Redmi 4 smartphones, despite their age, remain popular due to the combination of performance and price. However, over time, the software becomes obsolete, system errors accumulate, and official support for updates from the manufacturer ceases. In such situations, the only way to return the device to performance and current security features is manually reinstall the operating system, which requires care, but allows you to completely clean up the memory of garbage and even change the firmware region.
Before you start manipulating, it is important to understand that firmware through your computer gives the user full control over the device, as opposed to an update “over the air”. You can install a global version instead of the Chinese one, roll back to a more stable build or, conversely, upgrade to a custom Android build. The critical step is preparation: without the right drivers and files, the procedure is impossible, and an error at any step can lead to the inoperability of the gadget.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of firmware for Redmi 4A, 4X and 4 Prime models. We will not use complex console commands where you can do with the graphical interface, but we will describe in detail the work with the Mi Flash Tool. This is the standard tool for working with Xiaomi devices in Fastboot mode, which provides the most deep and clean updates to the system.
Preparation of equipment and choice of firmware
The first step is to find the right software. For Redmi 4 models, it is important to use the version of firmware that matches the hardware platform of your device. The Snapdragon 425 and Snapdragon 435 processors have different sets of drivers, and trying to install the wrong image will lead to an error or a “brick.” You can find the right files on the official Mi Community forum or proven resources like XDA Developers.
You will need a Windows computer, as Qualcomm drivers and Xiaomi tools work best in this environment. USB-a cable, preferably original, to ensure a stable connection during the transmission of large amounts of data.
⚠️ Note: Before starting the procedure, make sure to back up all personal data. Fastboot firmware involves fully formatting internal memory. Photos, contacts and applications will be permanently deleted.
There are two main types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. For our task, when we use a PC, we need a Fastboot archive (usually with the extension.tgz), which contains images of all parts of the system. Recovery firmware (.zip) is designed to be installed through the recovery menu of the phone itself and is not suitable for us in this context.
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Use it. USB-port located on the back of the system unit, directly connected to the motherboard. USB-Hubs may not provide enough voltage for stable operation in firmware mode.
Installation of drivers and setting up the environment
Without the right drivers, the computer simply won't see the phone in bootloader mode. Windows 10 and 11 often automatically install the underlying drivers ADB, But to work with Fastboot and EDL-The mode requires specific files from Qualcomm and Xiaomi. HS-USB QDLoader and Mi USB Driver before connecting the device.
If the automatic installation didn't work, you'll have to use a Device Manager, and when you connect your phone to Fastboot, you'll have a device with a yellow exclamation mark or a "Unknown Device" in the hardware list, and you'll manually specify the path to the driver folder.
Special attention should be paid to the signature of drivers in Windows 10/11. The system can block the installation of unofficial Qualcomm drivers. If you encounter a code error 10 or 43 in the Device Manager, you may need to temporarily disable the driver signature verification when booting the OS. This is a standard procedure for working with engineering equipment.
Once you have successfully installed the drivers, check them. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC. In the command prompt (cmd) entered via Win + R and the cmd command, you can enter fastboot devices. If you see the serial number of the device in response, then the connection is established correctly and you can proceed to the next step.
The process of firmware through the Mi Flash Tool
The main tool for this task is the Mi Flash Tool, an official software that allows you to download partition images directly to the memory of the smartphone, and download it only from authoritative sources, as modified versions may contain malicious code.
The procedure is as follows:
- 📂 Unpack the downloaded firmware archive in the root of the C or D disk so that the path to the files is short and does not contain Cyrillic.
- 🔌 Turn off the smartphone completely, then press the volume down button and plug in USB-And the rabbit in the orange hat is going to appear on the screen, which is Fastboot mode.
- 💻 Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and press the Refresh button to allow the program to detect the device.
- 📁 Click "Select" and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware (where the file lies). flash_all.bat).
At the bottom of the program window, you'll see three options. The most important thing is choosing the right firmware method. The "Clean All" option will clear the data completely and install the new system. "Save User Data" will try to save files, but when you change the region or version of Android, often leads to a cyclical reboot. The third option, "Clean All and Lock," will block the bootloader after the firmware, which is not recommended if you plan further modifications.
⚠️ Warning: Never select the Clean All and Lock option if you are changing the firmware region (e.g. from China to Global) or if the device bootloader is already unlocked by third-party methods.
Once you select the method, press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds. The log will show the status of the partition record. Don't interrupt the process or touch the cable. If everything goes well, the status will appear green "Success" and the phone will automatically restart. The first download can last up to 10 minutes.
☑️ Checklist before pressing Flash
Solving Typical Errors and Problems
The process doesn't always go smoothly the first time. One of the most common mistakes is "Missmatching image and device." This means you're trying to flash firmware from one model (e.g., Redmi). 4X) Check the code names for Redmi 4 Prime: Land for 4A, prada for 4X and markw for Prime.
Another common problem is the Flash Fail error or the hanging on a certain percentage, often due to quality. USB-- Cable or port. - Try cable, use another cable. USB-port or restart service ADB. Also helps to restart the utility Mi Flash Tool with administrator rights.
If the phone went into EDL mode (black screen, in Device Manager is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008), then the bootloader is damaged or the critical recording phase was interrupted. In this case, a regular firmware through Fastboot may not help, and you will need an authorized Mi Account to run through the server, or use paid service programs.
| Model | Code name | Processor | Type of memory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4A | land | Snapdragon 425 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Redmi 4X | prada | Snapdragon 435 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Redmi 4 Prime | markw | Snapdragon 435 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Redmi 4 Pro | markw | Snapdragon 435 | eMMC 5.1 |
What if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone?
Unlocking the bootloader: is it necessary?
Many users are wondering about the need to unlock the bootloader before the firmware. To install the official global firmware on top of the official Chinese, unlocking is not necessary if you use the Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool method, but only if you do not change the region to the opposite with the lock. However, if you want to install custom recoveries (TWRP) or modified firmware, unlocking is mandatory.
Official unlocking requires filing through the Mi Unlock Tool app and waiting 7 to 30 days.This is Xiaomi's security mechanism. Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't change system partitions or get superuser (Root) rights.
If your bootloader is already unlocked, the firmware process is faster and without unnecessary checks. However, remember that after unlocking some features, such as Mi Pay or the operation of some banking applications, may be limited until you hide the fact of unlocking through Magisk or similar tools.
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Unlocking the bootloader is only required for installing custom recavers and unofficial Android builds. To change the region from China to Global through Fastboot, you just need to choose the correct firmware method in the Mi Flash Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Redmi 4 if it doesn’t work?
Will IMEI fly after the firmware?
What is the latest version of Android for Redmi 4?
Is it safe to use firmware with 4PDA?
Xiaomi Redmi 4 firmware via PC is a powerful tool that gives a second life to the device. Proper preparation, choosing the right files and following the instructions carefully avoids most problems. Don't be afraid to experiment, but always remember the importance of backups and accuracy.
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After the first boot of the new system, take your time to restore all the applications from Google backup. Let the system work in a clean form for a couple of hours for the background optimization processes to finish their work.