How to go to Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: all ways with photos and videos

Why you need Recovery Mode on Redmi Note 4X and when to use it

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is a utility tool that allows you to perform critical operations with the smartphone system bypassing the main OS. It is built into the firmware at the hardware level and works even if Android does not boot.

First, for factory reset (wipe) if the phone is slowing, getting stuck or not responding to touch. Second, to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) via TWRP. Third, to restore the system after a failed update or software failure. It is important to understand that the standard Recovery from Xiaomi (Mi-Recovery) has limited functionality – for advanced operations will require the installation of TWRP.

On Redmi Note 4X (codename mido), the entry into Recovery is complicated by the features of the MIUI firmware. For example, in some versions of the software, the combination of buttons may not work due to blocking the bootloader. It is also worth considering that improper actions in Recovery can lead to data loss or even “bricking” of the device.

Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for standard Mi-Recovery)

This is the most versatile method that works on the Redmi Note 4X regardless of the system condition. The main condition is that the phone must be turned off (not in sleep mode!). If the device is frozen, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.

Step instructions:

• 🔘 Turn off your smartphone completely (hold the power button until vibration occurs).
• 🔧 Press and hold the combination: Volume Up button) + power button).
• 📱 Hold the buttons until the Mi logo appears on the screen (usually 5-10 seconds).
• 🖥️ Release the buttons when you see the Recovery menu (blue screen with English text).

If the Mi logo loads the phone into normal mode, the combination was released too early. Try again, holding the buttons longer. Some firmware may require first to clamp Volume Up and then Power.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4X with a blocked bootloader, standard Recovery does not allow you to install firmware through ADB Sideload. This requires you to unlock the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Method 2: ADB commands (for advanced users)

If the hardware buttons are not working (for example, the volume button broke), you can log in to Recovery via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires USB debugging enabled and Mi PC Suite or ADB Drivers installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect Redmi Note 4X to your PC via USB, enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, run the command to reboot in Recovery:

adb reboot recovery

After 10 to 20 seconds, the phone will automatically restart to recovery mode, which is especially useful if the buttons are physically damaged or unresponsive.

• 🚫 Debugging by USB disabled in settings.
• 🚫 Phone is not defined by PC (driver problems).
• 🚫 The device is completely discharged or turned off.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Redmi Note 4X does not boot even before the Mi logo, but reacts to a PC connection (vibrates or is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008), you can use Fastboot.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off your phone (force hold the Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).
2. Press Volume Down + Power until the screen with the rabbit in the Fastboot Mode appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command:

fastboot boot recovery.img

Where recovery.img is a custom Recovery file (such as TWRP) pre-downloaded for the mido model. If you want to boot into stock Recovery, use:

fastboot reboot recovery

This method is suitable for installing TWRP or restoring the system via Fastboot commands, but it does not work on a locked bootloader, in which case you will need to officially unlock through Mi Account.

What to do if you can’t get into Recovery

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be as follows:

1. Locked bootloader. On the Redmi Note 4X with official MIUI firmware, the bootloader is locked by default, in which case, when you try to log in to Recovery, the phone can:

• 🔄 Reboot to normal mode.
• 🚫 Make a mistake "This" MIUI version cannot be installed on this device".
• 🔴 Showing a red exclamation mark on the screen.

Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a tied Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).

2. Damaged Recovery: If a standard or custom Recovery is damaged (for example, after a failed firmware), the phone can hang on the Mi logo or go to the bootloop.

• 🔧 Flashing through Mi Flash Tool (requires PC and original firmware for mido).
• 📥 Installation TWRP via Fastboot (if the bootloader is unlocked).

Hardware malfunctions: If the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC, it is possible:

• 🔋 Fully discharged battery (recharge 15-20 minutes).
• 🔌 Damaged. USB-port.
• 🛠️ Maternity board malfunction (diagnosis is required in the service center).

💡

If the phone vibrates when you connect to a charger but doesn't turn on, try holding the power button for 30 to 60 seconds to force the power to drop.

How to Get Out of Recovery on Redmi Note 4X

To leave the recovery mode, use one of the options:

1. Standard output (no changes).

• In the Recovery menu, select Reboot system now (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
• If the menu is in Chinese, look for the characters (reboot system).

2. Forced reset.

• Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
• If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, repeat the button holding.

3. via ADB (if the phone is connected to a PC).

adb reboot

⚠️ Note: If you have been running Wipe Data or Factory Reset operations in Recovery, it may take 5-10 minutes to boot the system first.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When working with Recovery on Redmi Note 4X, users often face typical problems:

1. "No command" error after entering.

You get a black screen with an Android lying down and it says No command, which means that standard Recovery can't load the menu.

• 🔄 Press and hold the Power. + Volume Up 10 seconds.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, re-flash Recovery via Fastboot.

2. Hanging on the Mi logo after being dumped.

This occurs if the Mi Account connection was not disabled before the reset.

• 🔑 Enter Xiaomi account details after downloading (if the phone asks for authorization).
• 📧 If you forget your password, restore it through the official website.

3. "E:unknown command" error in TWRP.

Appears when trying to sew ZIP-file in custom Recovery:

• 📄 Damaged firmware file (jump from official source).
• 🔧 Incompatible version TWRP (Download the assembly specifically for mido).

💡

Before any manipulations in Recovery, check the integrity of the firmware through MD5-This will prevent the installation of corrupted files.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions