How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X, released in 2017, has long been considered a benchmark for the budget segment due to its reliability and autonomy. However, as time passes, the software stops receiving official security updates and functional improvements from the manufacturer. Many owners still use this device to extend its life, but face the issue of updating the system. The process of updating the firmware can solve problems with the compatibility of modern applications and close the vulnerabilities of the system.

There are several ways to upgrade the software on this device, from a regular update “over the air” to manually installing archives through a special menu. The choice of the specific method depends on the current version of MIUI installed on your gadget and the region for which the device is released. It is important to understand that the transition between regions (for example, from China to Global) requires more complex manipulation than just installing a new version.

Before you start any action, you need to understand the risks. Any interference with system files carries the potential threat of data loss or, in rare cases, turning your smartphone into a brick. Therefore, backup is a mandatory step that you absolutely cannot ignore. In this article, we will discuss all the steps in detail so that you can safely update your Redmi 4X.

Device preparation and data backup

The process of software modernization should begin with careful preparation. The first step is to check the current state of the battery. The battery should be charged at least 60-70%, since the process of writing system files is energy intensive. If the device turns off at a critical time of recording the bootloader, recovery can take a long time and require special equipment.

The second critical step is saving user data. The built-in MIUI allows you to create a full copy of contacts, messages, call logs and system settings. To do this, go to the settings menu, select Advanced Settings, then Restore and Reset, and find the local backup option. After creating a copy, it is recommended to transfer the created archive to your computer or to the cloud storage.

Remember to free up space in internal memory. To properly operate the installer, it is advisable to have at least 3-4 GB of free space. Remove unnecessary applications, heavy video files or move them to a microSD memory card. It is also worth disabling third-party antivirus and memory cleanup applications that can block the installer from accessing system partitions.

Pay special attention to your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your username and password, as after flashing the system may request authorization to confirm ownership of the device (Find Device function). If the phone is tied to the account and you do not know the password, access to the device will be blocked forever.

Official Update via the Settings Menu (OTA)

The easiest and safest way to get a new version of software is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which is ideal for those who want to simply upgrade within their region without changing the firmware version, and the system will check the servers for new packages and suggest installing them.

To start the process, go to Settings, then select About Phone and click on the MIUI version icon. The device will contact the update server. If a new version is found, the download will begin. However, if you are on a stable branch, the server may not offer an update immediately, as it is sent out in stages.

⚠️ Warning: If the server says there are no updates but you know the new version is out, don't rush to reset. Sometimes the delay is several weeks. Forced checking through the three-dot menu can help, but it doesn't guarantee the result.

In some cases, changing the region helps, but it doesn't always work and can lead to unnecessary localized applications. Once the package is loaded, the system will request a reboot. At which point the smartphone will go into recave mode and start installing. The screen can go out and light up - this is a normal process for the installer.

Once installed successfully and first turned on, the system can run slower than usual for 10-15 minutes, this is the process of optimizing applications and rebuilding the Dalvik cache. Be patient and do not immediately try to load the processor with heavy tasks.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery Mode

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific version of the software, you use the manual installation method through Recovery.This requires you to download the.zip firmware archive exclusively from the official miui.com website. It is important to choose the file that matches your model (codename land for Redmi 4X) and the firmware type (Recovery, not Fastboot).

The downloaded file needs to be renamed update.zip to make it easier to search, although this is not always strictly necessary, but is recommended to avoid errors.The file is placed at the root of the smartphone's internal memory.The device is then turned off and turned on by a combination of power and volume buttons up to enter Recovery mode.

In the Recovery menu, which is controlled by volume and power buttons, you need to select a language (usually available in English and Chinese) and click the Install button. In the file manager that opens, find the previously copied update.zip archive and confirm the installation. The process will take from 3 to 10 minutes.

It is worth noting that the transition to an older version of the system (downgrade) through standard Recovery is often blocked by the security system of the bootloader, in such cases, you will need to use special scripts or Fastboot mode, which is a more complex procedure.

Use of Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot Mode

For advanced users or when the system is not booting, the Mi Flash Tool is designed for PC. This method requires the presence of ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on the computer. The firmware for this method must have the.tgz extension and be unpacked into the root of the C or D disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.

The smartphone is put into Fastboot mode by holding the power button and the volume button when turned off. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing a robot. Connecting the device to the computer with a USB 2.0 cable (preferably original), launch the Mi Flash utility. If the drivers are installed correctly, the program will display the path to the connected device.

In the program interface, it is important to choose the correct firmware mode in the lower right corner. Clean all mode will completely delete all data, save user data will try to save user files (only works when updating inside one branch), and clean all and lock will block the bootloader after installation. For unlocked devices or global firmware on Chinese devices, clean all is better.

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Use it. USB-port built directly into the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), rather than the front panel ports or USB-This will provide stable voltage and data transmission, which is critical when firmware is used.

After selecting the firmware file and mode, press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds. Upon completion, the status will appear in the success message, and the phone will automatically restart. The first run can last up to 5-7 minutes.

Transition between regions and unlocking the loader

One of the most common reasons for Redmi 4X hand firmware is to switch from Chinese (CN) to global (Global) or Russian (RU). Chinese firmware often lacks important Google services and has inconvenient localization.

Cross-regional upgrades require an unlocked bootloader. The official unlock procedure requires a request via Mi Unlock and waits of 3 to 7 days (sometimes up to 30 days). Without unlocking the bootloader, installing global firmware on a Chinese machine is impossible.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full Wipe Data reset. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted without recovery unless a copy is made in advance.

There are workarounds for older devices such as Redmi 4X based on bootloader vulnerabilities (e.g., test point EDL method or dedicated authorization accounts), but they carry high risks.Using untested unlock services can lead to malware installation or full lockdown of the device via IMEI.

If you successfully unlock the bootloader, when you turn on the phone on the black screen will appear the inscription Unlocked. This is normal for a device that is planned to install custom recavators (for example, TWRP) or firmware from third-party developers.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

During the update process, users often encounter various errors, one of the most common is Bootloop (cyclic reboot). The phone constantly vibrates and shows the Mi logo, but does not load. This can happen when system files are damaged or mod conflicts are solved by returning to Recovery and completely resetting (Wipe All Data) or flashing through Fastboot.

Another common problem is the signature verification error when you install the archive, which happens if you try to install firmware for another model or region without the appropriate permissions. The installer logs will specify Can't verify update. The solution is one: download the correct firmware file that strictly matches the land model and the current status of the bootloader.

It is also possible to have a black screen after you have flashed it. The screen doesn't light up, but the phone can react to charging or vibration. In the case of the Redmi 4X, this is sometimes treated by holding the power button for a long time (up to 20 seconds) or connecting to a computer to enter EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which requires disassembling the case to close the contacts.

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The stability of the system after the update depends on the quality of the downloaded firmware file and the absence of errors in the recording process.

Remember that after a major update (for example, from Android 6 to Android 7), it is recommended to do a full reset even if the system is booted.This allows you to clear old caches and configuration files that can cause unstable operation and fast battery discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)