Owners of the popular Redmi 4X often face the need to reinstall the operating system, which can be caused by the desire to move from the Chinese version of firmware to the global Global ROM, the need to roll back to a more stable version, or fix software failures.
Modern firmware techniques allow you to perform the procedure even without deep technical knowledge, if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions. However, do not forget that any manipulation of the system partition carries certain risks. Before starting work, you should make sure that you fully understand each step and prepare all the necessary tools.
In this article, we will discuss two main ways to install software: through the built-in Recovery menu and through the Fastboot bootloader mode using a computer. The first option is simpler and suitable for updating within a single branch, the second one gives full control of the device and allows you to change the firmware region.
⚠️ Attention: All actions you perform at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for the possible failure of the device or loss of personal data.
Preparation of the device and the necessary software
The first step to successful firmware is to carefully prepare the workplace and tools.You will need the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone itself. 4X, fit USB-The quality of the cable is critical: cheap cords often do not provide a stable connection, which can lead to interruption of data recording and "bricking" of the gadget.
On the computer you need to install current drivers ADB Fastboot and Qualcomm’s specialized drivers, as the Snapdragon processor 435 It's based on this architecture, and without the drivers installed correctly, it won't be able to recognize the phone in bootloader mode. ADB/Fastboot Tools or official Mi Flash Tool for working with system images.
☑️ Preparation for flashing
Remember to make a full backup of important data. During the firmware process, especially when you change the firmware type (for example, from CN to Global), internal memory will be completely cleared. Save photos, documents and contacts to the Mi Cloud service or transfer them to your computer.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The official firmware of Xiaomi devices is only possible with the bootloader unlocked, a tamper protection that the company has implemented to keep users safe. The Redmi 4X model is standard, but takes time to wait for the servers to respond.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to settings, select About Phone, and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu. In advanced settings, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account. Then you need to apply for unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Status program on your PC.
How long will it take to unlock?
Once you receive the SMS permission notice, you can start unlocking. Put your phone in Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the device is turned off) and connect it to your PC. In Mi Unlock, press the unlock button. The process will take a few minutes, after which all the data on the phone will be deleted.
Choosing the Right Version of the Firmware
Choosing the right firmware file is key to a stable smartphone. There are many modifications to the Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni), and it is important not to confuse the Redmi 4 Prime or Redmi 4A version, as they have different hardware.
There are two main types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. Recovery files have the.zip extension and are designed to be installed via the recovery menu or OTA-Fastboot files have the.tgz extension and require a connection to a computer. Fastboot version is better for full flashing with data cleaning.
| Type of firmware | Expansion | Appointment | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | .zip | Update "over the air" or manually | Possibly (when selecting "Keep Data") |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Complete system reinstallation via PC | No (full clean-up) |
| Recovery (Global) | .zip | Switching from CN to Global (requires unlocking) | No. |
| Fastboot (Global) | .tgz | Transition to the global version | No. |
You should only download files from trusted sources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers. Using modified builds from unknown authors can lead to unstable operation of communication modules or cameras.
Firmware through Recovery Mode
This method is suitable if you already have global firmware installed and you want to just upgrade to a newer version, or if you are upgrading from Chinese to global, but the bootloader is already unlocked.
To enter recovery mode, turn off your phone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. After the Mi logo appears, release power, but keep the volume. In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.
Select a language (if available) and go to Wipe Data. You can select Wipe All Data for clean installation. After cleaning, go back to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant (for PC installation via ADB Sideload) or simply select a firmware file if the menu allows local installation.
⚠️ Warning: If you try to install global firmware over Chinese without first unlocking the bootloader, the process will be interrupted with the error "Can't verify update update".
If you use the ADB Sideload method, connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the ADB tool folder, and type in the command:
adb sideload name file firmware.zipInstallation with Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
The most reliable way to flash Redmi 4X is to use the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you to completely rewrite all memory partitions, excluding software conflicts. Download and unpack the firmware archive (.tgz format) on the C disk so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clambing the volume button when connecting to a PC). Press the "Refresh" button in the program, the device ID should appear. If the path is displayed instead of the ID, drivers may not be installed.
In the program interface, select the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Pay special attention to the three points at the bottom of the window:
- 🟢 Clean all – complete cleaning and installation (recommended).
- 🔵 Save user data – a data-saving installation (may cause errors when changing region).
- 🔴 Clean all and lock – complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (use only with the original firmware for the region of the device!).
After you select the mode, press the Flash button. It takes 200 to 600 seconds. The status bar will display progress. When it's finished, the phone will automatically restart. The first boot can last up to 10 minutes.
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Use the "Clean All" mode for maximum system stability after flashing.
Possible errors and their solution
There may be a number of bugs in the firmware process. 0x80004005 often indicates access rights or antivirus issues. Try running the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and temporarily disabling the security software.
If the program produces a "Miss matching image and device" error, you have downloaded the firmware for the wrong model. Make sure the file name has the santoni code. Use of firmware for prada (Redmi 4 Prime) or rolex (Redmi 4A) is strictly prohibited.
A Flash Error or a certain percentage of the error may be caused by a bad USB-Try connecting the cable directly to the motherboard port (behind the PC) without having to connect it directly to the motherboard port (behind the PC). USB-hubs and front panels of the case.
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If the phone has gone into an endless bootloop, try pressing the power and volume button down for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot, then repeat the firmware procedure in Fastboot mode.