How to update the Android version on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, which is based on Snapdragon 625 or Helio X20 processors, is still a popular device due to its reliability and availability. However, over time, the embedded software ceases to meet the requirements of modern applications and services, which makes users think about finding the latest versions of MIUI. The update process can range from simple file download through settings to complex flashing through your computer, and the choice of method depends on the current state of your gadget.

Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand what kind of modification of the device is in your hands, since the firmware for the global version (Global) and Chinese version (China) are incompatible with each other without special manipulation. Error in choosing a regional version can lead to system failure or loss of data, so identifying the model is the first and most critical step. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the safe ways to update the software, avoiding the risks of “bricking” the device.

It’s also worth noting that official support for the model has already been completed by the manufacturer, so looking for updates through the standard menu may not work if you’re on an older version of Android. In this case, the only way out is to manually install a firmware archive or use specialized software for the PC. Let’s consider the preparatory stage, which often causes failure.

Preparation of the device for the installation of new firmware

Starting any software modification process requires careful preparation to minimize the risk of personal information loss. The first thing you need to do is to back up all important data, including contacts, photos and messages, by storing it on external media or in Google Drive cloud storage. Although regular updates usually store user data, failures in the recording process can lead to a complete cleanup of internal memory.

The second important condition is to ensure a stable power source, as battery discharge at the critical moment of writing system files is fatal for the device. Charge the battery to a minimum of 60-70%, and if possible connect the smartphone to the charger throughout the procedure. Also free up space in internal memory: it may take 3 to 5 GB of free space to unpack and install the update.

⚠️ Before starting work, be sure to check the integrity USB-If you plan to use a computer, an unstable connection can interrupt data transmission and disrupt the structure of system files.

Finally, make sure you download the firmware file that matches your region and processor type. → About the phone, paying attention to the line "Version" MIUI", where the letter designation of the region will be indicated (for example, RU for Russia, EU Europe, CN China).

Definition of the processor model and MIUI version

The Redmi Note 4 came in two major hardware configurations that are fundamentally different and require different files to upgrade. The first version is built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chip (codenamed nickel), and the second is on the MediaTek Helio X20 (codenamed omega).

The easiest way to find out which CPU is installed in your device is to use the CPU-Z app or similar utilities from the Play Market, which display detailed technical information. However, if the phone is still turned on, just go to the Settings → About phone menu and quickly click on the MIUI version logo several times to see hidden information about the device's code name. The status bar also often indicates the type of processor if you carefully examine the characteristics.

Also, it is important to distinguish between firmware types by their intended purpose: Recovery (to be installed via the phone menu) and Fastboot (to be installed via a computer). Recovery files have a.zip extension and weigh about 2-3 GB, whereas Fastbot versions have a.tgz extension and require unpacking before use. Choosing the wrong file format will make the update process impossible to choose.

Recovery Update Method (OTA and manually)

The safest and easiest way to update the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is to use the built-in update mechanism that works through the Recovery menu.This method does not require a connection to the computer and allows you to install the official version of MIUI by simply uploading the archive to internal memory. If the automatic notification does not come, you can download the desired.zip file from the official website or a trusted resource and put it in the root of internal memory.

To start the process manually go to the Settings → About phone menu and click on the three-dot button in the top right corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Select firmware file, find the previously downloaded archive and confirm the installation start. The system will automatically check the integrity of the file and begin the process, which can take from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the scope of the updates.

During installation, the screen may go out or change color, and the device will reboot several times - this is normal behavior, indicating that new system partitions are written.Do not try to interrupt the process or turn off the phone, even if it seems to be getting stuck, as this can damage the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: When switching from Chinese to global firmware via Recovery, data may not be deleted automatically, causing conflicts in the system.

Once installed, the phone will automatically reboot to the updated system, and you will only have to re-sign in to your Google account. If the update is successful, but the phone goes into a cyclic restart (bootloop), you will need to reset through the Recovery menu or re-flash more radical methods.

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Recovery is ideal for scheduled updates within a single region, but it is not suitable for changing the Android version from low to high (for example, from 6 to 8).

Use of Fastboot Mode and MiFlash Program

When standard methods do not work or you need to completely clean the device from the traces of previous modifications, the Fastboot mode and the MiFlash Tool for PC come to the rescue. This is the most powerful tool in the arsenal of Xiaomi users, allowing you to restore the phone even after serious software errors. USB-cable ADB/Fastboot.

The first step is to turn the smartphone into Fastboot mode, turning it off completely and holding the volume down and power button simultaneously until an image of a rabbit repairing an android appears. Connect the device to your computer, install the necessary drivers (usually they come bundled with MiFlash or downloaded separately), and launch the sewer program on behalf of the administrator. In the program interface, press the Refresh button to make sure that the computer sees the phone.

Next, select the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware (namely to the folder, not to the archive) and select the data cleanup mode. clean_all Completely delete all data and share memory, which is recommended when you switch between different versions of Android or regions. After pressing the Flash button, the recording process will begin, the progress of which will be displayed in the log file and status bar of the program.

If the bootloader is blocked, the program will give an error, and the procedure of official unlock through Xiaomi servers will be required, which can take from 3 to 15 days of waiting.

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Use it. USB-port 2.0 on the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), as ports USB 3.0 sometimes cause connection stability problems when firmware is running older devices.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

Users often encounter a variety of bugs during the update process, the most common being the message “Can’t verify update” (Can’t verify update), which occurs when you try to install a newer firmware version on top of a much older one, bypassing intermediate steps, or when you try to downgrade the Android version.

Another common problem is hanging on the MI logo after installing the update, which may indicate a system file conflict or data partition corruption. To solve this problem, you need to log into the Recovery menu (pressing the power and volume button), select a language (if available), and execute a Wipe Data command that will delete all user data but can save the system.

If the phone stopped responding to the buttons and the screen remained black, it may have gone into deep recovery mode or "brick." In this case, try to pinch the power button for a long time (up to 20 seconds) for a forced reboot. If this does not help, you will need to connect to the computer and check the Device Manager for unknown equipment, which will allow you to diagnose the status of the bootloader.

⚠️ Note: If the touch screen or proximity sensor stopped working after the update, chances are you have installed firmware for another screen or region modification.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions