How to update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: All ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still used by many users. However, with the release of new versions of Android and MIUI, owners are faced with the question: how to update the firmware to the current one if official support is long stopped? In this article, we will analyze all working ways to update — from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to avoid errors and not turn the phone into a brick.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 4X originally ran on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a MIUI 8 shell, and the latest official firmware for it is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. Xiaomi no longer releases updates for this model, but enthusiasts create custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which allows you to install even Android 10/11. We will consider both options: an official update (if it is still available) and alternative methods.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you start the upgrade, make sure your Redmi 4X really needs it.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check the lines of the MIUI version and the Android version.
3. Compare the latest available versions for santoni on Xiaomi’s official website or forums like XDA Developers.

If your MIUI version is below 11.0.2.0 (the last stable version for Redmi 4X), you can try upgrading through standard channels, but if you are already on the latest official firmware, but want a more recent Android, you will have to consider custom solutions.

Attention! Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔴 Unstable operation of some functions (camera, NFC, sensor).
• 🔴 Data loss in case of incorrect installation.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to update via Settings, which is suitable if:

• ✅ Your firmware is not very outdated (for example, MIUI 9 → MIUI 11).
• ✅ The device is not rooted and does not have a custom recaveri.
• ✅ There is a stable connection to Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If you find an update, download it (file weight ~1.5-2 GB).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

If the system says “No Updates” but you’re sure your version won’t be the last, try:

• 📌 Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings).
• 📌 Install VPN (Sometimes updates come first for other regions).
• 📌 Manually download firmware from the Xiaomi site and install through System Update → Three points. → Select a firmware file.

Battery charge > 50%|Wi-Fi connection|Release. > 3 GB memory|Shut down. VPN/Proxies (if used)|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Warning: ⚠️ If, during the update, through OTA The phone has been getting stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 10 minutes, do not force it to turn off - this can damage system files. Wait at least 20-30 minutes or connect to charging (sometimes the process slows down due to low charge).

Method 2: Update via Recovery (manual installation)

If OTA doesn't work or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can use Stock Recovery, which is a method that is suitable for official firmware in.zip format.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the necessary firmware from the official website (choose Recovery ROM for your santoni model).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip.
5. After installation, select Reboot.

Important: Firmware through Recovery doesn’t erase user data, but if you install an older version (downgrade), it can lead to a download cycle, in which case you will need a full reset (Wipe Data).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable method for restoring bricks or installing official firmware from scratch. You will need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool utility.

What needs to be done:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for santoni from Xiaomi’s website (file in.tgz or.zip format).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\santoni_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the COMX device should appear).
6. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Critical information: Using Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future without re-unlocking. If you plan experiments, choose Clean all.

1. Install the driver manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).

2. Use the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).

3. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.-->

5. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you are not satisfied with Android 7.1 And you're ready for experiments, you can install custom firmware based on Android. 10/11. Popular Options for Redmi 4X:

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) - stable, with a minimalist interface.
• 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 11) – with Google’s signature design.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – flexible configuration and fresh features.

The installation will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install the custom TWRP recavator.
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services) from the OpenGApps website.

Step-by-step:

1. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-santoni.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-santoni.img
2. In TWRP, make a full backup (Backup → Select all partitions).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install the firmware (Install → Select the file.zip), then GApps.
5. Reboot (Reboot → System)

Warning: ⚠️ Castom firmware may have bugs:

• 📸 The camera may be worse (no support for 48 MP or more) HDR).
• 🔋 Possible increase in battery consumption.
• 📶 Problems with VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling.

Before installing, be sure to read reviews on forums (such as XDA).

6. Solving common errors during the update

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and we'll look at how to do that.

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons), try:

1. Press Volume down + Power for 10-15 seconds (forced reboot).
2. Connect to your PC and try flashing through Fastboot (even if the screen is black).
3. Use Test Point (for experienced) – closing contacts on the board for forced entry into EDL Mode.

💡

If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons and isn’t detected by a computer, the bootloader is likely damaged, in which case only flashing through EDL (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or paid services like Mi Account Unlock) will help.

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If the custom firmware experiments were unsuccessful, you can return the stock MIUI.

1. Download Fastboot ROM for Santoni from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power buttons).
4. Select Clean all and lock mode (this will block the bootloader and remove TWRP).
5. Wait for the firmware to be completed.

Attention! ⚠️ After returning to stock firmware:

• 🔒 The bootloader will be blocked – to re-install custom firmware will need to unlock (wait 72-360 hours).
• 📱 All data will be deleted (including photos and apps).
• 🔄 Possible problems with OTA-Updates if previously unofficial builds were installed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 4X