How to change firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 4: the complete guide

Xiaomi mobile devices are deservedly popular due to their excellent price-performance ratio, but over time the software may require an update or a complete reinstallation. The owner of the Redmi 4 smartphone (including the Prime and Standard versions) may face the need to change firmware for various reasons: switching from the Chinese version to the global version, restoring the system after a failure or the desire to install a custom Android build. The procedure for replacing the operating system is a powerful tool that allows you to extend the life of the gadget and return it to performance.

It is important to understand that the flashing process requires careful and clear follow the instructions, as any errors can lead to the failure of the device. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing files and unlocking the bootloader to directly installing the new version of MIUI. We will look at both the official methods through Recovery and more advanced methods through Fastboot so that you can choose the best option for your situation.

Before you start taking action, you need to be aware of the risks and prepare everything you need.The Xiaomi Redmi 4 flashing process completely removes all user data from the internal drive, so creating a backup is a must. Below is a detailed action plan that will help you successfully update or restore your smartphone software.

Preparation for flashing and choice of method

The first step is to determine the current version of the system and the desired result. You need to know exactly which modification is installed now: China ROM (Chinese) or Global ROM (global), since the transition between them has its own characteristics. For example, the transition from Chinese firmware to global requires a complete data cleanup and often unlocked bootloader, while updating within one region usually goes without problems.

Next, you should choose the installation method. For most users who just want to upgrade or roll back to a more stable version, the method will work through Recovery. This method does not require a connection to the computer and runs directly on the device. However, if the phone is “bricked”, stuck on the logo or requires a change of region, you will have to use the method through Fastboot with a connection to the PC.

• 📱 Recovery Method: Suitable for official upgrades, system recovery and installation ZIP-archive.
• 💻 Fastboot Method: Required for Deep Recovery, Reshaping the Region (China) ↔ Global) and installation of complete system images.
• 🔓 Unlocked loader: mandatory for installation of custom Recovery (TWRP) and informal assemblies.

Make sure your Redmi 4 battery is at least 60 percent charged, as the process can take considerable time and a sudden power outage is critical. USB-cable, preferably original, which comes with a complete set, or its qualitative analogue, capable of transmitting data, and not only charging the device.

Required tools and files

To do this successfully, you'll need to build a set of tools, without which the process will either not start or be interrupted halfway, and the main source of files must be the official Mi Community website or proven resources like miui.com to eliminate the risk of malware infecting the device.

If you plan to use the Fastboot method, you will definitely need a Windows computer, you need to install special drivers for Xiaomi devices, as well as the ADB and Fastboot utility. Often these tools are included in the SDK Platform Tools platform, which can be downloaded from the official Android developer website.

The firmware file itself needs to be carefully selected. Redmi 4 (codename prada for Prime or ido for Standard/X) has different versions, and it is important not to confuse files intended for different processors or models, as this can lead to hardware conflict.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

One of the main features of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the default bootloader, which is a security measure that prevents you from making changes to the system partition. If your goal is simply to upgrade to a newer global version through Recovery, unlocking may not be necessary, but it is a must-do step to change the region or install custom software.

The unlocking procedure requires that your Mi Account be linked to your device and that you obtain a special permission from the company. After you apply in the Mi Unlock app on your computer, you will have to wait 3 to 7 days (sometimes longer) before the permission status changes, which is the time needed to verify the security.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically resets all data (Wipe Data), which can also cancel warranty in some regions and increase the vulnerability of the device to malware if not careful.

To start the unlocking process, go to the phone's settings menu. Find About Phone and click on the build number several times to activate developer mode. Then, in advanced settings, enable USB debugging and permission to change the bootloader. Only then can you run the utility on your PC and type in the unlock command.

Method 1: Recovery (Recovery ROM)

This is the safest and easiest method for the average user, and it involves installing a firmware archive through a built-in recovery menu, which is ideal if the phone is switched on, stable, but you need to upgrade to a specific version or switch from Weekly to Stable.

First, the downloaded firmware file with the.zip extension needs to be renamed update.zip to make it easier to search, although this is not always strictly necessary. The file should be placed in the root directory of the internal memory of the smartphone. Do not put it in folders with music or photos, the system may not see it.

Next, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file. The system will find the archive and suggest starting the process. Once confirmed, the phone will restart and start installing.

• 📥 Download the correct version of Recovery ROM for your model.
• 📂 Put the file down. update.zip root.
• 🔄 Run the update through the Version menu MIUI».

In some cases, if the firmware version is lower than the current one or the region is different, the system may give an error "Bagage is damaged" or "Can't update." In this situation, you need to use the extended Recovery menu. To do this, turn off the phone and turn it on, holding the power and volume buttons at the same time.

Method 2: Complete Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot Fastboot FastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastFastF

Fastboot allows you to perform a clean installation, completely deleting old files and rolling a new image from scratch. This is the best way to fix software errors, viruses or the consequences of failed experiments.

First, unpack the firmware archive (.tgz format) on your computer. The path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic characters, it is better to place it at the root of the disk, for example, C:\Xiaomi_ROM. Inside should be an image folder with many image files.

fastboot devices

This command in the command line (after connecting the phone in Fastboot mode) will check the connection with the device. If the serial number is displayed, you can run the Mi Flash Tool. In the utility, click the Refresh button, select the path to the firmware folder and firmware mode. It is recommended to choose clean all (full clean) to avoid file conflicts.

⚠️ Note: When using clean all and lock mode, the bootloader will be locked again. Use this mode only if you are installing the original firmware in the same region as before. If you put Chinese firmware and lock the bootloader on the global phone (or vice versa), the device will go into a deep brick.

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The “Clean All” mode in the Mi Flash Tool is the most reliable way to fix software bugs, but it completely destroys all data on the phone.

Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP)

For advanced users who want to install customized firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or get full superuser rights (Root), standard Recovery is not enough. You need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a modified restore menu with support for touch screen and advanced features.

The process of installing TWRP on Redmi 4 requires an unlocked bootloader. The twrp.img image file is downloaded specifically for your model (it is important not to confuse ido and prada). The command line and Fastboot run the image firmware command to the recovery section.

After successful installation TWRP, The phone immediately switches to Recovery mode to prevent the system from overwriting the restored menu back to the stock menu. TWRP You can make full backups, format partitions and install ZIP-archives with any modifications.

• 🔓 Requires an unlocked Bootloader.
• 💾 Make a backup. EFS and Persist before any action in TWRP.
• ⚙️ TWRP It allows you to set up a Root Rights (Magisk) without replacing the entire system.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

You can have a lot of trouble flashing it, and one of the most common problems is hanging on the Mi logo (Bootloop). If that happened after you installed the update, try doing Wipe Data in Recovery. If it doesn't work, then go through the Fastboot clean.

Another common error is “Error 7” when installing ZIP-This means that the file signature is not the same as the current version of the bootloader or the device model. 4A or 4X, They have different processors and are not compatible.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops responding to buttons and the screen is black, but the computer makes a connection sound USB, Maybe the device went into mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This mode is often only available at an authorized service center using paid accounts if the bootloader is locked in.

Also, users often encounter a problem when the Mi Flash Tool gives an error "Missmatching image and device", which means that you are trying to flash the image from one model to another. Always check the code name of the device in Fastboot (it is written at the top of the screen or output by the command fastboot getvar all).

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Before you run through Fastboot, close all unnecessary programs on your PC, especially antiviruses and file sharing, so that they do not interrupt the data transfer at a critical stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)