How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X to Android 9 Pie: All ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, released in 2017. Despite its considerable age, the device is still actively used thanks to reliable “stuffing” and the possibility of updating the software. However, official support for updates from Xiaomi for this model has long been discontinued: the latest stable release is MIUI 10 based on Android 7 Nougat. But this does not mean that owners are deprived of the chance to try Android 9 Pie.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to upgrade Redmi Note 4X to Android 9, from official (if available in your area) to custom open source firmware. You’ll learn which firmware versions support all of the device’s features without critical bugs, how to prepare your smartphone for the procedure and what to do if you have problems after the update, and we’ll focus on security, because the wrong actions can turn your phone into a brick.

Why you should (or shouldn’t) upgrade to Android 9 on Redmi Note 4X

Before we start the procedure, we will evaluate the pros and cons of the upgrade. Android 9 Pie will bring your Redmi Note 4X several key improvements:

• 🔄 Adaptive battery – AI analyzes usage habits and optimizes charge consumption, which is especially important for devices with a worn-out battery.
• 📱 Navigation gestures – the ability to abandon the classic buttons in favor of swipes (although on Note) 4X It is not as smoothly implemented as on flagships).
• 🔒 Improved security – patches for vulnerabilities that are current at the time of Pie’s release, as well as stricter control of application permissions.
• 🎨 New design MIUI — If you choose a custom firmware on the base MIUI 11/12, The interface will become more modern, with support for dark theme and animations.

However, there are serious shortcomings:

• ⚠️ Performance: Redmi Note 4X equipped with a Snapdragon processor 625 and 2-4 GB of RAM. Android 9 is heavier than the “seven”, so lags are possible, especially in custom builds.
• ⚠️ Instability: Unofficial firmware can contain bugs, from minor interface glitches to camera or mobile network problems.
• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: If your device is still warranty (unlikely for a 2017 model), unlocking the bootloader will invalidate it.
• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking": A firmware error can render the phone inoperable.Recovery will require Fastboot or Fastboot skills EDL.

If you use your smartphone for basic tasks (calls, messengers, social networks), the update may not justify the effort. But enthusiasts who care about new features or security can evaluate the upgrade. In the next section, we will discuss how to check the current version of the software and compatibility with Android 9.

Check the current version of the software and compatibility with Android 9

Before you upgrade, make sure your Redmi Note 4X is capable of running Android 9 at all.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll to MIUI and Android. If it says Android 7.0 or 7.1.2, your device is suitable for an upgrade.
3. Remember or write down a model of the device (e.g., mido, the code name Redmi Note 4X).

Also check if the bootloader is unlocked:

• Turn off the phone.
• Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
• Connect the device to your PC and type in the command line: fastboot oem device-info If the answer has a line Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, it will have to be unlocked (instruction below).

Important: Android 9 is not officially supported for the Redmi Note 4X in most regions, except for some Chinese devices that received the Pie-based MIUI 11. If your smartphone is purchased outside of China, you will likely need to use custom firmware.

Preparing the phone for an update: backup and unlock the bootloader

Upgrading to Android 9 is a process that can cause data loss, and even if it goes smoothly, some settings will reset.

• 📱 Contact and SMS: Sync with your Google account or export to a file through the Contacts app.
• 📷 Photo and video: Copy on PC or in the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🎵 Applications and data: Use Mi Mover or Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 📄 IMEI and serial number: Write them down (you'll find them on the box or under the battery) and it'll be useful if you have to reconnect.

Make backup contacts and SMS

Copy photo/video on PC

Record IMEI and serial number

Charge your phone at least 60%

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the necessary firmware and tools-->

If the bootloader is locked, it needs to be unlocked.

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account is required).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool utility and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Follow the instructions of the program. Usually, it takes 72-168 hours to unlock (Xiaomi checks the account).

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! Also, after this procedure, some functions (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

After unlocking, we recommend checking the operability of the main functions (calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi) before installing a new firmware.

How to Upgrade Redmi Note 4X to Android 9

There are three main methods of upgrading to Android 9 Pie:

Let's look at each method in more detail.

1. Official OTA-Update (rarely available)

In some regions (mainly in China), the Redmi Note 4X received an update to MIUI 11 based on Android 9.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you have Android 9, download it and install it.

If there is no update, try changing the region in the MIUI settings (e.g. China), but this may result in some features being lost (e.g. Google Services).

2. Install custom firmware (recommended for enthusiasts)

The most popular firmware for Redmi Note 4X with Android 9:

• 📱 MIUI 11/12 by Xiaomi.eu – modified official firmware with support for Google Services and without Chinese software.
• 🤖 LineageOS 16 – “clean” Android 9 without a shell MIUI, with less optimization for iron.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like the Google Pixel, but may be less stable.

For installation:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (for example, Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS).
2. Download TWRP Recovery for mido (version 3.3.1 or later).
3. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Install the firmware through Install and restart.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, Wi-Fi or mobile network may not work. This is treated by installing the appropriate fixes (see forums). 4PDA or XDA).

3. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is suitable if you want to install official firmware (e.g., Chinese MIUI 11) or a modified version.

• 🖥️ PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📂 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for example, from a website) MIUI ROM).
• 🔧 The Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
2. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Press Refresh, then Flash. Select Clean all.
5. Wait until the process is completed (5-10 minutes).

💡

Fastboot is the most reliable way to install official software, but it requires a complete data reset. Don't interrupt the process, even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck!

Solving problems after upgrading to Android 9

Even if the update is successful, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

1.The phone does not turn on or hovers on the logo

Reasons:

• Incompatible firmware.
• Interrupted installation process.
• Wrong Wipe before the firmware.

Decision:

1. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Make Wipe Data (if it doesn’t help – Advanced Wipe with a selection of all partitions except Internal Storage).
3. Refuse the device.

2. Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working

A common problem when installing custom firmware.

• Set a fix for the modem (see 4PDA for "Redmi Note 4X modem fix").
• Check the settings. APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)).
• If nothing helps, go back to stock firmware and repeat the update with the correct fix.

3. Fast battery discharge

Android 9 can consume more power due to background processes.

• Turn off Adaptive Brightness and set a fixed value.
• Turn on Power Saving Mode in the battery settings.
• Check the activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Battery use.
• If the problem persists, try rolling back on Android 7 or installing a different firmware build.

💡

If the phone is slowing down after the update, try turning off animations. To do this, activate Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in About Phone), then in the Developer Settings, set all animations to Off. or 0.5x

Reverse to the previous version of Android

If Android 9 is not stable or you don’t like the changes, you can go back to Android 7.

1. Download the official MIUI 10 firmware for the Redmi Note 4X (e.g., from miuirom.org).
2. Install it via Fastboot (the instructions are similar to the one described above) or TWRP (if the firmware is in.zip format).
3. Make Wipe Data after installation to avoid conflicts.

⚠️ Note: If you roll back to an older version of Android, anti-rollback may work. This will block the download if the firmware version is lower than the one previously installed. To bypass the protection, use firmware marked Anti-Rollback or contact the specialists.

If the phone doesn’t turn on after rollback, try flashing it through EDL (emergency mode). This will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4X update to Android 9