Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: what version of Android and how to update it in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

2017

Android

Which OS is installed "out of the box"

It’s worth clarifying right away: the Redmi Note 4X came with two firmware types — global (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China), which directly affected the Android version and available features. Xiaomi is known for its update policy, which doesn’t always please users of budget models. In this article, we will understand what Android is on your device, how to check the relevance of the firmware and what to do if updates no longer come.

We will also discuss custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which can give Redmi Note 4X a second life, but require careful installation, and if you’ve just bought a used device or are planning to restore it, here are the answers to key questions.

Which Android version is installed on the Redmi Note 4X out of the box?

Initially, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X went on sale with Android 6.0 Marshmallow running the MIUI 8 shell. However, depending on the region and release date, the device could receive an update to Android 7.0 Nougat at the production stage.

• 📦 The first batch (2017): Android 6.0 + MIUI 8.
• 🔄 Updated batches (late 2017 – 2018): Android 7.0 + MIUI 9.
• 🌍 Global and Chinese versions: China has faster updates but limited (no Google services).

It’s important to understand that the most official version of Android for this model is 7.0 Nougat. Xiaomi has not released an update to Android 8.0 Oreo or newer versions for the Redmi Note 4X, despite the fact that the hardware (the Snapdragon 625) processor could theoretically support them.

To find out exactly which version of Android is installed on your smartphone, go to:

Settings → About the phone → Android version

Why Xiaomi didn’t release an update to Android 8.0+ for the Redmi Note 4X?

The lack of updates to Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 9.0 Pie is a painful topic for owners of the Redmi Note 4X.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has officially announced that updates for budget models over 2 years are being suspended in favor of new devices. 4X, Released in 2017.

• 📉 Limited resources: Supporting older smartphones requires development teams, which is unprofitable from a business point of view.
• 🔧 Hardware limitations: Despite the powerful Snapdragon 625 for its time, some features of newer versions of Android (for example, Project Treble) are not optimized for older chipsets.
• 💰 Marketing strategy: Xiaomi encourages users to buy new models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 or Redmi Note 10) POCO X3).

But that doesn’t mean your smartphone is doomed to outdated firmware. Custom firmware (like LineageOS 16 on Android 9.0) can solve the problem, but installing it requires unlocking the bootloader and fastboot skills.

If you are not willing to take risks, the alternative is to optimize your current firmware: disabling unnecessary services, cleaning your cache, and using lightweight alternatives to standard applications.

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Before installing custom firmware, make sure to back up your data via TWRP Recovery or cloud services, which will save you from losing photos and contacts.

How to check and install the latest official updates

Even if your Redmi Note 4X runs on Android 7.0 Nougat, chances are you missed the latest security patches or MIUI updates.

Step 1. Check the current firmware version

Open the settings → About the phone and pay attention to:

MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 11.0.2)

Android version (should be 7.0)

- Assembly date (shows how fresh the firmware is).

Step 2: Search for updates

Go to:

Settings → About the phone → System update

If updates are available, the system will offer to download and install them.The latest official MIUI version for the Redmi Note 4X is MIUI 11 (Android 7.0), released in 2020.

Step 3: Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic update does not work, download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (link) and install it through Recovery:

1. Download the firmware file (for example, mido_global_images_V11.0.2.0.NCFMIXM_20200316.0000.00_7.0_global_...).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the update process! if the smartphone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes, try restarting manually (clip the power for 10 seconds).

Firmware version table for Redmi Note 4X (official)

Below are the key versions of MIUI released for the Redmi Note 4X (codename of the device is mido):

As you can see from the table, the maximum version of Android remained 7.0, and MIUI updates after 2020 did not come out, which means that from a security perspective, your smartphone is vulnerable to modern threats (for example, exploits in the browser or Wi-Fi module).

Castom firmware: how to update Redmi Note 4X to Android 9.0+

If you're not comfortable with Android 7.0, the only way to get a new version of the OS is to install custom firmware.The most popular options for the Redmi Note 4X are:

• 🤖 LineageOS 16 (Android 9.0 Pie) - stable firmware with minimalist design.
• 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 10) – ported firmware from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS (Android 10) – customizable firmware with many settings.
• 🔒 Resurrection Remix (Android 9.0) – for fans of fine tuning.

Advantages of custom firmware:

Support for new versions of Android.

- Absence of Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi applications).

Longer security updates (such as monthly patches from LineageOS)

Risks and disadvantages:

Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).

Possible bugs (such as a broken NFC or camera)

- Difficulty installing for beginners.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (mido version)
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services).
4. Swipe through TWRP with full Wipe (Wipe → Format Data).

Optimizing Redmi Note 4X on Android 7.0: tips for smooth operation

If you decide to stay on the official firmware, here are a few ways to improve performance:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Clean the app cache regularly in Settings → Annexes.
• 🚫 Disabling Autoboot: In Settings → Battery → Autostart Management Disable Unnecessary Apps.
• 🔄 Easy alternatives: Replace heavy apps (e.g. Facebook with Hermit Lite).
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Activate Charge Saving Mode and Turn Off Background Activity.

Also, consider disabling animations to speed up the interface:

Settings → Additional → For developers → Animation scale (set 0.5x or turn off)

If the smartphone is slowing down, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!):

Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

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Even on Android 7.0, the Redmi Note 4X is capable of delivering decent performance when optimized correctly, and the key is to avoid being overwhelmed by multimedia tasks (such as high-demand games).

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Updating the firmware (even the official one) can lead to unexpected bugs. Let’s consider the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If Google services (such as Play Market) are lost after the update, it means that you have installed Chinese firmware (MIUI China).

1. Download the GApps package for your version of Android (like Open GApps Pico).
2. Fly it through TWRP Recovery.
3. Reset the device.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Redmi Note 4X and Android