Owners of the popular budget smartphone often wonder whether to install new versions of the operating system on an already legendary device. Xiaomi Redmi 4X, released in 2017, originally shipped with the shell MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0, but officially received support up to MIUI 11 (Android 9).
However, before you start taking action, you need to be aware of the current state of your device and understand the risks associated with tampering with system files. Incorrect installation of firmware can lead to data loss or, in rare cases, the inability to start the system without the use of specialized equipment.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to update software, from standard methods through the settings menu to manually installing recovery archives, you will learn how to prepare your phone, where to download verified files and what to do if the process went wrong.
Evaluation of the Redmi 4X’s capabilities and limitations
The smartphone is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, which, despite its age, remains sufficiently productive for basic tasks. Official support for the device by Xiaomi stopped a few years ago, which means there are no new security patches and functional updates from the manufacturer. The maximum official version that can be installed by standard methods is MIUI 11.
Attempts to install newer versions of Android, such as 10 or 11, are only possible through the installation of custom firmware (Custom ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights, which automatically voids the warranty (if it is still relevant) and requires high user skills.
⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware on Redmi 4X It can cause the camera or module to fail. NFC, Drivers often depend on a specific kernel version.
If your goal is stable operation and safety, it is best to stay within the official MIUI 10 or 11 builds, which are well optimized for codename santoni hardware and provide a better balance between performance and autonomy.
Preparation of the device before the procedure
Any interference with the software of the phone requires prior preparation, and ignoring this stage often results in the loss of personal photos, contacts and correspondence, and the first step should always be to create a complete backup of the data.
Charge the battery to at least 60-70%. The flashing process, even if it is off, consumes energy, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment of recording system partitions can turn the phone into a brick.
- 📱 Back up your contacts to your Google account or export them to your.vcf file.
- 📁 Save important documents and media files to your computer or cloud storage.
- 🔋 Make sure the cable is USB It is functional and provides a stable connection to the PC.
- 💾 Free up on the internal drive at least 3-4 GB free space for loading and unpacking packages.
It is also recommended to remove unnecessary applications and clear the cache so that the system is as clean as possible before the update, which will reduce the likelihood of file conflicts when you switch to a new version of the shell.
Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)
The easiest and most secure method available to every user is to use a built-in update mechanism, which checks Xiaomi servers for new packages for your specific device modification.
To start the process, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on the “Check Updates” button. If the server finds an available version compatible with your current build, a prompt will appear to download and install the package.
It is important to understand that OTA-Even if you have a new version for your model, it may not be available to all users at the same time.
Once the file is downloaded, which can range in size from 1 GB to 2 GB depending on the type of update (full or delta), the phone will prompt a reboot. the installation process will take 5 to 15 minutes, during which time the device will not be available.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (Updater)
If automatic search is not yielding results or you want to go to a specific firmware version (for example, from Chinese to Global), the manual installation method is used. To do this, you will need to download the.zip firmware archive from the official website or verified resources.
Copy the downloaded file to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not the folder, but just the main space). Then open the Update app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, and select Select firmware file.
The system will check the integrity of the archive and compatibility, and if all parameters are normal, the installation process will begin, which allows you to update even when the OTA servers do not see your phone or offer an older version.
| Type of firmware | File extension | Method of installation | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery (ZIP) | .zip | Through the Updater menu | Yeah (usually) |
| Fastboot (IMG) | .tgz | Through the Mi Flash Tool | No (full reset) |
| Card (Old) | .zip | Through Recovery Mode | Depends on the version. |
Method 3: Advanced installation via Fastboot
This method is designed for power users and is often required when you restore a broken system or completely change the regional version (for example, switching from CN to Global).
First, you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock app, which can take up to 7 days to wait. Once you get the unlock status, the phone is transferred to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button and connecting to the PC.
fastboot devicesThis command on the command line will make sure that the computer sees the device. Then in the Mi Flash Tool program, you select the path to the unpacked firmware and the installation mode. It is recommended to choose the "Clean all" option, which completely clears the memory before writing new data, eliminating software conflicts.
⚠️ Warning: Selecting the "Clean all and lock" mode on the global firmware installed over the Chinese (or vice versa) is guaranteed to block the bootloader with a verification error, and the phone will stop turning on.
The process is about 200-400 Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The initial launch may take longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications.
Solving common problems and errors
Redmi 4X users may encounter various difficulties during the upgrade process, and one of the common problems is the "Can't verify update" error that occurs when you try to install firmware through Recovery, which occurs if the version in the archive is newer or older than the one installed, or if the digital signature is broken.
Another common situation is a cyclic bootloop after installation, often solved by performing a full reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) via Recovery mode, and to enter it, press the power button and increase the volume on the phone turned off.
- 🔄 If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, try pressing the power button on the 15-20 second-on-second forced reboot.
- 📉 When network errors occur during OTA-Check the date and time settings and DNS-server.
- 🔌 If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, reinstall Xiaomi drivers USB Driver.
In some cases, especially when switching between major versions of Android (for example, from 6.0 to 8.0), there may be problems with Bluetooth or GPS.
Should I install custom firmware?
With official support for Xiaomi Redmi 4X now complete, many enthusiasts are turning to projects like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which will allow for more recent versions of Android (10, 11, and even 12) that are not officially available.
Castom firmware often works faster and smoother than stock, as it lacks heavy MIUI services. However, the stability of such builds can vary: some may not work VoLTE, (fingerprint scanner) or camera mode.
Installation requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Custom Recovery (TWRP).If you are not willing to spend time debugging and bug-finding, it is best to stay on the latest official MIUI 11, which is the most balanced for this device.