Update Android on Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways and life hacks

The Xiaomi Redmi 4, released in 2016, is still a popular budget smartphone, but over time, its performance declines and older versions of Android and MIUI no longer support modern applications, and a firmware update could bring the device back to its former functionality, improve security and even extend battery life.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to update to Redmi 4 (including Redmi models). 4A, Redmi 4 Prime and Redmi 4X), And we'll also solve typical problems, from the "Can't verify update" error to the Mi logo hanging over. OTA Recovery and alternatives for experienced users.

Important: Redmi 4 is no longer getting official updates from Xiaomi (the latest stable version is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat), but there are ways to install custom firmware or security patches. If your goal is just to improve the phone, clear the cache and optimize the system.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start an update, make sure your Redmi 4 is ready for the procedure.Neglecting these steps can lead to data loss, a device blink, or a failed firmware installation.

Here are the minimum requirements and recommendations:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%, preferably 100%, as the process can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (for downloading firmware). If you upgrade over Wi-Fi, check the speed - files weigh 1-2 GB.
• 📁 Backup of important data: Updating via Recovery or Fastboot can erase photos, contacts and messages.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (custom firmware only) This is not required for official updates.

Pay special attention to the version of your current firmware to find out:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line "Version" MIUI» (for example, MIUI Global 11.0.5.0).
3. Remember or write down this information – it will be necessary to select the correct update file.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 was purchased in China (the domestic version), installing global firmware may block the network. → The phone. → The model (must be Redmi 4 Global or Redmi) 4X Global).

2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

If your Redmi 4 is still getting updates (albeit rare), the safest way to do so is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, which does not require a computer and is suitable for beginners.

Instructions:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click "Check Updates." If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
4. After downloading, click "Install" and wait for the reboot.

If the "Check Updates" button is inactive or says "No Updates", it means that there are no official patches for your version of MIUI, in which case move on to the following ways.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone hangs on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes after clicking "Install" don't panic. wait at least 20 minutes, then force the device to restart (click Power). + Volume up for 10 seconds).

💡

If OTA-update does not find new versions, try changing the region in the settings. → Additionally. → Region and choose India or Russia, sometimes it helps you access fresh firmware.

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery - if OTA doesn't work

If automatic updates are not available, you can install the firmware manually through Recovery mode, which is suitable for official firmware from Xiaomi and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi 4 with charge ≥ 60%.
• 💻 Computer (for downloading firmware).
• 🔗 USB-Type-C cable (or Micro-USB, depending on the model).
• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi 4X Global) and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Move the file to the root directory of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. From the Recovery menu, select “Install update.zip to System” (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).
6. After the reboot, the phone will be updated to a new version.

If Recovery does not have “Install update.zip” option, you have an unofficial version of Recovery installed (such as TWRP), then select “Install”, find the update.zip file and confirm the installation.

Download the correct firmware for your model |Rename the file to update.zip|Transfer the file to the memory root |Switch off the phone before logging in to Recovery |Do not interrupt the installation process-->

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

If the first two methods fail, you have to run the firmware on Fastboot, which requires a computer, an unlocked bootloader, and a command line knowledge.

• 🔄 Recovery of the phone after a failure.
• 🆕 Custom firmware installations (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Correcting errors when the phone is not switched on.

Warning: Wrong firmware through Fastboot can turn your Redmi 4 into a "brick."If you're unsure of your actions, you'd better see a specialist.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/Mac driverless ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Fastboot Archive (download on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tools and ADB.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\Redmi4_Fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click "Select" and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select the Clean All mode or the Clean All and Lock mode. + loader-lock).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is running a "Couldn't load device" error, check:

• Have you installed ADB drivers (you can download it through Android Studio)?
• Whether the cable is working (try another USB port).
• The bootloader is unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command in the CMD).

5. Custom firmware: how to install Android 10/11 on Redmi 4

Official support for Redmi 4 is long over, but enthusiasts are developing unofficial firmware based on new versions of Android.

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) is fast and stable.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 11) – with a Google Pixel interface.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – flexible configuration and high FPS play.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services).

Step-by-step guidance:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 4 (e.g. from twrp.me) and run through Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
2. In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → System + Data).
3. Sweat the custom firmware (Install) → Choose. ZIP-file).
4. Install GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Clean the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache).
6. Reboot (Reboot → System)

⚠️ Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially in the operation of the camera or module NFC (If you have it in your model, check the forum reviews before installing it. XDA Developers.

💡

Installing custom firmware will void warranty and can cause the phone to run unstable. If you're not ready for experimentation, it's best to stay on the official MIUI.

Typical errors and their solutions

When you update Redmi 4, you often encounter errors, and we've collected the most common and corrective methods.

If your problem is not listed in the table, try:

• 🔍 Find a solution 4PDA (Xiaomi Redmi 4 section).
• 📥 Refuse the phone to an older version MIUI, and then re-invent.
• 📞 Contact the service center (if the phone is guaranteed).

7 How to speed up Redmi 4 after the update

Even after the upgrade, Redmi 4 can run slowly due to the weak Snapdragon 430/435 processor and 2-3 GB of RAM. Here are some tips for optimization:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clean the cache. Do it once a month.
• 🚫 Disabling Autoboot: In Settings → Permits → Auto-run disable unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Use of lightweight versions of applications: Install Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite, Twitter Lite.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Enable the "Charge Saving" mode
• 📱 Reset to factory settings: If the phone is severely braking, backup and reset to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

For advanced users:

• 🛠 FrancoKernel: Improves performance and battery life (installed via TWRP).
• ⚡ Turn off animation: Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI» in settings) and in the Developer Settings, set "Window animation" and "Transition animation" on 0.5x.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)