How to Back Up Xiaomi Redmi 4X: The Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, which is still actively used. However, as the device ages, the risk of data loss due to crashes, viruses or physical damage only increases. Backup is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory procedure for owners of aging equipment. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to save information with the Redmi 4X, including hidden MIUI functions and solutions for users with an unlocked bootloader.

Feature of Redmi 4X (codename santoni - limited memory (16/32 GB in most versions) and an outdated version of Android 6.0/7.1 (This puts limits on standard backup methods, but also opens up the possibility of alternative solutions" MIUI, and for devices with custom firmware or root rights.

Why is Redmi 4X backup critical?

The ageing of the Redmi 4X hardware leads to a number of problems that make the backup not just useful, but vital:

• 🔋 Degradation of flash memory: after 5+ The memory cells wear out over the years, which increases the risk of sudden data loss.
• 📱 Outdated Software: Lack of Security Updates Makes Your Device Vulnerable to Viruses That Can Encrypt or Delete Files.
• 🔄 Failures during the update: an attempt to flash custom firmware on the old version MIUI Often ends with a "brick" (inoperable device).
• 💥 Hardware breakdowns: Memory controller failure or smartphone crash can make data unreadable.

According to service center statistics, more than 60 percent of Redmi 4X data loss is due to a lack of up-to-date backup, and 80 percent of users are unaware of the built-in MIUI backup tools.

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X already "glut" (spontaneously restarts, slows down or gives errors when writing files), do not delay creating a backup - this may be the first sign of memory failure.

Method 1: Built-in backup via MIUI (no root)

The simplest method, which requires no additional software or knowledge, is suitable for users who have never done a backup and want to save contacts, SMS, system settings and installed applications (but not media files!).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Local Backup.
3. Click Backup and tick the necessary data: 📱 System - Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, sound profiles. 📞 Contact and SMS — entire address book and message history. 📦 Applications – list of installed programs (without their data!).

Start.

MIUI/backup/AllBackup

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not save photos, videos, music – they must be copied separately.
• ❌ Does not work with data from some apps (such as WhatsApp or games).
• ❌ Recovery is only possible on the same device with the same version. MIUI.

Method 2: Backup to Google Drive

Cloud backup via Google Account is the best option for saving contacts, calendar, photos and some of the data applications. The main advantage is that files will be available even if the smartphone fails.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Select your account and activate synchronization to: 📇 Contacts 📅 Calendar 📸 Google Photos (if Autoboot is enabled)

Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset

Backup copying (Google)

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X s MIUI 8/9 You may have a sync problem due to an outdated security certificate.If the backup on Google Drive doesn't work, update Google Play Services manually via APKMirror or use alternative methods.

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If you have slow internet, connect to Wi-Fi before backup on Google Drive and turn off autoloading high-quality photos in Google Photos settings (saving traffic and cloud space).

Method 3: Full backup via TWRP (for advanced)

If your Redmi 4X has a bootloader unlocked and custom recovery TWRP installed, you can make a full system image, including all memory partitions. This is the only way to save all data without exception, including application settings and system files.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
2. Select Backup (swipe confirm permissions for modification).
3. Check the sections: 📁 Boot - Boot section 📁 System - System files 📁 Data – User data (most important!) 📁 Cache and Dalvik Cache – Optionally

external SD-map

Swipe to start the process. Backup will take 10-30 minutes.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Stores all data, including Wi-Fi passwords, app settings, and even game progress.
• ✅ You can recover from another Redmi. 4X firmware.
• ✅ It works even if the system is not loaded.

⚠️ Attention: Backup through TWRP It takes up a lot of space (usually) 4-8 Don't save it to internal memory, because if you crash, you'll lose both the system and the backup. Use it. SD-class 10 Or connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP Copy the backup file (.tar) to your computer.

Method 4: Copying files on a PC via USB

The most reliable, but time-consuming method is to manually copy all important files onto a computer, suitable for users who want complete control over what is stored and do not trust cloud services.

What you need to copy:

• 📸 DCIM — All photos and video from the camera.
• 🎵 Music, Downloads, Movies – Media Files.
• 📄 Documents - Word, Excel documents, PDF.
• 📱 Android/data — Data from certain applications (e.g. game saving).
• 📞 MIUI/backup — backup MIUI (if you've done it before).

How to copy:

1. Get Redmi on board. 4X PC-only USB-cable.
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
3. On the computer, open the conductor and copy the desired folders to the hard disk.
4. For hidden files (such as.nomedia), enable the display of hidden elements in the Explorer settings.

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Manual copying on a PC is the only method that works 100% regardless of firmware status or root rights, but it does not save system settings and data of some applications (for example, WhatsApp requires a separate backup).

Method 5: Backup WhatsApp and other messengers

Messages on WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram are not saved by standard backup methods.

For WhatsApp:

1. Open WhatsApp. → ⋮ → Settings → chat → Backup copy.
2. Click Create a copy – chats will be saved to Google Drive (linked to your account).
3. For local backup, copy /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases to your PC.

For Viber:

• Go to Settings → Account → Backup.
• Select Create a Backup – the data will be saved to the Viber cloud.

For Telegram:

• Backup chats are not needed – they are stored in the Telegram cloud.
• Download media files from chat rooms manually: Settings → Data and memory → Storage and data → Export chat data.

⚠️ Note: If you use WhatsApp Business on Redmi 4X, The standard backup through Google Drive may not work due to an outdated version of Google Play Services. In this case, copy the Databases folder manually and save it to your PC.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When creating a backup on the Redmi 4X, users often face typical problems.

Another common mistake is ignoring backup checks, and many users backup, but never check to see if they can recover data from it.

• 🔍 Testing the restoration of contacts from the backup MIUI on another device (if any).
• 🔍 View photos and videos copied to the PC (sometimes files are corrupted during transfer).
• 🔍 Check the integrity of the backup TWRP through MD5-hash.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions