Xiaomi Redmi 4X: What is the Android version and how to update it in 2026?

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

santoni

February 2017

What Android is installed out of the box, can you upgrade to the current version, and is it worth it?

Many users mistakenly believe that the Redmi 4X originally had Android 7.0 Nougat, but this is not quite true. Let's clarify the situation with the official and custom firmware, and assess the risks and benefits of updates.

The smartphone came with MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but later received an update to MIUI 9/10 with Android 7.1.2 Nougat. This was the last official version of Android for the model. However, enthusiasts have found ways to install more recent builds — all the way to Android 11 through custom firmware. But there are nuances: not all the features will work correctly, and performance may fall.

If you bought a Redmi 4X b/d or have not updated it in a long time, the first thing to do is check the current version of the software, which will help you understand what features are available to your device and whether anything needs to be changed at all.

What Android was on the Redmi 4X out of the box?

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X (model number 2017116) was supplied with factory firmware based on:

• 📦 Android 6.0 Marshmallow (first batch, 2017)
• 🔄 Android 7.1.2 Nougat (after updates via MIUI Updater)

Xiaomi officially stopped supporting the device in 2019, so the latest stable version of MIUI for the santoni is MIUI 10.2.3.0 (Android 7.1.2).

It’s important to understand that even if you see Android 7.1.2 in the settings, it doesn’t mean that the smartphone is fully up to date, for example, there is no support for new application APIs, no dark theme mode at the system level (only in MIUI), and there are compatibility issues with some games and instant messengers.

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If your Redmi 4X suddenly stopped supporting apps from Google Play (like newer versions of Telegram or banking apps), it's due to an outdated version of Android.

How to check the current version of Android on Redmi 4X?

To find out what firmware is installed on your device, follow the following steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the About Phone section.
3. Slip it several times on the MIUI version until more information comes up.
4. Look for the Android version and build number.

Typical values for the Redmi 4X:

• 📱 Android 6.0 — MMB29M (original firmware)
• 📱 Android 7.1.2 — N2G47H (last official update)

If you have Android 8.0+, you probably have custom firmware installed on your device (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which can be checked by the presence of non-standard features or the absence of Xiaomi branded applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Community).

Can I upgrade Redmi 4X to Android 10 or 11?

Xiaomi has not released updates to this model since Android 7.1.2, but there are two alternative ways to do this:

1️⃣ Castom firmware (unofficial):

• 🔧 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is the most stable build for the santoni.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 10) is a firmware interface, like on the Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS or Resurrection Remix is for those who like fine-tuning.

2️⃣ Port MIUI 12/13 based on Android 9/10:

Enthusiasts migrate newer versions of MIUI to older devices, but such firmware often contains bugs (e.g., NFC or camera doesn't work).

Before installing custom firmware, consider:

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), unstable sensors, or mobile phone issues. For example, some LineageOS 18.1 builds for Redmi 4X do not run VoLTE, which is critical for network calls 4G.

Step-by-step: how to upgrade Redmi 4X to Android 10/11

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow this algorithm. All actions you perform at your own risk!

🔹 Preparation:

🔹 Unlock the loader:

1. Apply for unlocking via Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Account is required).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
3. Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

🔹 Installation of firmware:

1. Download TWRP Recovery for Redmi 4X (version 3.5.2 or later).
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Install. ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

🔹 First launch:

After installation, the first turn on can take 10-15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process! If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, repeat the firmware.

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On custom firmware for Redmi 4X often do not work: fingerprint, VoLTE and Widevine L1 (no HD on Netflix). Before installing, check the list of bugs on the 4PDA forum or XDA.

Firmware Comparison: Which is Best for the Redmi 4X in 2026?

To choose the best firmware, we will evaluate the pros and cons of each option:

For most users, the best choice is the official MIUI 10.2.3.0 – despite the outdated version of Android, it provides maximum stability. If new features are critical to you (for example, support for modern applications), you should try LineageOS 18.1, but be ready to compromise.

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even if the firmware is successful, Redmi 4X owners often encounter bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

🔋 Fast battery discharge:

• 🔌 Turn off Adaptive Brightness in the screen settings.
• 🔌 Install the AccuBattery app to calibrate the battery.
• 🔌 In TWRP run Wipe → Format Data (erase all data!).

📶 Mobile network or Internet is not working:

• 📡 Check the settings of APN (path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Points (APN)).
• 📡 Flash modem and EFS via Fastboot (instructions are on 4PDA).
• 📡 If VoLTE doesn't work, install the VoLTE Fix patch for your firmware.

🎮 Lags and braking:

• 🎛️ Enable Performance Mode in the Developer Settings.
• 🎛️ Turn off animation (path: Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI → tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Animation Scale).
• 🎛️ Install the FrancoKernel kernel for better optimization.

⚠️ Warning: If Redmi 4X stopped turning on after the firmware was installed (hang on the Xiaomi or Mi logo), try going to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot If this doesn’t help, you will have to stitch the device again from scratch.

Alternatives to the update: how to improve the Redmi 4X without changing the firmware?

Not all users need a new version of Android — it’s often enough to optimize the current system. Here are some ways to “breathe a second life” in Redmi 4X without risk:

⚡ Disable unnecessary applications:

Many MIUI systems work in the background and slow down the phone. Turn them off through Settings → Applications → Application Management.

• 🗑️ Mi Video, Mi Music, Mi Browser
• 🗑️ Clean Master (if installed)
• 🗑️ Mi Pay, Mi Credit (for Russia are useless)

🔄 Use lightweight alternatives to standard applications:

🛠️ Optimize the boot:

Install the Autostarts app (root rights required) and disable autostart for unnecessary services, which will speed up the phone’s turn on and reduce battery consumption.

🔋 Replace the battery:

If the Redmi 4X discharges quickly even after resetting, the problem may be a worn-out battery.The original battery (BL-416) costs ~1000 rubles, and the replacement takes 15 minutes.

• 🔋 The phone turns off when 20-30% charge.
• 🔋 Charging is snatched (fast, then slow).
• 🔋 The battery is swelling (check if the screen is lifting).

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Replacing the battery with the Redmi 4X often solves problems with arbitrary reboots and slow charging. The new battery is better to buy with a capacity of 4000-4100 mAh (the original is 4100 mAh).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Redmi 4X and Android