Why you need Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X
Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a utility tool that allows you to bypass the limitations of the standard MIUI system. Without it, you can not reset to factory settings if the smartphone is locked, install custom firmware or restore data after a crash. But not all users know how to enter it correctly - especially if the device does not respond to touch or is stuck on the logo.
Model Redmi 4X (codename santoni) has two versions of the recovery: stock Mi Recovery (from Xiaomi) and custom TWRP (The first option is suitable for basic operations - reset, update via ZIP-file or system integrity checks. The second one gives you access to advanced functions, including backup. NAND, Partition mounting and unofficial firmware installation, but improper logging into the Recovery can cause data loss or device "brick" if the update process is interrupted.
In this article, weβll take a look at all the current ways to log into Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X, including hardware buttons, ADB commands, and alternative methods for locked devices, and how to distinguish stock recoveries from TWRP and what to do if your smartphone doesnβt respond to standard combinations.
Preparation for the entrance to Recovery Mode
Before you try to enter recovery mode, make sure your Redmi 4X is ready for this procedure.
- π Battery charge is at least 30%. If the battery is discharged below 15%, the device may shut down during operation, which can damage the firmware.
- π Turn off the cables. USB-cable, charger or headphones can block the correct entrance to the Recovery.
- π± Turn off your smartphone. If the device is frozen, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the shutdown.
- π Unlock the bootloader. TWRP Unlocked bootloader is required (more in the section below).
If you plan to perform operations related to changing system files (install firmware, reset), it is recommended to back up important data. In Mi Recovery mode, access to user files is limited, and in TWRP you can make a full backup through the Backup option.
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If your Redmi 4X doesnβt turn off the standard way, try Power + Volume up for 20 seconds.
Method 1: Enter through hardware buttons (for stock and TWRP)
The most universal method is the use of physical buttons, which works regardless of the operating system status, even if the MIUI is not loading.
- Turn off Redmi 4X (hold the power button until vibration).
- Press simultaneously: Power button (right) Volume up (left side)
10-15 seconds
Mi
Recovery
TWRP
On some firmware, you may need to first press the Volume up, then the power button.If the smartphone vibrates but the screen doesn't turn on, try again or check the battery.
The screen with the Mi logo lit up|There is a menu in English/Chinese|Volume buttons work for navigation|The touch screen responds to touch (for example, TWRP)
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β οΈ Note: If the smartphone reboots to normal mode after holding the buttons, this may mean that the bootloader is blocked or the firmware is damaged.
Method 2: ADB Login (for unlocked bootloader)
If you have access to USB-debugging and computer, you can enter the Recovery through the command ADB. This is a useful technique when hardware buttons don't work or you need to automate the process:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Platform Tools installed (includes adb and fastboot).
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- βοΈ Included Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β tap 7 times).
Instructions:
- Connect Redmi 4X to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
- Run the command to reboot in RecavΓ©rie: adb reboot recovery
If the device is restarted to normal mode after the command, it means that the bootloader is blocked or damaged the recovery partition, in which case only unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool or flashing through the Fastboot will help.
What if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if Recovery doesn't work)
If standard methods don't work, you can start in Fastboot mode and then go to Recovery. This is true for devices with a damaged recovery partition.
- Turn off the Redmi 4X.
- Press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds until the screen with the hare in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo) appears.
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to go to the Recovery: fastboot reboot recovery
If the device restarts to Fastboot after this command, it means that the recovery partition is damaged or missing, in which case you will need to reflash it through the command:
Fastboot flash recovery name file.imgFor Redmi 4X, the official recovery from Xiaomi (you can download from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site) or custom TWRP (for example, version 3.6.1 for santoni) is suitable.
| Type Recovery | Download link | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Mi Recovery | Xiaomi Firmware Updater | It only supports official ZIP-Firmware, no sensor control |
| TWRP 3.6.1 | Official website of TWRP | Touch interface, backup, installation of custom firmware |
| OrangeFox Recovery | OrangeFox | The alternative TWRP Extended functions (encryption, OTA-update) |
Stock Mi Recovery|TWRP|OrangeFox|Other |I don't know what's installed
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How to distinguish stock recovery from TWRP
Once you successfully enter recovery mode, it is important to understand which version of the recovery is installed on your Redmi 4X.
Signs of stock Mi Recovery:
- π Interface in Chinese or English with blue background.
- π±οΈ Control volume buttons only (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection).
- π§ Restricted functionality: reset, upgrade through ZIP, check-up MD5.
- π« No options for backup or partition mounting.
Signs of TWRP:
- π± Touch screen with orange logo.
- π Menu with tabs: Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore.
- π Support for swipes to confirm actions.
- π οΈ Advanced settings (for example, changing partition markup).
If you have a stock recavator but need TWRP features, you can install it via Fastboot (see section above).
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Stock recavators are suitable for basic operations (reset, upgrade), but do not allow you to install custom firmware. TWRP Or OrangeFox.
What to do if you canβt get into Recovery
If neither method worked, the problem could be hardware or software failures.
β οΈ Note: If after several attempts to enter the recovery, the smartphone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, this may indicate damage to the boot or recovery partition. ROM Xiaomi.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Glutting contacts or damage to the plume | Try using ADB or disassemble the device to check the buttons |
| The screen is off. | Battery discharged or damaged display | Charge your smartphone for 30 minutes, connect to charging with an indicator |
| Continuous reset | Bootloop (Cyclical Boot) is damaged | Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode |
| No Recovery menu visible | Recovery section removed or damaged | Reinstall Recovery with Fastboot Flash Recovery |
If you suspect a hardware malfunction (for example, the volume buttons donβt work), you can try alternative methods:
- π Use it. ADB (if the debugging has been included previously).
- π§ Connect the device to Mi PC Suite and try to restore through official software.
- π± If the screen responds to touch, but does not display the image, connect the smartphone to the TV through USB-C β HDMI Adapter (if supported).