How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X via computer: complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (The codename mido remains a popular smartphone even years after its release, thanks to its robust hardware and strong support for custom firmware. OTA It has been long since stopped, and the desire to install a new version has been MIUI, LineageOS or Pixel Experience requires manual flashing. In this article, we will discuss how to safely flash Redmi Note. 4X through the computer, avoiding "bricks" and errors.

Firmware via PC is the only way to install unofficial software or roll back on the old version MIUI, If the smartphone is stuck with the logo or is unstable, but the process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for your modification (mido or micro-modification). mido_global). We will look at both official methods – through MiFlash (for stock firmware) and Fastboot (for custom builds), and also give tips for recovery after unsuccessful attempts.

1. Firmware Preparation: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Redmi Note Reflashing 4X through the PC - the process is irreversible, and errors at any stage can lead to a "brick" (complete failure of the device:

• 🔋 The battery charge of the smartphone is at least 70%. When discharged during firmware, the device can fail.
• 💻 Drivers are installed on the computer ADB/Fastboot and MiFlash (for Windows). macOS/Linux You will need to manually set up fastboot.
• 📱 You have a backup of the data. The firmware erases the internal memory).
• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked. Without it, custom firmware cannot be installed (official) MIUI It can also be used with a blocked loader).

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. for Redmi Note 4X There are several types of files:

• 📦 Fastboot firmware (.tgz or.zip) – for installation via MiFlash or fastboot».
• 📱 Recovery firmware (.zip) – installed through TWRP Or stock recovery. It's more commonly used for updates.
• 🔧 LineageOS, Pixel Experience – require unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Firmware version MIUI Global on the device MIUI China (and vice versa) without first cleaning the persist partition can lead to problems with sensors or modem. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

If you are planning to install custom firmware, keep in mind that:

• 🔄 It will. TWRP (mido version F2FS).
• 🔒 Some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may block work on unofficial software due to the lack of Google SafetyNet certification.
• 📡 Xiaomi features like Mi Cloud or Theme Store may not work properly.

2 Unlock bootloader on Redmi Note 4X

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can only flash the official MIUI MiFlash, for custom firmware or TWRP Xiaomi has made the process more complicated in recent years, but for the Redmi Note 4X He's still a worker.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

1. Enable Settings on your smartphone → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM and debugging by USB.

2. log in to Mi Account in your phone settings (required!) Account must be over 72 hours.

3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Step 2: Request Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).

2. Launch the program, log in to the same Mi Account as on the phone.

3. Follow the instructions: the program will check the ability to unlock. If a message appears "Couldn't unlock" with a timer (for example, 72 hours), wait for the specified time.

⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader on this device, but then flashed the official MIUI, The bootloader could lock again, and then you'd have to repeat the procedure.

Alternative method (for experienced users):

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the device, you can use fastboot oem unlock-go (does not work on all versions). MIUI). The command must be entered in Fastboot mode:

fastboot devices


fastboot oem unlock-go

Installation of official MIUI via MiFlash

This method is suitable for:

• 🔄 Recovery of the smartphone after a failure ("brick»).
• 📥 Reverse to the old version MIUI.
• 🔒 Firmware with a blocked bootloader (if you use the official Fastboot firmware).

Step 1: Download firmware and MiFlash

1. Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi Note 4X (mido) from the official website:

- MIUI Downloads (select the Fastboot version instead of Recovery!).

For the global version, look for files marked global.

2. Download MiFlash (the latest version) from xiaomiflashtool.com.

Step 2: Preparing the phone

1. Turn off the Redmi Note. 4X.

2.Put the Volume down. + Food to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-hushanka will appear).

3. Connect the phone to the PC.

Step 3: Firmware through MiFlash

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\mido_global).

2. Launch MiFlash, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.

3. At the bottom of the program, select the firmware mode:

- Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing version) MIUI).

- Clean all and lock - cleaning + Loader lock (only for official firmware!).

Save user data – data retention (not always working correctly)

4. Press Refresh, your device should appear in the list. Then click Flash.

⚠️ Note: If the process is stuck in the waiting for device stage, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 is sometimes a problem).

It takes 5-10 minutes to run the firmware. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 15 minutes -- don't turn it off!

4. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) via Fastboot

Custom firmware gives Redmi Note 4X Second Life: New Android Versions, No Advertising MIUI But they require an unlocked bootloader to install and optimize. TWRP.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP Recovery

1. Download the latest version TWRP for mido from the official website: twrp.me (choose version with support) F2FS).

2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).

3. In Fastboot mode, execute the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Firmware custom software

1. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience) and GApps (if you need Google services) on the site XDA Developers.

2. Move files (.zip) to the external SD-the card or internal memory through MTP into TWRP.

3.B. TWRP execute:

- Wipe → Advanced Wipe (tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).

- Install → select the firmware file → Swipe to confirm.

Repeat for GApps (if necessary).

4.Reboot to the system (Reboot) → System).

⚠️ Attention: Once you install custom firmware Magisk (for root rights), you need to stitch separately - some builds do not include it by default. 25.2+ Android 11/12.

If you've got custom software running your phone, or it's stuck on your logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the installation with complete cleaning (Format Data in the TWRP).
• 📥 Swipe another firmware version (some assemblies conflict with core modules).
• 🔧 Back on the stock. MIUI via MiFlash (see section 3).

💡

If after firmware custom software does not work mobile network, check the settings APN or file separately with the modem (file) modem.img From stock firmware) via Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔌 Download Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img (firmware).
• 🔧 Use it. EDL-Mode (emergency firmware mode) using MiFlashPro or QFil. Requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

💡

If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons and isn’t determined by the PC, try clamping Volume up. + Loudness down + Power for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.

6. Recovery after "brick" (not included, stuck on the logo)

If Redmi Note 4X It stopped turning on after a bad firmware, don't panic, it can be restored in 90% of cases»:

• 🔄 Soft-brick: The phone vibrates when you press buttons, but it doesn't load beyond the logo. TWRP.
• 💀 Hard-brick: the device does not respond to buttons, is not detected by the PC. EDL-mode.

Method 1: Fastboot Firmware (for Soft-Brick)

1. Enter the phone in Fastboot (Loudness down) + Nutrition).

2. Sweep the official Fastboot firmware through MiFlash (see Section 3).

Method 2: EDL-mode (for Hard Brick)

1 Download MiFlashPro or QFil.

2. Connect the phone to the PC, keeping Volume up + Volume down (to be defined as Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).

3. Download. EDL-Firmware for mido (see for the 4PDA or XDA).

4.Swipe through MiFlashPro with a selection of all partitions (Programmer) + Firehose).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware in EDL-The mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices). 4X This method usually works without authorization, but there are no guarantees.

If the phone is not even fixed in EDL, check:

• 🔌 Cable and USB-Port (Try another computer).
• 🔋 Battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes before trying).
• 🔧 Integrity USB-port on the phone (for physical damage, repair is required).

7. Post-firmware optimization

After successful firmware (especially custom software) it is recommended:

• 🔧 Disable unnecessary services: Go to Settings → Annexes → Show all apps and disable pre-installed Xiaomi services you don’t use (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
• 📵 Set up autoload: in TWRP through ADB Turn off auto-run background apps to save battery.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: after firmware discharge the phone to 0% and charge up to 100% without interruptions (repeat 2-3 times).
• 🛡️ Install Magisk: If you need root rights, swipe Magisk through TWRP (Download the latest version from GitHub).

For custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) additionally:

• 🔄 Update Open GApps to the latest version (if installed).
• 📡 Check the work of VoLTE and ViLTE in the modem settings (some firmware requires manual adjustment).
• 🎯 Install the FrancoKernel or Perseus kernel for better performance (optional).

💡

To speed up custom firmware, turn off the interface animation. → For developers → Window animation (0.5x) and Transition animation (0.5x).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 4X