Xiaomi Redmi 4X, released in 2017 on the basis of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, is still popular due to its reliability and autonomy. However, time takes its toll: accumulated software debris, errors in the MIUI interface or the desire to install custom Android firmware of a more recent version make you think about a complete reinstallation of the system, this process requires care, but allows you to give the device a second life.
There are several ways to get your gadget back to factory status or to install a clean operating system, depending on whether the screen and menu are working, whether the bootloader is locked, and what purpose is being pursued: simple resetting or deep flashing. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step so that you can safely perform all the necessary manipulations.
Before you start any action, it's critical to understand the risks, because if you don't do the steps right, you can cause the phone to stop turning on, turn into a brick. So, you have to study the theory carefully and prepare all the tools in advance, and you have to be careful, and you have to be careful.
⚠️ Note: All flashing actions you perform at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for damage to your device.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The first step is to build the arsenal. You're going to need the Redmi smartphone itself. 4X, fit USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue with thick wires) and a computer running Windows. Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 60%, as the firmware process is energy intensive and the interruption of power is fatal.
Make sure to back up all your important data. When you reinstall the system, all your information will be permanently deleted. Photos, contacts, and documents can be saved to Google Drive or copied to your computer. A full backup is the only insurance against loss of personal files.
The main tool for Xiaomi-based devices is the Mi Flash Tool, and you may also need ADB and Qualcomm drivers, which are often installed automatically, but better prepared in advance.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 4X battery-charged.
- 💻 Computer or laptop with Windows operating system 7/10/11.
- 🔌 USB-good quality cable for data transmission.
- 💾 Archive with firmware and installed program Mi Flash Tool.
☑️ Preparation for flashing
Don't forget to check your device's model. Redmi 4X has several modifications (global, Chinese, Indonesian), and firmware from one version may not fit the other or cause errors in the communication modules. The exact model can be found in the settings or on the box.
How to reinstall the system on Redmi 4X
The choice of method depends on the current state of the gadget. If the menu opens and works steadily, you can do with regular funds. If the system hangs on the logo or constantly reboots, deeper methods of intervention will be required.
The easiest option is to reset through the Recovery Recovery menu, which does not require a computer and allows you to clear all user data by returning the settings to factory settings, which solves 90% of software problems associated with update errors or application conflicts.
A more sophisticated but effective method is to use Fastboot and Mi Flash, which allows you to completely rewrite all memory parts, including system ones, which is useful for serious crashes or viruses, and there is also an EDL (Emergency Download) mode that is used to recover bricks, but it requires an unlocked account or paid services.
It is important to distinguish between “reset” and “firmware.” Reset clears the user partition, leaving the system files to unuched. Firmware replaces the operating system files themselves with new ones. For Redmi 4X, it is often the firmware that is relevant, since official air updates for this model have already stopped.
Reset to factory settings via Recovery menu
If the phone turns on but doesn't work properly, start with Recovery Mode, which is a built-in minimalist interface for servicing the device, and is logged in by a combination of buttons when the phone is off.
Turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power, keep the volume up. In a few seconds, the Main Menu menu will open.
Navigation in this menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed by the power button. You need to find the Wipe Data item. Select it and confirm the action by selecting Wipe All Data. The system will warn you about the loss of data - agree.
⚠️ Warning: After resetting via Recovery, the phone can take up to 10 minutes to boot when first turned on.
Once the cleaning process is complete, select Reboot → Reboot to System. The device will reboot and you will see the screen of the initial setup, as when you buy a new phone. This is the safest way to clean up memory without the risk of flashing it over.
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If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, focus on the icons or color: the reset button is usually red or lower in the list.
Fastboot Firmware with Mi Flash Tool
For a deeper reinstallation, you'll need a computer. First, download the official firmware for Redmi 4X (codename santoni) from miui.com or proven resources. You need a file with the.tgz extension (Fastboot ROM) rather than.zip (Recovery ROM).
Unpack the firmware archive in the root of the C disk so that the path is short, for example. C:\ROM\santoni_global. Long paths with Cyrillic can cause firmware error. Next, install Qualcomm drivers and ADB, If not built into the Mi Flash Tool.
Turn your phone into Fastboot mode. Turn the device off and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit fixing an android that says FASTBOOT. Connect the phone to a PC.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press Refresh, your device should appear in the list. Press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, select Clean all or Clean all and lock.
| Firmware mode | Description of action | Data retention | Locking the loader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | Complete system reinstallation | No (all removed) | No (remains unlocked) |
| Clean all and lock | Full reinstallation + protection | No (all removed) | Yes (blocked) |
| Save user data | Update without losing files | Yes (retained) | No. |
Press the Flash button and wait for it to be completed. It takes 200 to 500 seconds. Once you have a successful firmware, the Result column will show a success sign, and the phone will automatically restart.
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Use Clean All and Lock mode only if you return the phone to a drain state for sale or transfer to another person.
Solving problems and errors in firmware
Errors can occur during the reinstallation process, and one of the most common is Flash error or Missmatching image and device, which means that the firmware you choose is not suitable for your model or the bootloader version is not the firmware version.
If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit) or another cable. Also check Windows Device Manager: Android Device must have an Android Bootloader Interface device.
The Can't open serial error often indicates driver problems, in which case, try reinstalling drivers manually through Device Manager, pointing the way to the Qualcomm driver folder.
- 🚫 Error 8603 - Try to change USB-port.
- 🚫 Error 8200 – Wrong path to firmware files (use Latin script).
- 🚫 Error 8500 – Connection problem, reconnect cable.
- 🚫 Anti-rollback error: An attempt to install an older version of the software than is allowed.
There's also a problem with activating your Mi Account after you've been firmware, and if you've linked your phone to your account, you'll need to reset your password, and that's anti-theft protection, and you won't be able to log in without a password.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the Mi logo?
Features of unlocking the bootloader for Redmi 4X
To install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) or obtain Superuser (Root) rights, you need to unlock the bootloader.The official method requires an application via the Mi Unlock Status app and a wait of 7 to 30 days.
The unlocking process is also done through Fastboot and Mi Unlock on PC, and once successfully unlocked, all data on the phone will be deleted, a security measure that the manufacturer has in place.
It is worth remembering that unlocked bootloader reduces the security of the device: in the case of theft, attackers can access data, and some banking applications may refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or installed Magisk.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty (if it was still in effect) and increase the risk of software failures if misused.
For Redmi 4X, there are many ready-made solutions in the form of custom TWRP recavators. TWRP installation is possible only after unlocking the bootloader, which allows you to install firmware directly from the memory card or through ADB Sideload without using a computer.
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Before unlocking the bootloader, make sure that the device search function is enabled in the phone settings and the Mi Account is tied to the current phone number.