Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) is still a popular device due to its balanced features and custom firmware installation. However, over time, the regular MIUI begins to slow down and official updates stop coming out, flashing helps to return the device to performance, install the current version of Android or even switch to a clean AOSP (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
In this guide, we will discuss three main methods of flashing: through Fastboot (the official way from Xiaomi), using TWRP (for custom firmware), and recovery through EDL (if the phone turned into a brick). Each method has its own nuances - from the need to unlock the bootloader to the risk of data loss. We will also explain how to avoid errors, such as hanging on the MI logo after the firmware is incorrect, and give recommendations for choosing firmware for specific tasks.
1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start
Before you start firmware, be sure to follow these steps – they will save you hours on data recovery or device repair.
- 📱 Save all the data: contacts, photos, messages (use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or local copying on PC!
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can make the phone inoperable.
- 🖥️ Install drivers: for Windows, download Mi Flash Tool (includes drivers), for Linux/macOS Check for adb and fastboot.
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (unless you’ve done it before), without it, the official firmware on Fastboot won’t install, and the custom one won’t boot.
Pay special attention to the firmware version. There are several modifications for the Redmi Note 4:
- 🌍 Global (Global) – for the international market (supported by Google Services).
- 🇨🇳 China – no Google services, but with the latest updates MIUI.
- 🛠️ Castomy (AOSP) — For example, LineageOS or HavocOS (requires) TWRP).
⚠️ Warning: Firmware of the Chinese version on the global device (and vice versa) will lead to loss IMEI Check the current version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
2. Method 1: Fastboot firmware (official method)
This method is suitable for installing official MIUI firmware (both global and Chinese) and is recommended by Xiaomi.It requires an unlocked bootloader, but does not need root rights.
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware for Redmi Note 4 (mido) from the official website: 🌐 Global MIUI (Choose Stable or Developer). 🇨🇳 China MIUI (Chinese versions only!).
C:\MIUI\mido_global_images_...
Loudness down + Nutrition
Fastboot
Mi Flash Tool
Select
Refresh
- Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the MIUI version).
- Clean all and lock – Clean + lock the bootloader (dangerous if not sure!).
- Save user data – save data (may cause errors).
- Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.
⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes, don't turn it off - wait for full load (may take up to 30 minutes).If the screen is out and doesn't respond, try clamping the power. + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot.
Download the official firmware for his model (mido)
Uncamped the file into a folder with a Latin name
Installs Mi Flash Tool and drivers
Unlocked the bootloader (if you haven't done it before)
Charging the phone at least 60%
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3. Method 2: Install custom firmware through TWRP
If you want to install informal firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or CrDroid), you will need TWRP Recovery, which provides more freedom but also risks, such as loss of IMEI or camera problems.
What you need:
- 📲 Unlocked loader (required!).
- 🔧 Official TWRP Redmi Note 4 (version 3.7.0 or later).
- 📦 Firmware in.zip format (for example, with a XDA Developers).
- 🔄 Open GApps (if the firmware is not Google Services).
Instructions for installing TWRP and firmware:
- Download twrp-3.7.0-0-mido.img and move the file to the folder from fastboot.
- Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-0-mido.img Then: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-0-mido.img (this will temporarily boot TWRP without permanent recording).
- In TWRP, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select partitions → Swipe to Backup).
- Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache
Don't touch it.
Internal Storage
MicroSD
Install → Choose. ZIP → Swipe to Confirm
Open GApps
arm64 → 10/11/12
Reboot → System
What if there is no network after the firmware?
Method 3: Recovery via EDL (if the phone is not turned on)
If after a failed firmware Redmi Note 4 turned into a “brick” (does not respond to buttons, does not go to Fastboot), there is a last chance – firmware through the Internet. EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method requires a special cable or test point on the board.
What you need:
- 🔌 EDL-cable (or regular cable) USB contact-closing+ D-).
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool (same program as Fastboot).
- 📦 Firmware in.tgz format (for example, from here).
- 🔧 Qualcomm Driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (manually installed via Device Manager).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, wait until it’s completely discharged).
- Connect. EDL-cable (or close the contacts D)+ and D- connector USB cable-wire).
- Connect the cable to your phone and PC. The Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear in Device Manager.
- Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware (Select) and press Refresh. COM-port.
- Select Clean all mode and press Flash, which takes 5-15 minutes.
- Once complete, turn off the cable, remove the battery for 30 seconds (if removable) and turn on the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL erases all data without the possibility of recovery, including IMEI. If there is no network after the procedure, you will need to restore the system. IMEI through SN Write Tool (instructions are available on the XDA).
💡
If you can't find EDL-cable, try the method of closing contacts: disassemble the phone, find on the motherboard dots with the inscription EDL or TEST POINT And lock them with tweezers when connected. USB.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging on the MI logo | Incompatible firmware version or corrupted firmware. | Sweep the official MIUI through Fastboot with a full clean (Clean all). |
| This package is for "mido" devices; this is a" | The firmware is not suitable for your model. | Download the correct version (check in Fastboot with the command fastboot getvar product). |
| No network after firmware | Modem damaged or lost IMEI. | Install. modem_fix.zip through TWRP or restore IMEI through SN Write Tool. |
| The Anti-rollback error | Try to install the old version of MIUI after the new one. | Sweat through a newer firmware or use the Anti-Rollback Patch (risky!). |
| TWRP asks for a password | Data encryption (FDE) is enabled. | Format Data to TWRP (all data will be deleted!). |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔌 Cable and port USB — Try another cable or port (better) USB 2.0).
- 🔋 Battery Charge – If the phone is discharged, plug it into charging for 30 minutes before firmware.
- 💻 Drivers – Remove old Xiaomi drivers through Device Manager and install again.
💡
If the phone doesn't respond to buttons and isn't detected in Fastboot, but it warms up when you connect to charging, it's probably a damaged bootloader problem, and then just the firmware through EDL or the service center will help.
6. How to choose firmware for Redmi Note 4
The choice of firmware depends on the stability of work, battery life and available features.
- 📱 Official. MIUI: ✅ Pros: stability, support OTG, all sensors are working. ❌ Cons: advertising, restrictions MIUI, obsolete version of Android.
- 🛠️ Castomy (AOSP): ✅ Pros: pure Android, new OS versions, no advertising. ❌ Cons: may not work IR-port, double chamber, NFC (if).
- 🔄 Ported MIUI (for example, MIUI EU): ✅ Pluses: MIUI Chinese-Free Weekly Updates. ❌ Cons: possible bugs, no official support.
Recommendations for specific firmware:
- 🏆 For stability: MIUI Global Stable (last version — V12.5.9.0).
- 🚀 For performance: Pixel Experience (Android 12) or LineageOS 19.
- 🎮 For games: CrDroid (optimized for performance).
- 🔒 For privacy: GrapheneOS (but requires manual configuration).
Check reviews on XDA Developers or 4PDA before installing – some firmware may have critical bugs (e.g., Bluetooth malfunctioning or fast battery drain).
7. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions
Without unlocking the bootloader, you will not be able to install either the official firmware via Fastboot or custom firmware via TWRP. Xiaomi allows unlocking, but the process requires a wait (usually 7-15 days).
What you need:
- 📱 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone.
- 💻 Mi Unlock Tool Programming.
- 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality).
- 📋 Confirmed phone number in Xiaomi account.
Instructions:
- Turn it on. OEM Unlock and USB Debugging: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times the build number to activate Developer Mode. → Additionally. → For developers and enable: Unlock OEM (OEM Unlocking. Debugging by USB (USB Debugging).
Settings → Mi Account → Synchronization
Fastboot
Loudness down + Nutrition
Mi Unlock Tool
Couldn’t unlock
After waiting, repeat the process – the loader will be unlocked.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone, including photos and apps, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.