Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X smartphone often question the relevance of their device’s software. Despite the fact that the model was released several years ago, it remains popular due to the stable operation of the Snapdragon 625 processor. However, standard support from the manufacturer has already ceased, and getting official system updates has become impossible by classical methods. This does not mean that the device cannot be upgraded, but the approach should be more conscious and technically competent.
Modern applications require up-to-date versions of Android, and custom firmware is the only way to extend the life of the gadget. The update process affects not only the visual shell, but also the level of security, as well as the performance of the entire system. It is important to understand that switching to new versions of the OS on older devices carries risks that must be considered before starting any manipulation.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can install new software, from standard checks to advanced flashing methods, how to prepare a file system, what tools you will need, and how to avoid common errors, and a competent approach will unlock the potential of your smartphone even years after it hits the market.
Technical Features and Limitations of Redmi Note 4X
The Redmi Note 4X is based on Qualcomm’s architecture, which has historically provided it with strong support from the development community. However, the official line of updates for this model has stopped with the version of Android 7.0 Nougat with the shell of MIUI 10. Further development of the software part fell on the shoulders of enthusiasts creating alternative builds. Understanding these limitations is critical to forming the right expectations from the device.
The hardware of the smartphone, particularly the Snapdragon 625 processor, is still capable of handling basic tasks, but new heavy versions of Android can run unstable without optimization. Custom firmware developers often sacrifice some camera features or specific MIUI chips to improve performance. The user must be clear about what compromises he has to make.
There are many different device modifications, varying in memory and region of release. Global and Chinese have different markup sections and driver sets. Trying to install firmware from another region without prior preparation can cause communication modules to fail, so you need to accurately identify the modification of your device before any action.
💡
Official support for Redmi Note 4X is completed on Android 7.0, further update is possible only through the installation of custom firmware.
Preparation of the device for the update procedure
Before any manipulation of the system partition can begin, a number of preparatory steps must be performed, and ignoring this step often leads to data loss or software failures. The first step should always be to create a complete backup of important information, since the flashing process involves full formatting of the memory.
The second critical point is to ensure a stable power supply: the battery must be charged at least 60-70% to prevent sudden shutdowns during data recording, and it is also recommended to free internal memory from unnecessary files to avoid errors during temporary storage of installation packages.
- 📱 Backup your contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or PC.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 70%.
- 💾 Free up the minimum 4-5 GB of free space in internal memory.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader) if you plan to install custom software.
Special attention should be paid to drivers and tools for communicating with the computer. to work with Xiaomi often require specific ADB-Drivers and utilities like the Mi Flash Tool, which you can use on your PC, you can't have any problems debugging, and without the right software on your computer, you can't boot your phone.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Official method: OTA-updates and recovery
The standard upgrade path uses the built-in mechanism of the system. Even if the official updates no longer come, sometimes you can find a way to activate them manually, you need to go to the settings menu and select About phone, and then click on the version of the MIUI shell. The hidden menu will allow you to select the update file downloaded in advance.
However, as mentioned earlier, servers have stopped issuing new packages for this model. However, checking the current status of the system through the System Update menu is a mandatory procedure.
⚠️ Note: If the system says there are no updates, do not try to force official packages from other models. This will lead to the device "bricking" as the key signatures will not match.
Sometimes it helps to reset your settings to factory before you try again to search for updates, this clears the cache of system services, which can block the receipt of current information from the server. After the reset, log in to your account and recheck the availability of updates in the Settings → About phone section.
Why didn't you come? OTA-update?
Installation of custom firmware through TWRP
The most efficient way to get a fresh Android on the Redmi Note 4X is to install a custom TWRP recavator and the subsequent firmware. This method requires an unlocked bootloader, which must be officially completed through the Mi Unlock site. Once you get the unlock status, you can download a TWRP image that is compatible with the codename markw.
The installation process begins with the smartphone switching to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume and power button). A command is sent through the computer to temporarily start the recave, after which it is permanently recorded in memory, only then it becomes possible to install third-party operating systems such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix.
It is important to follow the instructions for a specific version of TWRP, as the wrong version may not see the memory partitions. Once the recovery is installed, you need to clean the System, Data, and Cache (Wipe) partitions. Only on a clean system, it is recommended to install a new firmware image through the Install item.
| Type of firmware | Basis | Stability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Pure Android | Tall. | For everyday use |
| Pixel Experience | Google Pixel | Medium | For lovers of the Google interface |
| Xiaomi.eu | MIUI (China) | Very high. | For fans of MIUI shell |
| Resurrection Remix | Android Open Source | Medium | For advanced users |
Once installed, the first launch can take up to 5-10 minutes. Don't panic if the Android logo is on the screen for a long time - this is a normal application optimization process. If the device goes into a cyclic restart (bootloop), the Wipe and installation procedure should be repeated.
💡
Use only those versions of TWRP that are labeled as stable for the markw device. Alpha versions may contain critical memory bugs.
Solving problems and errors in firmware
During the update process, users often encounter an error called "Can't verify update" or "Error 7." The first problem is usually to check the digital signature in the drain recover, which is solved by installing a modified bootloader or flashing through TWRP, where the check is disabled by default.
Error 7 in TWRP indicates a mismatch between the platform or the Android version, often when you try to install firmware designed for Android 9 or 10 on an old recovery that can not work with the new file system, in which case you need to update the TWRP itself to the latest available version.
⚠️ Note: If your camera or fingerprint sensor doesn’t work after the firmware, you probably used an incompatible driver package (firmware) before installing it. ROM Always update Firmware to the latest version for your model.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems after an update are often solved by resetting network settings or flashing the relevant partitions. In rare cases, a rollback to a more stable version of the kernel is required. Logcats can help diagnose the cause of a failure if the device is at least partially booted.