Xiaomi Redmi 4X firmware via computer: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Why is PC firmware the best option for Redmi 4X?

The Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still popular with users years later due to its balanced features and custom firmware support. However, standard air-to-air updates (OTAs) are often not available for legacy versions of MIUI or are blocked altogether on some regional models.

✅ Install the current version MIUI (including global or European builds, even if official support is terminated.

✅ Restore the device after “soft-brick” due to an unsuccessful update.

✅ Switch to custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) for advanced features and security updates.

Unlike firmware through Recovery, the Mi Flash Tool PC and tool method ensures process stability, minimizes the risk of errors and allows you to choose the type of data cleanup (clean all or save user data). However, there are pitfalls: without prior unlocking the bootloader, firmware is impossible, and the procedure itself requires a Xiaomi account with a tied phone number.

Preparation for firmware: what will be needed

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and errors at this point are the main reason for the device to build up.

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X with a battery charge of at least 60% (optimum - 80%).
• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (Mi Flash Tool requires drivers that don’t always work properly on the device. macOS/Linux).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably the one that came with the kit) – cheap cables can interrupt data transmission.
• 🔐 Xiaomi account with a tied phone number (to unlock the bootloader).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (official or customized).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Xiaomi Unlock Tool.

Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Redmi 4X suitable:

• 🔹 Officially MIUI: Global (Global), Chinese (China), European (EEA). Download only from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔹 Castom firmware: LineageOS 16/17 (Android 9/10), Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS. Source: Forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Redmi 4X (santoni) not compatible with Redmi 4/4A (prada or rolex)! Installing an inappropriate version will result in a complete loss of performance of the device without the possibility of recovery through standard methods.

Download firmware for santoni | Check battery power (minimum 60%)| Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Backup data (photos, contacts, SMS) | Disable antivirus (it can block Mi Flash Tool)

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Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. Without it, you can’t flash the device through your PC. The procedure takes 3 to 7 days (due to checking your Xiaomi account) and requires:

1. Link your phone number to your Mi Account (required!).
2. Activate the OEM Unlock option in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers → Unlock OEM).
3. Connect the smartphone to the PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power when the device is turned off).
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

After sending a request to unlock, Xiaomi sends a notification of the waiting time (usually 72-168 hours).

• 🔄 Unlocking resets the device to factory settings (complete data cleanup!).
• 🔒 Some firmware options OEM Unlock can be hidden – in this case, you need to flash the blocked version beforehand. MIUI via Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X «Check the status of the bootloader with the fastboot oem device-info command in the terminal. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, and the previous owner can not help with unlocking, it will be extremely difficult to restore access to the firmware.

Installation of drivers and Mi Flash Tool

Without the right drivers, Windows won’t recognize Redmi 4X in Fastboot or EDL mode. Download and install:

1. Mi Flash Tool (last version)
2. Xiaomi Drivers (or use Xiaomi Driver Installer for automatic installation)
3. ADB and Fastboot (to check the connection)

After installation, check the connection:

1. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, xxxxxxxx fastboot) – drivers are installed correctly.

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t start, try installing the.NET Framework 4.8 – the program requires it to work.

Step-by-step: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

When the bootloader is unlocked, the drivers are installed, and the firmware is downloaded, you can start the process.

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\santoni_global).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select the type of cleaning: clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI), save user data – saving user data (risky, can cause errors), clean all and lock – cleaning + lock the bootloader (only for official firmware!).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

⚠️ Note: If you are running custom software (e.g. LineageOS), you will need to flash GApps (Google services) and Magisk (root rights) after installation via Fastboot. TWRP Recovery that needs to be pre-installed instead of the standard.

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To install custom software (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) after the Mi Flash Tool, be sure to install TWRP Recovery, otherwise the system will not boot!

Firmware via EDL: if Fastboot doesn't work

In rare cases (for example, after a failed update), the smartphone may not boot even in the Fastboot. Then you use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, which allows you to flash the device at a low level.

• 🔧 Authorized account EDL (or patch for bypassing authorization).
• 📂 Firmware in.mbn format (special build for the EDL).
• 🖥 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.

The firmware process through EDL:

1. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC, clamping Volume up + Volume down + Power (hold 10-15 seconds).
2. Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press Flash.

Firmware through EDL — It's a last resort. It's dropping all the data, including IMEI, It requires deep knowledge. It requires the wrong actions in EDL-The system can permanently disable the device (hard-brick).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.

If the smartphone does not turn on after firmware (black screen, vibration without downloading), try:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 20 seconds (forced reboot).
2. Repeat the firmware with the choice of clean all option.
3. Swipe through EDL (if Fastboot is not available).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions