Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 4A: from unlocking to installing MIUI or custom software

Xiaomi Redmi 4A

MIUI

You can play Redmi 4A in a number of ways: through the Fastboot, through the customized TWRP recavator, or even through the regular update menu (if it's official software), but before you get started, it's important to understand that the process requires care. A mistake at any stage, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the wrong firmware version, can turn the phone into a brick. In this article, we'll go through all the steps from preparation to final setup, and also look at which firmware is suitable for the Redmi 4A in 2026.

If you've never flashed a smartphone before, don't worry: the manual is adapted for beginners, the main thing is to follow the steps consistently and not miss training, and for power users, we've added sections on custom cores and alternative OSes, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

The first and most important step is preparation, and without it, you're at a much higher risk of error, and you start by checking the current firmware version and the status of the bootloader.

Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the current firmware (e.g. V12.5.1.0.NCCMIXM). This will help you choose the correct version to update. Also check the bootloader status:

adb reboot bootloader

If you see the command that says Device is locked, then the bootloader is locked, you have to unlock it (more on this in the next section). If the status is unlocked, you can start the firmware.

Next, prepare the necessary tools:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality) cheap cables can interrupt the connection.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional drivers).
• 📱 Battery charge at least 60%, and when discharged during firmware, the phone may turn off.
• 🔐 Mi Account tied to the device (to unlock the bootloader).

Also download:

• 📥 Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot firmware) – official website.
• 📥 ADB and Fastboot - Android SDK.
• 📥 Firmware (official or custom) – see links in the section “Selection of firmware».

⚠️ Note: If you install custom firmware, do a backup of data through TWRP or Mi PC Suite.official firmware via Fastboot erases user data!

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4A

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default, a security measure, but it also complicates the firmware. Unlocking takes up to 72 hours (wait time set by Xiaomi) and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device.

Steps to unlock:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

If unlocking does not start immediately, wait for SMS or notifications in the Mi Unlock app to end the waiting period (usually 3-7 days). Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart, and the message “unlocked” will appear in Fastboot mode.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! make backups in advance.

Selecting firmware for Redmi 4A

Redmi 4A supports several types of firmware:

• 📱 Officially MIUI — Xiaomi stable and beta versions, suitable for a return to the stockware.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware — LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, and others — gives you the right Android, but it can contain bugs.
• 🔧 Ported firmware - for example, MIUI from other devices (recommended only for experienced users).

For beginners, the best choice is the official MIUI or LineageOS. Below is the table with the current versions for 2026:

For official firmware, choose the version marked Global (if your phone is not for the Chinese market), download the firmware only from trusted sources - XDA Developers forums or official project sites.

Critical! The firmware for Redmi 4A must have the code name of the device rolex. Installing software for another model (for example, Redmi 4 Prime with markw code) will lead to the phone inoperability.

Firmware via Fastboot (official MIUI)

The Fastboot method is suitable for installing the official MIUI and is recommended by Xiaomi.It completely erases data, so transfer important files to your computer or cloud beforehand.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (file with extension.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (full cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

If the process is stuck in the waiting for device phase, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable (try another port).
• 🖥️ Drivers installed (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface).
• 🔄 Re-start the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

⚠️ Warning: If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will lock again.

💡

If you've got the phone stuck on the MI logo after you've done it, press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds to force you to restart. If it doesn't work, repeat the firmware.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) requires TWRP recavators. It must be installed after unlocking the bootloader.

Steps to install TWRP:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for rolex from the official website.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb and fastboot lie).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Immediately after that, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise, stock recap will overwrite TWRP).

Now you can install custom firmware:

1. Copy the firmware file (e.g. lineage-18.1-20260510-rolex.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) to your phone or flash drive.
2. V TWRP press Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🧹 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📄 Data 🔄 Cache

Install

GApps

Reboot System

The first run can take up to 15 minutes, which is normal. If the system does not load for more than 20 minutes, repeat the installation by pre-formatting the Data partition in TWRP (Wipe → Format Data, enter yes).

💡

Installing custom firmware without GApps will save disk space, but deprive you of Google Play, YouTube and other services. The alternative is the F-Droid app store or manually installing APK.

Solving problems after firmware

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware (black screen or logo hanging).

• 🔋 Check the battery power - connect to charging for 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Try Forced Reboot: Volume Up + 15 seconds power.
• 🛠️ If it doesn’t work, swipe your phone over Fastboot (for official use). MIUI) or repeat the installation through TWRP.

Problem 2: No network (IMEI is missing or shows "Emergency Calls Only").

• 📶 Check if the firmware supports your modem model. for Redmi 4A The modem is sewn into the firmware, so the problem often occurs when installing ported versions.
• 🔧 Restore. IMEI via Engineer Mode (type in dial ##4636## → Information → Run Ping Test? IMEI No, you will need to re-flash the modem part.

Problem 3: Fast battery discharge after installing custom firmware.

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruption.
• ⚙️ In the firmware settings (LineageOS/Pixel Experience) disable unnecessary background processes in the Battery section → Optimization.
• 🔄 If it doesn’t work, try another firmware or kernel (e.g. FrancoKernel for Redmi). 4A).

If none of these methods worked, please refer to the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums and indicate:

• 📱 Phone models (rolex).
• 📝 Firmware versions (e.g. LineageOS 18.1).
• 🔧 Error Log (if any, copy from the TWRP or adb logcat).

Additional features: cores, mods and Root

After installing custom firmware, you can expand the functionality of Redmi 4A using:

• 🔧 Castom cores -- improve performance and autonomy. Popular options for Redmi 4A: FrancoKernel - Balance between performance and battery. ElementalX - flexible processor frequency setting.
• 🎯 MAGISK — to obtain Root rights without breaching security (hidden Root from banking applications). TWRP post-fix.
• 🎨 Xposed Framework – for deep customization of the interface (does not work on all firmware).

For the installation of the kernel:

1. Download a file with the.zip extension (e.g., FrancoKernel-r12-rolex.zip).
2. Reboot to TWRP and select Install.
3. After installation, clean Dalvik/Cache and restart.

For MAGISK:

1. Download the latest version from GitHub.
2. Install it via TWRP (similar to firmware).
3. After the reboot, check Root using the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Note: Installing a custom core or Root may disrupt some features (like Google Pay or banking apps).Use Magisk modules like MagiskHide to hide Root.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 4A