How to go to Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official and alternative ways

Why you need Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X

Recovery Mode on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a utility tool that allows you to perform critical operations with the smartphone system bypassing the standard interface. Without it, you can not install custom firmware, make a full reset (wipe data), clear the cache or restore the device after a failure. This mode is especially relevant for owners of Redmi 4X, Released in 2017, a model that is still in demand due to the balance of price and performance, but often requires manual intervention due to outdated software.

Unlike modern Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI Recovery (branded shell), Redmi 4X can use both standard stock recovery (limited functionality) and custom (TWRP or OrangeFox). The choice of entry method depends on the purpose: for example, to reset to factory settings, there will be enough regular recovery, and to install LineageOS will require pre-unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

It is important to understand that improper actions in Recovery Mode can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device. For example, cleaning the system partition without prepared firmware will make the smartphone a “brick”. Therefore, before any manipulations, it is recommended to back up data via adb backup or manually copy files to the PC.

Method 1: Log in to Recovery via hardware buttons (without PC)

The most versatile method, working even on a fully discharged or "hung" Redmi 4X. Suitable for regular and custom recovery, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of taps. A timing error can lead to downloading to Fastboot Mode instead of Recovery.

Instructions:

• 🔋 Turn off your smartphone. If the device is frozen, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until vibration occurs.
• 🔄 Press the combination: simultaneously press and hold the volume up (+) + Power button.
• 🕒 Hold for 5-7 seconds until the Mi logo or recovery menu appears on the screen. Release the buttons as soon as the logo appears!
• 📱 If an Android robot with an exclamation point appears, press Volume Up + The power button again to go to the menu.

Is the smartphone completely turned off?|Is the battery charged at least 30 times%?|Are you prepared for possible data loss?|Is there a backup of important files?-->

On Redmi 4X with TWRP, the menu will be touch-sensitive, on standard recavator, the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection) are controlled. If instead of recovery, Fastboot loaded (a black screen labeled FASTBOOT), then you have held the buttons for too long, try again.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for Redmi 4X The combination of buttons may be different. If the method didn't work, try Volume down (+) Power or connect the device to charge before trying.

Method 2: ADB commands to log into Recovery (from PC)

A method for advanced users that requires connecting Redmi 4X to a computer, the advantage is the ability to log in to the receivers even if the hardware buttons are faulty. You must first enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times to unlock the menu).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
2. Get Redmi on board. 4X PC-only USB-cable (original!).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with adb:

cd C:\platform-tools

1. Check the connection of the device:

adb devices

If the response appears serial number, the connection is established. If not, install Xiaomi drivers or try another one. USB-port.

1. Give a command to reboot in recovery:

adb reboot recovery

Once you execute the command, Redmi 4X will automatically reboot to Recovery Mode, which is especially useful if the volume buttons on the device are not working or you plan to automate the process (for example, through a script).

⚠️ Note: If after the command adb reboot recovery device loads in Fastboot, then the smartphone installed custom recavery (for example, TWRP), But the bootloader is locked. In this case, you need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Hardware buttons | ADB | Commands | Through MiFlash | Another way-->

Method 3: Entering through the MiFlash Tool (for firmware)

This method is relevant if you plan to flash Redmi 4X through Fastboot, but first you need to go to Recovery to clean partitions. MiFlash Tool is the official utility from Xiaomi, which allows you to manage the boot modes of the device.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download and install the MiFlash Tool (2018 or later).
2. Connect the Redmi 4X turned off to the PC, holding Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot.
3. Launch MiFlash, press Refresh – your smartphone should appear in the list of devices.
4. Select from the Advanced → Reboot to Recovery menu.

The MiFlash Tool also allows you to flash Redmi 4X in EDL mode if the device does not respond to standard methods, but this will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

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If MiFlash doesn’t define a device, try running the utility on behalf of the administrator or disable driver signatures in Windows (via the command line with admin rights: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

What if Recovery Mode doesn’t start?

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be hardware malfunctions or software constraints.

• 🔄 The device is loaded into Fastboot instead of Recovery: This means the bootloader is locked.The solution is to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and waiting 72-360 hours).
• 🔋 Smartphone does not respond to buttons: Possible mechanical damage to buttons or contacts. Try to connect the device to charge for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
• 📱 "No command" error appears: This is standard Android recap behavior.Press Volume up + Meals again to switch to the menu.
• 🔌 PC does not see the device in ADB/Fastboot: Install drivers manually or use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

If the Redmi 4X doesn’t turn on at all (black screen, no charging reaction), the motherboard or battery may be damaged, in which case a diagnostic at the service center will be required. To check the health of the board, you can try connecting the smartphone to a PC and check the reaction in Device Manager (an unknown Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear - this is a sign of EDL mode).

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If the smartphone does not load even in Fastboot, but is defined as QDLoader 9008, it can be restored through firmware in the Fastboot. EDL-Tools like MiFlashPro or QFil.

How to Get Out of Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X

The exit from the recovery mode depends on the type of operations performed:

• 🔙 Unchanged: Select Reboot system now (in standard recap – power button).
• 🔄 After reset: The device will restart automatically, but the first boot can take 5-10 minutes.
• ⚠️ If the smartphone is stuck in Recovery: Hold the power button for 15-20 seconds for a forced reboot.

If Redmi 4X does not boot after leaving Recovery Mode (hangs on the MI logo), then critical partitions (such as system or boot) have been removed, in which case you will need to flash the device through Fastboot or EDL.

Important: If you have installed custom Recovery (such as TWRP), after rebooting it can be replaced with a standard one due to MIUI protection.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Working with Recovery Mode on Redmi 4X is fraught with mistakes, especially for beginners, and here are the most common problems and ways to prevent them:

To minimize the risks, always:

• 📋 Check the compatibility of firmware and recovery with the Redmi model 4X (codename: Santoni).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50% before manipulation.
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader before installing custom software.
• 💾 Create backups through adb backup or TWRP.

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Before you run the firmware, check the checksum (MD5) of the downloaded file. Use a utility like 7-Zip or online services. A mismatch between MD5 and the file may mean a corrupted file, leading to installation errors.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions