Xiaomi Redmi 4X is widely considered one of the most reliable budget devices of its time, but even such devices can eventually encounter software failures. Users often look for a way to replay Xiaomi Redmi 4X through a PC when the phone stops booting, goes into an endless reboot cycle or starts working incorrectly after a failed update. Computer recovery is the most radical, but also the most effective way to bring the gadget back to life if standard means to revive the system do not help.
The process of installing a new operating system requires care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since any error can lead to the inoperability of the device. Unlike the “over the air” update, the method using a personal computer allows you to bypass many software locks and restore even the “brick”. USB-cable, drivers for Qualcomm and a special utility Mi Flash Tool, which we will discuss in detail in the following sections.
⚠️ Attention: All actions for flashing you perform at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible damage to the hardware of the device in the event of violation of the instructions or the use of faulty equipment.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of the software of the smartphone, you need to carefully prepare the workplace and the software environment. Connectivity is a key factor in success, so the use of high-quality products is a key factor in the development of the system. USB-cable and a port on the computer are required. USB-hubs or extension cords, as they can cause signal loss at a critical point in data recording.
You will need to download the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool from the official developer website or trusted sources. You also need to find the firmware itself for your model, since Redmi 4X has different modifications of processors and screens. The firmware file should be in.tgz or.zip format, but be sure to unpack into the root folder of the disk before starting the procedure.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X battery-charged 50-60%.
- 💻 Personal computer or laptop with Windows operating system (7, 8, 10 or 11).
- 🔌 Original. USB-Micro-USB cable without damage to insulation and contacts.
- 📂 Installed drivers ADB qualcomm USB Driver for correct device definition.
Special attention should be paid to installing drivers, because without them, the computer simply will not see the phone in the desired mode. Often users are faced with the fact that the system installs standard drivers that are not suitable for firmware mode, in which case you may need to manually install drivers through the Device Manager, indicating the path to the folder with Qualcomm drivers.
☑️ Ready to flash
Choosing the Right Version of the Firmware
One of the most common mistakes is choosing the wrong version of software. For Redmi 4X, there are different types of firmware: Global, China, Developer and Recovery. It is important to understand the difference, since trying to install firmware for China on a Global device (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will lead to an error or cyclical reboot.
Recovery mode allows you to update only with a closed bootloader, but requires the same firmware region. If you want to change region or roll back to an older version of Android, you will need Fastboot mode and an unlocked bootloader. The table below shows the main differences in the types of firmware available for this model.
| Type of firmware | File extension | I need an unlocked bootloader. | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | .zip | No (if the region is the same) | Yeah (usually) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Yes. | No (full reset) |
| Developer | .zip /.tgz | Registration required | Depends on the method. |
| China ROM | .tgz | Yes (for a shift to Global) | No. |
When downloading the archive, pay attention to the file name: it must contain the model code name, for example, land for Redmi 4X. If you see other codes in the title, such as ros or prada, these are firmware for other devices, and their use is strictly prohibited. Using firmware from another model (for example, Redmi 4 or 4A) is guaranteed to turn your phone into a brick.
Where to find the code name of the model?
Transfer of the smartphone to Fastboot and EDL mode
To start the firmware process, you need to put your phone into a special diagnostic mode, the most common way is to enter Fastboot mode. To do this, turn the device off completely, and then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button, hold them until the image with the android hare or the inscription FASTBOOT on the screen appears.
If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons or the screen remains black, you may need to enter EDL (Emergency Download Loader) mode.This mode is often used when a standard Fastboot is unavailable or the bootloader is damaged. Entering EDL on a Redmi 4X usually requires disassembling the case and closing certain contacts on the board, or using a special adapter cable.
- 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC by pressing the volume down button.
- 🖥️ Device Manager must define the device as Android Bootloader Interface.
- 🔧 For EDL It may be necessary to disassemble the body and close the test points.
- 🚫 Do not remove the battery (if it is not removable) without need, it can reset timers.
⚠️ Attention: Entering mode EDL If you disassemble the device, you need to be able to work with small electronics, if you move carelessly, you can damage the plumes or the motherboard itself.
Once the device is successfully put into the desired mode, the computer should emit a characteristic sound of connecting the new hardware. The device manager in the section "Ports (COM and LPT)" or "Android Devices" should appear the corresponding item. If instead you see "Unknown device", then the drivers are installed incorrectly, and the procedure cannot continue.
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Use the rear USB port on a stationary PC to connect your smartphone. Front ports often don't provide enough voltage and current stability, which is critical when writing large amounts of data to flash memory.
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool utility
Now, we're going to go directly to install the software. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator to avoid problems with system file rights. In the program interface, press select and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Importantly, the path should not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, it's best to place files along a path like C:\rom\land.
After selecting a folder, press the refresh button to let the utility detect the connected device. Your smartphone serial number should appear on the list. Before starting the process, note the three options at the bottom of the window: clean all, save user data and clean all and lock. Choosing the wrong option can lead to loading problems.
Recommended choice: Clean all (Clean all)
This ensures a clean installation of the system without conflicts of old files.Press the flash button to start the process. The progress bar will show the status of the operations. At this time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the cable or interrupt the computer. The process can take from 200 to 600 seconds, after which the status will appear success, and the phone will automatically restart.
Solving errors and problems in firmware
The flashing process can cause various errors that the program outputs. One of the most common is flash error or missmatching image and device. This means that the firmware is not for the model or type of bootloader. Check the code name of the device and the type of firmware (Fastboot vs. Recovery).
Another common problem is a bug related to lack of space on the system disk or access rights. Make sure that there is enough free space on the C disk and the antivirus does not block the Mi Flash utility. Sometimes it helps to temporarily shut down antivirus software during the procedure.
- ❌ Mistake. 0xedef719e: Often linked to drivers or cable. Try another one. USB-port.
- ❌ Mistake. 0xe0020004: Firmware files are damaged or the path contains Cyrillic.
- ❌ Mistake. 0xe0010003: Access rights issues, run the program on behalf of the administrator.
- ❌ 99 percent freeze: Normal for some versions, wait for the phone to reboot.
If your phone went into a bootloop after you ran it, try doing the Wipe Data cleanup procedure through the Recovery menu. To do this, press the power button and turn up the volume. If that doesn't work, you may need to re-flash the firmware to select the clean all and lock, but only if you're sure that the region is compatible.
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Most of the errors in the firmware Xiaomi Redmi 4X are not related to the hardware, and the user’s inattention: the wrong path to files, a bad cable or inappropriate firmware version.
Initial data setup and recovery
Once the new system is successfully installed, the phone will boot with a welcome screen. The first run may take longer than usual as the system optimizes applications and creates the necessary files.
At the setup stage, you will be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi and log into your Mi Account.This is an important step to restore contacts, notes and other data if sync was previously enabled. If you did a full cleanup, then old apps and photos will have to be restored from Google backup or manually.
It is recommended to check the version immediately. MIUI In the settings and, if necessary, upgrade to a fresher build already by standard means, this will ensure the installation of the latest security patches and fix bugs that may have been present in the downloaded firmware. 4X ready to do full work again.