MIUI 12 on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: official release, alternative firmware and update risks

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still used by millions of users. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI owners of older devices are faced with the question: will they get fresh software? MIUI 12, Released in 2020, brought revolutionary changes in design, performance and functionality, but official support for Redmi 4X (codename santoni) was discontinued much earlier. In this article, we will see if there are chances of updating, how to install MIUI 12 informally and what pitfalls await users.

Note: Xiaomi never released MIUI 12 for the Redmi 4X officially. The last stable version for this device was MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat. However, enthusiasts and custom firmware developers offer alternative solutions, from ported builds to full-fledged unofficial versions. But here it is important to understand the risks from loss of warranty (if it is still valid) to “filling” the phone.

Xiaomi: Why the Redmi 4X didn’t get the MIUI 12

Xiaomi has a clear policy of device support: budget models, as a rule, receive updates within 2-3 years from the moment of release. 4X It was released in February 2017, and by the end of 2019, it had been phased out. MIUI 12 bypassed the side of this smartphone:

• 📱 Hardware restrictions: Redmi 4X It is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 435 everything 2/3 GB of RAM (depending on the modification) These features do not pull new features MIUI 12, Super Wallpapers or improved multitasking.
• 🔄 Outdated Android: The latest official firmware for the device is based on Android 7.1, whereas MIUI 12 requires at least Android 9.0 to work properly.
• 💰 Economic feasibility: Xiaomi focuses on updating newer and more marketable models. Support for older devices requires resources that the company prefers to invest in current lines.

In 2020, when MIUI 12 was released, the Redmi 4X was already removed from the list of supported devices, and even MIUI 11 for this model was released with a delay and without some of the features available on the flagships.

Alternative ways to install MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X

If you're willing to take risks, there are several ways to get a MIUI 12 on your Redmi 4X, all of which require unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, and importantly, these actions cancel the warranty (if it's still valid) and can lead to unstable device operation.

Unofficial ports of MIUI 12

Enthusiasts from the XDA Developers and 4PDA forums have created ported versions of MIUI 12 for the Redmi 4X. These builds are based on firmware for other devices (for example, the Redmi Note 5), adapted to the santoni hardware platform.

• 🔧 MIUI 12 by StableBuild – build with minimal bugs but no features (e.g. Always-on Display).
• 🎨 MIUI 12 "Lite" - Lightweight version without heavy animations, optimized for weak devices.
• 🛠️ MIUI 12 Global Port – Multilingual Supported Firmware, but Possible Mobile Network Issues.

🔹 Where to download? Official sources - thematic branches on the Internet XDA Developers or 4PDA. Never download firmware from dubious sites - the risk of catching a virus or a "brick" is too great.

2. MIUI-based firmware

In addition to ports, there are completely redesigned firmware, such as:

• 🧩 LineageOS 17.1 + MIUI 12 Launcher – a combination of pure Android 10 with a shell from Xiaomi. MIUI will work.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS with themes MIUI 12 - custom firmware with settings under MIUI, but without original functionality.

These options are suitable for those who want the appearance of MIUI 12, but does not depend on Xiaomi’s branded chips (for example, Second Space or Game Turbo).

Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool|

Backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS) |

Download firmware and tools (TWRP, ADB) |

Charge your phone at least 70% |

Disable Mi Account protection (if an account is linked)

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How to install MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X

⚠️ Attention: The following actions may result in data loss or phone failure.If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to consult a specialist or stay on official firmware.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website.

2. log in to your Mi Account on your phone and unlock tool.

3. Transfer the device to Fastboot mode: turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power.

4.Plug your smartphone to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.The process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi restrictions.

Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 4X (santoni) from the official website.

2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.

3. In the command line, do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

Step 3: Installation of firmware

1. Copy the downloaded firmware (.zip) to the memory card or internal memory of the phone.

2. Go to TWRP (Plug Volume Up + Power when on).

3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.

4. Go back to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file.

5. wait until the installation is completed (it may take 10-20 minutes) and restart.

Risks and problems after installing MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X

Even if the installation is successful, be prepared for the following problems:

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi 4X as the main telephone, installation MIUI 12 may make it unusable for everyday use. Many users complain of freezes, overheating and rapid battery discharge after the upgrade.We recommend that you first test the firmware on a spare device or be ready to roll back on the official version.

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Before installing custom firmware, check the reviews about a particular build on the forums. Pay attention to the date of the last update - if the firmware has not been updated for more than a year, there is a risk of incompatibility with modern applications.

Should I upgrade? pros and cons of MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X

Before making a decision, weigh all the pros and cons:

• ✅ Contemporary design: MIUI 12 offers updated animations, dark theme and a new notification center.
• ✅ New features: Super Wallpapers, improved multitasking, Ultra Battery Saver mode.
• ✅ Security: More recent security patches (though not the latest).
• ❌ Performance: Snapdragon 435 doesn't cope with new requirements - expect lags.
• ❌ Stability: Castom firmware often contains bugs, especially in network and camera operation.
• ❌ Loss of function: Some features (for example, IR Blaster or FM-radio may stop working.

If you're looking for stability and performance, you'd better stay on the official MIUI 11 or consider buying a new phone, and if you want to experiment and put up with bugs, a custom MIUI 12 can be an interesting experience.

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The MIUI 12 on the Redmi 4X is always a trade-off between new design and stability, and for most users, the official MIUI 11 remains the best choice.

What to do if MIUI 12 is not suitable? - Redmi 4X

If MIUI 12 is not working well, consider other options:

Official MIUI 11 (last stable version)

Return to the latest official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.This guarantees maximum stability, but deprives new features.

2. Custom firmware based on Android 10/11

Try it:

• 🐉 LineageOS 17.1/18.1 — pure Android without unnecessary bells and whistles.
• 🔥 Havoc-OS or Pixel Experience – firmware with chips from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ CrDroid – Balance between performance and functionality.

3. Lightweight versions of MIUI

Some developers offer MIUI 10/11 Lite - firmware with remote unnecessary services and optimized resource consumption.

4.Buying a new phone

If the Redmi 4X is not able to cope with modern tasks, consider the budget innovations from Xiaomi:

• 📱 Redmi 10C — Up-to-date Snapdragon 680 chipset and support MIUI 13.
• 📱 Poco M5 — Good balance of price and productivity.
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 – if the budget allows, it is the best upgrade.

FAQ: Frequent questions about MIUI 12 on Redmi 4X