How to bring Xiaomi Redmi 4X back to factory settings: a complete guide to error solutions

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but even after years of operation owners face the need to reset to factory settings. the reasons are different, from bugs after updates to preparing the device for sale.

In this article, we have three proven reset methods (including the lock screen method), detailed data retention instructions, and solutions to common errors like hanging on the Mi logo or cyclical reboot, and we will understand when a soft reset through the menu is enough, and when you need a Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool.

Why Redmi 4X may need to be reset to factory settings

Resetting is not always a last resort, but it is often the first step in diagnosis if the smartphone is not working properly, and the most common reasons are:

• 🐢 Strong lags after update MIUI — especially relevant for transitions from MIUI 9 MIUI 12+, Where are the old models like Redmi? 4X Not always optimized.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code – if Mi Account is not suitable for unlocking.
• 📱 Preparation for sale – deletion of personal data without the risk of recovery.
• 🚨 Viruses or malware that are not removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Cyclical restart (bootloop) after a failed update or custom firmware installation.

It is important to understand that resetting does not solve hardware problems – for example, a bloated battery or a faulty Wi-Fi module. If the phone overheats or turns off at 30% charge, first check the battery condition.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X with an unlocked bootloader, a reset via Recovery may result in loss of communication with IMEI. Before the procedure, check the status of the bootloader with the command fastboot oem device-info.

Ready to Reset: What to Save and How to Avoid Data Loss

Even a “soft” reset via the menu deletes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS, Call log (unless synced with Google or Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Save games and customize applications.
• 📁 Files in internal memory (including Download folders, DCIM, WhatsApp).

Methods of backup:

Critical point: If the phone is locked (not known) PIN or pattern lock, but included USB-Debugging, you can try to extract data through ADB:

adb pull /sdcard/path to PC

However, on Redmi 4X with MIUI 10+, this method only works when the bootloader is unlocked.

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Before reset, check if the Mi Account is linked to the phone. After the procedure, you may need to enter a login / password to activate the device (Mi Cloud Lock protection).

Method 1: Soft reset via the settings menu (if the phone is running)

The safest method, which does not require additional tools, is suitable if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 Known. PIN-code.
• 🔄 You need to eliminate software lags without the risk of “bricking».

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.
2. Select Reset (on some versions of MIUI - Erase all data).
3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code-key.
4. Wait for the reboot (it will take 3-7 minutes).

If there is no Restore and Reset, try the alternative route: Settings → About Phone → System Update → Menu (three dots) → Reset settings.

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Keeping important data|Make sure you're known. PIN-code|Disable your Google account (if you plan to sell)-->

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X s MIUI 11+ You may be asked to link your Mi Account after the reset, even if it wasn't previously, because of Xiaomi's anti-theft policy. If you bought a used phone, ask the seller if someone else's account is linked to it.

Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not switched on or locked)

This method is used when:

• 🔒 Forgotten pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🔄 The phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo or cyclically reboots.
• 📱 The screen does not respond to touch, but the device is turned on.

Instructions for Redmi 4X:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds).
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears, then let go.
3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, Power buttons for confirmation).
4. Confirm the reset by choosing Yes.
5. After completion, select Reboot.

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

- Reboot (Reboot)




 Wipe Data (Data Reset)




 Connect with MIAssistant (for firmware via PC)

Important nuance: Some versions of the Redmi 4X (especially with MIUI 8) may lose communication (no network) after resetting via Recovery. This is due to resetting the modem settings.

Method 3: Completely reset via Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

This method is required in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone doesn’t even turn on in Recovery.
• 📱 After resetting via menu or Recovery, errors occur (such as No Command or infinite download).
• 🔓 You need to delete Mi Account after buying a used phone (unless the previous owner untied the account).

The procedure will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📥 Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4X (Download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi4x_fastboot).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers (if not installed, download Mi PC Suite).
3. Turn off the phone and switch to Fastboot mode: pinch Power + Volume down until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select, specify the path to the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (should appear). COM-port).
6. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

Critical error: If an anti-rollback message appears during the firmware process, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one on your phone, in which case you need firmware with the same or newer Anti-Rollback number (indicated in the firmware file name, for example, ARBv4).

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The firmware via the Mi Flash Tool deletes all data, including IMEI and modem settings, and may require re-activation of the network via code set ##4636## and LTE/WCDMA mode selection.

Typical errors after reset and how to fix them

Even after a successful reset, the Redmi 4X can be unstable.

If the phone doesn’t turn on at all after reset (black screen, no vibration), check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge (Plug in to Charge for 30 Minutes).
• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port on your PC).
• 🔧 Firmware integrity (if flashed through Fastboot, repeat the procedure).

On the Redmi. 4X Snapdragon-powered 435 and 16 GB of memory is often a problem of “short space” after resetting due to partitioning /data. The solution is to format internal memory through TWRP Or flash the firmware with an enlarged system partition.

Additional tips: how to avoid problems when resetting

To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – interrupting the reset due to battery discharge can cause firmware damage.
• 📡 Use the original cable – cheap cables can interrupt the connection during firmware through Fastboot.
• 🔒 Check the status of the bootloader: fastboot oem device-info If in the answer Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked - this makes it easier to recover from errors.
• 📥 Download firmware only from official sources – Xiaomi website or trusted forums like XDA Developers.

If you plan to sell the Redmi 4X, after resetting:

1. Unplug all accounts (Google, Mi, Samsung if you had one).
2. Delete. SIM-memory-card.
3. Restore the factory firmware (if there was a custom).

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Before selling, check the status of Mi Account at account.xiaomi.com. If the phone is linked to someone else's account, the new owner will not be able to activate it!

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi 4X