How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 4: Official and Unofficial Methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and the ability to upgrade software. However, with the release of new versions of Android and MIUI, owners are faced with the question: how to update the system on an outdated device that no longer receives official support? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating, from standard to alternative, and also explain what risks they carry and how to avoid errors.

It is important to understand that Redmi 4 (including modifications of Redmi 4 Prime, Redmi 4 Pro and Redmi 4X) originally worked on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Android 7.1 Nougat with a shell MIUI 8/9. The last official firmware for most versions is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1.2. But this does not mean that the device can not be upgraded to more recent versions – just have to use informal methods or custom firmware.

Before you start the update, answer two key questions:

• 🔹 Why do you need an update? Do you need new features, security patches, or just want to refresh your smartphone?
• 🔹 Are you prepared for the risks? Unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid), unstable operation or even “bricking” of the device.

1. Check the current firmware version and device model

Before you manipulate your firmware, you need to know exactly which version of MIUI and Android is installed on your Redmi 4, as well as its exact modification, and the available update methods and firmware compatibility depend on this.

To check the software version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version section, and the firmware number (e.g. MIUI Global 11.0.2) will be listed here.
3. Click a few times on the kernel version bar (or Android version) to see the full Android version information.

To determine the exact model of the device:

• 📱 Look at the sticker under the lid (if the battery is removable) or on the box.
• 🔍 Enter the number number number ##4636## → Choose Phone Information.
• 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to your PC and check in Device Manager (in Portable Devices section).

Redmi 4 modifications differ in processors and memory:

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4X If it's codenamed santoni, not markw, the firmware is incompatible with these models, and if you install the wrong firmware, it will cause the device to break down!

2. Official update via OTA (if available)

The easiest and safest way to update your firmware is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) feature, however, for Redmi 4, official updates have long since stopped, but sometimes Xiaomi releases security patches or minor updates for older devices.

To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if available).
3. If you receive a notification about a new version, download and install it.

If there are no updates, you can try to force check their availability:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
• 📥 Manually download the latest official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website and install it through System Update. → Select a firmware file.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 was purchased in China and is working on the MIUI China, then for the installation of global firmware (MIUI Global) will require unlocking the bootloader. This erases all data and can lead to loss of IMEI!

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If OTA-update is not available, try changing the region in your phone settings. → Additionally. → Region and choose India or Russia – sometimes it helps to access fresh firmware.

Update via Mi Flash Tool (for power users)

If OTA-Updates are not available, but you want to install the latest official firmware, you can use the Mi Flash Tool utility.This method is suitable for recovering the device after crashes or forcing an update to the latest supported version.

This will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if you install an informal or global firmware on a Chinese model).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Flash Tool and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
5. Select the firmware folder, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Download the correct firmware for your model |Install Xiaomi drivers on PC |Unlock the bootloader (if necessary) | Make a backup of data | Charge the phone at least 50%-->

If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the MI logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the firmware with the choice of Clean All mode.
• 🔋 Wait 10-15 Minutes – the first switch can take a long time.
• 📞 Enter Recovery (Loudness Up) + Power and reset (Wipe Data).

Installation of custom firmware (Android 8+)

Since official support for Redmi 4 is gone, the only way to upgrade to Android 8 Oreo, 9 Pie or even 10 Q is to install custom firmware.

• 📱 LineageOS (Android 8.1-10) – minimalist firmware without unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience (Android 9–11) – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
• 🌍 Havoc-OS or Resurrection Remix – firmware with advanced settings.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install custom recovery (e.g., TWRP).
3. Download firmware and GApps (Google services if needed).

Instructions for installing TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi 4/4X (select the right model!).
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-0-santoni.img (replace the file name with the current one).
4. Load into TWRP (Loudness Up + Power) and backup.
5. Flip the firmware and GApps through Install.
6. Clean the cache (Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache + Cache).
7. Reboot (Reboot → System)

⚠️ Note: Redmi 4’s Cast Firmware May Have Problems: 📷 Camera (some modes are not working). 🔋 Fast-charging. 🎵 Be sure to read forum reviews before installing (for example, read reviews on the forums, XDA Developers).

5. Alternative methods: ported firmware and projects

If standard custom firmware doesn’t suit you, try ported versions of MIUI or Android from other devices, for example, for Redmi 4X, there are MIUI 12/13 ports based on Android 10, adapted by enthusiasts.

Where to look for such firmware:

• 🌐 4PDA — Russian forum with a lot of firmware and instructions.
• 📱 XDA Developers – an international resource with discussions and custom builds.
• 💬 Telegram channels dedicated to Xiaomi (e.g, @miuiru or @xiaomifirmware).

An example of a ported firmware is MIUI 14 for Redmi 4X (unofficial build). Such firmware often contains bugs, but offers a fresh interface and new features.

• 📌 Check out the list of known issues (usually published in the first topic post).
• 🔄 Make sure the firmware is compatible with your modification (markw or santoni).
• 📥 Download the full backup of the current system in case of rollback.

Some ported firmware for the Redmi 4X can run Android 11, but with serious limitations: gestural navigation is not working, there are problems with performance and autonomy, such builds are only suitable for experimentation, not for everyday use.

6 Risks and how to avoid them

Updating your firmware on an outdated device always comes with risks, and even if you follow the instructions, there may be crashes, data loss, or phone breakdowns, and consider the main hazards and ways to minimize them.

Main risks:

To reduce the risks:

• 🔋 Always charge your phone at least 60% before you run the firmware.
• 📀 Make a full backup through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.
• 🔍 Check the hash sums (MD5) downloaded firmware.
• 🛠️ Have recovery tools on hand (Mi Flash Tool, Fastboot).

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If you don't get your phone on after a bad firmware, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot or Fastboot. EDL-This will require a special cable and utility Mi Flash Pro.

7. Optimization of work after updating

After a successful firmware update, Redmi 4 can run slower or discharge faster than before, because newer versions of Android and MIUI require more resources to improve performance.

Optimization tips:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: go to Settings → About the phone, press 7 times on the version MIUI, Then in the Developer Settings set Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of the Animator on 0.5x or off.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Autoboot.
• 🔋 Activate the energy saving mode: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime.

If you have installed custom firmware, you can additionally:

• 📉 Use optimized cores for weak devices (e.g. FrancoKernel or ElementalX).
• 🎯 Set up CPU Governor for economical mode through apps like Kernel Adiutor.
• 🗜️ Remove unnecessary system applications using Debloater (caution – do not remove critical services!).

To check for stability after the update, use the following tests:

• 📊 AnTuTu Benchmark – for performance assessment.
• 🔋 AccuBattery – to monitor battery consumption.
• 🌡️ CPU Monitor – to control processor heating.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you update Redmi 4, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Cannot load Android system: Your data may be corrupt

• 🔹 Reason: Damaged data in the section /data.
• 🔹 Solution: Go to Recovery and run Wipe Data (reset settings).

This package is for "santoni" devices; this is a "markw"

• 🔹 Reason: Trying to install firmware for Redmi 4X on the Redmi 4/4 Prime (or vice versa).
• 🔹 Solution: Download firmware strictly for your model (check the code name!).

Error: phone is stuck on MI logo after firmware

• 🔹 Reason: Module conflict or incomplete installation.
• 🔹 Solution: Boot in TWRP. Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, Data. Reinstall firmware.

Error: No network after installing custom firmware

• 🔹 Reason: Absence IMEI or.
• 🔹 Solution: Check it out IMEI In *#06# If IMEI No, no, restore it through SN Write Tool. Install a patch for the modem (look for forums for your firmware).