Firmware rollback on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 working methods + error solving

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) often face the need to roll back firmware — whether it is after a failed update, bugs in a new version of MIUI or a desire to return to a stable build. The process seems difficult only at first glance: with proper preparation and following the instructions, even a beginner can cope in 30-60 minutes. However, it is important to understand that rollback is not “unchanges”, but a complete reflash of the device with the replacement of system files.

The main problem is the fear of bricking the phone. Indeed, there are risks: wrong firmware, an interrupted process, or an incompatible version of the bootloader can lead to a bootloop or complete failure. But if you follow a proven pattern and use official tools (MiFlash, fastboot or TWRP), the probability of errors is minimal. In this article, three working methods of rollback, detailed error analysis and tips for saving data.

Before you start, check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge at least 70% (when discharged during firmware, the phone may turn off).
  • 💻 Availability of a Windows PC 7/10/11 (for MiFlash and fastboot).
  • 📥 Official firmware for Redmi 4X From Xiaomi (select the version for Santoni).
  • 🔐 Unlocked bootloader (if you plan to use fastboot or TWRP).
📊 What type of firmware method do you use more often?
Through MiFlash (fastboot)
Through TWRP (recovery)
Through OTA-update
Never stitched.

1. Preparation for the rollback of the firmware: what to do before the start

The first step is backup, and rolling back firmware on Redmi 4X results in 90 percent of the time in a complete reset and file deletion.

  • 📱 Mi Cloud (synchronization of contacts, notes, photos).
  • 💾 Local copying on PC (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).
  • 🔄 Apps like Swift Backup (require root) or Titanium Backup.

If the phone is still working, check the current version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help you choose the right firmware to roll back. For example, if you have MIUI 12.5 Enhanced and you want to return to MIUI 11, download it – earlier versions may not support current security patches.

Check the bootloader status:

⚠️ Note: If the bootloader is blocked, methods are via fastboot or TWRP Unlocking takes up to 72 hours (via Xiaomi's official tool).

To check status, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power, connect to the PC and type in the command line:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: true, you can stitch it up. If false, unlock it first.

2. Method 1: Recoil through MiFlash (fastboot) - the official method

This method is suitable for rollback on any official firmware, even if the phone is not turned on (located in the bootloop).

  • 🖥️ PC with installed Xiaomi drivers (download here).
  • 📦 Archive with firmware in.tgz format (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic!).
  • 🛠️ MiFlash (the latest version is here).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off Redmi 4X and turn to fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC via USB (preferably the original cable).
  3. Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
  4. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Reset) or Clean All and Lock (Reset + Lock bootloader).
  5. Press Refresh – the COMX device should appear in the list.
  6. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (3-10 minutes).

Downloaded firmware for Santoni|Installed the Xiaomi driver|Unpacked the archive into a folder without spaces|Disabled antivirus (it can block MiFlash)|Charging the phone to 70%+-->

If the process is 99% frozen or critical partition flashing is not allowed, then:

  • You are trying to flash a newer version of MIUI than the current one (recoil only for older builds).
  • Use unofficial firmware (download only from the official site).
What if MiFlash can't see the phone?
1. Check USB connection (try another port or cable). 2. Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "Mi Flashable Driver"). 3. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator. 4. Try another PC (sometimes conflicts with antivirus or other programs).

Method 2: Recoil through TWRP (for power users)

If you have custom recovery TWRP, you can do the rollback without a PC, right from your phone.

  • ✅ The ability to make a backup of the current firmware (Nandroid backup).
  • ✅ Data storage (if you choose Wipe) Dalvik/Cache squash).
  • ✅ Support for unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS).

But there are risks:

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware may contain bugs or may not support Redmi features 4X (for example, a double chamber or IR-Always check the reviews on the forums (XDA).

Instructions:

  1. Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in the phone memory.
  2. Turn off the device and press Volume up + Power to log into TWRP.
  3. Backup: Backup → Select partitions (Boot, System, Data) → Swipe to Backup.
  4. Click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (for clean installation).
  5. Return to the main menu, select Install, specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.
  6. After completion, press Reboot System.

If after the reboot the phone hangs on the MI logo, it means:

  • The firmware is incompatible with your bootloader version (you need to flash the anti-rollback patch).
  • You forgot to erase Dalvik/Cache (repeat step 4).
  • The firmware file is corrupted (check the MD5 checksum).

Method 3: Recovery (without PC and TWRP)

If Redmi 4X is enabled, but you want to go back to the previous version of MIUI, you can try rolling back through standard Recovery.

  • 🚫 Firmware with modified bootloader (for example, after updating to Android 8.1).
  • 🚫 Devices with a damaged system (if the phone does not boot).

Instructions:

  1. Download the full firmware (not downloaded) OTA!) For your model from the official website. miui_HM4XGlobal_VX.X.X.X_XXXXXX_XXXX.zip.
  2. Put the file in the root of internal memory (not in folders!).
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
  4. Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
  5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

Limitations of the method:

Problem.Decision
Error "Can't verify update"Rename the file to update.zip (registration is important!)
Hanging 50%.Check the checksum of the file or download again
Phone doesn't see filePut him on. SD-card (if any)
After the rollback, there's no net.Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.-5 Errors when rolling back firmware on Redmi 4X and ways of correcting them:

Error 1: "This package is for santoni devices; this is a rolex"

  • 🔹 Reason: You downloaded firmware for another model (e.g. Redmi) 4A instead 4X).
  • 🔹 Solution: Check the device codename in fastboot getvar product (should be santoni).

Error 2: Bootloop after firmware

  • 🔹 Reason: Incompatibility of bootloader versions or corrupted files boot.img.
  • 🔹 Solution: Select boot and recovery through fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Error 3: "Anti-rollback check fail"

  • 🔹 Reason: Trying to run a version MIUI older than the current one (e.g., with MIUI 10. MIUI 9).
  • 🔹 Solution: Find firmware with anti-rollback patch or flash only newer versions.

Error 4: The phone doesn't turn on after rollback

  • 🔹 MiFlash mode is not correctly selected (e.g. save user data instead of clean all).
  • 🔹 Solution: Repeat the firmware with a full reset (clean all).

Mistake 5: No net after rollback

  • 🔹 Reason: Firmware for another region (e.g. Chinese instead of global).
  • 🔹 Solution: Sweat modem files from old firmware or install the correct version MIUI.

💡

If Google services are lost after the rollback, install them manually through TWRP (download Open GAPPS for your version of Android).

6. How to save data when rolling back firmware

By default, a firmware rollback on the Redmi 4X results in a complete reset (including internal memory).

Method 1: Backup via TWRP

  • 📌 Create a Nandroid backup (full copy of the system, including applications and settings).
  • 📌 Save the backup on the PC or SD-map.

Method 2: Backup through ADB

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
  2. In the command line, type: adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab
  3. After the rollback, restore the data: adb restore backup.ab

Method 3: Selective copying of files

  • 📁 Use the Mi. PC Suite for copying photos, videos and documents.
  • 📱 It's fine for texting and calling. SMS Backup & Restore.

⚠️ Warning: Do not copy files from Android folders or data manually - this can lead to conflicts after rollback.

7. Frequent questions after firmware rollback

❓ Can I roll back the firmware without unlocking the bootloader?
No, if you use fastboot or TWRP. The only option without unlocking is a rollback through Recovery, but it only works for official firmware and does not guarantee success.
❓ Why does the fingerprint not work after the rollback?
This is a typical problem when rolling back older versions of MIUI. Solution: Remove all fingerprints in Settings → Lock and Protect. Update your firmware to the latest stable version via OTA. If it didn't work, run persist.img from the new firmware through fastboot.
❓ How to find out which firmware was originally?
If the phone turns on, check Settings → About the phone. If not, look at the sticker under the battery (the Android version may be listed there). You can also use MiFlash in EDL mode, but this requires a special cable.
❓ Can I roll back the firmware to custom (for example, LineageOS)?
Yes, but it requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP. Remember that custom firmware: 🚫 It may not support a dual camera or IR-port. 🚫 Requires manual installation GAPPS. 🚫 The guarantee is not guaranteed (if it is still valid).
❓ What to do if the phone does not see after the rollback SIM-map?
This is due to a mismatch between modem files. Solutions: Sweat modem and fsg files from old firmware through fastboot. Reset network settings to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset your settings. Try another one. SIM-Card (sometimes the problem with the operator).

💡

Running back the firmware on Redmi 4X is not a "cancel update" but a complete reinstallation of the system. Always use the official tools (MiFlash, TWRP) and check for compatibility of MIUI versions with your bootloader.