Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, despite the release of new models. Many users still use this device, but over time, there is a need to reflash it — whether it is a desire to upgrade the outdated MIUI, install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, or restore functionality after a failure. However, the Redmi Note 4 firmware has nuances that are important to consider: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of software for your region.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to implement Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 firmware in 2026: through Fastboot (for official and global firmware), through Recovery (for custom builds), and also consider typical errors and their solutions. We will pay special attention to the preparation of the device - without it, even the most detailed instructions do not guarantee success. If you are a beginner, do not miss the section on unlocking the bootloader: this is a must-do for any unofficial firmware.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Redmi Note 4 firmware is a careful process. The first thing to do is to save all the important data. Even if you plan to upgrade without a reset (for example, through OTA), there is always a risk of loss of information. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying on your PC.
- 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-file)
- 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
- 🔑 Passwords from apps (write down or use password manager)
- 🎮 Preserve games (if you play Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile and others.)
The second is to check the model and the firmware version. The Redmi Note 4 has a few modifications:
- 🇨🇳 China ROM (Firmware for China, without Google services)
- 🌍 Global ROM (Official firmware with Google Play)
- 🇷🇺 Russia ROM (adapted version for Russia)
- 🛠️ Custom ROM (Unofficial builds of LineageOS, HavocOS)
To find out the current version, go to Settings → About → MIUI. If it says something like MIUI Global 12.5.4, then you have global firmware. If the version starts with a V (like V12.0.1.0.MBFCNXM) it is Chinese firmware.
⚠️ Note: Firmware of the Chinese version (China) ROM) On a global one, without unlocking the bootloader, it will lock the device (brick!
The third step is to charge the phone at least 60 percent. It can take 10 to 40 minutes to run out of power, and if the battery runs out in the process, the device may stop turning on.
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (for Fastboot)
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality)
- 📂 Firmware (official or custom, depending on the purpose)
- 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB & Fastboot, TWRP Recovery (for custom firmware)
Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 4
If you want to install custom firmware or even official global firmware on the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 4, you first need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi locks it by default to protect against unauthorized changes. The process takes 3 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi's policy at the time of the request).
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account. Sign in (if not, sign up) Activate Data Sync and Find your device.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer.
- Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Open the utility, log in to the Mi Account.
- Follow the instructions of the program. The phone will reboot to Fastboot mode.
You'll have to wait until you submit your request. Xiaomi can approve the unlock in a few hours or days. You can check the status on the same Mi Unlock Tool. When the unlock is approved, you'll see the Unlocked successfully message.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! make backups in advance.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Firmware via Fastboot (official MIUI)
The Fastboot method is suitable for installing official firmware from Xiaomi, it can be a global, Chinese or European version of MIUI. The main advantage of the method is reliability: the risk of "bricking" is minimal if you follow the instructions.
You'll need:
- 📂 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website)
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found at xiaomiflashtool.com)
- 🔧 Drivers. ADB & Fastboot (installs automatically when you connect your phone)
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder (for example, C:\MIUI\).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version of MIUI); Clean all and lock – cleaning + lock the bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data – data storage (not always working correctly).
Flash
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes -- that's okay.
Download the correct version of MIUI for your model
Install Mi Flash Tool and Drivers
Unblock the firmware into a separate folder
Charge your phone at least 60%
Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Nutrition)-->
| Type of firmware | Suitable for | Do you need unlocking? | Data dump? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI Global | Any version of the Redmi Note 4 | Not (if the current firmware is also global) | No (if you select Save user data) |
| Official MIUI China | Only in Chinese versions | No. | Yes (region change) |
| Castomic (LineageOS, etc.) | Any version | Yes. | Yes. |
| Official MIUI Russia | For the Russian versions | No (if the current firmware is Russian) | No. |
Firmware through Recovery (Castom Firmware)
If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or HavocOS), you’ll need TWRP Recovery, an alternative recovery menu with advanced features, which is more flexible but also more risky: wrong actions can lead to data loss or phone failure.
What needs to be done:
- Unlock the bootloader (as described above).
- Download: 📂 Firmware in.zip format (for example, from a website) XDA Developers) 📂 TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 4 (the version should match your model!) 📂 Magisk (if root is required, optionally)
TWRP
Fastboot
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_mido.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_mido.imgTWRP
- Tap Wipe → Advanced Wipe, tick Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Return to the main menu, click Install and select the firmware file.
- Confirm swipe installation.
- After installing the firmware, you can flash Magisk (if root is needed) and GApps (if they are not in the firmware).
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware does not support OTA-To update, you'll have to repeat the process manually.
Popular custom firmware for Redmi Note 4:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
- 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface like Google Pixel.
- 📱 HavocOS – flexible firmware with many settings.
- 📱 ArrowOS – lightweight and fast build based AOSP.
💡
If your mobile network is not working after custom firmware is installed, check if your Redmi Note 4 model supports the desired frequencies. Some firmware requires additional patches to work with Russian carriers.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| This device is locked in Mi Flash Tool | The bootloader is not unlocked | Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool |
| The phone does not turn on after firmware ("brick") | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Try flashing official MIUI via Fastboot with Clean all and lock option |
| E: Unknown command [log] in TWRP | An outdated version of TWRP | Download the current version of recovery for mido |
| No network after installing custom firmware | No modems or incorrect APN settings | Install a patch with modems or manually add an operator's APN |
| Anti-rollback check in Fastboot | Trying to flash the old version of MIUI | Use firmware no older than the current one or reset the anti-rollback EDL-Regime (requires authorization) |
If the phone stops turning on (the "brick"), don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored:
- Try to log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
- If it doesn't work, try it. EDL-Mode (requires a testpoint or an authorized Xiaomi account).
- Sweep through the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option.
💡
If the phone doesn't respond to any combination of buttons, the bootloader is likely to be damaged, and only a service center with a programmer will help.
How to return to the official MIUI with custom firmware
If you’ve been experimenting with custom firmware but want to return to the official MIUI, there are two ways to do it:
Method 1: Fastboot (recommended)
- Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
- Unclose it in a folder.
- Enter Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
- Connect your phone to your PC and run through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
Method 2: TWRP (if the Fastboot doesn't work)
- Download the official firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Download to TWRP.
- Make Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
- Install the firmware through Install.
- Reboot.
After returning to MIUI, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account and set up your phone from scratch.