Related: Releasing the update to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: all working methods of 2026

Firmware updates on Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) usually improve performance and add new features. But what if after the upgrade the smartphone started to slow down, quickly discharge or completely stop turning on? Resetting the update is the only way to return the stable operation of the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from a simple reset via Recovery to a complete flashing through the Fastboot using the MI Flash Tool.

It is important to understand that the rollback procedure is not risk-free. Wrong actions can lead to a "brick" (complete failure) of the device. So before you start, check the phone model in the settings (Settings → Phone → Model) and make sure that you have a Redmi 4X, not Redmi 4 or Redmi 4A - they have different firmware!

If you're not sure about your abilities, you'd better go to the service center, but if you're ready to do it yourself, get started. Below you'll find step-by-step instructions for different scenarios: Recovery rollbacks (without data loss), Fastboot (with full cleanup), and even manual recovery through ADB. We'll also tell you how to avoid typical errors and where to download official firmware.

1.Preparation for rollback: what to do before the start

Before you start rolling back, follow a few critical steps that ignore can lead to data loss or phone failure.

1. Back up your data. Firmware rollback, especially through Fastboot, almost always erases user files. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your PC. Note: backup via TWRP (if installed) saves both applications and system settings.

2. Check the current firmware version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down the build number (e.g. V12.5.1.0.RDFCNXM) to help you choose the correct rollback version.

3. Charge the phone at least 60%. Interrupting the process due to battery discharge can turn the device into a "brick". If the phone does not turn on, use the charger with an output of 5V/2A and wait 30–40 minutes before you start manipulating.

4 Download the necessary tools:

• 📱 Official firmware for Redmi 4X (select Recovery or Fastboot depending on the method) from en.miui.com.
• 🖥️ MI Flash Tool (for the Fastboot method) - download at xiaomiflashtool.com.
• 🔧 ADB and Fastboot (for command line) are part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔄 Drivers for Xiaomi (unless the PC recognizes the phone in Fastboot mode).

⚠️ Warning: Never use firmware from third-party sources (such as torrent trackers or forums).They may contain viruses or be incompatible with your model. Official files are always digitally signed by Xiaomi.

If you plan to roll back via Fastboot, make sure the bootloader is unlocked on your phone. You can check this by rebooting the device to Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down) and connecting to your PC. If the Device Manager displays Android Bootloader Interface, then the bootloader is unlocked.

2. Method 1: Recovery (without data loss)

This is the most effective way, but it only works if:

• The phone is turned on and loaded into the system.
• You are rolling back to the previous official version of MIUI (not custom firmware).
• You have stock recovery installed (not TWRP).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware file in.zip format for Recovery (e.g. miui_HM4XGlobal_V11.0.2.0.NAMMIXM_...).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. Select a language (if available), then go to Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed (5-10 minutes).
6. After the reboot, the phone will start with the previous firmware version.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after rollback, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data → Wipe All Data) which will delete all user data but restore the functionality.

This method does not always work if:

• The firmware is badly damaged.
• You try to install a version older than the one you originally had (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 10).
• The update.zip file is corrupted or not intended for your model.

Download official update.zip for Redmi 4X

The file is renamed and placed in the root of the memory

Phone charged at 60%+

Backup copy of data created

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3. Method 2: Full rollback via Fastboot (with data cleanup)

If the phone doesn't turn on or the Recovery method doesn't work, you'll have to use Fastboot, which erases all data, but it's guaranteed to restore performance.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows PC (Windows 10/11 recommended).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.
• 🛠️ The MI Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder (for example, C:\miui_fastboot).
2. Install the MI Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi.
3. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down). Connect to the PC.
4. Launch the MI Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).

If the MI Flash Tool gives an error "This package is for santoni devices; this is a">, then you downloaded the firmware not for Redmi 4X.

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

4 Method 3: Recoil through ADB Sideload (alternative to Recovery)

If stock Recovery refuses to install update.zip, you can use ADB Sideload.This method is suitable for devices that are enabled but cannot complete the update in the standard way.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format for Recovery and place it in a folder with ADB (for example, C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn on the phone debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
4. Recovery: Adb Reboot Recovery
5. In Recovery, select Apply update from ADB.
6. On PC, execute the command: adb sideload name file.zip Wait for completion (progress will appear on the phone screen).

If the process is stuck at 47% or another value, don’t panic – it’s normal for Xiaomi.

⚠️ Warning: If after ADB Sideload the phone loads into Recovery with an error "E:unknown command", then the firmware is incompatible with your version of Recovery. Try another file or use Fastboot.

5. firmware compatibility table for Redmi 4X

To avoid rollback errors, check version compatibility. Below are the official MIUI builds for Redmi 4X (santoni):

Note: The firmware for Redmi 4X is divided into:

• 🌍 Global – with Google services pre-installed.
• 🇨🇳 China (CN) – without Google, but with Chinese apps (you can manually install GMS).

Do not try to install firmware from other models (for example, Redmi 4 Prime or Redmi Note 4X) – this will lead to the failure of the device.

💡

If Google services are lost after rollback, install them manually through Open GApps (select the pico option for the minimum size).

Typical errors and their solutions

When an update rolls back, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error "This package is for santoni; this is a..."

• 🔹 Reason: You didn't download the firmware for Redmi 4X.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the device codename (santoni) and download the correct version.

2.The phone doesn't go out of Fastboot mode

• 🔹 Cause: Incorrect firmware or interrupted process.
• 🔹 Solution: Repeat the firmware through the MI Flash Tool with the Clean all option.

3.After rollback, the phone loads into Recovery with an error

• 🔹 Cause: Damaged partitions of the system or boot.
• 🔹 Solution: Complete the Wipe Data reset or scroll through the Fastboot again.

4. MI Flash Tool gives an error "critical partition flashing is not allowed"

• 🔹 Reason: The bootloader is locked and you try to flash the unofficial firmware.
• 🔹 Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool or use the firmware with Xiaomi’s signature.

5.The phone does not turn on after rollback (black screen)

• 🔹 Cause: Incompatible firmware or partition writing error.
• 🔹 Solution: Try flashing through Fastboot with the Clean all and lock option. If it doesn't work, contact the service.

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If after a rollback the phone is unstable (for example, spontaneously restarts), reset to factory settings through Settings → Additional → Restore and reset.

7.How to avoid update issues in the future

So that you do not have to roll back the firmware again, follow these recommendations:

1. Check reviews before updating.

On the forums (4PDA, XDA-Developers), users often share information about bugs in new versions of MIUI. For example, MIUI 12.5 for the Redmi 4X had complaints about fast battery discharge.

2. Install updates through Recovery, not over the air.

By downloading the full firmware package from the official website and installing it manually, you reduce the risk of failure.

• Download.zip for Recovery.
• Put it in the root of memory.
• Update through Settings → System Update → Select a firmware file.

3. Disable automatic update.

Go to Settings → System Update → Settings (⚙) → Auto Update and turn off the option, so you can control when and which version to install.

4. Make backup copies before updating.

Use Mi Cloud, Titanium Backup (for rooted devices) or manually copy important files to your PC.

5. Watch the charge level.

Do not update the firmware if the battery charge is below 50%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to a "brick".

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If the phone starts to warm up after the upgrade, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge the device, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rollback updates on Redmi 4X