How to update the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 4: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 4

MIUI

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update the firmware on Redmi 4 (including the Redmi 4A, Redmi 4 Prime and Redmi 4 Pro models), tell you where to download official and informal firmware, and warn against typical errors.

If your Redmi 4 is slowing down, running out quickly, or making errors when installing applications, updating your firmware may be the solution, but it’s important to understand that doing the wrong thing will cause the device to blink (totally malfunction), so before you start, carefully read the instructions and prepare everything you need.

1. Update Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware

Updating a firmware is not just about clicking the Update button, it's about preparing it right, and it's about whether it's going to be successful.

✅ Check out the model of the device. Redmi 4 came in several versions:

• The 📱 Redmi 4A (codenamed rolex) is the most budget-friendly version with a 5-inch screen.
• 📱 Redmi 4 Prime (prada) - with a metal body and fingerprint.
• 📱 Redmi 4 Pro (markw) is the top-end version with a Full HD- screen.

You can find out the exact name of the model in Settings → About Phone → Model or on the sticker under the lid (if the battery is removable).

✅ Save important data. Update via Recovery or Fastboot often erases user files. Back up:

• 📁 Contacts (export to.vcf via the Contacts app).
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or Google Photos cloud).
• 🔑 Passwords and application data (use Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup for rooted devices).

✅ Battery charge. Make sure that the battery is at least 60 percent, and if the phone runs out during firmware, it can cause permanent damage to the internal memory.

2. Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (the easiest method)

If your Redmi 4 is still running and connected to the Internet, the safest way to upgrade is through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. If the update is available online, the system will prompt you to download it automatically. If not, download the firmware manually (see "Where to Download the firmware") and select the file in.zip format.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

⚠️

🔴 Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the MI logo for longer than 10 minutes after the upgrade, don't panic. Try pressing the power button for 15 to 20 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, move to Recovery.

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ✔️ Does not require unlocking the bootloader.
• ✔️ Stores user data (unless otherwise specified in the firmware description).
• ✔️ Minimum risk of error.

🔹 Deficiencies:

• ❌ Only official firmware (often outdated) is available.
• ❌ Does not work if the system is severely damaged.

💡

If the update through MIUI Updater does not find new versions, try changing the region to India or Global settings – sometimes this helps to get fresh updates.

3 Method 2: Install firmware via Recovery (TWRP or Stock)

If the standard update doesn’t work or you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS), you’ll need to use Recovery. This requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed custom restore (TWRP).

🔹 What's the matter:

• 📱 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 🔧 Installed TWRP Recovery (download for your model on the official website).
• 💾 Firmware in.zip format (official or custom).
• 🔌 USB- Cable and computer (for file transfer).

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the firmware and transfer it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. In TWRP, click Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data (if you install custom firmware).
4. Return to the main menu and select Install, then specify the firmware file.
5. Swipe for confirmation and wait for the installation to finish.
6. Reboot your phone (Reboot System)

⚠️

🔴 Warning: If you install custom firmware for the first time, you may need to flash GApps (Google services) and Magisk (root rights) after that, without which many apps won't work!

🔹 Difference between Stock Recovery and TWRP

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is used when the phone is not turning on or you need to flash the official firmware from scratch, which requires a computer and knowledge of the command line.

🔹 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (download).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
• 🔓 Unlocked loader.

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder (e.g., C:\Redmi4_Firmware).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit in a hat-eared will appear).
3. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line in the firmware folder.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue.
5. Run the firmware command: fastboot flash all or (for some firmware): fastboot flash all -w (flag -w erases data).
6. Wait until the end (the process will take 5-10 minutes) and restart the phone: fastboot reboot

⚠️

🔴 Warning: If there is a FAILED error during Fastboot firmware (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), the bootloader is locked. It needs to be unlocked (see next section).

🔹 When you need a Fastboot:

• 🛠️ The phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo.
• 🔄 You need to roll back to an older version of the firmware.
• 📦 You need to flash the full image (including boot, recovery, system).

5. How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4

To install custom firmware or use Fastboot/TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process takes time.

🔹 Steps to unlock:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Link your device. Enter your Xiaomi account login and password.
2. Activate USB debugging: In Settings → About Phone, click 7 times on the MIUI version to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Fastboot

Unlock

Xiaomi

⚠️

🔴 Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased! Xiaomi can also block unlocking if the account is new or suspicious (for example, created less than 30 days ago).

🔹 Frequent errors when unlocking:

• 🚫 Couldn't unlock - an account is not tied to a phone or 72 hours have passed since the last unlock.
• 🚫 Current account is different from the account info on the device — the phone and Mi Unlock Tool use different accounts.
• 🚫 Device is locked – the phone is not in Fastboot mode or drivers are not installed.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for custom firmware installation, but it resets all data and requires waiting (up to 3 days).

6. Where to download official and custom firmware for Redmi 4

Where to get firmware is one of the most important questions, because unofficial sources may contain viruses or corrupted files, so it's better to use proven resources.

🔹 Official firmware (MIUI):

• 🌍 Official website MIUI – Choose your model and region (e.g. Global Stable or China Stable).
• 📦 Xiaomi Firmware Updater is an archive of all firmware versions with the ability to download Fastboot and Recovery images.
• 🔧 XDA Developers are a forum where official and modified firmware is posted.

🔹 Castom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.):

• 📱 LineageOS is pure Android without the unnecessary Xiaomi apps.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
• ⚡ XDA — You can find firmware with improved performance or additional features here.

🔹 How to choose the right firmware:

• 🔍 For Redmi 4A, look for files called rolex.
• 🔍 For Redmi 4 Prime - prada.
• 🔍 For the Redmi 4 Pro, markw.
• 📅 Look at the build date - fresh firmware is usually more stable.
• 🌐 Choose Global or EEA (Europe) if you don't want Chinese apps.

⚠️

🔴 Warning: Castom firmware may contain bugs!Be sure to read forum reviews before installing (e.g., on XDA or 4PDA).Some builds don't support cameras, NFC or mobile network.

7.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even with strict adherence to instructions, sometimes problems arise, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to solve them.

🔹 Error: The phone is stuck on the MI logo (bootloop):

🔹 Error: E: Error in /sdcard/update.zip (Status 7):

• 📁 Check that the firmware is specifically designed for your model (rolex/prada/markw).
• 🔄 Upload the firmware file — it could have downloaded with errors.
• 📦 If you install custom firmware, make sure that the correct vendor and firmware are stitched in front of it.

🔹 Error: Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State'):

🔹 Error: After the firmware does not work mobile network or Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Check that you have flashed the correct modem (for custom firmware, you sometimes need to flash NVRAM or baseband files).
• 🔧 In the network settings, select 2G/3G/4G (auto) mode.
• 📥 Fly through the firmware with full Wipe Data.

🔹 Error: The phone does not turn on after the firmware (brick):

• 🔌 Try charging your phone for 10-15 minutes — sometimes the battery runs out during firmware.
• 🔄 Log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🛠️ If your phone doesn't respond to buttons, contact the service center - memory may be damaged.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)