Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 4X often wonder if it is possible to breathe new life into this smartphone. Despite the fact that the official support of the device has long been discontinued on versions MIUI 11 and Android 9, enthusiasts have created a lot of custom firmware. Installing Android 12 will allow you to enjoy modern applications, updated interfaces and current security patches.
But it's not without risks. You'll need to not only follow the instructions accurately, but also understand the basic principles of ADB and Fastboot. It's important to realize that any manipulation of the system partition can lead to a loss of warranty (if it's still relevant) or, in the worst case, to the failure of the gadget.
In this article, we will look at all the steps from tool preparation to the final setup of the operating system. You will learn what files are needed, how to properly unlock the bootloader and what to do if the device has gone to the bootloop. Prepare for the fact that the standard interface Xiaomi will give way to pure Android.
Preparation of equipment and software
Before any manipulations begin, you need to assemble the right tools. USB-It is pointless to start working on a cable and a working computer with a Windows or Linux operating system. Cheap charging cables are often not suitable for data transmission, which can interrupt the firmware process at a critical stage.
You'll need to download specialized software. The main tools will be ADB and Fastboot, as well as drivers for Qualcomm and Xiaomi devices. Remember to make a full backup of all important data, as the installation process of the new OS involves full formatting of internal memory.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting work, make sure that the battery is at least 60% charged.Stop power during flashing partitions can lead to irreversible damage to the loader.
For Redmi 4X (codename santoni), there are several stable builds based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and you should only download files from trusted resources, such as the XDA Developers forum or the official Telegram channel of the developer.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is to unlock Bootloader. The standard procedure requires you to apply through the Mi Unlock app on your computer. Once you have your Mi Account linked to your device, you will have to wait 7 to 168 hours before you change status to "Allowed."
There is an alternative method through EDL Mode that allows you to bypass the wait, but it requires you to have an authorized Mi Account or use paid services. For most users, it is safer to wait for the timer to expire in the official app, which ensures that you do not lock the device at the server level.
The unlocking process will completely clear the data. Once successfully completed, an open lock icon will appear on the Settings → Phone menu. Now your Redmi 4X is ready to install a custom recavator.
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Use the original Mi Account and SIM-card that was on the phone when applying, otherwise the unlocking process may not be successful.
Installation of custom Recovery TWRP
Xiaomi's standard repair does not allow third-party firmware installation. You need to replace it with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For the santoni model, there is a stable version that supports encryption and work with Android 12 partitions.
Installation is done in Fastboot mode. Connect the phone turned off to the PC by holding the volume button. In the command line, type a command to firmware the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-santoni.imgImmediately after the firmware, you need to boot into recovery mode, holding the combination of power buttons and increase the volume. If you release the buttons and the phone boots as normal, the regular recaveri will overwrite the TWRP, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Android 12 installation process
Once you've successfully logged in to TWRP, you need to clear partitions. Go to the Wipe menu and select Advanced Wipe. Check the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache sections. Internal Storage section is not necessary if the firmware files are there.
Then go to the Install menu and select the downloaded one. ZIP-Swipe to confirm installation. The process can take 5 to 15 minutes. If the firmware requires you to install GApps (Google Apps) separately, repeat the installation procedure for the second archive immediately after the first one without restarting.
Data formatting is important. Once you install a new version of Android, you often have an encryption error if you don't format the Data partition (not to be confused with Wipe). In the Wipe menu, select Format Data and type in the word yes. This action will delete all files, but ensure that the new system works correctly.
Compatibility of drivers and GApps
Android 12 has high demands on system libraries. Redmi 4X is critical to use the correct version of GApps. It is recommended to choose the Nano or Pico package, as the full Stock package can overflow the system partition, I am to errors.
Display drivers and cameras in custom firmware are often taken from stock blobs, which means the photo quality may be slightly different from the original MIUI. Some features, such as VoLTE or fingerprint unlock, may not work smoothly depending on the specific build.
| Component | Status in Android 12 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Camera. | It's working. | Possible artifacts in low light |
| Bluetooth | It's working. | Stable connection |
| GPS | It's working. | Calibration required |
| Imprint scanner. | Unstable. | Depends on the kernel version. |
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to install Android 13 or 14 GApps on Android 12 firmware. SDK This will result in permanent system service departures.
Decision and error
The most common problem after installation is Bootloop (cyclic reboot). If the phone doesn't boot, go back to TWRP and try clearing the Dalvik cache again. It's also worth checking the logs through the adb logcat to see which module is crashing.
If the touch screen isn't working, you may have installed firmware that wasn't designed to be your screen revision. There are different matrixes for Redmi 4X, and the kernel should contain the appropriate drivers, in which case flashing another ROM variant will help.
Wi-Fi problems are often solved by resetting network settings or installing a fix patch. MAC-Address if lost during formatting of the partition persist.
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The stability of custom firmware is 90% dependent on the quality of cleaning old partitions before installing a new system.