How to set up Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a detailed guide with photos and tips

Why is the Redmi 4X still relevant in 2026?

Withstood the test of time Xiaomi Redmi 4X It remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even 7 years after its release: its reliable Snapdragon 435, a removable battery for 4100 mAh and support for two SIM-The cards make the model popular among users who value practicality, but many people have difficulty setting up the first setup, especially if the phone is bought with their hands or after being reset.

This article will help you understand everything from basic activation to hidden MIUI features that the manufacturer does not advertise. We take into account the specifics of firmware 2023-2026, problems with Google services on older versions of Android and give a checklist to optimize the work. Even if you have never held Xiaomi in your hands, after reading you can configure the device as a professional.

Preparation for the first inclusion: what to do before

Before you press the power button, follow a few critical steps that will save time and prevent common mistakes, such as blocking your Mi Account due to the wrong region or having a problem connecting to your mobile network.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 30% – with a low charge, the system can interrupt the upgrade or setup.
• 📶 Prepare. SIM-Nano-format map - Redmi 4X Supports only this size (or micro with adapter).
• 🌍 Check the firmware region – if the phone is purchased abroad, you may need to change the region for the correct operation of Google Play.
• 🔑 Find the data from the Mi Account (if you bought used) - without them, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device after resetting.

In 2023, Xiaomi tightened its security policy: linking a device to an account is now mandatory for certain features (like Find Device or cloud backup). If the previous owner has not untied his account, you will have to contact the proof of purchase for support.

⚠️ Warning: If you turn on your phone and you don't know your Mi Account password, don't try to find it. After 5 failed attempts, the device locks up for 72 hours. The only way out is to contact the previous owner or service center with a check.

First Entry and Basic Configuration: Step-by-step Instructions

The initial setup process for the Redmi 4X is not much different from other Xiaomi smartphones, but there are a few key points.

1. Select Russian (Russia) or another language on the first screen, and select the real language, which will determine the availability of Google services and local settings (for example, the date format).
2. Wi-Fi connection The network should be stable (better 5GHz if the router supports). If Wi-Fi is not connected, check if 802.11n mode is enabled in the router settings - old Redmi 4X firmware may not support the new standards.
3. If you do not have an account, register a new one (preferably linked to an email rather than a phone number).If the used phone and the previous owner did not untie your account, skip this step and proceed to reset (instructions in the next section).
4. Enter your Google account. If Google services are not installed (the “failed to check connection” error), then the phone is Chinese firmware – you will need to replace it.

Once you have completed the basic setup, we recommend you update your firmware immediately. Even if the phone was updated by the previous owner, the latest version of MIUI will fix security vulnerabilities and add support for new applications.

Update firmware: how to avoid errors and "bricking"

The Redmi 4X has not officially received updates since 2020, but Xiaomi continues to release security patches for some regions.The firmware update solves 90% of phone problems, from accidental reboots to camera malfunctions.

There are three ways to upgrade to the Redmi 4X:

For most users, the first method is suitable.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is found, connect the phone to the charger and wait for the download.
4. Click Install and do not turn off the device until the process is complete (it can take up to 20 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt an update, even if the process is taking too long. 4X firmware MIUI 10 interruption of the update may result in loss IMEI (The serial number of the modem, and the phone will stop catching the network. IMEI You will need special cable and software.

Unlocking the loader and installing custom firmware

If you want to install a fresh version of Android (like LineageOS 16 based on Android 9) or remove embedded Chinese apps, you will need to unlock the bootloader.

• 🔓 Unlocking erases all data – backup contacts and files.
• ⏳ Link to the Mi Account is mandatory – without it, Xiaomi will not allow unlocking.
• 📱 Only global firmware is supported – Chinese versions (with suffix) CN) unlock.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool on PC (Windows only).
2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the About Phone settings).
3. Activate in the developer settings OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

Once unlocked, you can install custom firmware via TWRP. Popular options for Redmi 4X:

• LineageOS 16 - Android 9 Pie, stable operation.
• Pixel Experience is a pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• MIUI EU is the official firmware without Chinese software.

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Before installing custom firmware, check that it is compatible with your Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) model. A mismatch between firmware and model will lead to a “bricking” of the phone.

Optimizing the work: how to accelerate the Redmi 4X in 2026

As the years go by, the Redmi 4X starts to slow down, especially if it has a lot of apps installed, and luckily, there are ways to get back to speed without buying a new phone.

1. Cleaning up the system from garbage

MIUI is known for accumulating cache and unnecessary files over time.

• Go to Settings → Storage and click Clean.
• In the Applications section, sort programs by size and remove those you do not use.
• Turn off autoloading unnecessary applications in Settings → Permissions → Autostart.

2. Disable animation and visual effects

This will reduce the system response time by 20 to 30 percent, activate Developer Mode (if you haven't already) and:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
2. Find the items Animation Scale, Transition Animation and Animator Duration.
3. Set the value off for all three points.

3. Use of lightweight alternatives to popular applications

Many programs consume too much resources, and replace them with optimized versions.

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The most effective way to speed up the Redmi 4X is to reset it to factory settings and install a minimum set of applications, which gives you up to 40% performance gains by cleaning up background debris.

Communication and Networking: Solving Mobile Internet and Wi-Fi Problems

One of the most common problems on the Redmi 4X is that it's not running properly on the mobile network or Wi-Fi, most often due to improper APN settings or outdated modem drivers.

1. Mobile Internet Configuration (APN)

If your phone is not connected to 4G or the internet is slow:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add Access Point and enter your operator's settings. For most Russian operators, the following settings will be suitable: Name: MTS (or your operator) APN: Internet.mts.ru Proxy: not specified Port: Username: mts Password: mts Authentication Type: PAP or CHAP Type APN: default,supl
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

2. Wi-Fi problems: why the network is constantly shut down

If Wi-Fi is connected but falls off after a few minutes, try:

• 🔄 Change Wi-Fi channel on the router - old firmware Redmi 4X It works well with channels above 11.
• 📡 Disable the “Smart Switch” function in the Wi-Fi settings of the phone.
• 🔋 Enable power saving mode for Wi-Fi in Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware lost mobile Internet, check if the settings reset IMEI. Enter the dialer *#06# - if instead of the number IMEI zeros are displayed, you will need to restore it through Engineer Mode (instructions are on the forums). 4PDA).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Redmi 4X