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

Introduction: Relevance of the Redmi 4X in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017, but still remains a popular budget smartphone due to reliable hardware and the ability to install modern firmware. However, official support for updates from Xiaomi has long been discontinued — the last stable MIUI was released in 2019. This raises a lot of questions: which Android is “out of the box”, can you put a new version of the OS, and how to do this without the risk of “bricking” the device?

In this article, we will discuss:

• 📱 Original Android Versions for Redmi 4X (depending on the region and the firmware).
• 🔄 Upgrade options to Android 10/11 through custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.).
• ⚠️ Risks and pitfalls of flashing, including problems with the bootloader and TWRP.
• 🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for beginners – from unlocking the bootloader to installing GApps.

If you are planning to buy a used Redmi 4X or already use it, but want to “breathe a second life” – this article will help you avoid mistakes and choose the best firmware option.

The official version of Android for Redmi 4X: what was put in the factory

Xiaomi Redmi 4X was released with two versions of Android, depending on the market and the date of production:

It is important to understand that even the Chinese versions of Redmi 4X did not receive the official Android 8.0 Oreo or later.The latest stable firmware from Xiaomi is MIUI 10.2.3.0 based on Android 7.1.2, released in May 2019. All subsequent updates (for example, MIUI 11/12) for this device are unofficial ports collected by enthusiasts.

How to check your version of Android?

• 📲 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Android version.
• 🔍 If it says 6.0.1 or 7.1.2, it's the original firmware.
• 🚫 If you see Android 8/9/10 — Most likely, the device already has a custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: Some used smartphones are being used by vendors to install fake versions of Android (e.g. Android 11 via launchers). → The phone. → The assembly number, unless there's a mention. MIUI Or the name of the custom firmware is a scam.

Can Redmi 4X be upgraded to Android 10/11?

Xiaomi is no longer releasing updates for this model, but thanks to the XDA Developers (4PDA) community, there are unofficial firmware that allows you to install:

• 🤖 Android 10 (Q) – via LineageOS 17.1, Pixel Experience or HaventOS.
• 🤖 Android 11 (R) – LineageOS 18.1 (unstable build, lots of bugs).
• 🚫 Android 12+ — Not recommended due to performance issues and lack of drivers.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Newer version of Android with modern features (dark theme, navigation gestures).
• ✅ Lack of Bloatware (pre-installed Chinese applications).
• ✅ Regular security updates (if firmware is supported).

Disadvantages and risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still in effect).
• ❌ Possible bugs: camera problems, GPS, mobile.
• ❌ The need for manual installation of GApps (Google services).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” in case of errors during firmware.

Step-by-step: how to update Android to Redmi 4X

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

Unlock the bootloader (bootloader)|Install TWRP Recovery|Download firmware and GApps|Make a data backup|Charge your phone at least 70 times%-->

Step 1 Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all devices to unlock it:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Additional → Developers → Link your Mi Account.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and install the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Launch the utility, log in to your account and follow the instructions. Usually, it takes 72–168 hours to unlock (Xiaomi sends you a message). SMS-notice).

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking the bootloader, all data will be deleted from the phone! Also, some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.

Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP is a custom recovery required for firmware installation. Download the latest version for santoni from the official TWRP website and run through fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_santoni.img

Step 3: Install firmware and GApps

TWRP:

1. Make a full backup of the current firmware.
2. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
3. Install the downloaded firmware (for example, lineage-17.1-20260310-santoni.zip).
4. Install GApps (select arm64 → 10.0 → pico for Android 10).
5. Reboot.

💡

If you've got your phone stuck on your logo after you've done it, don't panic! Try pinching Power + Volume up for 10 to 15 seconds to force the device to turn off. Then re-install it, making sure it's right for your model (santoni, not rolex or markw).

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even with the right custom firmware installation, there can be problems.

If the phone stopped turning on after firmware (the “brick”), try:

1. Download to fastboot (clip Power + Volume down).
2. Switch the original fastboot-ROM through the Mi Flash Tool (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
3. If it doesn’t work, contact the service center (eMMC memory may be damaged).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, always check the reviews of a particular build in the forums. For example, some versions of LineageOS 18.1 for Redmi 4X have a critical overheating bug.

Should the Redmi 4X be updated in 2026?

Let’s objectively assess whether it makes sense to spend time on the firmware Redmi 4X today.

Arguments FOR:

• 🔧 The ability to use modern apps (for example, new versions of Telegram or YouTube require Android 8).+).
• 🛡️ Security updates (in custom firmware fix vulnerabilities critical to banking applications).
• 🎨 New interface and features (dark theme, gestures, digital well-being).

Arguments against:

• ⏳ Snapdragon processor 435 weakly pulls Android 10/11 — Possible lags in games and multitasking.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (new versions of Android more resource-intensive).
• 📱 Risk of losing functionality (for example, a fingerprint may not work well).
• 💰 If the phone is used as a “bell ringer” – firmware will not justify the effort spent.

Alternatives:

• 📲 Buy a used Redmi Note 8/9 (price ~5–7 thousand rubles.) with the official Android 11.
• 🔄 Leave the original firmware, but install a launcher (e.g. Nova Launcher) for a modern look.
• ☁️ Use cloud services (such as Shelter) to isolate legacy applications.

Where to download firmware and tools for Redmi 4X

All santoni firmware files should only be downloaded from trusted sources, and the following are the current links for 2026:

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from torrent trackers or little-known sites! there is a great risk of catching a virus or flashing an incompatible version (for example, for Redmi). 4A instead 4X).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi 4X and Android