Reset Xiaomi Redmi 4X to factory settings: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to balanced characteristics and support for custom firmware. However, over time, any gadget begins to slow down, give out errors or require complete cleaning before selling, in such cases, resetting to factory settings becomes the only effective solution.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reset Redmi 4X, from the standard Android menu to Recovery mode and even the forced ways if the phone is locked or not turned on. We’ll focus on data preparation, typical errors and how to avoid “bricking” the device, if you plan to sell a smartphone, transfer it to another user or just want to return to its former performance, this guide is for you.

When is the Xiaomi Redmi 4X reset required?

Resetting to factory settings is a radical measure, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 🐢 Slowdown: the phone started to "lag", applications open for a long time, and animation twitches even after cleaning the cache.
• 🔄 Cyclical Reboot: The device is constantly restarted or hangs on the Mi logo.
• 📱 Preparation for sale: all personal data, accounts and files must be deleted.
• 🔓 A forgotten pattern lock/PIN: If you don’t remember the screen unlock password.
• 🛠️ Failures after firmware: a failed update MIUI Or installing custom software led to errors.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is related to hardware malfunctions (such as a broken screen, a power button or a bloated battery), then software reinstallation will not help, and in such cases repairs are required at the service center.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all data from internal memory, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If you have not made a backup, it will be impossible to restore the information!

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few critical steps:

1. Create a backup copy: 📱 Use the built-in Settings tool → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup. ☁️ Sync your data with Mi Cloud (if your Xiaomi account is tied). 💾 Copy files to your computer or external drive through MTP (data-transmitting).

Check the battery charge.

50%

Find out the MIUI version

Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI

Xiaomi

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out

On Redmi 4X, resetting through the settings menu may require you to enter a password from your Mi Account, even if you haven't used it before.This is due to the Mi Account Lock feature, which activates after resetting on some versions of MIUI. If you don't remember the login details, restore them in advance on the official account.xiaomi.com website.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest method)

If the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, it's the best option. It doesn't require any additional tools and only takes a few minutes.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional → Backup and Reset.
3. Select Reset (or Reset all settings depending on the MIUI version).
4. The system will ask you to choose what to drop: 📱 All data – complete cleaning (recommended). 🔄 Settings only – files are saved, but system settings are reset.

graphical key/PIN

Xiaomi

Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

After the reset, you will see the screen of the initial setup, as after the purchase. If the device requires you to enter your Mi Account data, use the same credentials that were tied before the reset.

⚠️ Note: on some versions MIUI When you reset, you may have a "This device is locked" error, which means that the phone is tied to your Xiaomi account, and you'll need to enter your login/password to unlock it!

💡

If the phone is loading for longer than 10 minutes after reset, don't panic. The first boot after cleaning can take up to 15-20 minutes. Don't force the device to turn off!

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If Redmi 4X is locked, rebooted cyclically, or doesn't respond to touch, you'll have to use Recovery mode, which works even without access to the main menu.

Redmi 4X has stock Recovery from Xiaomi, which supports Russian.

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press simultaneously: Volume Up button (Power button)

Mi

Recovery

English

Russian

Move to the points using volume buttons, confirm the choice of the power button.

Wipe Data → Wipe All Data

Recovery

Reboot

If the Recovery menu doesn’t have Wipe All Data, look for options:

• Wipe & Reset
• Factory Reset
• Clear eMMC (carefully! this is a complete cleanup including internal memory)

⚠️ Note: If you see Mount Mount in Recovery /system or ADB Sideload, don't choose them unnecessarily! these options are for power users and can cause firmware to break.

Method 3: Forced Fastboot reset (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., the phone doesn’t boot even in Recovery), you can use Fastboot mode. This method requires a computer and installed ADB/Fastboot drivers.

Warning: Wrong actions in Fastboot can permanently shut your phone down. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions!

1. Install Platform Tools on PC (includes fastboot and adb).
2. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a screen with a picture of a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers.
5. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If you want a complete cleanup (including system partitions), use the command:

fastboot erase system

But this will lead to the need to re-flash the device!

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Reset via Fastboot does not delete Mi Account! If the phone was linked to a Xiaomi account, after the reboot, you will need to enter a login / password.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you reset the Redmi 4X, you're going to have a problem, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

• 🔒 "This device is locked after reset: An error occurs if the phone was linked to a Mi Account and you didn't untie it before resetting. Solution: Enter the account that was linked to the device. If you don't remember the password, restore it on the official website. If your account is not yours (for example, a handheld phone), contact the previous owner.
• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after reset: Possible reasons: Failed update MIUI before reset, damaged firmware, custom Recovery conflict (e.g, TWRP). Solution: try to log into Recovery and reset again. If it doesn't work, you need to flash it over Fastboot. 📵 Not turned on after reset: If the phone doesn't respond to the power button: Connect the charger for 30 to 60 minutes. + Power for 20-30 seconds. If nothing helps, a hardware malfunction (for example, the dump of the battery plume).

If the phone is still slow, consider installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and experience with ADB.

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After reset, calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption, which will help the system to correctly determine the level of charge.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions