Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still a popular device thanks to the robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 platform and the ability to install up-to-date firmware. However, over time, official support for MIUI runs out, and users face the need to reflash the device — whether it’s returning to the stock version after experimenting with custom ROMs or upgrading to the latest available build.
In this article you will find three proven methods of firmware: MIUI Updater (for official updates), Recovery (for manual installation) ZIP-We also will discuss how to avoid the device blink when the firmware is not properly flashed through the bootloader. EDL, version MIUI Compatible with Redmi Note 4X In 2026, and what to do if the phone doesn't turn on after the firmware is installed, special attention is paid to unlocking the bootloader, a mandatory step for installing customized rifles and firmware.
1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X firmware requires pre-reset preparation, otherwise the risk of turning the phone into a brick increases significantly. Start by saving all the important data: contacts, photos, messages and applications. Even if you plan to upgrade without reset (for example, through OTA), a failure in the process can lead to loss of information.
Next, check the current firmware version and device model. To do this, go to Settings. → On the phone, in the line "Version" MIUI» You will see the current build (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable), and in the "Device Model" - the exact name (Redmi Note) 4X This is critical, as the firmware for the Redmi Note 4 (nickel code) is not suitable for the Note. 4X!
- 📱 Save Data: Use Mi Cloud, Google Account or physical backup on your PC via Mi PC Suite.
- 🔋 Charge the battery: at least 60% of the charge is a must.
- 🔗 Download drivers: to work with Fastboot and ADB Qualcomm and Xiaomi drivers are needed (you can download on the official website).
- 🛠️ Prepare tools: Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot), TWRP Recovery (for custom firmware), and original USB-cable.
⚠️ Please note: if your Redmi Note 4X If you bought it in China, it's likely to have a locked bootloader and Chinese firmware without Google services, in which case, before you run the firmware, be sure to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions in the next section).
2 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X
Without bootloader unlocking, you won’t be able to install customized rivets or firmware via Fastboot. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Redmi Note 4X, so this step is a must for most firmware methods.
The unlocking process includes several stages:
- Mi Account Link: Go to Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock Status and Link Your Xiaomi Account to Your Device. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool won’t work.
- Wait 72–168 hours: Once pegged, Xiaomi requires waiting 3 to 7 days (depending on the region).
- Use Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and follow the instructions of the program.
Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased, and note that Xiaomi may limit the number of unlocks for a single account (usually no more than 1 device in 30 days).
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error
The "Couldn't unlock" error (or codes 86006, 86012) occurs for several reasons:
- The Mi Account is not tied to the device or has been tied less than 72 hours ago.
- You use the unofficial version of the Mi Unlock Tool (only download from en.miui.com/unlock).
- The device is not in Fastboot mode or connected via USB-Hub (you need to connect directly to the PC port).
- Xiaomi has temporarily blocked the unlock for your region (try using a VPN with servers in India or Europe).
If the error persists, try:
- Disable antivirus and firewall on PC.
- Use the other USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
- Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (OFFICIAL OTA)
The safest way to upgrade to the Redmi Note 4X is to use the built-in MIUI Updater, which is suitable for installing official stable or beta versions of MIUI, but does not allow you to downgrade the firmware version or install custom.
Instructions:
- Open the Update app on your phone.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, the name should contain mido, for example, miui_MIDOGlobal_V12.5.3.0.RMFMXM_...zip).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-10 minutes).
If the update is stuck on the MI logo for longer than 15 minutes, don't turn off the device -- wait another 10 to 20 minutes. 90% of the time, it'll be successful. If it's not, go to the firmware via Recovery.
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If MIUI Updater doesn’t show updates, try changing the firmware region. Download MIUI bootloader, select the mido model and region (e.g. Global or EEA), then download the latest version manually.
Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (TWRP)
Installing firmware through the custom TWRP receivers gives you more options: you can install unofficial MIUI, LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, but you need an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery installed.
Steps for firmware through TWRP:
- Install. TWRP: Download the latest version TWRP For mido from the official website.Put the phone to Fastboot mode. + Power. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img
Download to TWRP:
Volume up + Nutrition
fastboot reboot
Backup:
TWRP
Backup
Boot
System
Data
Please. ZIP-file:
Install
Then, you should start using Magisk (if you need root) or Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (Without this, some custom firmware may not boot.
Loader unlocked|Installed TWRP|Backup of current firmware made|Scud ZIP-Firmware file (tested for compatibility with mido)|Signature verification disabled in TWRP (Settings → Enable ZIP signature verification → switch off)
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5. Method 3: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
Fastboot firmware is the most reliable way to bring the Redmi Note 4X back to life if it doesn't turn on or "blocks out." This method completely overwrites all parts of the phone, so it is used to:
- 🔄 Recovery after a failed firmware.
- 📉 Downgrades to version MIUI (downgrade).
- 🛠️ Removing Boot Load Errors (Bootloop).
Instructions:
- Download the full Fastboot firmware (.tgz or.zip format) from MIUI Download. Global, China or EEA versions are suitable for mido.
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mido_fastboot).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and press Refresh in the program.
- Select the firmware folder and press Flash. To reset completely, select the Clean all option.
The process will take 5–15 If the Mi Flash Tool is an error flash_all_lock.bat, So the boot loader is locked - unlock it (see section) 2).
| Type of firmware | Compatibility with mido | Do you need unlocking? | Risk of a brick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (OTA) | Yes (current region only) | No. | Low. |
| Official MIUI (Fastboot) | Yes (any region) | No, but it'll reset the data. | Medium. |
| Castomium (TWRP) | Yeah (check compatibility) | Yes. | High-pitched |
| Port from other devices (e.g. POCO) | No (high-risk brick) | Yes. | critical |
6. Solving problems after firmware
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can still get errors after the firmware, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Bootloop (cyclical reboot): If the phone is constantly rebooting on the logo MI, try to sew boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img For custom firmware, install Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip through TWRP.
- 📵 Not powered after firmware: Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes - sometimes the battery runs out in the process. Try booting into Recovery (Loudness up) + Power) and repeat the firmware.
- 🌐 No network or IMEI: Sweep through the file. modem.img Original Firmware: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin If IMEI Reset, restore it through Engineer Mode (code ##3646633##) Chimera Tool.
⚠️ Note: If after firmware through Fastboot, the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC, the partition may have been damaged. EFS (keeper IMEI In this case, you will need firmware through EDL (emergency mode) with Qualcomm boxing or service center!
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If Google services are missing after firmware (on the Chinese version of MIUI), install the GApps package via TWRP. For the Redmi Note 4X, the arm64-11.0-pico option is suitable (download to OpenGApps).
7.The best firmware for the Redmi Note 4X in 2026
Official support for Redmi Note 4X Xiaomi has completed its 2021 And this is the year, but the development community continues to make the actual firmware.-5 mido:
- 📱 MIUI 12.5 by Xiaomi.eu: The latest stable version MIUI with fixes and without Chinese software. Download: xiaomi.eu (choose mido).
- 🤖 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11): Pure Android with long-term support. Requires GApps and Magisk for full functionality.
- 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 12): Firmware with Google Pixel interface and regular updates.Can slow down on weak configurations (2/16 GB).
- ⚡ Havoc-OS: Customizable firmware with support for Substratum and Magisk. Suitable for experimenting with theme and performance.
- 🔒 Stock MIUI (Fastboot: Original firmware from Xiaomi for returning to factory condition. download only from official source.
Before installing custom firmware, check reviews on the XDA-Developers or 4PDA forums. Pay attention to the date of the last update - firmware older than 2023 may contain vulnerabilities.