Why is the issue of updating MIUI 10 for Redmi 4X still relevant?
Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) was released in 2017 and became one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand. At the start of sales, the device was running MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and later received an update to MIUI 9 and Android 7.1 Nougat. However, with the release of MIUI 10 in 2018, many owners of the Redmi 4X were left without official support.
Years later, the question of when MIUI 10 will come out for the Redmi 4X still arises — and not by chance. The fact is that Xiaomi never officially announced support for MIUI 10 for this model, but users are still looking for ways to upgrade. In this article, we will explore why this happened, what are the alternatives and how to safely install MIUI 10 (or a newer version) on the Redmi 4X in 2026.
It's important to understand that even if there's no official update, it doesn't mean your smartphone is doomed to outdated firmware. There are custom firmware, ported versions of MIUI and other solutions, but each of these methods has its own risks and nuances.
Xiaomi: Why the Redmi 4X didn’t get the MIUI 10
Xiaomi has a clear policy of updates: budget models usually receive 2-3 years of support since release. Redmi 4X debuted in February 2017, and MIUI 10 was released in June 2018.
- 📅 Support Term: Xiaomi Completes Updates for Redmi 4X In 2019, the latest stable version was released. MIUI 9.6.3.0 based on Android 7.1.
- 🔧 Hardware restrictions: Smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 435 and 2/3 GB of RAM. MIUI 10 Higher minimum performance was required.
- 📱 Xiaomi is focusing on upgrading newer devices like the Redmi Note 5 or Mi A1, The ones that had the best iron».
In 2020, Redmi 4X was completely removed from the list of supported devices, which means that there will never be an official upgrade to MIUI 10 (or newer versions), but this does not prevent enthusiasts from creating unofficial ports.
⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may result in data loss or device blink!
How to check the current version of MIUI and compatibility with the update
Before looking for ways to upgrade, make sure your Redmi 4X doesn’t really support MIUI 10.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to the About Phone section.
- Scroll down to the MIUI version.
If you see MIUI 9.x.x.x, there will be no official updates, but the good news is that some custom firmware (such as MIUI 10 ported or LineageOS) can run on Redmi 4X. To see if your device is suitable for such firmware, check:
- 🔄 Model of the device: Must be Redmi 4X (Make sure it's not a Redmi 4 or Redmi. 4A — They have other firmware!
- 🔒 Bootloader status: Custom firmware requires an unlocked bootloader to be installed.
- 📡 Recovery Version: Should be installed TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project instead of the standard Mi Recovery.
How to install MIUI 10 on Redmi 4X: step-by-step instructions
If you’re willing to take a chance, here are three proven ways to get a MIUI 10 on Redmi 4X.Remember: all the actions you perform at your own risk!
Installation of ported MIUI 10 via TWRP
This is the most popular method, but it requires prior preparation.
Unlock bootloader with Mi Unlock Tool
Install TWRP Recovery (version 3.2.3 or later)
Download ported MIUI 10 for santoni (proven builds: XDA Developers)
Make a full backup of the current firmware in TWRP
Format partitions /system, /data, /cache (not to be confused with wipe!)
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After preparation:
- Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Go to the Install section and select the downloaded firmware file (usually in.zip format).
- Confirm swipe installation.
- After completion, press Reboot System.
The first start can take 10-15 minutes – don’t interrupt the process!
What if after installing MIUI 10, the phone is stuck on the logo?
2. Update via Fastboot (for power users)
This is a more complicated method, but it's sometimes more stable.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.img format for santoni.
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Instructions:
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash data.img (optional if you need a clean update)
fastboot reboot⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in fastboot can permanently disable the device. If you are not sure, use the method of using the device. TWRP.
3.Use of applications to "deceive" the system (not recommended)
There are tips on how to change the build.prop file to trick the system into showing an upgrade to MIUI 10, which doesn’t work on Redmi 4X and can lead to:
- 🚫 Loss of communication with Xiaomi servers (Mi Cloud, themes, updates will not work) OTA).
- 🐌 Strong lags and overheating due to incompatibility of the core.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop).
💡
If you need MIUI 10 features (like full-screen gestures or in-camera artificial intelligence), consider installing MIUI 11/12 through custom builds – they are often optimized better than a ported “ten.”
MIUI 10 alternatives: which firmware is better to install on the Redmi 4X in 2026
If the goal is not specifically MIUI 10, but modern and stable firmware, then there are more reliable options for the Redmi 4X:
| Firmware | Android version | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS 16 (Android 9 Pie) | 9.0 | ✅ Stable work✅ Regular security updates✅ No extra software. | ❌ No branded features MIUI❌ The camera is worse. |
| Havoc-OS (Android 10) | 10.0 | ✅ Modern interface✅ Flexible settings✅ Sign support | ❌ Possible battery bugs❌ Requires installation experience |
| MIUI 12 by Xiaomi.eu (unofficial port) | 7.1 (with patches) | ✅ Preserves the corporate design MIUI✅ All the functions of Xiaomi work | ❌ Slower than stock. MIUI 9❌ No security updates |
| Pixel Experience (Android 11) | 11.0 | ✅ Pure Android without bells and whistles✅ Fast work. | ❌ No support for some sensors❌ Weak optimization for weak iron |
For most users, LineageOS 16 or Havoc-OS will be the best choice – they offer a balance between stability and modern features. If you are fundamentally important to Xiaomi branded chips (such as Second Space or Game Turbo), then you should try MIUI 12 from Xiaomi.eu, but be prepared for possible lags.
💡
Android 9-11-based firmware works better on the Redmi 4X than the ported MIUI 10, thanks to kernel optimization and removing unnecessary background processes.
Risks and how to minimize them: tips before installation
Any interference with firmware carries risks, but they can be reduced if you follow these rules:
⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X It was purchased in China (the version for the domestic market), then the firmware of the global market. MIUI may result in loss IMEI Check the model in Settings before installing. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (It should be global, not China).
- 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the charge is at least 60% - if the phone turns off while firmware is running, it could lead to a blink.
- 📱 Data backup: Use TWRP Backup or Mi Mover to save contacts, SMS Cloud services (such as Google Drive) may not recover data after changing firmware.
- 🔍 File Check: Download firmware only from verified sources: 🔗 XDA Developers (Redmi) section 4X). 🔗 Xiaomi.eu (for) MIUI-port). 🔗 Official website of LineageOS.
- 🛠️ Use the latest versions: Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock bootloader). TWRP 3.6.0+ (Older versions may not support new firmware). ADB/Fastboot (update through SDK Platform Tools).
If after installing a new firmware, the phone begins to overheat, discharge in 2-3 hours or spontaneously reboot, these are signs of incompatibility.
- Return to the previous firmware via TWRP.
- Try another build (for example, install LineageOS instead of MIUI 10).
- If nothing helps, do a full reset and reset the phone.
Redmi 4X Optimization on Old Firmware: How to Improve Performance Without Updating
If you don’t want to take risks, but the current firmware is slow, there are ways to speed up Redmi 4X without replacing MIUI:
- 🧹 Cleaning the system: Remove the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Disable autoload of unnecessary applications through Settings → Permits → Auto-start. Use it. SD Maid or Files by Google for garbage removal.
- ⚡ Turn off animation: Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI In About Phone. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, set the scale of the animation window, the scale of the animation transition and the scale of the duration of the animator on the 0.5x Or offline.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Backup important data. Go to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Reset. After reset, don't restore data from the backup - set your phone as new.
- 📵 Limitation of background processes: C Settings → Apps disable background activity for unnecessary programs. Use Greenify (root required) to "freeze" apps.
These methods can increase battery life by 20-30% and make the interface more responsive. If even after optimization, the smartphone slows down, it may be time to consider replacing the battery (with a 2-3 years of operation, its capacity could decrease by 30-40%).