Xiaomi Redmi 4X firmware via MiFlash: a complete guide from preparation to completion

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but over time its firmware becomes obsolete, bugs appear or you just want to install a custom build. Firmware through MiFlash is the official way from Xiaomi, which allows you to return the device to the “factory” state, update the software or even install a global version of MIUI. However, the process requires accuracy: an error at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide to all the nuances of 2026, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version to solving typical MiFlash bugs. We'll also look at what tools you need, how to avoid data loss, and what to do if something goes wrong. If you've never flashed a smartphone before, don't worry: the manual is designed for beginners, but it also contains useful chips for power users.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

So, the process of running the firmware through MiFlash is irreversible, so it takes the lion's share of the time. The first thing you need to do is to save all the important data. Even if you plan to stitch on top of an existing system without formatting, the risk of losing files remains. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or physical copying on a PC.

The second is to check the model and version of the bootloader. Redmi 4X came in several versions:

• 📱 Santoni - Standard version (2/16 GB, 3/32 GB)
• 📱 santoni_ugglite — option for India (different frequency support)
• 📱 santoni_pro — rarer modification NFC

You can find out the exact model in the settings (Settings → About Phone → Model) or through the command fastboot getvar product.

The third step is unlocking the bootloader. Without that, MiFlash simply won't see the device. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires a Mi Account and a wait (usually 72 hours).

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X It is purchased in China and operates on China Stable. ROM, After the firmware of the global version, support for certain frequencies may disappear (for example, B20 Check firmware compatibility with your region on the official Xiaomi website.

Unlock the bootloader: without it anywhere

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, which is a security measure, but it also complicates the firmware.

1. Download the official utility Mi Unlock (version no lower than 5.5.224.54).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your phone!).
3. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start Mi Unlock. The utility will identify the device.
5. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

An important nuance: if the Mi Account was created less than 30 days ago, Xiaomi will block the unlock for 72 hours (360 hours for new accounts), this rule applies in 2026, despite rumors about its cancellation.

After successful unlocking, check the status of the bootloader with the command:

fastboot oem device-info

The answer should be Device unlocked: true. If false, repeat the procedure.

Firmware Choice: Which version of MIUI to download for Redmi 4X

The correct firmware choice is crucial for the stability of the phone, and there are several firmware types available for the Redmi 4X (santoni):

For beginners, we recommend Stable Global - it is as stable as possible and contains all the necessary services of Google. Pay attention to the Android version: the latest official builds for Redmi 4X run on Android 7.1 Nougat (no updates to new versions will be).

The downloaded firmware file will be in.tgz or.zip. Don't unpack it! MiFlash works directly with the archives. If there's an image folder in the archive, it's in the right format.

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Before downloading the firmware, check its hash (MD5) to avoid errors due to corrupted files. Compare the value to what is listed on the Xiaomi website. You can check the MD5 through the WinMD5Free utility.

Installation of drivers and configuration of MiFlash

Without the right drivers, MiFlash won’t see your Redmi 4X. Even if Windows automatically installed the driver when you plug in your phone, it needs to be replaced with the official one from Xiaomi.

Download the Mi Phone Manager driver package and install it.

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
4. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the installed Xiaomi drivers.

After installing the drivers, download the latest version of MiFlash (at the time of 2026, MiFlash 2023.4.18.0 is current). The utility does not require installation - just unpack the archive. Run it on behalf of the administrator (PCM → Launch on behalf of the administrator).

Download and unpack MiFlash|Install Xiaomi |Install drivers Connect phone in Fastboot |Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator |Unpack firmware in folder without Cyrillic

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⚠️ Warning: If you are using Windows 11, turn off Account Control before you start MiFlash (UAC) or add a utility to the exceptions of the antivirus, otherwise the firmware may be interrupted at the stage of writing the system.

Step-by-step: Redmi 4X firmware via MiFlash

Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions carefully, the order of action is important.

1. Connect your phone to Fastboot mode, make sure it's identified in MiFlash (the bottom of the window should appear). COM-Port port).
2. Download the firmware to MiFlash: Press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware folder (where the images folder lies). The Device field should show santoni.
3. Select the firmware type (Flash button at the bottom): 🔄 Clean all – clean all data (including internal memory). 🔄 Clean all and lock, same thing. + Loader lock (not recommended!). 🔄 Save user data – saving user data (not always stable).

For the first time, choose Clean All – this ensures that there is no conflict.

Start the firmware

Flash

success


finished

Wait for the automatic reboot.

If the firmware is successful, the phone will boot into the system with factory settings. If not, read the next section on typical errors.

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Always use the original USB-Cheap cables can cause data transmission errors (remote: device is locked or preloader not match), even if the bootloader is unlocked.

Firmware errors and their solution

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If the error is not listed in the table, look for the MiFlash log. Often there are hints. For example, the preloader not match line means that the firmware is not suitable for your Redmi modification. 4X (You may have downloaded the version for santoni_ugglite instead of santoni).

After the firmware: the first settings and optimization

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will boot into the system with factory settings, and the first thing you need to do is check the functionality of the basic functions:

• 📶 Network: Make sure the phone catches the operator signal (check settings) APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks).
• 🔋 Charging: Connect the charger and make sure that charging is underway.
• 🔊 Sound: Check the speakers and microphone (record voice note).
• 📷 Camera: Take a test shot.

If something doesn't work, it's possible that the firmware isn't suitable for your phone modification, in which case, repeat the procedure with another version of MIUI.

To optimize the operation of the system:

1. Disable unnecessary system applications through Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Activate Developer Mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Press 7 times) and enable Debugging via USB.
3. Install security updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

1. discharge the phone before automatically switching off.

2 Charge to 100% without interruption.

3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times.

This will help the battery controller to correctly determine its capacity.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions