How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Why to Switch Redmi Note 4X in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still a popular device due to its reliability and the ability to install modern firmware. Even 7 years after its release (the model was released in January 2017), enthusiasts are releasing custom builds based on Android 12/13, which allows the device to compete with budget innovations.

The main reasons are the outdated official MIUI (the latest stable version for the Note 4X - MIUI 11 based on Android 7), the lack of security updates, the brakes due to overloaded Xiaomi software, and the desire to get advanced features through custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the firmware process requires caution: improper actions can turn the phone into a brick. In this article, current firmware methods are taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy (for example, mandatory binding of the Mi Account to unlock the bootloader).

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Redmi Note 4X firmware is not just about copying files to your phone, it's a set of actions where an error at any stage can lead to data loss or device failure.

• 📱 Save all the data: contacts, photos, messages (/data). Use Mi Mover, Google Photos or hand-copying on PC.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. = high risk of "bricking».
• 🖥️ Install drivers: Download Mi Phone Manager or package for Windows ADB/Fastboot hand-driver.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (unless done before) without it, you can't install custom firmware.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires you to link your Mi Account to the device and wait 168 hours (7 days) after the first link. If you bought a used phone, the previous owner must unplug the account in Settings → Mi Account → Devices, otherwise unlocking will not be possible.

Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instruction 2026

The bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must for any unofficial firmware installation, a process that has changed since 2020, requiring confirmation through the Mi Unlock Tool and waiting.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi Account.
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
5. Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
6. Press Unlock. If you receive a waiting message, wait 168 hours (7 days) and try again.

Important: Once unlocked, the phone will perform a full reset. All data will be deleted! Also note that unlocking will void the warranty (if it is still valid).

Linked to Mi Account on phone

USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled

ADB/Fastboot drivers installed

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool

The phone is charged at least 60 times%-->

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

On the Redmi Note 4X, you can install three types of firmware:

1. Official MIUI (Stable/Developer) – suitable for returning to a runoff state.
2. Global ROM is a firmware for the international market (without Chinese services).
3. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) – provides fresh versions of Android, but may be less stable.

Compare the key parameters in the table:

For beginners, we recommend starting with Global ROM – it retains all the features of the phone, but removes Chinese restrictions. Power users can try LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but be prepared for manual configuration (for example, you will have to install GApps for Google services separately).

Install firmware via Fastboot (recommended method)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to flash the Redmi Note 4X, as it works even on brick-and-brick devices.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (download here)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder. C:\mido_fastboot (cyrillic!).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and turn to Fastboot mode: Press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select, specify the firmware folder, then Refresh (should appear) COM-port).
6. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
7. Press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone will restart.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, check the drivers or try running the utility in Windows 7 compatibility mode. Also make sure that there are no spaces or Cyrillic characters on the way to the firmware folder.

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after you've been firmwareed, press Volume Up + Power for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware with a full clean (Clean all).

Install custom firmware through TWRP Recovery

To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you will need custom recovery – TWRP. This method is more flexible, but requires caution: improper actions can lead to the loss of IMEI or a broken camera.

Steps:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi Note 4X (version no lower than 3.6.2).
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot and run the TWRP command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-mido.img
3. In TWRP, make a persist partition backup (important for saving IMEI!).
4. Sweep through the firmware: Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System), then Install and select the firmware file.
5. If you don’t have GApps, install them separately (download here, select ARM64, Android 12/13).

Critical moments:

• 🚨 Do not format the persist partition – it will lead to loss IMEI!
• 🔄 After installing the firmware, restart immediately to the system without returning to Fastboot.
• 📱 If the camera does not work after firmware, install a patch ANX Camera for Note 4X.

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Custom firmware requires regular updates! Watch out for new releases on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.

Solving problems after firmware

Even if you install the firmware properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If your phone stops turning on after a bad firmware, don't panic, and in 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model (mido).
2. Unpack it and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. If the phone is not determined by the PC, try another one. USB-cable.

⚠️ Note: if after firmware the phone requires a password from the previous Mi Account (even after a reset), this means that the bootloader is locked and the account is not untied.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions