Why is TWRP on Redmi 4X still relevant in 2026?
Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is long gone, but remains popular with custom firmware enthusiasts. The reason is simple: it is one of the latest smartphones with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, which has stable support for TWRP and alternative OSes like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. Installing custom recavers opens up opportunities not available in stock MIUI:
From root rights and removal of embedded software to installing new versions of Android, all this is possible after unlocking the bootloader and firmware TWRP. However, the process has nuances: Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy, and old guides often contain outdated links to tools. This article is an up-to-date instruction with changes in 2023-2026, including bypassing typical errors like Fastboot mode or Anti-Rollback.
Important: If your Redmi 4X is purchased after 2019, there is a high probability that it is a locked bootloader with a link to the Mi Account. This complicates the process, but does not make it impossible. We will consider both scenarios for devices with an unlocked and a locked bootloader.
Preparation: What you need to install TWRP
Before you start, make sure you have:
- 🔌 Charged smartphone (at least 70% battery) interruption of the process during the unlocking or firmware phase can lead to a brick (inoperable device).
- 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 (or Linux/macOS Virtual machines are not recommended due to driver issues.
- 🔗 Original. USB-Cheap cables often don't transmit data in Fastboot mode.
- 📥 Files for firmware: The latest version TWRP for Redmi 4X (Santoni (select the version) 3.7.0_9-0 Mi Unlock Tool (if the bootloader is locked) Qualcomm drivers and ADB (references below).
You will also need a backup. Installing TWRP and unlocking the bootloader completely erases the device's internal memory, including photos, contacts and apps. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying on your PC.
| Component | Download link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | Official website | Version 5.5.224.24 or later.Older versions may not work with new Mi accounts. |
| ADB & Fastboot | Android SDK | Unpack into the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\ convenienceally. |
| Qualcomm drivers | XDA Developers | It is necessary for EDL (Emergency Firmware) mode. |
| TWRP for Santoni | Official website of TWRP | Check the version: for Android 7-9 will suit 3.7.0, for Android 10+ - you need a modified build. |
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4X
Without an unlocked bootloader, you can’t install TWRP. Xiaomi requires you to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 7-15 days (on new devices). For the 2017-2018 Redmi 4X, this timeframe is often reduced to 72 hours, but there are no guarantees.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the line. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer.
- Turn it on: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on new versions. MIUI). 🔌 Debugging by USB.
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm access for debugging.
Mi Unlock Tool
Mi
"Couldn’t unlock"
Mi Account tied to phone|Developer mode activated|Debugging by USB included|Drivers. ADB fixed|Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version-->
⚠️ Attention: If Redmi 4X It was previously unblocked, but then it was officially released. MIUI, The bootloader could lock again. Check the status with the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for Device unlocked: true. If false, repeat unlocking.
Step 2: Install TWRP via Fastboot
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can flash TWRP. We use the Fastboot method, because it is the most reliable for the santoni.
Step-by-step:
- Download the twrp-3.x.x-x-santoni.img file and rename it to recovery.img and place it in the platform-tools folder.
- Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and execute commands: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the phone) fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
- The phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.
- Disable Forced Encryption (if you plan to install custom firmware): Format the Data partition as F2FS (in TWRP: Wipe → Format Data → type “yes”)
- Sweep Magisk for root rights: Download Magisk (version 26.1+). In TWRP, select Install → select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm.
If your phone fails to be checked by SafetyNet after installing Magisk (bank applications do not work), use the MagiskHide Props Config or Universal SafetyNet Fix modules.
💡
Once you install TWRP, never update via OTA to MIUI, which will result in overwriting the Recovery and eventual brick. Use only manual firmware through TWRP.
Alternative methods of installing TWRP
If the standard method doesn’t work, try these options:
- 🔧 Through ADB Sideload: Download twrp-installer-santoni.zip. In the drain recavator, select Apply update from ADB. On PC, do: Adb sideload twrp-installer-santoni.zip
Through OrangeFox Recovery
OrangeFox is a TWRP fork with improved Xiaomi support. Download the image for santoni and run it similarly to TWRP.
Through EDL (Emergency Mode)
Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.Use Mi Flash Pro with file prog_emmc_firehose_8953.mbn.
⚠️ Attention: Method EDL It can lead to a hard brick if you use an inappropriate firehose file. 4X Only the Snapdragon 435 version is suitable for the (MSM8940).