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

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2017, but its support for official updates has long been discontinued. The latest stable version of MIUI for this model is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat, while modern applications require at least Android 9+. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to update the firmware, from official security patches to install custom builds based on new versions of Android.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 4 has several modifications (Redmi 4/4X/4A/4 Prime), and the firmware for them is not interchangeable. We will focus on the base model of Redmi 4 (markw) with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 processor. If you have a different version, check it in the settings along the Settings → About Phone → Model.

Updating the firmware can bring the device back to life or turn it into a brick, so every step requires careful attention. Below you will find not only instructions, but also unique data on the compatibility of custom firmware with Redmi 4 in 2026, which is not available on most forums.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before you upgrade, make sure your Redmi 4 is even capable of accepting the new firmware.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Write down the current version (for example, MIUI Global 11.0.8.0).
• 🔍 Check the device model in Settings → The phone. → For Redmi 4, it should be the markw code. 4X — santoni).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 60% refreshed at low charge may interrupt.

If your MIUI version is older than 11.0.8.0, there are no official updates for you, but that doesn’t mean the phone is doomed: custom firmware (like LineageOS 16 based on Android 9) can give a second life to the device, but installing it will require unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and may result in data loss. Redmi 4 models with Snapdragon 430 processor are known to have problems with the Wi-Fi module on firmware newer than Android 8.1.

2. Official Update via MIUI Updater

If your Redmi 4 hasn’t yet received the latest official firmware, try updating with the firmware, which is the most secure method, but only works for devices running MIUI versions below 11.0.8.0.

Instructions:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update via mobile Internet may be interrupted).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If an update is available, download it (file weight ~1.2-1.5GB).
4. After download, click Reboot and Update. The phone will restart and install the firmware automatically.

If the system says "No Updates," your version of MIUI is already up to date, in which case the official update path is closed, and we'll look at alternative methods later.

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If the update has hung during the verification phase, try resetting the update cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Updating the system → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi 4 firmware after update via MIUI Updater resets settings ADB and debugging. USB. If you use these features, make a backup of settings in Settings in advance. → Additionally. → For developers.

Update via Recovery (manual installation)

If the official update is not available, but you found the right firmware package (for example, on the XDA Developers forum or 4PDA), it can be installed via Recovery mode.

• 🔄 Install security patches (such as monthly updates from Xiaomi).
• 📦 System Recovery After Failure.
• 🔧 Transition to another branch MIUI (For example, from China to China or vice versa).

For Redmi 4, only firmware in.zip format with markw in the title is suitable. Download files only from trusted sources - viruses in firmware can block the device.

Download firmware (.zip) for markw| Check checksum (MD5) of the file | Copy file to the root of internal memory | Disable Mi Account protection (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign out) | Charge phone to 100%-->

Installation instructions:

1. Download update.zip to the root of internal memory (not folders!).
2. Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if you have an option), then:
4. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 10 minutes).

If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 15 minutes after the upgrade, do a hard reset (click Loudness up + Power for 20 seconds) without losing data unless you have selected the Wipe Data option.

4. Installation of custom firmware (Android) 9/10)

Installation of unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will require:

1. Unlock the Bootloader (officially via the Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP).
3. Switch GApps (Google services) and the firmware itself.

The process is complex and risky, but the result is worth it: Redmi 4 on Android 9 works noticeably faster than on the native MIUI. Below are proven firmware for markw:

The firmware process through TWRP:

1. Download TWRP for markw (version 3.5.2 or later) and firmware.
2. Install TWRP via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.5.2-markw.img fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2-markw.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Sweep through the firmware, then GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Reboot. The first launch can take up to 20 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4 with custom firmware often does not work VoLTE (calls on the phone). 4G). If it is critical, stay on the official MIUI Look for a firmware marked “VoLTE fixed».

5. Solving problems after the update

Even a successful update can cause a failure, and here are the typical problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Located on the Mi logo: Keep Volume Up + Power 15 seconds for forced reboot. If it doesn't work, run the firmware again through Fastboot.
• 📵 No network: Check if the firmware supports your region. Redmi 4 requires a modem firmware to support your region. EUR (Europe) or Global.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After the upgrade, calibrate: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🎵 No sound: Check the settings Settings → Sound. If there's a dynamic problem, the drivers may have been damaged, you need to flash it.

If the phone has stopped turning on (brick) after the update, try to restore it using the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download the official firmware for markw in.tgz format.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the phone to the PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Flash.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you a "Couldn't find device" error, install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers manually through Windows Device Manager.

6. Alternative ways to “upgrade” without firmware

If you don’t want to take risks, but you need to improve your productivity, try these methods:

• 🧹 Cleaning the system: Remove the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Use it. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
• 🛠️ Turn off animation: Turn on developer mode (7 times click on version) MIUI in settings) and install: Animation of windows: 0.5x Animation of transitions: 0.5x Duration of the animator: 0.5x
• 🔄 Reset to factory: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Reset. It will delete all the data, but it will return the clean system.
• 📱 Launcher usage: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to speed up the interface.

These methods won’t change the Android version, but they can make the phone 20 to 30 percent faster, and if you want a new version of the OS, you can’t do without firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)