Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4A has become a legendary budget device, but time takes its toll, and the built-in operating system may no longer meet the user's requirements. Often owners are faced with the need to change the regional version of the software, for example, the transition from Chinese firmware to global Global ROM, or want to upgrade to a more recent version of Android, which the manufacturer does not supply officially. The procedure of flashing can seem intimidating to the beginner, but strict adherence to the algorithm of actions minimizes the risks.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that any interference with the software code of the device carries potential risks. The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation: the original cable, the charged battery and, of course, the correct version of the firmware file. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from downloading the necessary utilities to the final configuration of the system.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware version
The first step is to determine the current model and architecture of the processor. Redmi 4A is based on the Snapdragon 425 chipset, and there are different types of firmware for it: Recovery and Fastboot. The first is designed to be installed via the recovery menu or "over the air", the second is for deep flashing through a computer with full memory cleansing.
The global version (Global) supports many languages and services from Google out of the box, while Chinese (China) may not have Russian or require complex localization, and you should also pay attention to the type of build: Stable (stable) or Developer (for developers, with weekly updates).
Remember to back up your data completely. The process of flashing, especially through Fastboot, involves completely formatting your internal storage, and photos, contacts, and correspondence will be permanently lost if you don't copy them to the cloud or to your computer in advance.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60% charged. Interrupting the data to flash memory due to battery discharge can cause irreversible damage to the boot loader.
To download current versions of the software, it is recommended to use only proven resources, such as the official website miui.com or the authoritative portal xiaomifirmwareupdater.com. The use of files from dubious sources can lead to infection of the device with malicious code.
Required tools and drivers
For high-quality firmware Xiaomi Redmi 4A will require not only the operating system file, but also specialized software on the PC. The main tool for working with Fastboot mode is the Mi Flash Tool. It allows you to manage the process of writing memory partitions and control the status of the installation.
The critical point is to install the right drivers. The computer must correctly recognize the smartphone in ADB and Fastboot modes. Often the Windows 10 or 11 operating system automatically installs the basic drivers, but for stable operation it is better to use the official Xiaomi USB Driver package.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable or high-quality analogue with thick veins for stable data transmission.
- 💻 Computer or laptop with Windows operating system (versions 7, 8, 10 or 11).
- 📁 Firmware archive unpacked into the root of the disk or folder without Cyrillic characters on the way.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader if you are planning to switch from China to Global.
The path to the firmware folder should not contain spaces or Russian letters, since the Mi Flash Tool can incorrectly process the path and give an error. C:\ROM\.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Most Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader, which prohibits installing modified software or changing region. 4A The unblocking procedure is mandatory if you want to go from CN-The process requires linking your Mi Account to your device and obtaining special permission from the company.
First, you need to turn on the developer mode. To do this, go to the settings, find the "About Phone" item and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. Once the "You became a developer" notification appears, a new menu will open in the settings.
Settings → Advanced settings → For developers → Mi Unlock statusThis menu links your account to your device, and then, using the official Mi Unlock utility on your PC, you send a request to unlock, and the system typically requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) before allowing the procedure.
Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
This method is the most reliable and allows you to completely clean the device of old data, which eliminates file conflicts after the update. You will need a downloaded firmware with the.tgz extension (not.zip) and installed Mi Flash.
Turn off your smartphone completely. Then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show a picture of a rabbit fixing a robot, which is Fastboot mode. Connect the device to your computer via a computer. USB-cable.
Start the Mi Flash Tool. Press the Refresh button and your device with the corresponding serial number should appear in the list. If you see an error instead of the number, check the drivers in Windows Device Manager.
In the program interface, select the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, it is important to choose the cleaning method. The clean all option deletes data completely and flashes all partitions, which is recommended when changing the region. The save user data option will try to save files, but can lead to errors when cross-regional updates.
Press the Flash button and wait until the process is complete. The green success status is a sign of success. The smartphone will automatically reboot, and the first download can take up to 5-10 minutes.
Update via Recovery (without PC)
If you don't need to change the region, but just update the version of MIUI or reinstall the system within the same branch, you can use the built-in restore menu, which is easier because it doesn't require a computer, but it's limited in functionality.
Download the firmware file with the.zip extension (Recovery ROM). Rename the file to update.zip for convenience and place it at the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Go to the system update menu.
Click on three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file." Specify the path to the downloaded archive. Once confirmed, the file will be checked and, if the version allows, the update will start.
| Parameter | Fastboot ROM | Recovery ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .tgz | .zip |
| The need for a PC | Required. | Not required |
| Unlocking BL | I'll be sure. | Not always. |
| Change of region | Possible. | Prohibited (usually) |
It is important to note that the transition from China ROM on Global via Recovery is impossible without unlocking the bootloader and using special scripts or EDL-The system will give an error of compatibility check.
⚠️ Note: When you run through Recovery, you can't interrupt the process even if the screen is out. MI download.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
In the process of flashing Redmi 4A One of the most common is Error: Flash all except data storage or hashing errors, which often occur due to a corrupt firmware file when downloaded or incorrectly installed. USB-cable.
Another common problem is the MI (Bootloop) logo hanging, which can happen if the firmware from another model was installed or the data was not cleaned when changing the Android version, in which case you need to go to Recovery mode (power button + volume up) and reset to factory settings.
If the device is defined as QUSB_BULK in Device Manager and does not respond to commands, it may have fallen into mode EDL (Escape from this mode on older devices is sometimes possible by closing certain contacts on the board, but for Redmi. 4A It often helps for a long time (about) 20 seconds) holding the power button with the charger connected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty fly after the Redmi 4A firmware?
Can I flash Redmi 4A on Android 10 or 11?
What if the phone says “Device is locked” when booting?
Is it safe to use firmware from the 4PDA forum?
⚠️ Warning: After flashing and downloading, be sure to remove your old Google account from your settings if you plan to sell the device to prevent protection from working. FRP (Factory Reset Protection).