How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: Official and alternative methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

santoni

Android

MIUI

Xiaomi

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of updating - from the standard to the standard. OTA You'll learn how to check the current version of the software, prepare the phone for an upgrade, and what to do if the update freezes or gives an error. 4X, to avoid “bricking” the device.

Important: Redmi 4X It was originally released with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and MIUI 8, but the maximum official firmware for him — MIUI 12 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. all newer versions (including Android 8)+) installed only through informal assemblies, which requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive the warranty (if it is still valid).

Before you start, answer two questions:

1. Do you need an official stable firmware (without risks, but with an outdated Android)?
2. Are you ready for manual firmware (with the risk of data loss but the ability to install a fresh Android)?

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before Updating Redmi 4X, You need to know the current version. MIUI And the firmware region. This is critical: installing an inappropriate build can cause a loss. IMEI or.

To check the version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines of the version MIUI (for example, V12.5.1.0.NCMMIXM) Android version (for example, 7.1.2) NMF26F).
3. Write down the full build number - it will be needed to choose the right firmware.

Transcription of the version MIUI for Redmi 4X:

• 🔤 The letters at the end (e.g, MIXM) — firmware: CN — China (without Google services). RU — Russia (with pre-installed local applications). EU — Europe (clean) MIUI Google). IN — India (optimized for local networks). Global (MI) — international.
• 📅 First digits (e.g. 12.5.1.0) - version MIUI (12.5 = MIUI 12.5).
• 🤖 Letter after Android version (for example, N in 7.1.2) NMF26F) — codename.

Critical information: Redmi 4X Does not support official updates above Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) Any firmware based on Android 8+ require unlocking the loader and installing through TWRP or Fastboot.

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X purchased in China (version) CN), installation of global firmware without prior unlocking the bootloader will lead to a network lock (it will not work) SIM-map).

Official Update via OTA (over the air)

The easiest and safest way is to update through Settings → System update, but for Redmi. 4X It only works if it works:

• 📱 The phone was not hand-flashed before.
• 🌍 Official firmware is installed (not custom).
• 🔄 Updates are available for your region (for example, for CN-The version may not be available).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "over the air" can weigh up to 1.5 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If an update is found, click Download and wait until it is completed (don’t interrupt the process!).
5. After downloading, click Install and confirm the reboot.

If there are no updates, but you are sure they should be:

• 🔄 Try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (requires resetting).
• 📡 Connect to another network (sometimes the provider blocks Xiaomi servers).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – updates may be delayed.

Charge your phone at least 50% |

Connect to Wi-Fi (not mobile internet)|

Free up 2-3 GB of memory|

Disable VPN/proxy|

Close all background applications-->

⚠️ Note: If you check for updates and you get an error “I failed to connect to the server”, try resetting the network settings in Settings. → Wireless networks → Additionally. → Network reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords!

Manual update via Recovery (without data loss)

If OTA It doesn't work, but you don't want to lose data, you can manually install the update through stock Recovery. This method is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the downloader.

What you need:

• 📄 Firmware file in.zip format for your region (you can download it on the official website of Xiaomi).
• 🔌 Charge at least 60% (process can take 10-20 minutes).
• 📁 Memory of the phone (the firmware file should be in the root directory, not on the phone) SD-map).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.0.2.0.NCGMIXM_20210310.0000.00_7.1_global_...).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
3. Move it to the root folder of internal memory (not in the Download or MIUI folder).
4. Turn off the phone.
5. Hold the Loud up. + Power before the Mi logo appears, then let go - you'll get to Recovery.
6. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm OK.
7. Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
8. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (the phone will restart automatically).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader.
• ✅ Stores user data (photos, messages, applications).
• ✅ Suitable for a “clean” phone without root rights.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It only works with official firmware.
• ❌ It does not allow you to install firmware of another region (for example, with a CN Globally).
• ❌ If the firmware is “broken”, the phone can hang on the Mi logo.

💡

Manual updates via Recovery are the best choice for users who want to stay on the official list. MIUI However, this method will not help to upgrade to Android 8.+ or change the firmware region.

Update via Fastboot (for power users)

If you're ready for a more complex procedure, Fastboot allows you to install any official firmware, including changing the region, but this method requires unlocking the bootloader and completely resetting the data.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS adb-installed).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Redmi 4X (santoni).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Go to Xiaomi Unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign up for Mi Account and link it to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account. Enable Debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM In Settings → Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions (it may take 7-15 days to unlock).

Call the phone:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash cache cache.img




fastboot flash userdata userdata.img




fastboot reboot

Or use the Mi Flash Tool (select the firmware folder and press Flash).

💡

If the Mi Flash Tool is “This device is locked” error, the bootloader is not unlocked. Repeat the step with the Mi Unlock Tool and wait for confirmation from Xiaomi (can take up to 360 hours!).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware completely erases data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps. backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud backup.

5. Installation of custom firmware (Android 8)+)

If you want a newer version of Android (like Android 10 or LineageOS), you’ll need to use informal firmware.

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🛠️ Established TWRP Recovery.
• 🧪 Preparedness for possible bugs (non-functioning) NFC, camera problems, etc.).

Popular custom firmware for Redmi 4X:

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) - stable, but without branded chips MIUI.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience (Android 11) – Google Pixel interface.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS (Android 10) – high performance, a lot of settings.
• 🌍 MIUI EU (port) — MIUI 12.5 with support for Google services.

Instructions for installing TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Download. TWRP for Santoni (e.g. from here).
2. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-santoni.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-santoni.img
3. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select partitions → Swipe to Backup).
4. Download custom firmware (for example, lineage-17.1-20210310-UNOFFICIAL-santoni.zip) GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Install firmware and GApps through TWRP → Install.
6. Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache).
7. Reboot (Reboot → System)

Risks of custom firmware:

• ❌ Possible problems with the camera module (for example, it does not work) HDR).
• ❌ Some firmware does not support VoLTE (calls through the phone) 4G).
• ❌ Banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may not work due to the lack of SafetyNet.
• ❌ Battery can run out faster due to unoptimized core.

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems. Let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions for Redmi. 4X:

Error: "Can't verify update" in Recovery

• 🔹 Reason: Firmware is intended for another region or damaged.
• 🔹 Solution: Download the firmware again from the official website and check MD5-If the region doesn't match, use Fastboot.

Error: phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after firmware

This package is for Santoni devices; this is a rolex.

• 🔹 Reason: You are trying to install firmware for Redmi 4A (rolex on Redmi 4X (santoni).

Error: After the update, the mobile network does not work

• 🔹 Reason: Firmware from another region (e.g, CN Global without modifications).
• 🔹 Solution: Install your region's firmware. If the network still doesn't work, check it out. IMEI *#06# If it's null, restore it through QCN-file (requires) EDL-regime).

💡

If the phone is slower after the update, try to roll back to the previous version. MIUI Or reset the cache to Recovery (Wipe) → Cache).

7.Phone optimization after update

After a successful update, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance and stability:

1. Cache reset (without data loss):

• 🔄 Go to Recovery (Loudness Up) + Nutrition).
• 🧹 Choose Wipe. → Wipe Cache.
• 🔃 Reboot the phone.

Battery setup:

• 🔋 Turn off AutoRun for unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Auto-start.
• ⚡ Include Economy mode in Settings → Battery → Battery mode.
• 📵 Limit background activity for social media through Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.

Verification of application updates:

• 📦 Open Google Play and Update All Apps.
• 🔍 Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes.
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and check the system.

4. MIUI optimization:

• 🎨 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode.
• 🖼️ Turn off animation: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click 7 times to enable Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, install Windows animation = Off.).
• 📶 Turn off Auto Update. MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → ⚙️ → Auto-update.

💡

After updating to a new version MIUI The first 1-2 days, the phone may be slower because of the background optimization!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 4X