Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, released in 2016. Despite its age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install current firmware. However, over time, standard software can become outdated, slow down or contain unnecessary applications, in such cases, the firmware of the phone becomes the best solution to return the former performance.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to run Redmi 4A (codename rolex): from official updates through MIUI Updater to manually install custom firmware through Fastboot or TWRP Recovery. We will focus on critical nuances when working with the bootloader and choosing compatible versions of software to avoid “bricking” the device. If you have never flashed a smartphone before, do not worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, but with technical details for experienced users.
Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting
Redmi 4A firmware is a responsible process, but it's not as complicated as it seems. It's about getting ready, and at this point, many people make mistakes that cause them to crash.
- 🔋 The battery should be at least 60% charged, and when discharged during firmware, the device may turn off, which can damage system files.
- 📋 Backup of all important data (photos, contacts, messages) and a full-reset firmware will delete all information from internal memory.
- 🖥️ Drivers and software: to work with Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool on the PC, Xiaomi drivers must be installed and driver signatures disabled (for Windows).
- 🔑 Unlock bootloader: If you plan to install custom firmware, bootloader must be unlocked (officially via Mi Unlock Tool).
Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Redmi 4A suitable:
- 📱 Officially MIUI (stable or development versions) from en.miui.com.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience), but they require unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP Recovery.
- 🔄 Firmware port (e.g, MIUI from other devices), but their installation is risky and can lead to broken modules (camera, sensors).
⚠️ Note: Firmware for informal builds (for example, from third-party developers from forums) 4PDA) It can contain hidden threats, such as spyware, ad modules, or unstable cores. MD5-hashes of downloaded files!
If you're flashing your phone for the first time, start with the official stable version of MIUI - it's the safest option. Experimenting with custom firmware will require experience with ADB, Fastboot and an understanding of the partition structure /system.
Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (without PC)
The easiest method is to update through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official updates without losing data, but has limitations:
- ✅ It only works with official firmware from Xiaomi.
- ❌ It doesn't allow you to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
- ❌ It doesn't support custom firmware.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings app → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (the.zip format, the name must contain rolex - codename Redmi 4A).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-10 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Reset via Recovery (Wipe) → Wipe All Data. This is due to a data conflict between old and new firmware.
This method is suitable for regular updates, but if you need a clean installation (for example, to eliminate lags), it is better to use Fastboot or Recovery.
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Updating through MIUI Updater is the safest way, but it is not suitable for a radical change of firmware or install custom builds.
Method 2: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
Fastboot is a universal way to flash Redmi 4A with a complete reset or save data (depending on the mode you choose). It requires a PC with drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.
- 🔄 Official firmware installations (including downgrade).
- 🆘 Recovery of the phone after a failure ("bricking»).
- 🔧 Transition to another branch MIUI (For example, from Chinese to global).
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware in.tgz format for Redmi 4A (look for files marked fastboot) from the official Xiaomi website.
- Unclose the file to a folder (e.g., C:\rom\rolex).
- Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a picture of a rabbit labeled Fastboot will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleanup (recommended when changing the version of MIUI), Clean all and lock - cleaning + lock the bootloader (for security), Save user data - save data (risk of conflict!).
Flash
| Firmware mode | Are the data stored? | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Clean all | ❌ No. | When changing MIUI or fixing serious errors |
| Clean all and lock | ❌ No. | To return to stock firmware with bootloader lock |
| Save user data | ✅ Yes. | Update only within one MIUI branch |
If the Mi Flash Tool is unable to find the device or waiting for the device, check:
- Are Xiaomi drivers installed (you can download from the official website)?
- Whether the driver signature is disabled in Windows (instruction: Run → gpedit.msc → User configuration → Administrative templates → System → Install driver → Disable signature verification).
- Is the original used? USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer to Fastboot).
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Fastboot
Method 3: Firmware through TWRP Recovery (for custom firmware)
If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you’ll need TWRP Recovery, an alternative recovery menu that’s more flexible, but also more risky: wrong actions can lead to loss of IMEI or broken modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
Before starting, make sure that:
- ✅ Bootloader unlocked (instruction below).
- ✅ Installed TWRP Recovery for Redmi 4A (The version should support the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset).
- ✅ Downloaded firmware in.zip and (if necessary) GApps (Google services).
Installation instructions:
- Download TWRP for Redmi 4A (for example, from the official TWRP website) and firmware.
- Rename the TWRP file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
- Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times) → For developers → Debugging over USB).
- Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
- The phone will reboot to TWRP. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to Backup).
- Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (for clean installation).
- Install → Select ZIP → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- If the firmware is without GApps, install them separately (similar to paragraph 7).
- Reboot → System: The first launch can take 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: After installing custom firmware may disappear IMEI Or stop working the module. NFC (If it was in your model, for recovery. IMEI A backup copy of the section will be required /nvram tool SN Write Tool (requires authorization on Xiaomi servers).
If the phone does not turn on after firmware or hung on the logo, try:
- 🔄 Repeat installation with full Wipe.
- 🔧 Flush the core (boot.img) separately via Fastboot:
- 📱 Return to the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
How to unlock bootloader on Redmi 4A?
Method 4: Firmware through EDL-mode (for "brick" phones)
If Redmi 4A doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons, or freezes in Fastboot mode, you may need to run through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) in extreme cases, as it requires:
- 🔌 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuits of the circuit board.
- 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil (for Qualcomm chips).
- 🔓 Authorized Xiaomi Account (for new devices).
Instructions (for experienced users!):
- Download the firmware in.tgz format and unpack it.
- Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL: Method 1: Use EDL-cable (closes the contacts Test Point on the board). Method 2: Disassemble the phone and close the contacts EDL (requires a soldering iron or tweezers).
Mi Flash Tool
Refresh
COM-port
Clean all
Flash
Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 10 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Xiaomi without authorization (for devices after 2019) will lead to an error SLA Auth Fail. in this case, you will need an authorized account or help from a service center.
If you're not sure about your skills, you should go to a service center. EDL-This can permanently damage the memory module (eMMC).
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If the phone is not identified in EDL-In the mode, try using QFil (for Qualcomm chips). In the program settings, select Flat Build and specify the path to the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8917.mbn firmware.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with strict follow-up, errors can occur, and here are the most common issues with Redmi 4A firmware and how to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This package is for "rolex" devices; this is a "" | The firmware is not suitable for your model. | Download the firmware specifically for Redmi 4A (rolex code) |
| E3004: Can't find partition | The /system or /boot partition is damaged | Swipe your phone through Fastboot with a full clean (Clean all) |
| The phone is stuck on the MI logo | Data conflict between firmware | Run Wipe Cache and Wipe Dalvik in Recovery |
| SLA Auth Fail at EDL | There is no authorization for Xiaomi | Use an authorized account or contact the service |
| No network after firmware | Lost IMEI or Baseband | Restore the IMEI via the SN Write Tool or scrolle modem.img separately |
If after firmware stopped working sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) or camera, most likely, you installed firmware from another model or incompatible version of MIUI.
- Install the stock firmware through Fastboot.
- Check the custom firmware compatibility with your Redmi 4A revision (for example, some builds do not support a 16GB revision).
How to choose firmware for Redmi 4A: official vs custom
The choice of firmware depends on your goals. Consider the pros and cons of each option:
- 📱 Official. MIUI (stable): ✅ Maximum stability and compatibility. ✅ Support OTA-update. ✅ All functions work out of the box (camera, NFC, OTG). ❌ Lots of pre-installed software (bloatware). ❌ Updates may come with a delay.
- 📱 Official. MIUI (developmental): ✅ New features and fixes before the stable version. ❌ Possible bugs and unstable work. ❌ Frequent updates (not everyone likes them).
- 📱 Brush firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): ✅ Clean Android without Bloatware. ✅ More recent versions of Android (like Android 11 instead of Android 6 in the stock). ❌ Maybe the camera's not working, NFC or. ❌ No. OTA-Updates (you will have to hand-write them).
For most users, the best choice is the official stable MIUI of the latest available version.
- You need a pure Android without a MIUI shell.
- You are willing to put up with possible bugs (for example, a broken fingerprint sensor).
- You have experience recovering your phone in the event of a crash.
Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check feedback on forums (such as XDA Developers or 4PDA) about its stability on Redmi 4A.