How to safely exit Fastboot on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 5 proven ways

Fastboot mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is a utility tool for firmware and system recovery, but sometimes the smartphone “hangs” in it after a failed update, resetting or experimenting with custom firmware. If your device screen is burning hare in a hat-eared hat with the inscription FASTBOOT and further download is not going — do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved without going to the service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to exit Fastboot for Redmi 4X, including official Xiaomi methods and alternative solutions for power users. We’ll focus on the nuances that are often overlooked in standard instructions, from the differences between fastboot and EDL to the features of working with the Mi Flash Tool on new versions of Windows. If you’re a beginner, start with the first two. If the device does not respond to standard commands, go to the sections about firmware and unlock the bootloader.

1. Simple restart: when a "hard" reboot helps

Before you start complex manipulations, try a forced reboot.This method works if the smartphone is stuck in the Fastboot due to a temporary failure, not a hardware breakdown. 4X for:

• 🔄 Press the power button for 15 to 20 seconds. If the screen goes out, let go and wait for the vibration or logo. MI.
• 🔋 If the battery is removable, remove it for 30 seconds, then insert it back and turn the device on.
• 🔌 Connect the charger (original!) and try again. Sometimes low battery charge blocks the exit from the Fastboot.

If FASTBOOT reappears after the reboot, then the problem is deeper — perhaps the firmware is damaged or the bootloader is blocked.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse Fastboot with Recovery! Recovery mode displays a menu with items in English (e.g. Reboot, Wipe Data). If you have one, go to Reboot. → System.

2. ADB and Fastboot commands: control via computer

If your smartphone is responding to a PC connection but doesn’t leave the Fastboot on its own, use commands via ADB and Fastboot.This method requires installing drivers and minimal command line knowledge.

First, prepare the computer:

1. Download Platform Tools (the official Google package) and unpack it to the root of the C:\ drive.
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 4X (can be used via Mi PC Suite or manually through Device Manager).
3. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable (preferably original) and check if it is defined in Device Manager as Android Bootloader Interface.

Now open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and enter sequentially:

cd C:\platform-tools


fastboot devices

If the serial number of the device appears in the answer, the connection is established.

fastboot reboot

• ✅ If the smartphone is rebooted, the problem is solved.
• ❌ If there's a mistake FAILED (remote: unknown command - bootloader locked. You need to unlock it (see section 4).
• ⚠️ If the fastboot device command doesn’t show the device, check the drivers or cable.

3.Recovery via Mi Flash Tool: When the firmware is damaged

If Redmi 4X doesn’t respond to commands or returns to Fastboot cyclically, the firmware is likely damaged, in which case flashing through the Mi Flash Tool, the official utility from Xiaomi, will help.

Step-by-step:

Download Mi Flash Tool (version 2023.4.18 or later)|Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4X (from en.miui.com)|Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic|Disable the verification of digital signature drivers in Windows|Connect your phone to Fastboot mode on your PC-->

Download the Mi Flash Tool from the official website and the firmware for santoni (choose the Fastboot version, not Recovery!). Unpack the firmware into a folder, for example, C:\ROM\santoni.

Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, and point the path to the firmware folder. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (should determine how to use the device). COM-Press Refresh, the device will appear at the bottom. Choose the firmware method:

• 🔄 Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended for critical failures).
• 📱 Clean all and lock - cleaning + Locking the boot loader (if it was unlocked).
• ⚠️ Save user data: trying to save data (not always working).

Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is making an error 0x80070002 or 0x80004005, Check: Correctness of the selected firmware (should be for santoni); disabling antivirus (it can block the utility); running the program on behalf of the administrator.

4. Unlock the bootloader: if the Fastboot requires authorization

On Redmi 4X with the boot loader locked, fastboot commands may not work, and the Mi Flash Tool will issue an anti-rollback error, in which case an official unlock through the Mi Account is required.

The process takes up to 72 hours (as per Xiaomi’s rules) and includes the following steps:

1. Connect your device to your Mi Account (if you haven’t done it before) and go to Settings → Mi Account on your work phone at least once.
2. Go to en.miui.com/unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Press Unlock and wait for confirmation (may be required) SMS-code).

Once unlocked, repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool or try the fastboot reboot commands again. Note: unlocking resets all data and can lead to a loss of warranty (if the device is warranty).

5.EDL mode: extreme case for 'bricks'

If none of the methods worked, and the phone doesn't even respond to the Mi Flash Tool, then there's EDL (Emergency Download Mode), which is an emergency firmware mode that bypasses bootloader locks. Use it only if:

• 📵 Device not defined in fastboot devices.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool is an error 0x8007001f or anti-rollback.
• 💀 The phone has become a “brick” (does not turn on, does not charge).

To move to EDL:

1. Turn off your phone (if it's in Fastboot, press the power button for 20 seconds).
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Next, run the device through Mi Flash Tool (choose firmware for EDL) or QFil (for power users). Attention: the wrong firmware in EDL can finally kill the device! If you are not sure, you better contact the service.

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device in EDL, try manually installing the QDLoader HS-USB Driver. It can be found in the firmware archives for Qualcomm devices or on the 4PDA forums.

6. Hardware problems: when the "iron" is to blame

If all software methods are exhausted and the Redmi 4X still doesn't come out of Fastboot, the reason could be a hardware malfunction.

• 🔋 Battery: If it's swelling or discharged to 0%, the phone won't be able to complete the boot. Try plugging the charger in for 30 minutes before manipulation.
• 🔌 Port port USB/cable: damaged contacts may interrupt communication with your PC.
• 🛠️ Memory eMMC: If the memory chip fails, the phone cycles to restart, and then the replacement chip will help.
• 🔧 Power button: Sticking or oxidizing contacts can block normal loading.

For diagnosis:

1. Try to turn on the phone without SIM-memory-cards.
2. Connect to another charger (preferably with 2A current).
3. Light a flashlight on a screen in a dark room – if the image is barely noticeable, the problem is in the backlight or plume.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is warming, making extraneous sounds (squeaking, crackling) or not showing signs of life (no vibration, no charging indicator) - do not try to sew it yourself. This may be a short circuit or damage to the board!

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

💡

If the Redmi 4X is stuck in the Fastboot after a failed update or reset, start with a simple reboot and fastboot reboot commands. If it doesn't work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool, pre-unlocking the bootloader. 95% of the time, the problem is solved software.