Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 firmware: Full instructions and methods

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, released a few years ago, is still popular due to its reliability, but over time, the regular operating system can stop receiving updates or work unstable. Many users face situations when the smartphone begins to slow down, freeze on the logo or simply refuse to boot after a failed experiment. In such cases, the only sure solution is a complete reinstallation of the software, which allows you to bring the gadget back to life or even improve its performance.

The Redmi Note 4 firmware process has its own peculiarities, as there are two main hardware versions of this smartphone: on MediaTek (Nikel) and Snapdragon (Mido) processors. It is critical to determine the exact modification of your device before starting any actions, since firmware from one version will not fit the other and can lead to irreversible damage to the board. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the preparation stages, necessary tools and step-by-step algorithms for safely restoring your smartphone.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that interfering with the system partition carries certain risks. You need to be clear about the difference between a simple update and a complete flashing with the data cleanup. We will look at methods for both experienced users and beginners who are first exposed to the concepts of Fastboot and Recovery. Proper preparation will take you about 30-40 minutes, but will save you hours of nerves in the future.

Definition of hardware version and preparation of tools

The first and most important step is to identify the processor installed in your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. The global version is most often based on the Snapdragon 625 chipset (codenamed Mido), while the Chinese version runs on the MediaTek Helio X20 (codenamed Nikel).

You can go to the settings menu to check the version, but if the phone doesn't turn on, look at the back of the device or the box, and there's a method of connecting to your computer in Fastboot mode, and there's a sign on the screen that often mentions the code name of the project. Make sure you have quality on hand. USB-cable, preferably original or certified, as poor contact may interrupt the recording of data.

You will need to download specialized software to your computer. To work with Xiaomi, the de facto standard is the Mi Flash Tool, which allows you to install system images in a low level of access, and you may need Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers that are installed automatically or manually through Windows Device Manager.

Creating a backup and setting up an account

The firmware process, especially in Clean All mode, involves the complete removal of all user data. Photos, contacts, instant messaging and app settings will be permanently lost if you don't save them in advance. Even if you plan to just upgrade the system, having a backup is a mandatory rule of digital hygiene.

The easiest way to save data is to use cloud services. Xiaomi smartphones have a deeply integrated Mi Cloud, which allows you to synchronize contacts, notes, call logs and even place icons on your desktop. To do this, go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and make sure that all switches are active. The alternative is Google Drive or third-party solutions like Dropbox.

The important thing is to link the device to the Mi Account, and once you flash it, the MIUI security system will require you to enter a login and password from an account that was active on the device before, which is anti-theft protection, and if you forget the login details, it will be almost impossible to unlock the phone without going to the service center with a check for a purchase.

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Use the Mi Mover feature to quickly transfer all files to a new phone or to create a local copy to a memory card before resetting.

Method 1: Update via Recovery (without PC)

The most gentle and simple method of restoring or updating the system does not require a connection to a computer and using complex software. This method is suitable if the smartphone is turned on, works stably, but you need to reset the settings to factory or install the official update manually through the firmware file. Recovery interface is available on any Xiaomi device.

To start, you need to download the current firmware archive in.zip format (Recovery ROM) for your model. The file should be placed in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card. After that, the phone turns off, and you enter the recovery mode by clamping the combination of the buttons Volume Up + Power.

In the Recovery menu, you can control volume buttons (up/down) and a power button confirmation. You need to select a language (usually English and Chinese), then go to Wipe Data for cleaning, and then Install or Update for selecting the downloaded archive.

⚠️ WARNING: If you are flashing your phone through Recovery with the transition from Chinese to global (or vice versa), simply cleaning up your data may not be enough.In some cases, you need to clean all partitions completely, which will even delete files in your memory.

Method 2: Fastboot and Mi Flash Firmware

This is the most powerful and versatile method, which allows you to flash Redmi Note 4 even when the system is not booting, cyclically restarting or damaged bootloader, you will need a Windows computer, installed utility Mi Flash Tool and unpacked firmware archive in.tgz format (Fastboot ROM).

First, you need to put the smartphone in Fastboot mode. To do this, the device is connected to the computer via USB, holding the Volume Down button. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android and the inscription FASTBOOT. In Windows Device Manager, the phone should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button so that the program sees the connected device (its serial number will appear). Then click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware. At the bottom of the window, it is important to choose the firmware mode: Clean All (full clean) or Clean All and Lock (clean and lock the bootloader).

The path to the firmware folder should not contain Cyrillic symbols or spaces.


Recommended format: C:\Xiaomi\ROM\mido_global_stable

After checking all the parameters, press the Flash button. The recording process will begin, which will take from the 200 before 600 It's absolutely impossible to interrupt, it'll automatically restart when it's finished, and the first load can take up to a few seconds. 10-15 minutes, this is normal for the application optimization process.

Unlocking the bootloader: is it necessary?

Many users want to flash custom firmware or get superuser (Root) rights, but face a locked bootloader. Xiaomi's official policy requires unlocking to install unofficial software. However, if you put official global firmware on the global version of the phone, unlocking is not required.

The unlocking process requires an application on the Mi Unlock site, an account binding in your phone settings and a wait of 7 to 30 days. Only after this period, a special utility will allow you to unlock the device. It is worth remembering that after unlocking, some secure features stop working, such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet) or watching content on Netflix in high resolution.

If your Redmi Note 4 has already been purchased with an unlocked bootloader or you have unlocked it before, you can install any modified system images via Fastboot or TWRP custom receivers. This gives you complete freedom of action, but increases the risk of unstable system operation if misused.

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For a regular user who needs stable work, unlocking the bootloader is redundant and even undesirable for security reasons.

Solutions and typical errors

In the process of firmware Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 users often encounter certain