Update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 4: all the ways from OTA to Fastboot

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, but even years later it can be kept up to date. However, the firmware update on this device has nuances: official support for MIUI has long been discontinued, and careless actions can turn the phone into a “brick.” In this guide, we will analyze all working ways to upgrade from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and explain how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 4 came in several versions – Redmi 4 Standard (with Snapdragon 430 processor), Redmi 4 Prime/Pro (Snapdragon 625) and Redmi 4A (Snapdragon 425). The instructions below are suitable for all versions except 4A (it has a different architecture and firmware). If you’re not sure about the model, check it in Settings → About Phone → Model.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Why do you need an update? If the goal is just to get a fresh version of Android, consider that Redmi 4 officially does not support versions of the newest Android 7.1 Nougat (the latest stable MIUI is 11.0.2.0). All the firmware above are custom, with risks for stability. 2. Are you ready for possible problems? Failed update can lead to data loss, camera failure or even a complete failure of the smartphone.

1. Verification of the current version and compatibility

Before any manipulations with firmware, be sure to determine:

• 📱 Device Model - in Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g. Redmi 4 Pro with markw code).
• 🔢 Version MIUI Android and Ibid., in the "Version" section MIUI» and “Android version».
• 🔒 bootloader status – if it is locked (by default), manual firmware via Fastboot will not be possible without unlocking.

To find out the code name of the model (you need to choose the right firmware), enter the combination in the phone keyboard:

##4636##

In the menu that opens, go to the Phone Information tab and find the Model number bar. For Redmi 4 Pro, it will be markw, for Redmi 4 Standard, it will be prada.

Firmware compatibility:

⚠️ Note: If your model is Redmi 4A (rolex, this instruction doesn't fit! It has a different processor and firmware. Using the wrong firmware will cause the device to lose its entire functionality.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and most secure method is automatic update via OTA (Over-The-Air).

• 🔄 Your firmware is official (not customized).
• 📶 The device is connected to stable Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Battery charge over 50%.
• 📱 No root rights or unlocked bootloader (otherwise) OTA It can break the system).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if the update doesn't find automatically).
3. If an update is available, click Download and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).
4. After downloading, click Reboot and Update.

If the system says “No updates” but you’re sure it should be, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → Wireless networks → Additionally. → Resetting the network.
• 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the provider’s locks interfere with downloading).
• 🕒 Change the date and time to automatic in Settings → Additionally. → Date and time.

⚠️ Attention: If after OTA-Update phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes, don't turn it off! Wait at least 20 minutes - sometimes the first download takes a long time. If the screen is out and doesn't respond, try pinching the power + Volume up 15 seconds for forced reboot.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If OTA doesn't work, or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can upgrade through stock Recovery, which saves user data but requires the right firmware selection.

Step 1. Download the correct firmware

• 🌐 Go to the official website MIUI Downloads.
• 🔍 Enter the code name of your model (markw or prada).
• 📥 Download stable firmware (not beta!) in.zip format.
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Move it to the root of your internal memory (not in the folder!).

Step 2. Launch Recovery

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons and you will be taken to the Recovery menu (English or Chinese).

Step 3. Install the firmware

1. Select Install update.zip to System (use volume buttons for navigation, power for selection).
2. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
3. Select Reboot to System.

If the phone freezes after restarting or there are errors, try:

• 🔄 Repeat installation by pre-selecting Recovery Wipe Cache.
• 📥 Download the firmware again (possibly the file was corrupted when downloaded).
• 🔧 Install firmware via Fastboot (method 3).

Download the firmware for your model|Rename the file to update.zip|Copy into the root of memory|Charge the phone. >50%|Check the efficiency of the volume buttons-->

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔓 You have an unblocked loader (required!).
• 📉 The phone does not turn on or "brick».
• 🔄 We need to revert to an older version. MIUI.

Warning: Fastboot erases all data from the device! backup important files.

Step 1: Preparation of tools

• 💻 Install it on an Android PC SDK Platform-Tools (or download fastboot and adb separately).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
• 📥 Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater site (choose files with the.tgz or.zip extension).

Step 2: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Nutrition + Volume down until the hare appears in the hat-eared (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the phone to the PC.

Step 3: Firmware through the command line

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder from fastboot.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in this folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number appears), continue. If not, check the drivers and cable.
4. Run the firmware (for Windows): fastboot flash all or (if the firmware file is called otherwise): fastboot flash all name file.tgz
5. Wait for the end (5-15 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If there is an error during the firmware FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Locked State', which means the bootloader is blocked. It must be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool (you need a Mi Account and wait 7-30 days).

5. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you are not satisfied with the official MIUI, you can install custom firmware based on Android 10-12. Popular options for Redmi 4/4 Pro:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) – stable, but without branded features Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 12) – the interface is like Google Pixel, but there may be bugs with the camera.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS is flexible but requires experience.

Requirements:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 🔧 Installed custom Recovery (TWRP).
• 📁 Backup of data (all will be erased!).

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Download TWRP for your model (.img file).
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (as in method 3).
3. In the command line, type: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-0-markw.img (replace markw with your code name).
4. Immediately after firmware, press Power + Volume up to enter TWRP (otherwise, the stock firmware will overwrite it).

Step 2: Custom OS firmware

1. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS) and GApps (a package of Google services, for example, Open GApps for ARM64, Android 11, variant pico).
2. Transfer the files to your phone or flash drive.
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Swipe for confirmation.
4. Return to the main menu, select Install and swipe through the firmware first, then GApps.
5. Reboot → System: The first boot can take up to 15 minutes.

Important: Custom firmware may not have dual camera, NFC (if any) and some sensors. Check reviews on the XDA-Developers forum for your model before installing.

💡

If the mobile network does not work after installing custom firmware, try flashing a separate modem (firmware) from stock MIUI in TWRP. Download it from Xiaomi Firmware Updater and select a file with the.zip extension for your model.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If the phone is not turned on at all (brick):

1. Try to pinch Power + Volume up/down for 30 seconds - sometimes a forced rebuke helps.
2. If it does not respond, connect to charging for 1 hour - perhaps the battery has run out.
3. For the Redmi 4 Pro (markw), you can try the emergency firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (download here). Select Clean All mode and run the official firmware.

7. How to roll back on the old version of MIUI

If the new firmware is unstable, you can return the previous version. Importantly, you can only roll back through Fastboot or TWRP, and it will reset all the data!

Instructions via Fastboot:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the official website (choose Fastboot firmware).
2. Unpack it in a folder from fastboot.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
4. Start the firmware command: fastboot flash all

Instructions via TWRP:

1. Download the.zip firmware of the old version.
2. Download to TWRP and select Wipe → Advanced Wipe, select System, Data, Cache.
3. Install the firmware through Install.
4. Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Retracement to the version MIUI older than the one originally established may result in loss of IMEI (In this case, you will need to restore it through the engineering menu or service center.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

💡

Before any update, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup or manually copy files to your PC. This will save your photos, contacts and messages if you crash.