How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release. However, over time, the performance of the device may fall, and official updates from Xiaomi cease to come out. Flashing is one way to return the device to performance, get the latest version of Android or install custom firmware with advanced features.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all methods of firmware: MIUI Updater, Fastboot and TWRP We will understand how to unlock the bootloader, where to download official and unofficial firmware, and also warn against typical errors that can turn your Redmi. 4X In the "brick." We will pay special attention to the compatibility of firmware with device modifications (3/32 GB vs. 4/64 GB – this nuance is often overlooked in other guides.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Flashing is a process that requires care, and doing the wrong thing can cause data loss, malfunctions, or even a complete failure of the device.

• 📱 Save all the data: contacts, photos, messages. The firmware erases internal memory (except when you update through the Internet). MIUI Updater without resetting).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60 percent, and interruption of the process due to battery discharge is fraught with consequences.
• 🔗 Check the device model: go to Settings → Make sure you have a Redmi. 4X (santoni), not Redmi 4/4A/4 Prime.
• 🖥️ Install drivers: to work with Fastboot and ADB On PC will require drivers Xiaomi (you can download on the official website).

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you will need to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🛠️ Install custom Recovery TWRP.
• 📂 Download firmware compatible with your Redmi modification 4X (see the table below).

⚠️ Note: Unofficial build firmware voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may disrupt some features (e.g., VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling).

Redmi 4X Firmware: Where to Download and How to Choose

Xiaomi offers two types of official firmware for the Redmi 4X:

1. Recovery ROM – installed via standard MIUI Recovery, suitable for updating without data reset.
2. Fastboot ROM requires a PC connection and the use of MiFlash. Completely rewrites the system partition.

Download official firmware on the sites:

• 🌐 Official portal MIUI (Choose the Global, China or EEA).
• 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – archive of all versions with update history.

Important: Firmware for Redmi modifications 4X s 3/32 GB and 4/64 GBs are interchangeable, but some custom builds may require a specific version of the bootloader. check compatibility on forums (e.g., check for compatibility, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

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If you downloaded firmware in.tgz, unpack it before using MiFlash. The utility does not work with archives.

Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (without PC)

The easiest and safest method is to update through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official firmware without losing data, but has limitations:

• ✅ You can only update to new versions (you can’t roll back).
• ✅ All settings and files are saved.
• ❌ Doesn't work for custom firmware.
• ❌ Requires a stable connection to Wi-Fi.

Instructions:

1. Open the system update (MIUI Updater) application.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the device hung on the logo MI, Reset through Recovery: Press the Volume Up + Power, select Wipe Data.

Download the firmware in.zip format|Check the battery charge (>50%)|Connect to Wi-Fi|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (full reset)

The Fastboot method is suitable for:

• 🔄 Brick recovery (if the device is not turned on).
• 📥 Installation of official firmware with complete data erasure.
• 🔓 Unlock the loader (if it is blocked).

The work will require:

• PC with installed Xiaomi drivers and MiFlash utility.
• USB Type-C cable (original or high-quality analogue).
• Firmware in.tgz format (unpacked in a folder).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off Redmi 4X and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Open MiFlash, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (loader lock).
5. Press Refresh, then Flash, and it takes 3-5 minutes.

Once it's done, it automatically restarts, and it can take up to 10 minutes to turn on the first thing, which is normal.

Method 3: Install custom firmware through TWRP

Custom firmware (such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS) allows you to get the current version of Android (up to 12-13) on Redmi 4X.

1. Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
2. Installed custom TWRP recap.
3. A firmware compatible with santoni.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

To unlock:

1. Apply on the Mi Unlock website (you will need a Mi Account linked to the device).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Follow the instructions of the program. Usually, unlocking takes 72-168 hours (3-7 days).

Step 2: Installation of TWRP

After unlocking:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for santoni from twrp.me.
2. In Fastboot mode, execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img
3. Reboot to Recavator: Fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img.

Step 3: Install custom firmware

TWRP:

1. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Back Up).
2. Do the reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, Data, System).
3. Install → Select.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installing the firmware, repeat the step for GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware requires additional patches (e.g., VoLTE or Wi-Fi.

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Castom firmware on Android 10+ may not support data encryption on Redmi 4X. If after installation the device asks for a password and you did not set it, format the Data partition in TWRP (FORMAT DATA → enter "yes").

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If VoLTE or ViLTE is missing after firmware, try:

• Install a patch for modems (look for 4PDA in your firmware theme).
• Manually select the network in Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
• Reverse to the official firmware and repeat the process.

How to return the official firmware after custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can restore the official MIUI.

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your region (see table above).
2. Unpack the archive and launch MiFlash.
3. Log in to Fastboot on your phone and connect it to your PC.
4. In MiFlash, select Clean All and Lock mode – this will lock the bootloader and return the device to the factory state.

After the firmware:

• The device will automatically restart.
• Go through the initial setup (as after purchase).
• Update to the latest version via MIUI Updater.

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader after installing custom firmware can lead to a brick (device failure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 4X