Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release. However, over time, standard MIUI firmware begins to slow down and official updates stop coming out. Reflashing through the recavers is one of the most reliable ways to return the device to performance or install custom firmware. But without proper preparation, the process can turn into a brick.
In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to running Redmi 4X firmware through TWRP or stock recavators, picking the right firmware (official, global or customized like LineageOS), and how to avoid common bugs. We’ll highlight the critical issues that 90% of users miss when they first run, from checking file compatibility to formatting partitions correctly.
If you've never been to an Android device, start with the preparation section. Experienced users can immediately go to the installation instructions via TWRP or stock recavator. At the end of the article, answer frequent questions and a list of proven sources for downloading firmware.
1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting
Flashing through the Recovery is a process that requires careful attention at every step. The first thing to do is make sure the firmware is compatible with your Redmi 4X model. The device has several modifications (for example, with 2/16 GB or 3/32 GB of memory), but the firmware should be suitable for all options if it is designed for santoni code.
List of mandatory training:
- 🔋 Charge the phone to at least 60% - when discharged during firmware, there is a high risk of damaging system partitions.
- 📱 Make sure the bootloader is unlocked on the device. TWRP You can check the status by fastboot oem device-info, if Device unlocked: true, it's okay.
- 💾 Backup important data. Firmware through recovers doesn't usually erase user files, but a factory reset may be required when switching to another version of Android.
- 🔧 Prepare the cable. USB Type-C (original or high-quality analogue) and PC with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Redmi 4X suitable:
- 🌍 Official global (MIUI Global Stable – stable but with customization limitations.
- 🛠️ Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) – require an unlocked bootloader and TWRP.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese (MIUI China – not recommended due to lack of Google services and language packages.
⚠️ Note: Firmware version for another region (for example, Chinese version of Redmi global modification) 4X) This can cause a mobile network to fail or errors with IMEI. Always check the model and region matching in the firmware file name.
2.Recovery pick: TWRP vs Stock Recovery
On the Redmi 4X, you can install firmware through stock Recovery (from Xiaomi) or TWRP (castom).
| Criteria | Stock Recovery | TWRP |
|---|---|---|
| Supported firmware | Official MIUI (ZIP) only | Any (ZIP, IMG, custom) |
| Requires unlocking of the loader | No. | Yes. |
| Backup capability | No. | Yeah (full system backup) |
| Installation of Magisk (root) | No. | Yes. |
| Risk of "bricking" | Low. | Medium (with incorrect actions) |
If you plan to install an official MIUI firmware (for example, for recovery from a failure), stock recavers are perfect. Custom firmware or modifications (root, kernel) will require TWRP.
You can download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 4X (santoni) on the official website. Note the bitwise processor: santoni uses ARM64, so firmware for ARM will not work.
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Before installing TWRP, check the hash amount of the downloaded file (MD5 or SHA1) to avoid errors due to corrupted archives. The hash can be checked using the certutil -hashfile utility MD5 file name in the Windows command line.
3. Installation of TWRP on Redmi 4X
If you've chosen a custom recaveri, you need to install it first.
- Download the current version of TWRP for santoni (file with.img extension).
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
- After successful installation, restart to the Recovery team: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img
Important: after the first boot in TWRP, the system may suggest installing DM-Verity. Accept, otherwise the device will not boot, and it is recommended to immediately make a backup of the EFS partition (responsible for IMEI and modem).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone is loaded into the stock recavery, so you have rollback protection on, so you need to flash a special patch or use a version. TWRP bypassing protection (e.g, TWRP OrangeFox).
Download firmware (ZIP) for santoni|Check the hash amount of the file|Backup in. TWRP (including EFS)|Disable signature verification in settings TWRP|Charge the phone. >50%-->
4.Firmware through stock Recovery
If you install an official MIUI, the stock recavator can handle it without any further manipulation.
- Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (section) MIUI Downloads. For Redmi. 4X Choose files marked Santoni.
- Rename the firmware file to update.zip and place it at the root of the phone’s internal memory (not in folders!).
- Turn off the device and press Volume up + Power to enter the stock Recovery.
- Select the language (if available), then Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (usually takes 2-5 minutes).
- After the reboot, reset your settings (Wipe & Reset) if the firmware is older or in another region.
Stock recavators do not support custom firmware or modifications. If you need to flash LineageOS or Pixel Experience, use TWRP.
What if the stock recap doesn't see update.zip?
5. Firmware through TWRP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing custom or official firmware through TWRP requires more steps, but gives you more options.
- Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on the phone off).
- Make a full backup of the current system (Boot, System, Data, EFS sections). To do this, select Backup → tick the desired sections → swipe for confirmation.
- Do Wipe (clean): For official MIUI: Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation). For custom firmware: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
Install
.zip
- 🔄 Gapps (Google services, if not included in firmware).
- 🔐 Magisk (for root rights, if necessary).
- Reboot → System: The first launch can take up to 10 minutes.
After returning to stock firmware, it is recommended to reset settings (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset) to avoid conflicts with the remaining custom firmware files.