Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, despite its age, remains one of the most popular devices due to its successful combination of price, performance and autonomy. However, standard support for the operating system Android for this model was completed long ago by the manufacturer, and automatic receipt of updates has become impossible. Many users still use this device and are looking for ways to update the software to improve security or install new functions.
The process of updating this gadget requires an understanding of the differences between official methods MIUI and custom solutions. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options: from standard checking for updates to manually loading firmware archives into Recoverymode. The risks and technical nuances specific to this model with a processor will also be considered Snapdragon 625.
Before starting any manipulations, it is critically important to assess the current state of your device. If the phone is stable, the update may not bring the desired speed increase, but it will add vulnerability fixes. If you encounter errors or want to upgrade to a more recent version Android via custom firmware, the instructions below will become your guide to action.
Checking for available OTA updates in the settings
The simplest and safest method, which is worth trying first, is the standard over-the-air update function. (OTA). The system MIUI automatically checks servers for new firmware versions suitable for your region and device model. To start the check, you need to go to menu Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
Click on the logo icon MIUI in the center of the screen. The search process for updates will begin. If the server detects a current build that has not yet been installed on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, a download button will appear. However, it is worth considering that official support for this model has ended at version MIUI 10 (based on Android 7 Nougat) or MIUI 11 depending on the region.
If the system reports that “No updates were found,” this does not always mean that they do not exist globally. Sometimes the problem lies in a mismatch between the firmware region and the phone settings. Try changing the region in the settings to "India" or "Global", then check again. This may trigger a search for updates that were not previously displayed.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to update through the menu if the battery charge is below 50%. The installation process requires stable power, and a sudden shutdown may damage the system partition.
If the update button is inactive, try clearing the application cache "Update": Settings → Applications → All applications → Updating components → Clear data.
Manual installation of updates via Recovery mode
When the automatic search does not produce results, the only legal way to update your smartphone is to manually install the firmware archive. You will need to download the full update package (Recovery ROM) from the official website or trusted sources. The file must have an extension .zip and usually weigh from 1.5 to 2.5 GB.
After downloading the file, place it in the root directory of the smartphone's internal memory. Do not put the archive in folders with Russian names or deep subdirectories so that the system can index it correctly. It is better to leave the file name original, for example, miui_global_...zip.
Next, return to the update menu (Settings → About phone → MIUI version) and click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select "Select firmware file". The system will open a file manager, where you need to specify the path to the downloaded archive.
After confirming the selection, the phone will prompt you to reboot for installation. Click the appropriate button. The device will go into Recoverymode, where the verification and installation process will begin. The screen may go dark, and then a logo will appear Xiaomi with a progress indicator.
☑️ Preparing for manual firmware
⚠️ Attention: When using this method, all user data is saved. However, if you downgrade the firmware version, the system will require a complete data reset.
What to do if the installation is interrupted at 99%?
If progress freezes at the final stage, do not panic and do not turn off the phone immediately. Wait 10-15 minutes. In rare cases, the process actually freezes, and then a forced reboot is required by holding down the power button for 10 seconds, after which the phone may boot into normal mode or require a reset.
Updating via Fastboot mode and computer
For advanced users who encounter errors when installing through the menu, there is a method of flashing the firmware through the mode Fastboot. This method requires a computer with Windows OS and an installed driver ADB/Fastboot, as well as a utility MiFlash. This method allows you not only to update, but also to completely restore the functionality of the system.
Download the firmware in the format Fastboot ROM (extension .tgz). Unpack the archive on your computer into a folder with a path that does not contain Cyrillic characters. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC by simultaneously pressing the Volume Down and Powerbuttons until the image of a hare repairing the robot appears.
Run the app MiFlash on behalf of the administrator. Press the "Refresh"button for the utility to detect the connected device (the serial number will be displayed). Then click "Select" and specify the path to the unpacked folder with the firmware. At the bottom of the window, select mode "clean all" for a clean installation or "save user data"if you want to save the files (the second option is less stable when changing versions).
| Option | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .zip |
.tgz |
| Need a PC | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | Low | High |
| Data saving | Yes (usually) | Depends on the choice |
After selecting all parameters, press the button "Flash". The process will take from 200 to 500 seconds. The status will display successwhen the firmware is completed. The phone will automatically reboot into the new system.
The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to restore a device after unsuccessful experiments with custom software, since it completely overwrites the system partitions.
Installing custom firmware and Android 10/11
Since the official support Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X has ended, enthusiasts have developed many custom firmware based on Android 10 and even Android 11. Popular projects, such as LineageOS, xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience, allow you to extend the life of the device and get modern security features.
To install such systems, you need to unlock the bootloader. This is an official procedure from Xiaomi, which requires filing an application through the utility Mi Unlock and waiting from 3 to 7 days. After unlocking, you need to install a custom recovery, for example TWRP.
The process is as follows: download the image TWRP for the model nikel (this is what the Redmi Note 4X is technically called among developers). Boot the phone into Fastboot mode and, through the computer, execute the command in the terminal:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-nikel.imgThen, holding down the Volume Up and Powerbuttons, go to the installed TWRP. Download the custom firmware zip archive and package Google Apps (GApps)if they are not built-in. Install them one by one through the menu Install in recovery.
⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and carries the risk of turning the phone in "brick". You perform all actions at your own peril and risk.
Why does the banking application not work after installing the custom?
Many banking applications and Google Pay services require a certified bootloader and the absence of root access. After unlocking the bootloader, the security status drops. Bypassing often requires installing the Magisk Hide module, but this does not guarantee 100% operation of all services.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
During the update process, users Redmi Note 4X are often faced with a number of specific problems. One of the most common is the error "Can't verify update" or "Installation failed" when trying to install the archive through the menu. This often happens when you try to downgrade the MIUI version or when installing the firmware of another region over the current one without clearing the data.
Another problem is the “bootlap” (infinite reboot) after installation. If the phone is stuck on the logo, try going into Recovery mode (buttons Volume Up + Power) and resetting the data (Wipe Data/Factory Reset). This will delete all files, but can bring the system back to life.
It is also possible that there is no network or Wi-Fi working after flashing. In this case, reflashing the modem or installing a full set of firmware (Full ROM) instead of an incremental update helps. Make sure that you download files designed specifically for the processor Snapdragon 625and not for the version with MediaTek.
Always save the original stock firmware on your computer before starting experiments. This is your “lifeline” in case of complete system failure.
Device preparation and backup
Regardless of the chosen update method, preparation is a key step. Data loss due to failure is a real threat. Use the built-in MIUI backup function or third-party cloud services.
- 📸 Take photos of important documents and correspondence, as they may disappear during a reset.
- 📞 Sync contacts with your Google account or export them to a file
.vcf. - 💾 Copy folders
DCIM,DownloadiMIUIto a computer or external drive.
Pay special attention to two-factor authentication. Make sure that you have access to your phone number or backup codes for logging into your Mi and Google account, as after resetting the phone will require confirmation (FRP protection).
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version and system language. If you do not find an item, look for it by meaning or icon.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update the Redmi Note 4X to Android 11?
No, Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting this model at version Android 7 (MIUI 10/11). Getting Android 10 or 11 is only possible through installing custom firmware from independent developers, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
What does error 7 mean in TWRP when installing the firmware?
Error 7 usually indicates a mismatch with the Android version or device type. You are trying to install firmware designed for a different model or newer version of Android than the current recovery supports. Try updating TWRP itself to the latest version.
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on an old phone?
The unlocking procedure from Xiaomi is safe for hardware, but it completely erases all data from the phone. The main risk is the human factor: if, after unlocking, you install the firmware incorrectly, the device may stop booting.
How can I find out what processor version my Redmi Note 4X has?
Download the application CPU-Z or look at the information in the section Settings → About phone. Redmi Note 4X is always based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. If you have a MediaTek Helio X20, then this is a regular Redmi Note 4 (without the X index), and firmware from version 4X will not work for it.
Will unlocking the bootloader disappear after the update?
No, the status of the unlocked bootloader is preserved when updating the firmware, unless you execute the command fastboot oem lock. However, when updating via MiFlash in "clean all" mode, the phone will be completely cleaned, but the bootloader will remain open.