How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: a complete guide to debunking errors

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw) is still popular with users due to its balanced features and custom firmware installation. However, the process of firmware has nuances that can turn a routine operation into a real headache. Wrong software selection, ignoring the bootloader unlock or errors when working with the Fastboot often lead to a “brick” – a state where the phone stops turning on.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of firmware (official and custom), elaborate on the preparation, choice of tools and solving typical problems. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader, a key step without which installing alternative software is impossible. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. Experienced users will find here instructions for working with TWRP and custom builds based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

⚠️ Warning: Smartphone firmware voids warranty and may lead to data loss.Redmi 4 Pro models with Snapdragon 625 processor have a risk of locking IMEI if the modified software is installed incorrectly.Be sure to save a backup copy through Settings before starting work. → Additionally. → Backup.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start firmware, make sure all the prerequisites are met. Neglect of preparation is the main cause of failures during installation.

First, check the current version of MIUI in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. For Redmi 4 Pro, the current official firmware starts with the number V14.x.x.x (MIUI 14). If your version is older, you may need to update it through the standard Settings menu → System Update.

Also make sure your phone has enough battery power (at least 60%) and it can take up to 30 minutes to run through Fastboot or Recovery, and interrupting the process due to discharge will have serious consequences. Prepare a USB cable (preferably original from Xiaomi) and a Windows 7/10/11 computer (Mi Flash Tool requires drivers that don’t always work correctly on macOS or Linux).

Charge your phone to 60% or more |

Download official or custom firmware |

Install Qualcomm and ADB| drivers

Save a backup of the data |

Connect the original USB-cable|

Disable the antivirus (can block the Mi Flash Tool)-->

If you plan to install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or HavocOS), you will additionally need to:

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (more on this in the next section).
• 📱 Install custom recovery TWRP (The version should support Markw).
• 🔧 Download the package Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (bypass encryption on some firmware).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi 4 Pro with the Snapdragon 625 processor, there is a bug in which after installing some custom firmware, the module stops working NFC. If this functionality is important, check the compatibility of the selected build on the forum. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory stage for custom firmware

TWRP

Xiaomi

Mi

To unlock, follow the following steps:

1. Link your phone to your Mi Account in the Settings menu → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Activate the OEM Unlocking option in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode).
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the version must match your OS).
4. Launch your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off) and connect to your PC.
5. In the Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone and follow the instructions.

Once you send a request to Xiaomi’s server, you will receive a wait notice.The unlock period can vary from 3 to 30 days depending on company policy. In 2026, the average wait time is 7-10 days (previously it took up to 720 hours).

If you don't plan on installing custom firmware, you don't need to unlock it -- you can install official updates through the Mi Flash Tool or OTA without it, but even for official firmware, an unlocked bootloader has the advantage of:

• 🔄 Possibility of rollback to an older version MIUI.
• 🛠️ Installation of modified official firmware (e.g, MIUI EU without Chinese services).
• 🔧 Access to advanced settings via Fastboot.

Yeah, long ago.|

Yeah, but I had to wait more than a week.|

No, I'm just planning.|

No, I don't see the point.-->

Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

Not only does the phone’s functionality depend on firmware, but it also depends on its stability. Official MIUI builds guarantee maximum compatibility with hardware, but contain unnecessary services and advertising. Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) offer “clean” Android, but can have bugs.

Let us consider the main options:

For most Redmi users 4 The best choice is the official global firmware (for example, the official global firmware, markw_global_images_V14.0.2.0.TCZMIXM). It can be downloaded from the site. MIUI Downloads, choosing the Redmi model 4 Pro (code markw).

If you want to get rid of advertising and Chinese services, consider MIUI EU from the team xiaomi.eu.

• 🔋 These firmwares don't support OTA-Updates – each update will have to be manually installed.
• 📱 Some features (such as Mi Pay or Game Turbo) may not work properly.
• 🔧 An unlocked loader is required and installed TWRP.

💡

Before downloading the firmware, check its hash amount (MD5) using the HashMyFiles utility. This will help avoid installation errors due to corrupted files.

Firmware through Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Fastboot

You'll need to get the firmware:

• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📱 Phone with a charge of at least 60%.
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz format (unpacked in folder).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Instructions:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder (for example, C:\MIUI\markw). There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat.
2. Install Qualcomm drivers (if the Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the device).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Press Select and specify the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is an error, you can't find it 'flash_all.sh', Make sure that the path to the firmware folder does not contain Cyrillic characters. Move the files to the folder with an English name (for example, C:\MIUI\proshivka).

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will boot as standard. It can take up to 15 minutes to launch the first one, don't interrupt. MI, Reset through Recovery (Loudness upwards) + Nutrition → Wipe Data).

💡

Clear all and lock mode will lock the bootloader back, only use it if you plan to stay on the official firmware and do not need to unlock.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

If you unlocked the bootloader and want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you will need custom recovery. TWRP. For Redmi. 4 Pro current version — TWRP 3.7.0_9-0-markw (or newer).

Installation process:

1. Download TWRP for markw from twrp.me (.img file).
2. Download the firmware (for example, LineageOS) 20 for markw and package Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (if required).
3. Move the firmware files and Disable_Dm-Verity to the memory card or internal memory of the phone.
4. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-markw.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-markw.img The phone will load into TWRP.
6. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
7. Install the firmware through Install, then the package Disable_Dm-Verity (if necessary).
8. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

The first download of custom firmware can take up to 20 minutes. If the phone is stuck on the logo, try:

• 🔄 Repeat installation by pre-formatting the Data partition.
• 📥 Make sure the firmware is for markw (not prada) 4/4X).
• 🔧 Check if the package is installed Disable_Dm-Verity (Without it, some firmware will not start).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common problems and the ways to solve them.

This package is for markw devices; this is a prada

Reason: You're trying to install firmware for Redmi 4 Pro (markw) on Redmi 4/4X (prada) or vice versa. These models are incompatible!

fastboot getvar product

The answer should be product: markw.

The error is "Anti-rollback check fail."

Reason: You're trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one already on your phone. Xiaomi is blocking the rollback of previous builds for security reasons.

• 🔄 Find a new version of the firmware (for example, if you have a new version). V12.5.1.0, seek V14.x.x.x).
• 🔧 Use it. TWRP and modified firmware with anti-Rollback bypass (risky!).

The phone does not turn on after firmware (brick)

If the screen is black or only backlighted, try:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes (sometimes helps with battery discharge during firmware).
• 🔄 Download to Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Power) and repeat the firmware.
• 🛠️ If Fastboot doesn’t respond, try flashing through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and Qualcomm boxing).

⚠️ Note: If the firmware stopped working NFC Or the fingerprint sensor, probably the problem is that the firmware is not compatible with the iron. MIUI. On the Redmi 4 Pro with the Snapdragon 625, some custom firmware requires additional patches to properly operate the module. NFC.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions