How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: All Ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is a legendary smartphone released in 2017, which still remains in the hands of many users. However, with the release of new versions of Android, support for the device is officially discontinued, which puts owners on the choice of staying on outdated firmware or risking updating with alternative methods. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update Android to Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido), including official security patches, custom firmware and nuances that even experienced users keep silent.

It’s important to understand that updating the firmware on older Xiaomi devices is always a compromise between new features and stability. The official updates for the Redmi Note 4 have long been discontinued (the latest version is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.0 Nougat), but there are workarounds. We’ll look at each one in detail, assess the risks and give clear instructions so you can make an informed decision.

1.Preparing the phone for an update: what to do before you start

Before any update, whether official or custom firmware, the Redmi Note 4 requires careful preparation, and neglecting this step can lead to a "brick," data loss, or system instability.

Backup all data | Check battery power (minimum 60%) |Learn the current version of MIUI and Android |Unlock the bootloader (for custom firmware) | Download the necessary files to PC and phone |Disable antivirus and firewall on PC-->

Pay special attention to backup. Use the built-in Mi Backup app (available in Settings → Additional → Backup) or third-party solutions like Titanium Backup (requires root). Importantly, backup via Mi Cloud does not save data from some applications - it is better to duplicate files on a PC.

Also check the bootloader version of your device.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter the command in the terminal: fastboot getvar anti If you see anti: 3 or anti: 4 in the answer, the bootloader is locked and you need to unlock it (more about this in the next section).

⚠️ Note: If you are updating with MIUI Globally MIUI China (or vice versa), be sure to perform a full reset (Wipe Data) after firmware. Otherwise, critical errors in the system operation, including endless boot, are possible.

2.Official Updates: How to Check and Install Recent Patches

Although Xiaomi no longer releases full Android updates for the Redmi Note 4, the company periodically releases security patches and minor fixes for MIUI 11.

Method 1: Through phone settings

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package.
3. If you have an update, download it (preferably via Wi-Fi) and install it.

Method 2: Manually through Recovery

• 📥 Download the latest official update package from the site MIUI Downloads (select Redmi Note 4 model and region).
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of your internal memory.
• 🔄 Reboot to Recovery (click Volume Up) + Nutrition).
• 🖱️ Choose Install. update.zip and confirm installation.

If the system says that there are no updates, but you are sure of them, try changing the firmware region through Settings → Additional → Region (for example, from Russia to India).

Yeah, never updated.|Updated regularly|I tried it, but there were problems.|I don't know what my version is.-->

3. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions for beginners

If you decide to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or ported MIUI 12), the first thing to do is unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires a Mi Account account tied to the device and waits for 72-720 hours (depending on company policy).

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your phone

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and log in.
• 🔗 In the Mi Cloud section, enable synchronization and find Find the device – activate it.
• 📋 Remember your login and password – you will need them to unlock.

Step 2: Request to unlock via Mi Unlock

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (Windows only).
2. Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Transfer Redmi Note 4 to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power) and connect to your PC.
4. In the utility, press Unlock. If a waiting message appears, wait until the timer ends (usually 7 days).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably 2.0) or use the original Xiaomi cable. Also check if debugging mode is enabled by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).

Step 3: Checking the Unblocking Status

When you successfully unlock your phone, you'll see this device is unlocked with an open lock. Now you can install custom firmware. But remember:

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including files in internal memory, and it can also void the warranty (if it is still valid) and increase the risk of installing malware. Don’t use unofficial unlock tools – they often contain viruses.

4. Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

If the official updates do not suit you, the alternative is custom firmware based on new versions of Android. For Redmi Note 4 (mido) available:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is the most stable and optimized firmware.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 12) – firmware with interface from Google Pixel.
• 🔄 MIUI 12/13 Ports – unofficial builds with new design, but bugs are possible.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS – firmware with an abundance of settings for advanced users.

Installation instructions for LineageOS 18.1:

1. Download the necessary files: 📄 LineageOS 18.1 for mido. 🛡️ Open GApps (select nano or pico for Android 11). 🔧 TWRP Recovery (version 3.6.2 or later).
2. Install TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-mido.img
3. Reset: In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Swipe for confirmation.
4. Install firmware and GApps: Press Install and select the LineageOS firmware file. After installation, repeat the step for Open GApps. Reboot → System.

The first run can take 10-15 minutes. If the system is stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, repeat the installation by pre-formatting the Data partition in TWRP (select Format Data → type "yes").

5. MIUI 12/13 ports: How to get a new interface on an old phone

If you like the MIUI shell, but want a fresher version, you can install an unofficial MIUI 12 or MIUI 13 port, which is based on Android 9-10 and offers modern design, new animations and features like a superwall or control centers.

• ⚠️ Instability: Ports often contain bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC or camera problems).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: New versions MIUI Optimized for modern processors, and Redmi Note 4 runs on Snapdragon 625.
• 📱 Absence OTA-Updates: You will have to manually track the release of new assemblies.

Where to download and how to install:

1. Go to the XDA-Developers forum in the Redmi Note 4 section.
2. Find a theme with MIUI 12/13 port (e.g., "[ROM][mido][UNOFFICIAL] MIUI 13 by StableBuild").
3. Download the firmware and follow the author's instructions (usually required) TWRP and full reset).

Example of popular ports:

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MIUI ports often require additional fixes (e.g., patches for the camera or modems).Always read the comments in the topic on XDA, where users share solutions to specific problems.

6. Solving problems after updating: frequent errors and fixing them

Even if you install firmware properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1. Phone not turned on (brick)

• 🔌 If the device does not respond to the power button, connect it to charging for 30 minutes - the battery may have run out.
• 🔄 Try to enter the Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and refashion through the Mi Flash Tool (download stock firmware for Redmi Note 4).
• 💻 If it doesn't help, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and Mi Flash Pro program).

2.The touchscreen or buttons are not working.

This is a typical problem when installing firmware that is not designed for mido.

• Make sure you download the firmware for Redmi Note 4 (codename mido, not nikel for Redmi Note 4X).
• Go back to the stock store. MIUI Mi Flash Tool with Clean All option.

3. Fast battery discharge

After upgrading to Android 10/11, many users complain of increased charge consumption.

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• ⚙️ Turn on Battery mode in settings and turn off background activity for unnecessary apps.
• 📉 Install a kernel with optimizations (e.g. FrancoKernel for mido).

4. Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi is not working.

Network problems are usually caused by modem incompatibility.

• 📶 Install a modem from stock firmware through TWRP.
• 🔄 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
• 📡 For Wi-Fi, try changing the region in your router settings (e.g. Europe).

⚠️ Note: If the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) have stopped working after the upgrade, the problem is most likely the incompatibility of the kernel. Try flashing another custom kernel, such as the Radon Kernel or Pixel Kernel, available on the forum. XDA.

7. The rollback to stock firmware: how to get everything back

If custom firmware experiments fail, you can always return the original MIUI.

• 📄 Official firmware for Redmi Note 4 (select Global Stable region).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool Program (Windows only).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (you should get a file with the.tgz extension, which also needs to be unpacked).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and restart the phone.

Once rolled back, the device will be in factory condition. If you backed up through Mi Backup, recover the data after the first setup.

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The rollback to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool is the only officially supported Xiaomi way to “reanimate” the phone after unsuccessful experiments with custom firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions