How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi 4X: 3 working methods with step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even it requires a firmware update over time. Perhaps you want to install a fresh version of MIUI, switch to custom firmware like LineageOS, or just restore the device after a failure. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of flashing, from official to alternative, with the nuances of the Redmi 4X.

It is important to understand that the procedure is not limited to clicking the button “Update”, the wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”, and the wrong firmware – to deprive of warranty or functionality (for example, disable modules). NFC or IR-We'll go through each step in detail so you can avoid the typical mistakes.

1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start

The first step is to save data. Flashing, especially through Fastboot or custom Recovery, almost always results in a complete reset (wipe). Even if you update through MIUI Updater without cleaning, the risk of loss of information remains.

• 📱 Backup in Mi Cloud: Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup. Make sure your contacts, notes and SMS.
• 💾 Local copy: transfer photos, videos and documents to your PC or external drive. Use Xiaomi for convenience PC suite MTP-regime.
• 🔧 Conservation IMEI and NVRAM: If you are planning a custom firmware, write down IMEI (type *#06#) And back up the folder. /data/nvram through TWRP.

The second step is to check firmware compatibility, and Redmi 4X has several versions:

• 🌍 Global – for the international market, supported by Google Services.
• 🇨🇳 China – no Google services, but with the latest updates MIUI.
• 📡 For specific regions (for example, India or Russia) – may differ in frequency range 4G.

Installing firmware from another version risks losing network or camera functionality. You can find out your modification in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version or through the command fastboot getvar product (should return santoni).

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X When purchased in China and locked at bootloader level, unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool can take up to 360 hours of waiting (by Xiaomi rules.

2. Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (the most secure)

This method is suitable for installing official updates without loss of data. It does not require unlocking the bootloader or using a PC, but only works if:

• 📶 You have a stable Wi-Fi connection (update weighs 1.5-2.5 GB).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%.
• 📱 The phone is not rooted and does not have custom Recovery.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three dots) in the upper right corner and select "Select the update file».
3. If the update is available online, click Download and wait until it is completed. If you already have a firmware file (with the.zip extension), select it manually.
4. After checking the file, click “Reboot and Update”.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes. The phone will reboot several times, which is normal. If you have a "MIUI app crashes" error after the update, reset the cache to Recovery: press Power + Volume up, select Wipe Cache.

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If the update is 0% or 50% hung, check the integrity of the downloaded file (compare the MD5 hash with the official one) or try to re-download it through another source (e.g. miuirom.org).

3. Method 2: Fastboot firmware (for official and custom ROM)

Fastboot is the most reliable method for installing official firmware, but requires a PC and an unlocked bootloader.

• 🔄 You want to go back to the old version. MIUI.
• 🛠️ The phone is “bricked” and does not load into the system.
• 📦 You need to install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), but you need to have an official firmware first. MIUI base.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📂 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for Redmi) 4X Look for files marked santoni).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\santoni_global).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Open the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select “Clean all” or “Clean all and lock” (clean up) mode. + For custom firmware, use "Clean all».
6. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (green tick in the log).

Make sure the battery is >50%|

Download firmware specifically for the model Santoni|

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Flash Tool)|

Connect the cable to the back. USB-PC port (front ports are often unstable)|

Check if the Mi Flash Tool has the right port (COM)-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware and the Mi Flash Tool has an anti-rollback error, you’ve tried to install an older version. MIUI, It's better than the one before, and in this case, it's only through the firmware that helps. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Method 3: Installation through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

A method for experienced users that allows you to install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS, HavocOS) or modified versions of MIUI.

• 🔧 Rooting capability (Magisk installations).
• 📦 Install GApps (Google Services) on custom firmware.
• 🔄 Easy switching between several ROM.

What to do before installing TWRP:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions on the official website).
2. Download the latest version of TWRP for santoni (e.g. from twrp.me).
3. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (part of Google’s Platform Tools).

Instructions for installing TWRP:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img




fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img

After entering TWRP:

1. Backup your current firmware (Backup → select Boot, System, Data).
2. Transfer the firmware file (.zip) to your phone or external memory card.
3. Click “Install”, select a file and swipe for confirmation.
4. If you install custom firmware without GApps, then sew the package after it open_gapps-arm-11.0-nano.zip (The version must match Android in the firmware!).
5. Run "Wipe Cache/Dalvik" and reboot.

5. firmware compatibility table for Redmi 4X

Below are the current firmware versions and their features for the santoni. Pay attention to the Type column - it indicates whether you need to unlock the bootloader.

For custom firmware, be sure to check reviews on forums (like 4PDA or XDA) – some builds may have issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or auto-brightness.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common:

• 🔴 "This package is for santoni devices" error: you try to install firmware from another model. Check the file name - it must contain santoni.
• 🔴 Hanging on the logo MI: It is usually associated with an incompatible version. TWRP Or the wrong wipe. Try flashing the official. MIUI via Fastboot.
• 🔴 Mistake. 7 into TWRP: occurs when you try to install firmware on an encrypted partition /data. The solution is to format Data in TWRP (see spoiler above).
• 🔴 Phone is not defined in Fastboot: check drivers, cable and port USB. Try running the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

If the IMEI disappeared after the firmware or the network stopped working, most likely, the NVRAM partition was damaged. You can restore it through TWRP by checking the modem.img and nvram.zip files (look for 4PDA in the Redmi 4X theme).

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Before any firmware check the hash amount (MD5) of the downloaded file! This will save you from installing damaged firmware that can "brick" the device. You can compare MD5 using the HashMyFiles utility (Windows) or the md5sum command name file.zip (Linux/Mac).

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If the custom ROM experiments didn't live up to expectations, you can always go back to stock MIUI.

1. Download the official firmware in.tgz format for your version (Global/China).
2. Install it via the Mi Flash Tool in "Clean All" mode (see Method 2).
3. If the phone is not loading, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account or help from a service center).

After returning to the official firmware:

• 🔄 The bootloader will be automatically blocked (if you choose Clean all and lock in the Mi Flash Tool).
• 📱 All data will be deleted, including internal memory.
• 🔧 Rooting and custom Recovery will disappear.

If you are planning to sell the phone, it is recommended to additionally reset FRP (Factory Reset Protection) so that the new owner can easily activate the device. After this, go to Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Delete all data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi flashing 4X