Smartphone Redmi Note 4, especially the version with the Snapdragon processor, remains a legendary device in the history of Xiaomi, but time takes its toll, and standard software no longer meets modern security and functionality. Users often face the need to update Android to a newer version, restore the system after a failed experiment or simply clean the device of accumulated software debris that can not be removed by standard means.
The process of replacing the operating system with Xiaomi requires careful and clear adherence to algorithms, since interference in the system partition carries certain risks. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods of installing software: from simple updates through the menu to complex manipulations using the Fastboot engineering mode and the rights of the Root superuser. You will learn what tools are necessary for a successful operation, how to prepare a computer and where to download proven system images to avoid turning a smartphone into a brick.
Before you start taking action, it is critical to realize responsibility for your actions and prepare all the necessary equipment. For Redmi Note 4 with a Snapdragon processor (codename mido), firmware for the version with MediaTek (prada/nikel) is categorically not suitable, as this will lead to irreversible failure of the device. Make sure you know exactly the modification of your device by checking the information in the Settings → About the phone, where the code name of the device is indicated. Only then you can proceed to the choice of the firmware method and the preparation of the toolkit.
Preparation of the device and the workplace
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation, so do not ignore this stage, relying on luck or haste. You will need a computer running the Windows operating system, as the main toolkit of Xiaomi developers is optimized for this platform. Using virtual machines or Linux and macOS systems is possible, but requires additional settings and often leads to communication errors with the device, especially for beginners.
Be sure to create a full backup of all important data, as the firmware process in most cases involves a complete reset of user information. Xiaomi's built-in tools allow you to save contacts, messages and call logs to the cloud, but for photos, documents and application settings, it is better to use external storage or specialized software. Data loss during the flashing process is a regular situation, and it will be almost impossible to recover files without a backup.
The battery charge of the smartphone should be at least 60-70%, to prevent sudden power outages at a critical time of system file writing. Use original or quality certified USB-cable that is guaranteed to transmit data, not just the current for charging, as cheap cables often cause connection breaks and errors in logs.
☑️ Firmware readiness
Required tools and drivers
The computer will need to interact with the smartphone in various modes of operation, installing specialized drivers without which the system will not see the device. The basic set is ADB and Fastboot drivers, which allow you to send commands to the device and transfer files. To work in recovery or deep flashing mode, Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers may also be necessary, although they are rarely required for standard procedures.
The main software for manual firmware installation is the Mi Flash Tool, which works exclusively with devices in Fastboot mode. This program can not only record the system image, but also clean all memory partitions, which is necessary when you move between different regions or versions of Android. The alternative for advanced users is the console version of tools, which allows you to perform the same actions through the command line, which is often faster and more reliable.
If you plan to install custom firmware or obtain superuser rights, you will definitely need an unlocked Bootloader. Official unlock is done through the Mi Unlock application after linking your Mi Account account and waiting for a deadline in the future. 168 hours (7 Unlocked loader installation of modified_recovery_ or third-party operating system is impossible, as the signature verification system will block the launch of someone else's code.
- 📱 The latest version of Mi Flash Tool for installing system images.
- 🔓 Mi Unlock to remove the boot loader lock.
- 💻 Drivers. ADB and Fastboot for PC communication.
- 📦 WinRAR Archivist or 7-Zip file-decompression.
- 🔋 Original. USB-stable-connection.
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Use it. USB-ports soldered directly on the computer motherboard (behind the system unit), as the ports of the front panel or USB-Hubs may give an insufficient power supply or an unstable signal.
Recovery Update Method (without PC)
The easiest and safest way to update the software is to use the built-in recovery mode, which does not require a connection to the computer. To do this, download the firmware file in.zip (Recovery ROM) and place it in the root of the internal memory of the device. After downloading the file, go to the language selection menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select a firmware file."
This method is ideal for updating within a single Android branch, for example, to switch from MiUI 8 to MiUI 9 or to change the region from Chinese to Global without loss of data (provided version compatibility).The system will automatically check the integrity of the file and its compliance with the device model, then prompt you to start the process of restarting and installing. During this process, the screen can go out and light up again, and the Xiaomi logo will be displayed longer than usual.
⚠️ Note: Recovery Update method will not allow you to roll back to an older version of Android or switch from Global to Chinese without completely clearing the data. Trying to install an older version of the system through this menu will lead to a version verification error.
If you have a “Can’t verify update” or “Zip file signature verification failed” error, it is likely that the firmware file is corrupted when downloading or does not match the exact model of your smartphone, and this error may occur when you try to install Chinese firmware on a Global Device or vice versa if the versions of Android are significantly different, in such situations you either need to look for a compatible version or switch to the method using a computer.
Fastboot Firmware with Mi Flash
Fastboot is the most versatile method of firmware, and it solves serious software problems, including recovery from unsuccessful updates. To start, you need to transfer the smartphone to bootloader mode, clamping down and power buttons simultaneously before an image with a hare repairing an android, or the inscription Fastboot. After connecting the cable to the computer, a device called Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
Run the Mi Flash Tool on your computer and press the Refresh button to detect the connected smartphone. If the device is identified correctly, the serial number will appear in the list. Next, you need to click the Select button and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware (it is important to choose the folder where the image file is located, not the archive itself). Before starting the process in the lower right corner of the program window, you need to select one of three memory cleanup modes.
Clean all mode completely deletes all user data and partitions, installing the system clean, which is recommended to do when changing the region or version of Android. Clean all and lock mode performs the same actions, but after completion, blocks the bootloader back, which is necessary to return the device to its original state before selling or surrendering to the service. The third option, Save user data, tries to save user files, but its use is possible only when you run an identical version of the system and carries the risk of errors.
| Cleaning regime | Data retention | Recommended use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | No. | No. | Change of region, Android versions |
| Clean all and lock | No. | Yes. | Return to baseline |
| Save user data | Yes. | No. | Reinstallation of the same version |
After selecting the mode, press the Flash button to start the process, which will take 200 to 600 seconds depending on the speed. USB-Interrupting the process or disabling the cable is strictly prohibited, as this can damage the bootloader and the need to use paid service programs for recovery. After the operation, the status in the program will change to “Success”, and the smartphone will automatically reboot to the new system.
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Use Clean all and lock mode only if you are sure of firmware compatibility, as locking the bootloader on an incompatible version will make the device unsuitable for further modification without a service center.
Installation of custom firmware and Recovery
For owners of Redmi Note 4 with Snapdragon processor, there is a huge selection of custom operating systems such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu, which offer pure Android and no advertising. The base for installing any modifications is the custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery menu, which replaces the standard recovery menu and allows you to install unsigned images, make full backups and clean specific partitions. TWRP is installed via the computer command fastboot twrp.img flash recovery after unlocking the bootloader.
The custom firmware installation process starts by downloading the required zip file to the phone and entering Recovery mode by clamping the power buttons and increasing the volume. In the TWRP menu, you need to run the "Wipe" option and select formatting the Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache (Full Wipe) partitions to avoid conflicts between the old system files and the new one. After cleaning, go to "Install", select the firmware file and confirm the installation of the slider swip.
Often, additional packages are required to be installed along with firmware, such as GApps (Google services) if they are not built into the image, or patches to unlock the screen from the fingerprint. The order of installation matters: first the system is sewn, then immediately, without restarting, add-ons are installed, and only after that the first download (Reboot System) is performed. The first download after installing custom firmware can last up to 5-10 minutes, which is a normal phenomenon of application optimization.
⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware, security-dependent features such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet) or MI Pay may stop working due to a system integrity violation. Their recovery often requires additional manipulations with the concealment of Root rights and changing the configuration of the bootloader.
What if the camera doesn’t work after the firmware?
Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
In the process of firmware users often encounter the error “Flash” ALL Exceptional data storage, which occurs when you choose the wrong path to files or the absence of administrator rights in the Mi Flash program. To fix this problem, make sure that the path to the firmware folder does not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, and the program itself is running on behalf of the administrator. USB-port or use of another cable, as the timeout of the connection may interrupt the data transmission.
The error “Status 7” or “Error 1” when installed via Recovery usually indicates incompatibility of the bootloader and firmware version, or a corrupted archive file. In this situation, it is recommended to recheck the checksum of the file (MD5 or SHA1) and compare it with the specified on the developer’s site. If the files are intact, but the error persists, perhaps the current version of the bootloader is too new for the installed firmware, and a preliminary rollback through Fastboot is required.
If the smartphone after firmware goes into endless restart (bootloop), you need to perform a complete data cleanup via Recovery mode. In the case when the device does not respond to buttons and only the charging indicator or logo is burning, the bootloader section may be damaged, and you will need to flash it in EDL (Emergency Download) mode, which often requires disassembling the phone to close contacts on the board or having an authorized account in the service center.
- 🔄 Timeout error: Replace USB-cable.
- 📁 Mistake of the way: rename the folder with firmware, removing the Russian letters.
- 🔋 Battery error: Connect your phone to the charger while you are firmware.
- 🔓 Account Error: Make sure Mi Flash doesn’t require authorization for your version of the Toulouse.
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Most firmware errors are not related to a malfunction of the phone, but to an unstable one. USB-A connection or antivirus that blocks the program from accessing ports.