How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to MIUI 12: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is a legendary smartphone that is still in service with many users. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI owners are faced with the question: can you upgrade the device to a current firmware, for example, MIUI 12? The answer is not as clear as it seems. Official support for this model has long been discontinued, but there are alternative ways — from custom firmware to non-obvious tricks with regional versions of software.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to update the Redmi Note 4 to the MIUI 12, including official (if still available for your region), semi-official methods through MIUI bootloader, as well as the installation of custom assemblies based on MIUI 12 from third-party developers, and we'll focus on the critical nuances that can turn an update into a brick, from locking the bootloader to losing it. IMEI. If you're willing to take risks, read on. If you're not, we'll also tell you how to get as close to functionality as possible. MIUI 12 without radical measures.

1. Verification of the current version of MIUI and compatibility

Before you try to upgrade, you need to clearly understand what firmware is installed on your Redmi Note 4 now. This depends on what upgrade methods are available to you. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

• 📱 Version number MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 11.0.2). If you have a MIUI 10 or newer – the chances of an upgrade are higher.
• 🌍 Firmware Region (Global, China, EEA Chinese versions (China) often get updates longer.
• 🔒 bootloader status: If it is locked (by default), official update to MIUI 12 unlikely.
• 📅 If the firmware is older than 2020, support is likely to be discontinued.

Check the compatibility table of the Redmi Note 4 (model mido) with MIUI 12:

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 4 is purchased in Russia or Europe, you probably have a Global version or a new version. EEA. These builds stopped receiving updates after MIUI 11.The Chinese versions (China) have occasionally been updated to MIUI 12.0.1, but only through manual installation.

2. Official Update Methods (if still available)

Although Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting the Redmi Note 4, in some regions (such as India or China) you can still find older builds of the MIUI 12 through standard channels.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If the system offers to download MIUI 12, you're in luck. Download and install.

If the update is not available, try changing the firmware region through MIUI bootloader (Xiaomi's application for manual firmware download).

• 📥 Download. MIUI bootloader (official source).
• 🔍 Select the Redmi Note 4 (mido) and the China or India region.
• 📂 Download the latest available version MIUI 12 (e.g, MIUI 12.0.1.0).
• 🔄 Rename the file to update.zip and put it in the root of the phone's memory.
• 🛠️ Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the update package and select the downloaded file.

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If you see an error when you install "Failed to check the service pack", try to disable signature verification. To do this, in Settings → Additional → For developers, activate the option Debug over USB and execute the command in ADB:

adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware from another region may result in loss of support for some features (e.g. Google Pay or local services). Language packages may also be problematic – Chinese builds often require additional installation of Google Apps.

MIUI 12 Unofficial Firmware: Risks and Opportunities

If there are no official updates, there is a custom firmware option, the most popular sources for Redmi Note 4:

• 🔧 Xiaomi.eu – European build MIUI 12 with optimizations and without Chinese software.
• 🌐 XDA Developers – a forum where developers put ported versions.
• 📦 SourceForge – Firmware Archive for Mido.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Current functions MIUI 12 (new design, superwalls, improved multitasking).
• ✅ Regular security updates (as opposed to official builds).
• ✅ Option to choose a version (stable or weekly).

Disadvantages and risks:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• ❌ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ❌ Risk of blocking the bootloader in case of an error (the device will turn into a “brick»).

The most stable unofficial firmware for Redmi Note 4 is MIUI 12 from Xiaomi.eu. It is official source, but with remote Chinese software and added support for Google Services. Download here (check the relevance of the link!).

Step-by-step instructions for installing MIUI 12

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow this algorithm. Before you start, make sure to back up all the data - the installation erases internal memory!

Save photos and files on PC|Download firmware (e.g, xiaomi.eu_miui_MI12_mido.zip)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Unlock the loader (if required)-->

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

Without this step, custom firmware installation is impossible.

1. Apply for unlocking via the official Xiaomi website (you will need a Mi Account tied to your phone).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
4. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions (it may take 72-168 hours to wait).

Step 2: Installation via TWRP

To install custom firmware, you need a custom TWRP recavator:

1. Download TWRP for Redmi Note 4.
2. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.5.2_mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_mido.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install the firmware through Install → Select the file → Scroll to the right.
5. After installation, either use Magisk (if root is needed) or Disable Force Encryption (if the firmware does not support encryption).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after installation MI, Try to re-enter the TWRP and run the Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data, but often solves the problem).

5.Alternatives: How to get MIUI 12 features without firmware

If you don’t want to take risks, you can approach the functionality of MIUI 12 in other ways:

• 🎨 Topics and launchers: Install MIUI 12 Launcher or Super Wallpapers Theme from Mi Theme Store.
• ⚡ Features: Some features (such as Game Turbo or Second Space) can be enabled via the ADB even MIUI 11.
• 🔄 Update individual applications: Download APK Mi Home, Mi Browser or Gallery from sites like APKMirror.

To activate hidden functions through ADB, use the following commands:

adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1 # Allows hidden API


adb shell pm grant com.miui.home android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS # To set up the launcher

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Even without firmware, you can significantly improve the Redmi Note 4 interface by installing the MIUI 12 launcher and updating system applications manually. However, some features (such as the new notification center) require complete firmware reflashing.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When upgrading Redmi Note 4 to MIUI 12, users face typical problems.

If the phone stopped turning on after the upgrade (hard brick), try to restore it through the phone. EDL-The emergency mode of the firmware:

1. Download EDL Tool and firmware for mido.
2. Connect your phone to your PC in EDL mode (clamp Volume up + Volume down + Power on the device off).
3. Swipe through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.

7. Should I upgrade? Pros and cons

Before making a decision, weigh the pros and cons:

• ✅ Pros: New design and animation MIUI 12. Improved multitasking and performance: Support for new applications that require freshness API. Correcting security vulnerabilities.
• ❌ Cons: The risk of turning your phone into a brick; possible bugs (e.g., quick battery discharge); loss of warranty and official support; difficulty recovering IMEI or wifi.

If your Redmi Note 4 is used as a backup phone or for undemanding tasks (calls, instant messengers, simple games), upgrading to MIUI 12 can breathe a second life into it. If this is your main device, weigh the risks. It may be better to consider buying a new smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro), where MIUI 12/13 is installed by default.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions