How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi 4X to MIUI 12: All ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017 with factory-made MIUI 8 firmware based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Despite the official end of support, many users still want to upgrade the device to a more modern version of the interface, MIUI 12. This version brought revolutionary changes: new design, improved animation, Super Wallpapers feature and performance optimization. However, the upgrade process for the Redmi 4X has nuances – from the limitations of Xiaomi to the risks of using informal firmware.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to upgrade to MIUI 12, including official (if available) and alternative methods through custom firmware, you will learn what requirements to meet as avoidable errors (for example, Error 7 or logo getting stuck), and what to do if after the upgrade the phone stopped working, and we will analyze whether to upgrade on this device at all or better consider buying a new smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 4X never got it. MIUI 12 in official builds. All of the methods described, except unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, do not guarantee stable operation. Before starting the procedure, back up your data and note that informal firmware may contain bugs or security problems.

1.Can I officially upgrade Redmi 4X to MIUI 12?

Unfortunately, Xiaomi never released the official MIUI 12 firmware for the Redmi 4X (santoni), the last stable version for this device was MIUI 11.0.6 based on Android 7.1 Nougat.

• 📅 End of support: Redmi 4X It was released in 2017 and Xiaomi stopped releasing updates for it after 2019.The company focuses on new models, and older devices only get critical security patches (if at all get them).
• 🔧 Hardware restrictions: The smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor and 2-3 GB of RAM. These characteristics do not meet the minimum requirements MIUI 12, which is optimized for more powerful devices.
• 📱 Xiaomi: Even if it is technically possible to port MIUI 12 on the Redmi. 4X, The company does not spend resources on adapting new versions for outdated models.

However, there are two workarounds:

1. Install unofficial ported firmware (for example, from the Xiaomi.eu community or LineageOS with the MIUI 12 patch).
2. Use MIUI Mix - hybrid firmware that combines elements of MIUI 12 with the base of Android 10/11.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), problems with Google Pay, Netflix (due to lack of certification Widevine). L1) and unstable operation of sensors (for example, a fingerprint or gyroscope).

2. Requirements before updating: what to check

Before you start the upgrade, make sure your Redmi 4X meets the following criteria:

• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%. The firmware installation process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging during the upgrade will result in a device blink (complete failure).
• 📱 Device model: Check that you have a Redmi 4X (To do this, go to Settings. → The phone. → Model. Other models (e.g. Redmi Note) 4X Redmi 4 Prime may be a different type of firmware!
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: To install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader. This erases all data on the device!
• 💾 Backup: Save contacts, photos, messages and apps to your computer or the cloud. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Titanium Backup (for root users).

Check out the current version of MIUI:

1. Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
2. If the version is older than MIUI 10, first upgrade to the latest official firmware via Settings → System Update.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the battery charge (≥60%)|Make sure you have a model (Santoni)|Unlock the bootloader (if you need a caste)|Download firmware and tools (ADB, Fastboot)-->

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X If you bought it in China, you can have a locked bootloader linked to your Mi Account, and you can only unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but you need to wait 72-360 hours after you have linked your account.

3. Method 1: Update via unofficial firmware Xiaomi.eu

Xiaomi.eu is one of the most popular communities that release redesigned MIUI firmware without Chinese software and with support for global services. Redmi 4X is available builds based on MIUI 12, but with some reservations:

• ✅ Pros: More modern interface with elements MIUI 12.Chinese apps and ads removed. Google Play Services and Widevine support L3 (not L1, So Netflix will be working in the future. 480p).
• ❌ Cons: No official support - bugs are fixed by volunteers, performance problems (lag in animations) are possible. Some features MIUI 12 may be absent or not working properly.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and tool. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and follow the instructions of the program.

Install custom recovery (TWRP):

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.0-santoni.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.6.0-santoni.img

Download TWRP for santoni on the official website.

Scroll through the firmware Xiaomi.eu:

• Download the archive with firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu_multi_HM4X_MI12_V12.5.1.0.NFGMIXM_v12-11.zip).
• Move it to the phone.
• V TWRP Choose Install → Select an archive → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
• After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (required!).

💡

Unofficial firmware Xiaomi.eu is the best compromise between stability and new features for the Redmi 4X, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.

Method 2: Install MIUI 12 via custom ROM (LineageOS + MIUI Mix)

If you want to get as close to MIUI 12 as possible, but with better optimization, consider hybrid builds, and one of them is MIUI Mix, a project that combines the LineageOS kernel (based on Android 10/11) with the MIUI 12 shell, which is more complex but gives a more stable result.

Advantages:

• 🚀 Smoother performance thanks to optimized LineageOS kernel.
• 🔄 Regular security updates from the community.
• 🎨 Full set of functions MIUI 12 including Super Wallpapers and Dark Mode 2.0.

Disadvantages:

• ⚙️ Complex installation – requires experience with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 There may be bugs with the camera or sensors (for example, incorrect operation). IR Blaster).
• 🔒 No Google certification out of the box – install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix.

Installation instructions:

1. Install LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10): Download the latest build of LineageOS for santoni from the official website. Sweep through TWRP (similar to Xiaomi.eu firmware). Install GApps (such as Open GApps nano).

Install MIUI Mix:

• Download the archive with MIUI Mix (for example, MIUI_Mix_v5_santoni.zip) forum 4PDA or XDA Developers.
• Sweat over LineageOS via TWRP.
• Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache).
• Set up Magisk for Google certification: 1. Install Magisk via TWRP. 2. In Magisk, install modules: - Universal SafetyNet Fix - MagiskHide Props Config 3. Reboot and check SafetyNet status in the YASNAC app.
• 📵 No network after update: Reason: Modem files are missing (non-HLOS.bin) orthopedic IMEI. Solution: Fly the modem through TWRP (download modem_fix_santoni.zip). Check it out. IMEI into *#06#. If lost, restore it through Maui. META or SN Write Tool.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn’t turn on after an unsuccessful upgrade, try bringing it back to life through a phone. EDL-The emergency mode (emergency firmware) will require:

• USB Type-C cable with contact closure for forced transition to EDL.
• Mi Flash Tool and official firmware for santoni.
• Xiaomi account with permission for authorized firmware (for new devices).

7.Should I upgrade? pros and cons of MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X

Before you spend time updating, evaluate whether the effort is warranted. Here's what you'll get and what you'll lose:

Pros:

• 🎨 New design: Dark Mode 2.0 theme, animations based on the physical engine, dynamic wallpapers.
• 🔒 Improved privacy: Privacy Dashboard features, application permission control, tracking protection.
• ⚡ Optimization: In theory MIUI 12 should better control background processes, but on a weak gland the effect may be reversed.
• 📱 New features: Floating Windows (floating windows), improved multitasking, navigation gestures.

Cons:

• 🐢 Performance: Snapdragon 435 and 2-3 GB of RAM barely pull MIUI 11. MIUI 12 will slow down, especially when multitasking.
• 🔋 Battery consumption: New animations and background processes will increase power consumption by 15-20%.
• 🚫 Instability: Castom firmware can “fly out” especially when using a camera or Google Maps.
• 🛠 Lack of support: Neither Xiaomi nor the community guarantee bug fixes for legacy devices.

💡

Upgrading to MIUI 12 on the Redmi 4X only makes sense for enthusiasts willing to put up with brakes and bugs.For everyday use, it's better to stay on MIUI 11 or consider buying a new smartphone (like the Redmi Note 12).

8.Alternatives: What to do if MIUI 12 is not suitable

If you’ve been disappointed in performance after experimenting with MIUI 12, consider the following alternatives:

• 🔄 Back on. MIUI 11: Download the latest official firmware for santoni from Xiaomi and run through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🤖 Install pure Android (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): Android-based firmware 10/11 shellless MIUI They work faster, but they deprive you of Xiaomi’s branded features (for example, Second Space or App Lock).
• 💰 Buy a new smartphone: if Redmi 4X It is not enough to do this, consider the budget models. MIUI 13/14: Redmi Note 12 (from 15 000 ₽) — Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, MIUI 14. Poco M5 (from 12 000 ₽) — Helio G99, 90 Hz screen. Redmi. 12C (from 10 000 ₽) — Helio G85, battery. 💡Before the sale of the old Redmi 4X Complete the reset through the Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and reset.This will delete all data, including the Mi Account, making it easier to set up a new owner. FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 4X ❓ Can I upgrade Redmi? 4X before MIUI 12 - No, the official firmware. MIUI 12 There is no such thing as a custom recovery model, and all unofficial methods require an unlocked bootloader and custom recovery installation (e.g., custom recovery, TWRP). ❓ After the upgrade, the camera doesn't work. How do you fix it. Solutions: Set a fix for the camera (look for) fix_camera_santoni.zip on 4PDA). Try an alternative camera app like the GCam (but it can slow down. ❓ How do you get back the official firmware if your phone is locked? If your device doesn't turn on: Download the official firmware for santoni from Xiaomi. Unpack the archive and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode. If it doesn't work, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account). ❓ Will Google Pay and Netflix work after the update? Google Pay won't work on uncertified firmware (Widevine required) L1 Netflix will launch, but with a quality limit to 480p. To fix: Install Magisk. Activate Universal SafetyNet Fix and MagiskHide Props Config modules. Check SafetyNet status in the app YASNAC. ❓ How long does it take to update? Depending on method: Xiaomi.eu: 20-40 minutes (including unlocking the bootloader). MIUI Mix + LineageOS: 40–60 minutes (due to two firmware installations) Recovery after a breeze: up to 2-3 hours (if required) EDL). ⚠️ Do not interrupt the process!Switching off power during firmware can cause irreversible damage.