the internal memory with the program.

If the data has been synced with a Google Account or Mi Cloud, you can restore it through:

  • πŸ“ž Contact: Settings β†’ Accounts. β†’ Google β†’ Synchronization of contacts.
  • πŸ“· Photo: Google Photos or Mi Cloud.

πŸ’‘

If you regularly back up through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset, after the reset, the system itself will suggest recovering data from the last copy.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many of the problems with the Redmi 4X recovery are due to not knowing the nuances of working with Xiaomi, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Mistake.Reason.How to avoid
The phone does not turn on after the firmwareIncorrectly selected firmware version (for example, for another model)Download the firmware only from the official Xiaomi website, checking the code name (Santoni for Redmi 4X)
The β€œAnti-rollback” error in the firmwareTrying to install the old version of MIUI on top of the new oneUse only firmware with a higher version number or the same branch
After reset, the camera or sensors do not work.Damaged drivers or incompatible firmwareRun the official stable version of MIUI via Fastboot
Phone requires password from Mi Account after purchase of usedPrevious owner did not untie the accountAsk the seller to remove the device from your i.mi.com account

Another typical situation is that after a reset, the Redmi 4X will no longer see 4G networks, and this is due to the modem settings that have gone wrong.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access point settings (APN).
  2. Click Reset to factory or enter your operator’s APN settings manually.
  3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you recover Redmi 4X without a computer?
Yes, if the phone turns on and loads to at least the MI logo. Try: Log in to Recovery and make Wipe Cache. If the phone requires a Mi Account password, but you remember it, type in. If the phone hangs on the logo, wait 10-15 minutes β€” sometimes the first download after a reset takes a long time. If nothing works, you can do without a PC.
What if the phone does not turn on after the firmware is flashed through Fastboot?
Possible causes and solutions: πŸ”Œ Incorrect firmware: Make sure you download the version for Redmi 4X (santoni). πŸ”Œ Interrupted process: Repeat firmware without turning off the cable. πŸ”Œ Battery charge: Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes, then try again. If the phone doesn't respond at all (no vibration, no indicator lights), there may have been a hardware failure - contact the service.
How to know if the bootloader is unlocked on Redmi 4X?
There are two ways: Turn on your phone, go to Settings β†’ About phone and click on MIUI Version several times until the developer menu appears. Then go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and check the status of bootloader Status. Log in Fastboot (press Power + Volume down) and connect the phone to your PC. Type in the command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked.
Can I flash Redmi 4X with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS)?
Yes, but for that: Unlock the bootloader (via the official Mi Unlock app), install custom Recovery (TWRP) and download compatible firmware (e.g., XDA Developers), note that custom firmware can be unstable and also deprive you of official MIUI updates.
How much does it cost to restore the Redmi 4X in the service center?
The cost depends on the problem: πŸ’° Firmware through Fastboot/EDL: 1 000–2 500 β‚½. πŸ’° Mi Account bypass: 1 500–3 000 β‚½ (unless there's a check for purchase). πŸ’° Repair of hardware malfunctions (for example, the volume button plume was damaged): from 2 000 β‚½. In official Xiaomi services, recovery after a reset is usually cheaper than in third-party workshops.