How to reflash Xiaomi Mi Pad 4: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 is a popular tablet with performance hardware, but over time even it begins to “brake” due to outdated software or factory restrictions. Flashing can return the device to performance, add new features or even install custom firmware like LineageOS. However, the process requires care: wrong actions will lead to a “brick” (complete inoperability) of the device.

In this guide, we will analyze all the ways of flashing - from official updates to MIUI Updater to manual installation via Fastboot and TWRP. We'll focus on unlocking the bootloader (without it custom firmware can not be installed) and solutions to common errors like anti-rollback or red screen of death. If you're a beginner, start with the official methods. EDL-Mode and patches to bypass Xiaomi restrictions.

Preparation for Flashing: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Reflashing the Mi Pad 4 is not as easy as updating apps, and it’s important to consider the device version (e.g., the Mi Pad 4 and Mi Pad 4 Plus have different firmware), the bootloader state, and even the region of purchase.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. When discharged during firmware, the tablet can turn into a brick».
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Fastboot or Linux/macOS (for ADB). Macs may require additional drivers.
• 📥 Original. USB-Cheap cables often don't transmit data in Fastboot mode.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (for custom firmware) Official updates are installed on the blocked.

If you are planning to install custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or HavocOS), consider:

• 🛡️ Anti-Rollback: Xiaomi blocks installation of older versions of the software. Attempting to “roll back” will lead to a hard brick.
• 🔄 Data reset. When you transition from MIUI on AOSP (For example, LineageOS will require a complete cleanup (format data in the dataset). TWRP).
• 📡 Modem support. Some custom firmware may not support 4G on Mi Pad 4 LTE.

⚠️ Warning: Mi Pad 4 tablets bought in China often have a locked bootloader at the hardware level.Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool may not work - will need to EDL-Firmware with an authorized Xiaomi account.

Before you start, save important data: the firmware erases the internal memory. ADB Backup or manually copy files to your PC. Applications and their data (for example, save in games) are not recoverable.

Official ways of updating: MIUI Updater and Recovery

If your goal is simply to update MIUI Before the latest version without risks, use built-in tools.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for most users.

Method 1: Update with MIUI Updater

The easiest way, but it only works if:

• 📶 The device is connected to the Internet (preferably Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 Update available for your model and region.
• 🔓 bootloader is locked (unlocked can interfere with automatic updates).

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, download it.
3. After downloading, click Reboot and install.
4. Wait until the tablet is finished (it will reboot several times).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the tablet stuck on the logo MI, Wait 10-15 minutes. If nothing changes, force reset. + Volume Up for 10 seconds and re-install.

Method 2: Manual updates through Recovery

If the automatic update does not work (for example, due to a change in region), you can install the firmware manually through Stock Recovery:

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com.Select the Recovery version ROM (not Fastboot!).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the tablet’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device. Press the power. + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

If Recovery is making an E:footer is wrong, it means:

• The firmware file is corrupted (download again).
• You downloaded Fastboot. ROM instead of recovering ROM.
• The firmware is not designed for your model (check out the clover for Mi Pad). 4 or clover_plus for Mi Pad 4 Plus).

Download the correct version of Recovery ROM|Rename the file to update.zip|Put the file in the root of the memory|Check the battery charge (>60%)|Prepare original USB-cable (in case of errors)

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Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Mi Pad 4. TWRP Or custom firmware is not possible until you unlock it through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

Requirements for unlocking:

• 📱 Mi Account tied to tablet (should be added to Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 🔗 Internet connection (unlocking requires verification by Xiaomi server).
• 🖥️ Windows computer (official Mi Unlock Tool does not work on the computer) Mac/Linux).
• ⏳ Wait 72–168 hours after account binding. Xiaomi blocks unlocking immediately after device addition.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Turn on the tablet: Settings → For developers → Unlocking OEM Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB If there is no “Developers” item, activate it by pressing 7 times on the Build Number in About Phone.
3. Connect the tablet to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press the Power). + Volume Down).
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.
5. If the tool shows a Couldn’t unlock error, it means that 72 hours have not passed since the account was linked.

Once successfully unlocked, the tablet will automatically reset (factory reset).

Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP) on Mi Pad 4

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery that allows custom firmware, backups and data recovery. Unofficial builds are available for the Mi Pad 4, as there is no official support.

Pre-installing warnings:

• 🔒 Recoil-out, installation. TWRP version MIUI new V10.3.2.0 It can lead to anti-rollback and brik.
• 🛠️ Lack of encryption. Some assemblies TWRP They don't support decryption. /data on MIUI 12+.
• 🔄 Loss of warranty, installation TWRP Revokes Xiaomi’s warranty.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the current version TWRP Mi Pad 4 (codename clover) XDA Developers.
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB/Fastboot on your PC.
3. Connect your tablet in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. The tablet will be loaded into TWRP. Make a backup of the persist partition immediately (otherwise it may disappear). IMEI on LTE-version).

After installation TWRP The tablet is not loaded into the system, so:

• You have installed an incompatible version TWRP.
• MIUI overwrote recovery when booting (you need to disable automatic recovery update in the settings) MIUI).
• Activated anti-rollback (requires firmware via Fastboot with the correct version) MIUI).

💡

After installation TWRP The tablet is stuck on the screensaver, try to boot up in TWRP and execute the command fastboot erase userdata, then reflash the firmware again.

Installation of custom firmware (AOSP, LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

Android-based custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) lets you get rid of the bug. MIUI And get a clean Android with regular updates, but there are nuances to the Mi Pad 4:

• 📡 Lack of official support. Most of the firmware for clover is unofficial.
• 🔊 Sound problems. Some assemblies don't have speakers or microphones.
• 📶 Modem, Mi Pad 4. LTE may not work 4G VoLTE.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Download firmware (such as LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services).
2. Place files on microSD or internal memory.
3. Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
4. Run the Wipe. → Format Data (required! otherwise the firmware will not stand up).
5. Install firmware, then GApps (if needed).
6. Reboot. It can take 10 to 15 minutes to download the first one.

Typical problem solving:

⚠️ Note: Custom firmware does not work on Xiaomi’s proprietary features, such as Game Turbo, Second Space or Quick Ball. L1 (Full. HD Netflix).

Fastboot Firmware: For Experienced Users

Installation of firmware through Fastboot is the most reliable way if:

• 🔄 You need to “resurrection” the tablet after a failed firmware.
• 📦 Install the complete package (including boot, recovery, system).
• 🔓 Avoid the anti-rollback restrictions (if you know what you’re doing).

Requirements:

• 💻 Computer with installed Fastboot drivers.
• 📦 Official Fastboot ROM For your model (download from en.miui.com).
• 🔧 Unlocked loader.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with firmware in the folder.
2. Connect the tablet in Fastboot mode.
3. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or execute manual commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot
4. Wait until the cable is completed (don’t turn off the cable!).

If the process is interrupted by an error FAILED (remote: 'Anti-rollback check fail' means 'anti-rollback check fail:

• You are trying to install an older version. MIUI, than the one already worth.
• Your current firmware has anti-rollback protection (e.g, MIUI 12+).

Decision:

1. Find firmware with the same or newer version of the anti-rollback.
2. Use it. EDL-Firmware (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

💡

Fastboot firmware is the only way to restore the tablet after a soft breeze (for example, if you have a soft breeze). TWRP erased important sections).

Recovery from mistakes: EDL-Regime and Authorized Accounts

If the Mi Pad 4 does not turn on (black screen, vibration without boot) or gives an anti-rollback error, you may need to firmware in the system. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method allows you to flash the device at a low level, but has limitations:

• 🔐 Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices).
• 💻 You need special tools: Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
• 📡 The risk of a full blink if the wrong firmware is selected.

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the tablet.
2. Hold Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the cable to the PC.
3. The device will be called Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

The firmware through Mi Flash Pro:

1. Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware in.tgz format for EDL.
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account with developer rights (a regular account won’t work!).
3. Select firmware and press Flash. It takes 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without an authorized account, you will make an error. SLA In this case, only contacting the Xiaomi service center or buying an authorized account (risk of fraud) will help!).

If the tablet is after EDL left out:

• Check if the firmware is suitable for your model (clover or clover). clover_plus).
• Try flashing only firehose (programmer) to restore communication.
• Contact the service - self-recovery may not be possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reflashing Xiaomi Mi Pad 4