The question of which Android standing on the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 4Xremains one of the most popular in communities of fans of budget smartphones. This model, released in 2017, became a real hit thanks to its “indestructible” processor Snapdragon 625 and metal body. However, time spares no one, and the software gradually ceases to meet modern requirements for the security and functionality of applications.
Initially, the device went on sale with an operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow, on top of which a shell was installed MIUI 8. This was the standard solution for that period, providing basic stability. Over time, the company Xiaomi released several major updates, gradually increasing the version of the system kernel. For many users, it is critical to know the current state of their gadget in order to understand compatibility with new apps from Google Play.
Official support for this model from the manufacturer has long been discontinued. This means that automatic OTA updates no longer come, and the latest available firmware version is the final point of development of the device within the stock software. However, thanks to an active developer community, the life of a smartphone can be extended by installing more recent versions of the system unofficially. Below we will analyze in detail the evolution of firmware and upgrade possibilities.
Official update history and final version
The path of software development for Redmi Note 4X was quite thorny. Users of global versions and Chinese editions received updates at different intervals. The final official version of the operating system for most regions was Android 7.0 Nougat. It is on this basis that the latest stable shell works MIUI 11which is considered the “swan song” for this device from the vendor.
Many users mistakenly believe that they could receive Android 8.0 Oreo officially. In fact, test builds based on Android 8 existed only in the form of beta versions for a narrow circle of testers in China, but they never made it to global release. Therefore, if you buy a used device second-hand, the presence of a version higher than 7.0 most often indicates that the previous owner has already flashed or unlocked the bootloader.
⚠️ Attention: If the “About phone” menu shows the version of Android 9 or 10 on the stock MIUI firmware, this is almost guaranteed to be a fake (clone) with modified system files, or the result incorrect installation of custom recovery, which disguises itself as the original.
It is worth noting that the transition from Android 6 to 7 brought not only new emoji and improved multitasking, but also changes in the operation of notifications and energy saving. For the processor Snapdragon 625 the seventh version of Android is the most balanced in terms of performance and power consumption. Newer versions of the kernel can create an unnecessary load on already middle-aged hardware.
How to find the exact version of the system on your device
Before you take action any actions to update or roll back the version, it is necessary to accurately identify the current state of the software. In the shell Xiaomi this information is not hidden deeply, but the path to it may differ slightly depending on the interface language and version of MIUI. The standard algorithm of actions is universal for all smartphones of the brand.
You need to go to the main settings menu and find the section responsible for information about the device. It displays not only technical characteristics such as the amount of RAM, but also detailed data about the software platform. Pay special attention to the “Android Version” item, since the MIUI version number (for example, 11.0.3) does not always directly indicate the system kernel version.
For more detailed information, including the build number and security patch date, you can use the secret engineering tests menu. This is useful if the standard menu displays incorrect data or if you suspect tampering with system files. Enter the following combination in the “Phone” application:
##6484##After entering the code, the CIT (Customer Information Test) menu will open, where at the very top or in the “Version Information” section you can find detailed information about the firmware. There is also a code *#06# for checking IMEI, which indirectly confirms the authenticity of the device and compliance of its regional version with the declared characteristics.
Write down or photograph the current build number before any manipulations. This will help you return to the original state in case of an unsuccessful experiment with new firmware.
Possibility of installing custom firmware (Custom ROM)
Since official support ended at Android 7, the only way to get modern functions and current security patches is to install custom firmware. The developer community, in particular projects LineageOS, Xiaomi.eu and Pixel Experience, continue to support Redmi Note 4X (code name markw) even years after the release.
Installing third-party software allows you to raise the system version to Android 10 and even Android 11. This makes it possible to run applications that require a more recent API, and also improves the interface, making it more fluid and modern. However, such a step requires the user to have certain technical skills and an understanding of the risks.
The process of installing custom firmware includes several mandatory steps, violation of which can lead to the device not working. Below is an approximate algorithm of actions for those who have decided to take this step:
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (requires waiting from 3 to 7 days).
- 💾 Installing a custom recovery, for example TWRP, which allows you to install unsigned images systems.
- 🧹 Complete data reset (Wipe Data/Cache) to prevent conflicts between the old and new system.
- 📲 Flashing the selected Custom ROM image and Google Apps packages (GApps), if they are not built into the firmware.
Risks of installing custom firmware
The main risk is the possibility of getting a “brick” (non-bootable device) if there is an error in the process. It is also possible that banking applications will be disrupted due to SafetyNet protection being triggered, although this is often bypassed through Magisk.
Comparison of performance on different versions of Android
The choice of operating system version directly affects the speed of operation Redmi Note 4X. The processor Snapdragon 625, although it was the flagship of the mid-segment at one time, has limitations in computing power. Installing a too heavy shell on a fresh core can lead to the opposite effect - the phone will start to slow down more than on the old version.
With the shell Android 7.0 Nougat with shell MIUI 11 the smartphone works most stably. Memory optimization in this combination has been worked out for years, and background processes do not overload the processor. Switching to custom firmware based on Android 10 often gives an increase in the smoothness of animations due to the introduction of new rendering mechanisms, but can reduce battery life.
For clarity, let's look at a comparison of the key parameters of the system at different stages of the device's life:
| Android version | Shell | Stability | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 Marshmallow | MIUI 8 / 9 | High | Excellent |
| 7.0 Nougat | MIUI 10 / 11 | Maximum | Good |
| 9.0 Pie (Custom) | LineageOS / AOSP | Average | Average |
| 10/11 (Custom) | Pixel Experience | Unstable | Low |
As can be seen from the table, the official “golden mean” remains link Android 7 + MIUI 11. If your goal is maximum gaming performance or long battery life, then experimenting with the latest versions of Android may not be worth it. Custom firmware should be installed more for the sake of aesthetics and access to new interface functions.
For everyday tasks and maximum autonomy, it is better to stay on the official MIUI 11 (Android 7). Custom firmware is only relevant for enthusiasts who want a modern interface.
Application compatibility issues and security
One of the main reasons why users look for ways to update Xiaomi Redmi Note 4Xis application incompatibility. Software developers are gradually increasing the minimum requirements for the operating system version. Applications released in 2026-2026 may simply not be installed from the store Google Play on a device with Android 6 or 7.
In addition, the issue of security is extremely acute. The lack of security patch updates means that vulnerabilities found in the system after 2018 remain open. This creates risks when using mobile banking or entering sensitive data. Although critical vulnerabilities are rarely exploited, the likelihood of infection through malicious sites increases.
⚠️ Attention: Using an outdated version of Android for online banking carries potential risks. It is recommended not to store large amounts in accounts that are accessed from a device without security updates.
However, most popular instant messengers, social networks and media services still support Android 7.0. This safety margin is enough for comfortable use of the smartphone as a second device or a phone for the elderly and children. If a particular application requires a more recent OS, you can often find its older version on third-party resources, although this is less secure.
☑️ Checking readiness for update
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to officially update Redmi Note 4X to Android 8 or 9?
No, Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting this model on version Android 7.0 Nougat with MIUI 11 shell. All versions above are available only through the installation of custom firmware (Custom ROM), which requires unlocking the bootloader and is not supported by the manufacturer.
Why doesn’t my phone see over-the-air (OTA) updates?
Most likely, you have already installed the latest available version of the software, and Xiaomi servers no longer offer new updates for your region. Also, the lack of updates may be due to a change in the firmware region or the presence of root access, which block the standard update mechanism.
Is it safe to install Xiaomi.eu firmware on this model?
Xiaomi.eu firmware is based on Chinese versions of MIUI, but is cleared of advertising and unnecessary software. They are usually more stable than global versions and receive updates longer. However, installation requires unlocking the bootloader, which formally voids the warranty (although it is no longer relevant for Note 4X) and carries risks if installed incorrectly.
How to return stock firmware after custom?
To return to the factory state, you need to download the official firmware (Recovery ROM) for your regional version, rename the file c update.zip and try to install via stock recovery. If this does not help, you will need to flash the firmware via a computer using the Mi Flash utility in Clean All mode.