Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: What version of Android and how to update the system?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017. Despite its age, the device is still used by many users due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, with the release of new versions of Android, owners often wonder: which version of Android was originally on the Redmi Note 4X, and can it be upgraded to the current one?

In this article, we’ll break down the official and informal ways to update, the nuances of firmware and the limitations of hardware, how to check the current version of Android, what update options exist, and whether it’s worth doing it on an outdated device.

The official version of Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X came with preinstalled MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Later, the device received official updates to Android 7.0 Nougat (MIUI 9/10) is the maximum possible version of Android from Xiaomi for this model. Further updates from the manufacturer stopped, as the hardware (Culcomm Snapdragon 625) does not support new versions of the OS.

Here is the official update chronology:

• 📱 2017 – release with Android 6.0 + MIUI 8
• 🔄 2017–2018 – Update to Android 7.0 + MIUI 9
• 🛑 2019: The Last Security Patch (MIUI 10)

After 2019, Xiaomi stopped releasing updates for the Redmi Note 4X, but enthusiasts continue to support the device through custom firmware (we will talk about them below).

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

To find out which version of Android is installed on your device, follow the following steps:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Find the Android version and MIUI version.

If you have custom firmware installed (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the path may be different. In some builds, version information is hidden in Settings → System → System Update.

⚠️ Note: If Android 7.1.2 is displayed in the About section, but you never manually updated your phone, that's not a mistake. Some regions received firmware with patches that changed the minor version (for example, from 7.0 to 7.1.2), but functionally it's still Nougat.

Can I upgrade the Redmi Note 4X to Android 8, 9 or later?

Xiaomi has not released updates above Android 7.0 for this model, but there are three alternative ways:

1. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS, etc.) – allows you to install Android 10-12, but require unlocking the bootloader and risk stability.
2. Ported MIUIs are unofficial builds of MIUI 11/12 based on Android 7.0 with patches from the community.
3. Firmware from other regions – for example, the global or Chinese version of MIUI may have fresh software, but without guarantee of compatibility.

🔹 Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid), may result in data loss or a device "brick".Be sure to back up through Settings before firmware. → Additionally. → Backup.

Compatibility table for Redmi Note 4X

Below are the proven firmware options for the Redmi Note 4X (mido model) that can be installed instead of the standard MIUI:

⚠️ Attention: Firmware based on Android 10+ For example, HavocOS 12 often has camera lags, and Pixel Experience 11 has Bluetooth problems, XDA Developers).

Step-by-step instructions for installing custom firmware

If you decide to upgrade Redmi Note 4X to a new version of Android, follow this algorithm.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (Mi Account is required).
2. Install TWRP Recovery, custom recovery for firmware. Download the mido version from twrp.me.
3. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 17.1) and GApps (Google services) from OpenGApps.
4. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
5. Wipe → Advanced Wipe, select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
6. Flip the firmware and GApps through Install.
7. Restart (the first launch can take 10-15 minutes).

💡

Before you run the firmware, check the battery charge, which should be at least 70%, and if the phone runs out during the process, it can lead to a blink.

🔹 Important: After installing custom firmware, some functions may not work properly:

• 📷 Camera – Artifacts or Absences Possible HDR.
• 🔋 Battery – fast discharge due to unoptimized core.
• 📶 Mobile networking – problems with 4G in some regions.

Should the Redmi Note 4X be updated in 2026?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the update:

✅ The argument “For":

• 🆕 New Android features (dark theme, navigation gestures).
• 🛡️ Security patches (although not official).
• 🎯 The ability to install fresh apps that require Android 8+.

❌ Arguments “Against":

• 🐢 Productivity decline (iron is not designed for new versions).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption.
• 🔧 Loss of warranty and risk of bric.

💡

If you use the Redmi Note 4X as a backup phone or for basic tasks (calls, instant messengers), the update will not bring noticeable benefits.

🔹 Alternative: Instead of upgrading the system, consider buying a new smartphone.For example, the Redmi Note 12 is inexpensive and supports Android 13 with the prospect of upgrading to Android 14.

Frequent errors when updating the Redmi Note 4X

Users often face the following problems:

1. The error "This package is for mido devices" means that you downloaded the firmware for a different model. Check the device code in Settings → About Phone → Model (should be mido).
2. Hanging on the MI logo - usually associated with an incompatible core or no Wipe Solution: repeat the firmware with a full reset.
3. No network after the upgrade - check if the firmware supports your region. Sometimes manually configuring APN helps.

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not turn on after firmware, and when connected to a PC it is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, it's hard brick. EDL-Firmware and authorized Xiaomi account.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions