How to install a clean Android on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: Complete guide from unlock to firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 4X (The codename santoni is still popular among users who value balance of price and performance. MIUI Not everyone likes it: aggressive memory optimization, advertising in system applications and limited customization force you to look for alternatives (AOSP) Solves these problems by offering a “naked” interface without unnecessary bells and whistles, regular security updates and advanced settings.

But switching to custom firmware isn't just a matter of pressing a couple of buttons, it requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom Recovery. TWRP, And then the firmware itself, and mistakes at any stage can turn the phone into a brick. In this guide, we'll take all the steps into Redmi's own context. 4X: From obtaining permission to unlock to choosing the optimal firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS), we will pay special attention to the “pitfalls” that are rarely written about in standard instructions, for example, the problem with the use of the software. EFS-section (responsible for IMEI) The Qualcomm Snapdragon 435.

Before you start, ask yourself two questions: are you willing to lose the warranty (if it still exists) and do you understand the risks? If it does, we will. If not, it may be worth considering alternatives like disabling ads in the public domain? MIUI or install the launcher Nova Launcher with a setup for “stock” Android.

1.Preparation: What to do before the firmware

The first and most important step is data backup, and installing custom firmware involves a full factory reset, so all photos, contacts and messages will be deleted. Use Google Photos for media files, export contacts to.vcf, and save messages through apps like SMS Backup & Restore.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%. Firmware at low charge can be interrupted.
• 🔌 Cable USB — Use an original or quality substitute. Cheap cables can cause errors in data transmission.
• 💻 The computer is the one you need to unlock the bootloader. 7/10/11 or Linux (for fastboot).
• 📱 Version. MIUI — Update your phone to the latest official firmware via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system. This minimizes the risk of error.

Pay special attention IMEI. On the Redmi. 4X after firmware custom Recovery or unofficial firmware may disappear network due to damage EFS-To avoid that, make it backup:

1. Install. TWRP (guideline).
2. Go to Backup. → Select sections → EFS.
3. Save the backup to a memory card or computer.

⚠️ Note: If it disappears after the firmware IMEI, It can only be restored through backup. EFS Without a backup, the chances of getting the network back are minimal.

2 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 4X

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing custom firmware.

• 📅 Wait 72–168 hours (3–7 days) after linking your Mi Account to your phone.
• 🔑 Mi Account must be confirmed (linked phone number and email).
• 🌍 Account Region – Some users report unblocking issues on accounts registered in China.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool from Xiaomi).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Volume Down). + Nutrition).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions. If you receive a waiting message, wait until the time is set.

⚠️ Note: If the "Couldn't unlock" error appears when unlocking, try: Use another one USB-Disable antivirus on your PC, try another computer (sometimes changing Windows to Linux helps).

Linked to Mi Account on phone|Debugging is on. USB|Unlocking enabled OEM|Phone's 70-charged%+|Download Mi Unlock Tool-->

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to install informal firmware, make backups and restore the system. 4X There are two current versions:

• 📱 Official. TWRP — Stable, but may not support new firmware.
• 🛠️ Unofficial (OrangeFox, PitchBlack) – with additional features, but possible bugs.

We recommend using the official TWRP For the santoni, installation:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img (newer).
2. Rename him in recovery.img and put it in a folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (as when unlocking).
4. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

After successful installation, the phone will automatically restart to TWRP. If this does not happen, manually press the volume up. + Power on-set.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone is loaded into a standard recavery MIUI, So the firmware overrecorded the Recovery, so to avoid that, right after the installation. TWRP Do it in the same way: Go to Mount. → Enable MTP (To copy firmware files, install Magisk (for saving) TWRP post-boot).

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If TWRP not seeing internal memory, try formatting the Data partition in the Recovery itself (Warning: this will delete all data!).

4. Select firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS?

For Redmi. 4X There are some popular firmware available on pure Android:

For beginners, we recommend the Pixel Experience, which offers ready-to-use Android with Google services pre-installed. Power users can try Havoc-OS for deep customization.

Before downloading, check:

• 📅 Assembly date – current firmware is updated every 1-2 months.
• 🔄 Type of firmware: GApps (with Google services) or Vanilla (without them).
• 🔒 Signature – download only from official sources or verified forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA).

5. Step-by-step installing pure Android

Now that you have unlocked the bootloader, installed TWRP You can start the installation, and you can start the installation, and you can follow the instructions carefully, because a missed step can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the phone.

Procedure:

1. Copy the firmware file (for example, lineage-20.0-20260510-UNOFFICIAL-santoni.zip) and, where appropriate, GApps on internal memory or SD-map.
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. Make a full backup of the current system (Backup) → Select all sections except Cache).
4. Perform a full reset:

Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data → Swipe to Wipe

1. Install the firmware:

Install → Select the firmware file → Swipe to Confirm Flash

1. If you install GApps, repeat step 5 for the Google Services package.
2. Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.

If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes:

• 🔄 Try restarting manually (clip the power for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ If it doesn't help, go back to TWRP and repeat the installation by pre-formatting the Data partition (Warning: delete all data!).

⚠️ Attention: After installation, check the work: 📶 Network – If there is no signal, restore the backup EFS. 🔊 Sound – on some firmware, the speaker may not work (solved by installing a patch). 📷 Camera – Google Camera (GCam) may be required for full operation).

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The first download after the firmware is always long, and that's okay. Don't interrupt the process or force the phone to turn off.

System configuration after installation

Once you have a successful firmware, you'll have to set up the system first, and depending on the firmware you choose, the interface may be different, but the overall steps are the same:

Priority action:

• 🔐 Security - set up PIN-code or pattern lock in Settings → Security.
• 🔄 Updates – Check for firmware updates in Settings → System system → Updating the system.
• 📲 Root rights – if necessary, install Magisk through TWRP (You can download it on GitHub).
• 🎯 Performance – Turn off animations to speed up the interface:

Settings → About Phone → Build Number (shap 7 times to enable developer options)


Settings → System → Developer → Window animation scale / Transition animation scale / Animator duration scale → Set 0.5x

To improve autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off Adaptive Brightness and set a fixed value (e.g., 40%).
• 📶 Enable Traffic Saving Mode in Settings → Network and Internet.
• 🛑 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

If you're dealing with bugs:

• 🐛 Check the subject on XDA — They put out patches a lot.
• 🔄 Try to switch to another build (for example, from Havoc-OS to LineageOS).
• 📥 Install FrancoKernel Manager to fine-tune the kernel (root rights required).

Possible problems and solutions

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

If none of the solutions worked, please refer to the forums:

• 🌍 XDA Developers – International Community.
• 🇷🇺 4PDA — Russian-language discussions.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has turned into a “brick” (does not respond to buttons, does not load into fastboot), try emergency firmware through the phone. EDL-That's gonna take a Qualcomm box. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and Mi Flash Tool. This method is complex and risky - it is better to contact the service center.

8.Alternatives: What to do if a pure Android doesn't fit

If you’ve realized after experimenting with firmware that pure Android isn’t for you, there are alternatives:

Option 1: MIUI bonnet-free

• 🔧 Install. MIUI pro MIUI Mix - Modified versions MIUI publicity.
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary system applications through ADB:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics


adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop

Option 2: Launchers for Android

• 📱 Nova Launcher + Pixel Icon Pack – Visually Similar to Pure Android.
• 🎨 Lawnchair – launcher with Pixel features and customization.

Option 3: Base-based cadaver firmware MIUI

• 🔄 MIUI EU — European assembly without Chinese restrictions.
• 🛠️ MIUI Pro – Optimized version with additional features.

If you still decide to go back to MIUI, Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website and install it through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

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Before returning to MIUI make a backup of data – the transition from custom firmware to stock also requires a complete reset!

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a clean Android on Redmi 4X