Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X smartphone often wonder how to extend the life of their device by installing a newer version of the operating system. Although official support for the model has already been discontinued, enthusiasts and the development community continue to release current builds that allow you to use modern applications and security features.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to upgrade software, paying special attention to data security and stability of the system after installation. It is important to understand that switching to custom firmware or global versions carries certain risks that require careful attention. We will consider not only the technical aspects, but also the nuances that will help to avoid turning a smartphone into a brick.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the difference between a regular security update and a complete change in the version of Android. In the first case, you get a fix for vulnerabilities, in the second case, a new interface and features. Xiaomi officially stopped the Redmi Note 4X updates on the version of Android 7.0 Nougat with the shell of MIUI 10. All that is above is the result of third-party work, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
Device preparation and data backup
The software upgrade process should start with careful preparation. Any interference with the system partition of the device is potentially dangerous, so creating a full backup is a must-have step that should not be neglected. MIUI Allows you to save contacts, messages and application settings to the cloud or local drive.
It is recommended to use an external hard drive or cloud storage to save photos and videos, as they take up the largest amount of memory. The copying process can take a considerable time, especially if you have accumulated a lot of media over the years of using a smartphone.
☑️ Checklist for firmware preparation
Once the data is saved, you need to check the status of the battery itself. If your Redmi Note 4X battery is already worn out and discharges quickly, the risk of a sudden shutdown during firmware increases many times, in which case it is better to replace the battery first to ensure a stable voltage at the critical moment of writing system files.
⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the firmware writing process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the bootloader, after which it will be impossible to restore the device without special equipment (programmer.
Official Update Methods through OTA and Recovery
The first and most secure way to try to get updates is the standard OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. Even if official support is terminated, servers can offer final patches or regional updates. To check, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press the check button.
If the automatic search doesn’t work, you can try the manual installation method through the built-in update menu, which requires you to download the firmware archive (.zip format) strictly for your model and region, and place the file in the root of the internal memory, and then select the “Select firmware file” option from the update menu.
There is also a Recovery mode available without unlocking the bootloader, but it only works with signed Xiaomi digital key firmware.This means that installing custom Android 10 or 11 this way will not work, but rolling back to an earlier stable version or updating within a single branch is quite possible, this method is ideal for those who are afraid of complex manipulation of the PC.
What if the OTA says "file cannot be installed"?
Unlocking the bootloader: the need and risks
To install unofficial but more modern versions of Android on the Redmi Note 4X, you will inevitably have to face Unlock Bootloader procedure.This is the process of removing software restrictions that prohibit the running of modified software. Without this step, the phone will simply refuse to download any system that does not have a Xiaomi digital signature.
The procedure requires you to submit an application through a special utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and link your Mi Account to the device. Once you approve the application (which can last from 3 to 30 days), you will receive permission to unlock.
- 🔓 Unlocking gives you full administrator rights (Root) and access to system partitions.
- ⚠️ After unlocking, some Google Pay banking apps and services stop working (although there are methods to bypass the system).
- 📉 Warranty obligations (if they are still relevant to your model) are cancelled.
- 🔄 There is a possibility of installing custom recavers (TWRP) any version of Android.
Many users fear that when unlocked, the phone will become less secure. Indeed, Bootloader is the first frontier of protection. However, for the experienced user, it opens up the possibility of installing modern security patches that the manufacturer no longer releases.
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Expert advice: Before applying for unlock, make sure that the developer settings activate the "OEM-unlock" and enable debugging over USB. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not see the device in the desired mode.
Installation of custom firmware and LineageOS
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, doors open to the world of custom firmware. Redmi Note 4X (codenamed midon) has developed a variety of ports, including the popular LineageOS, Pixel Experience and Xiaomi.eu. These firmwares are based on pure Android and often offer versions 9, 10 and even 11, which is well above the official limit.
Installation is done through custom recavers, most often TWRP. First, you need to flash the file itself through Fastboot, and then through it to install the archive with the new operating system and the Google Apps package (GApps), if they are not built in. The process requires careful choice of versions, since incompatibility can lead to a cyclic restart (bootloop).
Castom firmware often works faster than official firmware because it lacks heavy MIUI code and pre-installed debris. However, be prepared for possible bugs: a camera, Bluetooth or proximity sensor may not work properly. The development community usually corrects critical errors quickly, but perfect stability, like factory software, is difficult to achieve.
| Type of firmware | Basis | Difficulty | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI | Android 7.0 | Low. | Tall. |
| Xiaomi.eu | Android 7.0/8.0 | Medium | Tall. |
| LineageOS | Android 9.0+ | Tall. | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | Android 10/11 | Tall. | Medium |
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Selecting firmware is always a trade-off between the novelty of Android features and the stability of hardware. For everyday use, optimized MIUI is often better suited than raw Android 11.
Use of Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
For those who prefer to return to the official tracks or want to completely install the global version of the firmware, an indispensable tool is the Mi Flash Tool. This method requires the transfer of the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume and power button when the screen is off).
The Fastboot firmware process completely erases the disk, so it's called "Clean All." This ensures that there is no conflict between the old system files and the new OS version. You need to download the firmware image with the.tgz extension, unpack it and point the path in the program to the PC.
It is important to use the original USB-cable USB 2.0 on the computer, as ports USB 3.0/3.1 Sometimes, you can cause communication errors when you run old devices. Qualcomm or Xiaomi drivers must be installed correctly in Windows Device Manager, otherwise the computer will not see the phone in bootloader mode.
If you see a Flash All Except Data and Storage error in the process, it means that the data partition has not been cleared, which can lead to unstable operation. clean_all in the command line or the corresponding button in the Mi Flash interface, if it is available for your version of the utility.
Solving problems after updating
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have unexpected situations, and one of the most common problems is a bootloop. If your phone is stuck on the MI or Android logo, try slamming the volume and power button to log in to Recovery and doing Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
Another common problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth will not work after installing custom firmware, often by flashing the modem (modem section) or resetting the network settings, and in some cases, you need to install a specific Kernel compatible with your version of Android.
⚠️ Note: If your phone is hot after firmware and discharges quickly, you may have installed a firmware version that is not optimized for your specific processor (Snapdragon 625). Check the developer forum for fixes or roll back.
Users often face the problem of "broadband". USB", When the computer stops seeing the phone, the solution is to change the cable or reinstall the drivers. ADB/Fastboot. In rare cases, cleaning the cache helps. DNS on a computer or connecting to another USB-port.