Xiaomi Redmi 4X, released in 2017, is still popular due to its reliability and availability. However, as time goes by, standard “over the air” upgrade methods stop working, or the user is faced with the need to restore the brick, change the region or install custom firmware. In such situations, the SP Flash Tool utility comes to the rescue, which allows you to interact with the device at a low level, ignoring the state of the operating system.
The process of firmware through this tool requires careful and accurate follow-up, as it is done directly with the device memory. Mistake in choosing a file or interrupting the connection can lead to the failure of the gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, configuration of the software and the procedure for recording the system image so that you can safely return your phone to life.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand that the Redmi 4X is based on the MediaTek processor (MT6259 or similar), which dictates the use of SP Flash Tool, and not Mi Flash Tool, which is designed for Qualcomm chips. This fundamental difference is often missed by beginners trying to flash the device with the wrong software.
Preparation of software and drivers
The first step is to download all the necessary components to a Windows computer. You will need the firmware itself, the drivers for MediaTek and, of course, the firmware file. Only download the software from trusted resources, such as the official developer website or specialized forums like 4PDA, to exclude the presence of viruses or corrupted files.
Particular attention should be paid to drivers VCOM USB. Without the drivers installed correctly, the computer will not see the phone in boot mode. Often the automatic installation does not work, so you have to manually specify the path to the boot. INF-Make sure that the system does not conflict with previously installed versions of drivers from other devices.
⚠️ Note: Driver installation must be done before the phone is connected in firmware mode. If you connect the device ahead of time, Windows can automatically install the wrong driver, which will have to be removed through Device Manager.
You'll also need a firmware archive to work with. For Redmi 4X, it's important to choose the version that matches the memory type and region. Files usually have a.zip extension, but inside you have to have a file with the.txt extension that the program needs.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Unlock the bootloader and create a backup
Before you start manipulating system partitions, it is critical to save personal data. FlashTool firmware often involves completely clearing memory, especially if you choose Format All + Download mode. Even if you plan only to upgrade the system, the risk of losing contacts, photos and messages is too high to neglect.
Back up your Google or Mi Cloud cloud services, and copy important files to your computer. You need to check the status of the bootloader. You need an unlocked Bootloader to work with some FlashTool features and custom firmware. Standard firmware can be written with a locked bootloader, but custom Recovery (TWRP) cannot be installed without it.
The unlocking process takes 7 to 30 days after you apply through the MI Unlock app, which is a security restriction on the part of the manufacturer. If the bootloader is already unlocked, the phone will alert you every time you turn on, which is normal behavior.
Setting up the SP Flash Tool and selecting a Scatter file
After unpacking the archive with the program, launch the executable file flash_tool.exe The interface of the utility may seem complicated because of the many buttons, but for the basic firmware of Redmi. 4X You just need the top toolbar, and in the Scatter-loading File field, you press the select button and point the path to the text file inside the firmware folder.
File. MT6750_Android_scatter.txt (The name may vary slightly depending on the version of Android) contains a memory card and addresses of all sections. After selecting it, the marked sections will appear in the list below: preloader, uboot, boot, recovery, system and others. It is not recommended to remove the ticks without understanding their purpose, as this can lead to the inoperability of individual functions of the phone.
The drop-down list, located just below the dashboard, has Download Only mode by default. For normal flashing without loss of data (if versions are compatible), you can leave it. However, if you restore your phone after a crash or switch from one version of Android to another (for example, from 6 to 7), you’d better choose Format All + Download or Firmware Upgrade mode.
What is the difference between the firmware modes?
Redmi 4X firmware process: step-by-step instructions
Now, to the most critical step, make sure that the smartphone is turned off completely. If it's on, press the power button before you vibrate and turn off the screen. In the SP Flash Tool, press the big red Download button. The program will go into the device's standby mode, as indicated by the flashing status bar at the bottom of the window.
Take the Redmi off. 4X And without pressing any buttons, connect it to the computer through USB-In some cases, you may need to press one of the volume buttons (usually the top or bottom) to make the phone go into mode. BROM (Boot ROM). The computer must make a sound of the connection of the new device, and in the Device Manager in the section "Ports (COM and LPT)" MediaTek will appear USB Port.
Once the connection is established, the SP Flash Tool will automatically start the firmware process. You'll see the progress color scale. It can be red at the beginning, then it will be yellow (recording), and at the end it will be green. Don't touch the cable or turn off the computer at this point. The entire process takes from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the volume of the firmware.
| Phase | Indicator | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting. | Blinking status | Connect the phone to the switched off |
| Port search | Grey/Red | Wait for device definitions |
| Recording of data | Yellow stripe | Don't touch the cable! |
| Completion | Green window | Turn off the phone and turn on |
⚠️ Warning: If the process is 99% up and it doesn't move for more than 5 minutes, it's possible that the firmware file is damaged or that the mode is incorrect. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
In the process of working with SP Flash Tool users often encounter error codes.The most common — STATUS_DOWNLOAD_FAIL (4032). It means that the firmware file size is larger than the available space in the partition, or the scatter file does not match the actual memory markup.
Mistake. STATUS_BROM_CMD_STARTCMD_FAIL (2005) or (2008) often indicates problems with drivers or cable. USB-cable to a quality, short wire, switch to the port on the back of the motherboard (if you use a PC) and reinstall MediaTek drivers.
If you see a mistake S_BROM_DOWNLOAD_DA_FAIL (3058), This may mean that the firmware is missing a preloader file or that it is corrupted -> Option) you need to uncheck the check box PL checksum or try flashing only the preloader section in Download Only mode, pre-selecting only this checkbox.
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Use it. USB-Hub without external power or directly connect the phone to the motherboard ports. Front ports of the case often do not provide enough voltage for stable firmware.
First Start and Primary Setup
Once you have a green Download OK window, you can disconnect the cable. Press the power button to turn the device on. The first run after a full flash can take longer than usual, up to 10-15 minutes, and this is a normal procedure for initializing the system and creating a cache.
If the phone turned on, the Mi or Android logo appeared, and then the desktop loaded — congratulations, the operation was successful. You just have to set up the language, time and accounts. Check the communication modules, Wi-Fi and sound to make sure that it is fully functional.
If the phone is turned on but bootloop is constantly restarting, it may be that the firmware is incompatible with your bootloader version or that data sections are allowed. Try entering Recovery mode (clamping Volume + and Power) and doing Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
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Successful firmware is not only about having a desktop, but also about running all communication modules in a stable manner. Be sure to check IMEI with the command in #06#.