Xiaomi Redmi 4X (The codename santoni is still a popular budget smartphone, but over time its performance drops, and official updates stop coming out. Firmware through a flash drive is one of the most reliable ways to update or restore a device, especially if the phone is not turning on, is getting stuck in fastboot mode or does not see an update through the air. USB-The storage device does not require a computer and is suitable even for "bricks" with a working recaveri.
In this article you will find the current 2026 ways of firmware Redmi 4X via flash drive: from choosing the right version MIUI (It's stable or it's developer, before you install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and we'll go through the nuances of unlocking the bootloader, formatting the drive, and solving common bugs like Error 7 or E:footer is wrong. If you've never flashed your phone, don't worry: instruction adapted for beginners, with step-by-step screenshots and verified links to files.
⚠️ Warning: Firmware through flash drive resets all data on phone if Redmi 4X still activated, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud: Devices with locked bootloader (without unlocking) will not be able to install custom firmware - only official versions MIUI.
1. Firmware Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Starting
Firmware through a flash drive on Redmi 4X Without it, you run the risk of getting a brick or running into errors like E:Signature verification failed:
- 🔋 The battery should be at least 60% charged, and when discharged during firmware, the phone may turn off and stop responding to buttons.
- 🔐 Unlocking the bootloader is mandatory for custom firmware. MIUI It can be installed without it, but with limitations.
- 💾 The flash drive should be formatted in FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS!). Maximum file size per FAT32 — 4 GB, so the firmware weighs >4GB will have to be broken.
- 📱 Recaveri version: on Redmi 4X It can be a stock Mi Recovery or custom (TWRP, OrangeFox. It depends on which firmware you can install.
How to check the current Recovery? Turn off the phone, then press Volume up. + Power before the Mi logo comes along. If you see a menu with items in Chinese or English, it's Mi Recovery. If you have a touchscreen interface with Install, you have it. TWRP.
⚠️ Note: If you install custom firmware on Redmi 4X With a locked bootloader, the phone after the reboot can hang on the Mi logo. This is called a "soft brick" - you can fix it only by unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2.Selection of firmware for Redmi 4X: formal MIUI vs. custom
The type of firmware depends not only on the functionality, but also on the method of installation.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Do you need unlocking? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Stable) | Maximum stability, support OTA-Updates, all camera and sensor functions are working. | Lots of bloatware (preinstalled applications), advertising in the system menu. | No (can be installed through stock Recovery) |
| Official. MIUI (developer) | New features are earlier than the stable version, less restrictions for modifications. | Bugs, more frequent updates (not always convenient) are possible. | No. |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Clean Android without ads, better performance, long-term support. | It may not work: NFC, IR-blaster, some sensors. OTA-update. | Yes. |
| Port from other devices (e.g. MIUI from Redmi 5) | Sometimes they are better optimized or have new features. | High risk of bugs, sensor or communication problems. | Yes. |
🔹 Where to download firmware for Redmi 4X?
- 🌐 Officially MIUI: Xiaomi website (choose the Redmi model) 4X or santoni).
- 🔧 Custom firmware: XDA Developers or Telegram channel santoni.
- ⚠️ Ports and Modifications: Search in thematic groups (e.g, 4PDA), But check the reviews!
Important: Firmware for Redmi 4X There are two types of processor, the Snapdragon 430 and the Snapdragon 435. → The phone. → Full specification ("Processor"). Installing the wrong firmware will lead to bootloop!
3. Preparation of the flash drive: formatting and writing firmware
Redmi firmware flash drive 4X It has to be prepared in a special way.
Format the flash drive into FAT32 (cluster size 4096 bytes)|
Download the firmware and check its integrity (MD5)|
Rename the firmware file to update.zip (for MIUI) Or leave the original name (for custom)|
Place the file in the root of the flash drive (not in the folder!)|
It is safe to remove the flash drive from the computer
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Step-by-step:
- Formatting: Connect the flash drive to the PC. Open this computer. → PKM flash drive → Format. Select the file system. FAT32, cluster size 4096 bytes, volume mark (e.g, MIUI). Click Start and wait until it is completed.
- Firmware Record: Downloaded firmware file (usually in.zip or.tgz format) do not unpack! update.zip (formal MIUI) Leave the original name (for example, lineage-18.1-20260315-UNOFFICIAL-santoni.zip). Drag the file to the root of the flash drive (do not create folders!).
- Check: Make sure that there is only one firmware file on the flash drive (additional files may cause errors).
⚠️ Note: If the firmware weighs more than 4 GB (for example, some Pixel Experience builds), it should be broken into pieces using the utility. 7-Zip or WinRAR, and then write all the parts to the flash drive (update.zip.001, update.zip.002 etc. In TWRP Select the first part – the recovery will automatically collect the file.
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If the flash drive is not detected in the Recovery, try using OTG-External powered cable or smaller drive (up to 32 GB) Some custom recavers do not support 64 GB or more drives.
4. Firmware through stock recavery (Mi Recovery)
Xiaomi stock recavators allow you to install only official firmware MIUI format update.zip. Brush firmware or modified files it blocks with E:footer is wrong error.
Instructions:
- Turn off the Redmi 4X.
- Hold the Loud up. + Food before the appearance of the Mi logo (recaveri mode).
- In the Recaveri menu, select the language (if there is an option), then: 📁 Install update.zip to System One (or similar item). Confirm the choice.
Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
🔹 What to do if the recaveri does not see the flash drive?
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-storage device (preferably not more than 32 GB).
- 🔄 Reconnect the flash drive or use it OTG-powerhouse.
- 📂 Make sure the file is named exactly. update.zip (register!).
What if the firmware is stuck at 5% or 50%?
5. Firmware through TWRP: installing custom firmware
Castom Recovery TWRP It opens up any firmware installation, but it requires an unlocked bootloader. TWRP, First install it through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.imgStep-by-step instructions for firmware through TWRP:
- Boot into TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power.
- If you request a password (if encryption has been enabled), enter it or make Format Data (all data will be erased!).
- Select from the main menu: 📁 Install → specify the path to the firmware file on the flash drive. 🔲 Check the Zip signature verification box (if any). 🔄 Swipe to confirm Flash (Swipe to confirm Flash).
Once installed, press Reboot System. The first run can take up to 15 minutes.
⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) be sure to slick:
- Firmware (e.g. firmware, lineage-18.1-...-santoni.zip),
- Gapps (e.g., Gapps, OpenGapps-arm64-11.0-nano-...zip),
- Magisk (if you need root, file) Magisk-v26.4.zip).
Order matters! First firmware, then Gapps, then Magisk.
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If after the customization ROM phone doesn't see SIM-Check if the assembly supports your version of the modem, sometimes you need to flash a separate file. modem.img fastboot.
6. Solving typical firmware errors through a flash drive
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| E:footer is wrong | A damaged firmware file or the wrong name. | Download the firmware, check it out. MD5, rename update.zip. |
| Error 7 | Incompatibility of firmware with the device (for example, firmware for Snapdragon 435 on Snapdragon 430). | Download the correct firmware version for your processor. |
| E:unknown command [log] | Problem with Recaveri (often in older versions) TWRP). | Update. TWRP Up to the latest version (e.g. 3.7.0). |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware (bootloop) | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process. | Repeat the firmware via fastboot or TWRP full-wipe → Format Data). |
| The flash drive is undetectable. | Problems with OTG filesystem. | Try another flash drive (up to 32GB, FAT32), OTG-powerhouse. |
🔹 What to do if the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo after firmware?
- Press Volume up + Food for the entrance to the recaveri.
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
Run a wipe and repeat the firmware.
7. Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware
If you plan to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, Redmi bootloader 4X The official way is through Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool.
How to unlock the bootloader:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Enable Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM. Link your Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
Download the phone to fastboot (clip Volume Down) + Nutrition).
Connect to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 3-5 minutes).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block the unlock if:
- 🔒 New Mi Account (less than 7 days after creation).
- 📵 The phone was not tied to the account in the settings.
- 🌍 You're using it. VPN Or you are in a restricted area (e.g. China).
🔹 Alternative way to unlock: If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t work, you can use informal tools like XiaomiTool. V2, It is risky to block your Mi Account.
8.Optimization after firmware: what to do next
After a successful firmware Redmi 4X Through the flash drive, it is recommended to perform several steps for stable operation:
- ⚡ First launch: Don't connect to Wi-Fi/Mobile network immediately - wait for the full system load (may take up to a maximum of three days). 10 minute).
- 🔄 Update of the firmware: If you have installed an official MIUI, Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🛡️ Security: Enable Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM (If you are planning further modifications).
- 🗑️ Cleanup: Remove unnecessary apps through Settings → Annexes (in) MIUI plenty of bloatware).
🔹 How to return stock recaps after TWRP?
If you want to go back to the original Xiaomi Recovery, download the official file recovery.img for your version MIUI and run through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot⚠️ Attention: After returning to the drain recavator installation of custom firmware through the flash drive will be impossible - you will need to re-unlock the loader and install TWRP.
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If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI If your mobile network is not working, restore it through the engineering menu (##4636##) or run the file nvram.zip for your model.