Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) remains one of the most popular smartphones of the brand despite its age, and Fastboot mode on this device is required for firmware, unlocking the bootloader, recovering from crashes or installing custom receptacles like TWRP. However, entry into this mode has nuances, especially if we are talking about models with a locked bootloader or informal firmware.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to transition to Fastboot on the Redmi Note 4X, including hardware key combinations, commands via ADB, as well as login via the Mi Flash Tool. Separately, we will focus on typical errors (for example, fastboot: command not found or hanging on the Mi logo) and how to fix them. If you plan to unlock the bootloader or flash the device, here you will find proven instructions based on the specifics of this model.
What is Fastboot and why is it needed on the Redmi Note 4X?
Fastboot mode is a low-level interface for interacting with the Android device bootloader. On the Redmi Note 4X, it is used to:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (mandatory step before installing custom firmware).
- 📥 Firmware of official / unofficial software via Mi Flash Tool or fastboot-commands.
- 🛠️ Recovery after a “brick” (for example, if the smartphone does not boot into the system).
- 🔄 Recaveri installations (TWRP, OrangeFox) for further rooting or backup.
The difference between Fastboot and Recovery Mode is that in the first case, you interact with the bootloader directly via your PC (fastboot commands), in the second case, you use the built-in smartphone recovery menu. On the Redmi Note 4X, the Fastboot login is blocked if the bootloader is blocked (by default, it is), but the mode itself remains available.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note models 4X firmware MIUI Global Stable version 9.6.3.0 and later may require a Mi Account to unlock the bootloader.Without this, some fastboot commands (such as fastboot oem unlock) will not work.
Method 1: Log in to Fastboot via hardware buttons
The most versatile method, which works even if the smartphone is not turned on or the system is damaged, is suitable for all versions of the Redmi Note 4X (including versions with Snapdragon 625 and different memory volumes).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- Hold and hold at the same time: 🔽 The Volume Down button (Volume Down) 🔄 Power button (Power)
10-15 seconds
bunny
Fastboot
FASTBOOT
If the screen is not responding:
- 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be at least 20%).
- 🔌 Connect the charger and try again.
- 🛠️ If the buttons are physically damaged, use the method of using ADB (see next section).
☑️ Preparation for entrance to Fastboot
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) If you see a Recovery menu instead of a Fastboot, release the keys and try again, holding them for exactly 10 seconds.
Method 2: Go to Fastboot via ADB (if the system is working)
If the smartphone is turned on and you have access to Settings, you can log into Fastboot via the ADB command. This method is useful when hardware buttons are faulty or you want to automate the process (for example, for a firmware script).
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Android Platform Tools installed (includes adb and fastboot).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (faulty cables may cause device not found error).
- 🔓 Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version.
- Turn on USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate the USB debugging switch.
Redmi Note 4X
cmd
platform-tools
adb devicesThe serial number of your device should be displayed.
Fastboot
adb reboot bootloaderIf the team fails:
- 🔄 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- 🛠️ Check if the antivirus is blocking adb.exe.
💡
If the adb device command returns a blank list, try entering an adb kill-server and then re-adb devices.This will reset the ADB cache and often solves the connection problem.
Method 3: Sign in to Fastboot via Mi Flash Tool (for firmware)
Mi Flash Tool is Xiaomi's official Fastboot firmware utility, which automatically puts your smartphone in the right mode when you connect to your PC, which is convenient if you plan to flash it right away.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (version no lower than 2020.3.14.0 to support Redmi Note 4X).
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Hold Volume Down + Power and plug in USB-cable to PC (do not release buttons until the utility finds the device).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Refresh – the list should appear COM-port of your Redmi Note 4X.
Frequent mistakes and decisions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot receive hello packet | The Mi Flash Tool or drivers are not available. | Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008). |
| Device is locked | The bootloader is locked. | Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website. |
| The utility doesn't see the device | Problems with the cable or port. | Try another cable/port or turn off others USB-device. |
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is 99% deficient?
Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 4X via Fastboot
On the Redmi Note 4X, unlocking the bootloader via Fastboot is only possible after linking the Mi Account to the device (if the firmware is newer than MIUI 8). Without this, the fastboot oem unlock command will return the Device is not unlocked error.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account. Sign in to your account (if not, sign up). Enable data sync.
- Get permission to unlock: Go to the unlock page. Fill out the form (you will need a phone number and the reason for unlocking), wait for the SMS with the confirmation code (may take up to 72 hours).
Fastboot
fastboot oem unlockOn the screen of Redmi Note 4X will appear a warning – confirm the unlocking of the volume button.
After unlocking:
- 🔓 The bootloader will remain unlocked even after resetting the settings.
- ⚠️ The warranty on the device is canceled (according to Xiaomi policy).
- 📱 Now you can sew custom recavators and firmware.
💡
Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X requires official permission from Xiaomi. Without binding the Mi Account and confirmation via SMS, the fastboot oem unlock command will not work!
Frequent Fastboot login errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi Note 4X users face typical problems.
1.The smartphone does not respond to buttons
- 🔋 Battery discharged below 5% – recharge to at least 20%.
- 🔌 A cable or port is faulty – try another cable (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Buttons are contaminated or damaged – clean them carefully with alcohol.
2 The computer does not see the device in the Fastboot
- 🖥️ Not installed drivers - download Mi PC Suite or manual drivers.
- 🔌 Problems with USB-port – connect to the back port of the system unit (if you use a PC).
- 🛠️ Conflict with other devices – disable all others USB-device.
3.Hang on Mi logo after exiting Fastboot
- 🔄 Wait up to 10 minutes – the first download after Fastboot can be long.
- 📵 If the freeze lasts more than 15 minutes, reset via Recovery (Volume Up). + Power).
- 🛠️ If the reset doesn’t work, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all option).
Security and recommendations when working with Fastboot
Fastboot mode provides low-level access to the system, so errors can lead to a complete loss of operation of the device.
What to do:
- 📋 Create a backup of important data before any manipulation (in Fastboot you can erase all data without the possibility of recovery).
- 🔋 Charge the battery to 50% or more – interruption of the process due to discharge can “brick” the device.
- 🖥️ Use original cables and ports – cheap cables often cause data transmission errors.
What to avoid:
- ❌ Do not interrupt the firmware or unlock process (even if the device appears to be getting stuck).
- ❌ Do not use firmware from other models (for example, from Redmi Note 4 without the X prefix).
- ❌ Do not enter fastboot commands that you do not know the purpose of (for example, fastboot erase without specifying the partition).
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4X firmware MIUI 12+ This means that after you have run the old version of the software, the device will lock. Always check the Anti-Rollback version before you go downgrade!