How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X to Android 10: all ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

mido

Android 7.0 Nougat

Android 10

It’s worth warning you: the transition to Android 10 will not bring a revolutionary change in performance – the Redmi Note 4X is limited by hardware (Snapdragon 625 processor, 2-4 GB of RAM). However, you will get a modern interface, improved security and support for new applications.

If you are new to Android firmware, we recommend that you first study the FAQ section at the end of the article, which breaks down key terms and risks. Experienced users can immediately go to review custom firmware or instructions for unlocking the bootloader.

Can I update Redmi Note 4X to Android 10 officially?

No, there is no official update to Android 10 for the Redmi Note 4X. Xiaomi's latest MIUI for this model is MIUI 11.0.4.0 based on Android 7.1.2, released in 2020. The company has closed support for the device, focusing on new models.

There are two ways around, however:

1. Custom firmware (such as LineageOS 17.1, Pixel Experience, or Havoc-OS) that port Android 10 to mido.
2. MIUI-based firmware from third-party developers (such as MIUI 12/13 with a patch for Android 10), but they are less stable.

Both options require unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized backup (TWRP) that voids the warranty (if it is still valid) and carries risks of data corruption.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings. backup data via Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup is mandatory!

Requirements before updating

Before you upgrade to Android 10, make sure your device meets the following criteria:

• 📱 Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note only 4X (Not to be confused with Redmi Note 4 (nickel code) - firmware is incompatible!
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%. The firmware process can take 30-90 minutes.
• 💻 Computer: PC with Windows 10/11 or Linux to unlock the bootloader and install TWRP.
• 🔌 Cable: Original USB-cable (cheap analogues can cause errors in data transmission).
• 📁 Backup: Save contacts, photos and apps to an external drive or to the cloud.

It will also be necessary:

• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 🛠️ Castom Recovery TWRP (version 3.5.2 or later).
• 📦 Android 10 firmware (links to verified builds are given in the section "Castom firmware»).

Make a data backup|Check the device model (mido)|Charge the phone to 70%+|Download the firmware and TWRP|Install drivers ADB PC-only-->

Unlock the bootloader and install TWRP

Without an unlocked bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi allows you to officially unlock the bootloader, but the process requires an account binding Mi Account and waiting (usually 7-14 days).

Step 1: Link your Mi Account to your device

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point!)

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Step 2: Use the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.24 or later).
2. Launch the program, log into your Mi Account and follow the instructions. The utility will check if the account is linked to the device.
3. If you see a message that says "Added successfully. Wait for 168 hours," wait 7 days.

Step 3: Installation of TWRP

After unlocking the loader:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for mido (.img file).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK).
3. Open the command line in this folder and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

⚠️ Note: If after rebooting TWRP It does not start and the phone is loaded into MIUI, Repeat the command fastboot boot twrp.img. Maybe the stock recap has been overwritten. TWRP.

Review of custom firmware Android 10 for Redmi Note 4X

Not all firmware is stable, and we tested some popular builds and made a table with their features:

Important: Android 10-based firmware does not support /data encryption on the Redmi Note 4X. If you choose the encryption option in the settings, the device may get stuck on booting.

💡

Before installing firmware, check the reviews on the XDA forum for the past 2-3 months. Some builds may contain critical bugs that are not covered in the first topic post.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Android 10

After unlocking the bootloader and installing the TWRP, follow this instruction:

Step 1: Preparing files

• 📁 Download the firmware (for example, lineage-17.1-20230510-UNOFFICIAL-mido.zip) And put it on the outside. SD-card.
• 🔧 Download Open GApps (nano or pico variant) for Android 10 from opengapps.org.
• 🔋 (Download Magisk (version 25.2)+) root-right.

Step 2: Cleaning the sections

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache 📂 System 📄 Data 🔄 Cache

Attention!

Step 3: Install firmware and GApps

1. Go back to the main TWRP menu and select Install.
2. Specify the path to the firmware file (e.g. lineage-17.1-...-mido.zip) and swipe for installation.
3. Once completed, don't restart! press Add more Zips and select Open GApps file.
4. If you want to root, install Magisk.zip in the same way.

Step 4: First download

• After installing all files, select Reboot → System.
• The first download can take 10-20 minutes – do not interrupt the process!
• If the device is stuck on the logo for more than 30 minutes, go back to TWRP and re-install.

💡

Never install firmware on top of your old one without fully cleaning the partitions (Wipe) and this will lead to conflicts and errors in the system.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you install it correctly, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. The device does not boot (bootloop)

• 🔄 Reason: Incompatibility of firmware with the kernel or incorrect Wipe.
• ⚡ Solution: Boot in TWRP. Repeat Advanced Wipe (see section above). Install the firmware again, but without GApps. If it doesn't work, try a different build.

2.The sensor does not work after firmware

• 👆 Reason: Wrong firmware version or damaged core.
• 🛠️ Solution: Install firmware with the correct core (e.g., mido is only suitable for mido, not nikel). TWRP 3.6.0 or less – new versions may not be able to properly stitch through some builds.

3. No mobile network (IMEI missing)

• 📶 Reason: Modem partition is damaged or drivers are not installed.
• 🔧 Solution: Download the fix for IMEI and pass through TWRP. Or manually restore modem from stock firmware MIUI.

4. Fast battery discharge

• 🔋 Reason: Background processes of custom firmware or unoptimized core.
• ⚡ Solution: Install FrancoKernel or Perseus kernel for mido. Disable unnecessary Google services in settings. Use BetterBatteryStats app to analyze the flow.

Optimizing Android 10 on the Redmi Note 4X

To make the system work smoother:

• 🔧 Turn off animation: Go to Settings → The phone. → Build number (tap 7 times to activate developer mode) then to Settings → System system → For developers install: Animation windows → Disable Transition Animation → Disable the duration of the animator → Shut down.
• 📵 Limit background processes: In the same settings for developers, select Process Limit → Maximum 2 of the process.
• 🔄 Use Light Launchers: Replace the standard launcher with Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
• 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: App SD Maid will help you delete unnecessary files.

To improve the battery life:

• 🔋 Battery: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption).
• 🌙 Dark theme: Turn it on in the display settings — AMOLED-The screen (if installed) will consume less energy.
• 📶 Mobile data: Turn off 4G (use 3G), If the speed of the Internet is not critical.