How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 4X through PC: full instructions with nuances

Why do you need to use Redmi 4X and when you need it?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users due to its reliability and low price, but over time, even it starts to “brake”, discharge in a few hours or give out errors in the operation of applications, firmware through a PC is one way to restore the device to its former functionality or even improve it.

The main reasons for reflashing are to upgrade to a newer version of MIUI (if official updates have stopped), install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, remove viruses after unsuccessful root-right experiments, and restore the brick after a failure. It is important to understand that the procedure carries risks - from data loss to complete failure of the phone if the sequence of actions is disrupted.

This guide is suitable for Redmi owners. 4X based on the Snapdragon processor 435 (model 2/3/4 If your device has a different hardware or brand (e.g. Redmi Note) 4X), The algorithm may differ. Clarify the device code name in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI) — It must match the santoni.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

The first and most important step is backing up data. PC firmware wipes out the phone's internal memory in 99% of cases, including photos, contacts and messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying to your computer.

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-File via the "Contact" application»)
• 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (save from the browser or password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (use a cloud or root manager if there is root)

Next, check the battery power, it must be at least 60%. If the phone runs out during firmware, it can lead to the inability to recover without service equipment (EDL-Prepare for the regime:

• 🖥️ Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit preferably)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (faulty cable is a common cause of errors)
• 🛠️ Drivers for Xiaomi (install Mi) PC Suite or Qualcomm Drivers Package)
• 📁 Firmware (official or custom, in.tgz or.zip format)

⚠️ Note: If you are flashing a phone with a locked bootloader, you will first need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool. Without this step, installing firmware through Fastboot will end up with an anti-rollback error.

Make sure your phone model is Redmi. 4X (santoni)|Download the correct firmware version for your modification|Install Qualcomm drivers and ADB|Disable the antivirus (it can block MiFlash)|Connect the phone to the back. USB-PC port (front ports are often unstable)-->

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

The type of firmware depends on the capabilities of the phone after installation. Xiaomi’s official MIUI versions provide stability, but may contain unnecessary apps and limitations. Custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS) offer more freedom, but require experience in setting up.

For beginners, it is recommended to start with the official Fastboot firmware. It can be downloaded from en.miui.com (choose the santoni version). Look for custom firmware on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, but check user reviews - some builds may contain errors.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Redmi 4X Redmi Note 4X (The code name mido is incompatible! If you install the wrong version, you'll get a brick.

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If you choose custom firmware, look at the Android version at its core. For Redmi 4X, Android 10 (Q) is considered the most stable, and Android 11 and later can work with bugs.

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware

All Xiaomi smartphones have a bootloader by default, a security measure that prevents unofficial software from being installed. To flash the phone through a PC, the bootloader needs to be unlocked. The procedure takes 3 to 7 days due to the Mi Account verification.

Unlocking algorithm:

1. Link your phone to your Mi Account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap on version, then return to Additional → For developers).
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
4. Launch the utility on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power).
5. If you see a message saying "Wait 168 hours", you have to wait 7 days.

Once you've successfully unlocked it, the phone will reboot with the data clearing, and now you can start the firmware. If you don't unlock it, check:

• 🔗 Is your Mi Account linked to your phone (sometimes you need to re-link)
• 🔄 Is the Mi Unlock Tool Updated to the Latest Version?
• 📡 Is the Internet connection stable (the program checks the online account)

Firmware through MiFlash: step-by-step instructions

The most reliable way to flash Redmi 4X is to use MiFlash, which works with official firmware in.tgz format and is suitable for recovery of bricks.

1. Download and unpack the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\santoni_fastboot).
2. Install drivers for Fastboot (if you haven't done it before).
3. Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will restart. It can take up to 15 minutes to launch the first one -- don't interrupt. If MiFlash comes up with an error, check:

• 📁 Is the firmware properly unpacked (there must be files) images\boot.img, system.img etc.)
• 🔌 Is the phone connected to the back? USB-Ports (front ports are often unstable)
• 🛡️ Is the antivirus disabled (it can block entry to system partitions)

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes after firmware, try to go to Recovery (click Volume Up). + Power) and reset (Wipe Data). If this doesn't work, re-scan with the Clean All option in MiFlash.

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MiFlash is the most reliable method for the Redmi 4X, but requires an unlocked bootloader. If the phone doesn't turn on (the "brick"), this method often helps to restore it.

Fastboot Firmware: An Alternative Method

If MiFlash doesn't work for some reason, you can manually run your phone through Fastboot commands, which requires you to know the console commands, but you have more control over the process.

• 🖥️ Established ADB Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google)
• 📁 Unpacked firmware in the folder with Fastboot
• 🔧 Patience – the process takes longer than in MiFlash

Instructions:

1. Open the command prompt in the firmware folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as described above).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Sweep through each section separately (example for boot.img): Fastboot flash boot boot.img Repeat for all files from the image folder (except userdata.img, if you do not want to lose data).
5. Clear the cache: fastboot erase cache
6. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

This method is useful if you only need to flash through individual partitions (for example, replace boot.img to get root), but it is more time-consuming and can cause errors when you skip steps.

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If you are running custom recovery (e.g. TWRP), use fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. But remember: you can’t install official MIUI updates after that, which will result in a stock recovery replacement.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the phone after a failed firmware does not respond to buttons and is not determined by the computer, try to transfer it to the computer. EDL-The mode (emergency loading:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable.
3. If the Qualcomm 9008 drivers are installed, the phone will be identified as QDLoader 9008.
4. Use MiFlash or QFil to recover.

⚠️ Attention: EDL-If that doesn't work, you'll need a programmer or a service center. Don't trust the "masters" who promise to restore in 5 minutes - it can be a scam.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions