Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenames mido for the global version and nikel for the Chinese) is still popular thanks to reliable hardware and the ability to install modern firmware. However, official support for updates from Xiaomi has long since ceased: the last stable MIUI 11 based on Android 7.0 Nougat was released in 2020, which means that to upgrade the Android version will have to use informal methods – from custom firmware to modified MIUI builds.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update (including the transition to Android). 10/11/12), Their pros and cons, and also dwell in detail on the preparation of the device. 4, which are often missed in universal guides – for example, the problem with unlocking the bootloader on older versions MIUI or risk of "brick" when choosing the wrong firmware for mido/nikel.
1. Verification of the current version and compatibility
Before proceeding with the update, it is necessary to determine precisely:
- 📱 The code name for your device is mido (global/Indian) or nikel (Chinese). → The phone. → Version. MIUI (last digit in the line "Device model»).
- 🔢 Current version MIUI And Android, which affects the ways that you can unlock the bootloader. MIUI 8 and below unlock takes up to 360 hours!
- 🔒 bootloader status – it is blocked or already unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team).
The following restrictions apply to the Redmi Note 4:
| Parameter | mido | nikel |
|---|---|---|
| The maximum official version of Android | 7.0 (MIUI 11) | 7.0 (MIUI 10) |
| Support for informal firmware | Android 10/11 (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) | Android 9 (limited) |
| Required version of MIUI to unlock | MIUI 9+ | MIUI 8+ |
| Risk of "brike" in an error | High (required) EDL-resuscitation) | Critical (possibly "hard brick") |
⚠️ Note: Devices with a Helio processor X20 (Mido version has hardware limitations on working with Android 12+. Attempt to install newer versions may result in performance issues or hardware malfunctions (e.g., camera or Wi-Fi not working).
2. Preparation of the device for updating
Regardless of the chosen method, preparation includes mandatory steps:
- Backup. Updating through custom firmware or factory reset will delete all files. Use Settings → Additional → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
- Battery charge at least 70%, interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to a "brick".
- Install drivers. To work with fastboot and ADB, download the official Xiaomi drivers.
- Unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can't install custom software. The procedure takes from 72 hours to 15 days (depending on the version of MIUI).
Make backup contacts and photos|Check the device model (mido/nikel)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Charge the phone before 80%+|Get permission to unlock the loader-->
To unlock the loader:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate OEM-unlock and debug over USB.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions. The device should be in fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
Official update through MIUI|Custom firmware (TWRP)|Firmware through Fastboot|EDL-resuscitation|I haven't decided yet.-->
Method 1: Update via MIUI (official method)
If your goal is to stay on MIUI but get the latest version available:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
- Download the latest stable firmware for your model from Xiaomi.eu or miuirom.org.
- Select the downloaded file (.zip format) and confirm the installation.
Limitations of the method:
- 🚫 Android version is 7.0 (even in the latest builds) MIUI 11).
- 🔄 Security updates not coming out since 2021.
- 📦 Firmware size - up to 2 GB (free space required).
💡
If the update through MIUI does not find new versions, try changing the region to Settings → Additional → Region to India or Global.
Method 2: Install custom firmware via TWRP
To upgrade to Android 10/11, you’ll need custom recovery TWRP and compatible firmware. Popular options for Redmi Note 4:
- 📱 LineageOS 17.1/18.1 (Android 10/11) — stable, but without branded features Xiaomi.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 11) – the interface is like Google Pixel, but there are possible bugs with the camera.
- 🔧 MIUI 12/13 from Xiaomi.eu – unofficial ports with Android 10, but with the support of themes and gestures.
Step-by-step:
- Install. TWRP For your model: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_mido.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_mido.img
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).
- Transfer the firmware (e.g. lineage-18.1-20230610-mido.zip) to your phone and install it via Install.
- After installing the firmware, be sure to flash Gapps (for example, OpenGapps for ARM64, Android 11).
⚠️ Note: nikel firmware (Chinese version) is not compatible with mido! Attempt to flash wrong version will result in E3004 error or bootloop. Always double-check the codename in the filename.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after the firmware?
5. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for recovery)
This method is used to:
- 🔄 Return to official MIUI post-fast-fast.
- 🛠️ Brick corrections (if the device is not switched on).
- 🔒 Updates with a blocked bootloader (official firmware required).
Instructions:
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute: fastboot flash all_except_storage.bat (for the preservation of data; or flash_all.bat (clean-up).
For the Redmi Note 4, it is critically important:
- 🔌 Use the original USB-cable (cheap cables can interrupt firmware).
- 🖥️ Switch from PC to Windows 10/11 (Linux may have problems with drivers).
- ⏳ Do not interrupt the process – Fastboot firmware takes 10-15 minutes.
6 Risks and how to avoid them
The Redmi Note 4 update comes with risks that can be minimized:
| Risk | Reason. | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| "Brick" (excluded) | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Use only firmware for mido/nikel and UPS with UPS |
| Loss of IMEI | Cleaning the modem partition in TWRP | Create an EFS backup before the firmware (via TWRP or MTK Droid Tools) |
| Sensors are down. | Lack of drivers in custom firmware | Choose firmware marked “stable” and check reviews for 4PDA |
| Fast battery discharge | Unoptimized kernel in Android 10+ | Install the FrancoKernel kernel or roll back to Android 9 |
Critical nuance for Redmi Note 4: when running through the firmware EDL (Emergency mode) requires an authorized Xiaomi account with permission to use the Mi Flash Pro. EDL-Cables can lock the device permanently.
💡
The safest way is to upgrade to the latest MIUI 11 via the official menu. Custom firmware gives you a new Android, but requires unlocking the bootloader and carries the risk of unstable performance.
7.Optimization after Update
Following a successful update:
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery: discharge the phone to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption, repeat 2-3 times.
- 📡 Set up a network: in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select the preferred network type (e.g, LTE only for stable signal).
- 🛡️ Install Magisk: for root rights and type modules ViPER4Android (sound-improvement).
For Android 10/11, Redmi Note 4 recommends:
- 🔄 Disable animation in Settings → The phone. → Build number (7 clicks to activate developer mode, then Windows animation) = 0.5x).
- 🗑️ Clean the cache once a week through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔋 Use the Perseus kernel to improve autonomy (available on the 4PDA).