The Xiaomi Redmi 4A, released in 2016, is still a popular budget device, often used as a second phone or navigator in the car. However, over time, the standard version of the MIUI operating system may stop receiving security updates and performance may decline due to accumulated software debris. In such situations, the only solution is to manually reinstall the system software, allowing the device to return to its previous speed or even install a more modern version of Android.
The flashing process may seem complicated only at first glance, but with strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, it is available even to a beginner. It is important to understand that there are several ways to restore: through the Recovery menu, through a computer with the MiFlash utility or through the Recovery Menu. OTA-We will consider the most reliable method using a PC that allows you to completely clear the memory and eliminate software errors that are not available for correction by regular means.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the risks. Any interference in the system partition carries the potential threat of turning the smartphone into a “brick” if you interrupt the power or use incompatible files. It is critical to download the version of the firmware that matches the hardware platform of your device (Qualcomm or MediaTek), since the Redmi 4A was released in different versions. Wrong choice of system image will lead to the inability to boot the device.
Workplace preparation and necessary tools
90% of the success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a computer running Windows (preferably version 7, 8 or 10, since Windows 11 sometimes has problems with drivers), USB-cable and charged smartphone battery. Do not use long cables or USB-Hubs – connect the device directly to the port on the motherboard, preferably at the back of the system unit to avoid a voltage drop at a critical time of data recording.
The first step is to install drivers. Without the ADB and Fastboot drivers working properly, the computer will not see the phone in the right mode. The standard driver package usually comes with the MiFlash utility, but it is better to install them in advance. Once the drivers are installed, you need to download the Xiaomi MiFlash Tool itself. It is recommended to use the version at least in 2018, since older versions may not work correctly with new security certificates.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone battery to at least 60% to avoid a sudden shutdown during sector recording.
- 💻 Install the current Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for mode EDL standard ADB driver.
- 📂 Download the archive with firmware (Fastboot) ROM) It is the Redmi model. 4A (codename).
- 🔌 Use original or quality micro-USB cable without damage to insulation.
On official resources and trusted portals (for example, XiaomiFirmware), files are clearly labeled. You want a version marked Fastboot, not Recovery. The file will have an extension.tgz, which after unpacking will turn into a folder with many files and a script. flash_all.bat. The path to the folder should not contain Cyrillic or spaces so that the MiFlash utility reads the data correctly.
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi’s official policy is to unlock the Bootloader to install global firmware or custom builds. If your phone was purchased with the Chinese version of the software (CN ROM) and you want to install the global (Global ROM), or if you change the firmware region (for example, from Russia to Europe), unlocking is mandatory. Without this step, MiFlash will give an error when you try to record.
The unlocking process takes time. You need to apply on the official website miui.com/unlock, linking the Mi Account in the phone settings. After approval of the application (which can take from 3 to 30 days), you need to download the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your PC. In the developer's settings on your smartphone, turn on "Factory Unlock" and connect the device in Fastboot mode (clutching the volume button "Down" and power).
⚠️ Warning: The bootloader unlock process automatically performs a full Wipe Data reset. All photos, contacts and apps will be deleted without recovery, so back up in advance.
There is a nuance with the account binding. After you apply for the phone settings, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the build number several times to activate the developer menu. Then select Mi Unlock Status from the developer menu and tie the device. Only after that, after waiting the time (usually 168 hours or 7 days), you can unlock through the PC.
Step-by-step instructions for firmware through MiFlash
When all the drivers are complete, and the firmware is unpacked, you can go to the main process. Launch MiFlash on behalf of the administrator. Press the Refresh button — while the list of devices should be empty. Now you need to turn the smartphone off the phone completely, and then press the power button and the volume down button at the same time (“Down”). On the screen, an image of a rabbit repairing an android will appear, labeled FASTBOOT.
☑️ Action algorithm in MiFlash
Connect your phone to your computer. The MiFlash device list should show a serial number. If the error code is displayed instead of the number or the device is not detected, check the Windows Device Manager — there should be no unknown devices with a yellow icon. Choose the path to the unpacked folder with the Select firmware button. At the bottom of the program window, be sure to select Clean All mode. This mode completely erases all memory partitions and writes the new system clean, which eliminates file conflicts.
Once you select the mode, press the Flash button, start a firmware process that takes 200 to 600 seconds, during which time it is strictly forbidden to touch the cable, turn off the computer or interrupt the process, the progress bar will be filled, and the program log will appear recording commands, after completion, the status will appear, the inscription “success”, and the phone will automatically restart.
The first download after the firmware can last up to 10-15 minutes. This is normal, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files. Don't panic if the screen burns with the MI logo for a long time. If the phone cyclically restarts or hangs on the logo for more than 20 minutes, an incompatible version of the firmware may have been selected or the image file damaged.
| Mode in MiFlash | Data retention | Description of action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| clean all | Everything's gone. | Complete cleaning and recording of the new system | Recommended for stable employment |
| save user data | Preserve. | Update without losing files | Only if the versions are compatible |
| clean all + lock | Everything's gone. | Cleaning, recording and locking the loader | Only when the region is changed to the original |
Recovery from Errors and EDL Mode
Sometimes the process goes wrong. If the phone is “brickled” (black screen, charging response only, vibration without image), you will need to enter Emergency Download Mode (EDL) mode. For the Redmi 4A, this is often the only way to revive the device after a failed firmware. In this mode, the phone is defined by the computer as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
To enter the EDL on a phone that is turned off, you need to press both volume buttons and connect the cable to the PC. If this does not help, you will have to disassemble the back cover (it is plastic and can be removed easily) and close the special contacts on the board (Test Points) with tweezers when you connect the cable. This method requires caution so as not to damage the motherboard with static electricity or physical impact.
What if MiFlash gives a "Missmatching image" error?
When working in EDL mode, an authorized Mi Account is often required, as Xiaomi servers check the rights to flash in this mode. The average user may need the help of a service center or a remote specialist who has access to paid accounts for firmware through EDL. However, if the bootloader is unlocked, logging into the EDL often passes without checking the account.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party patched firmware to bypass the Mi Account verification carries the risk of malicious code being introduced.
FRP (Google Account Lock)
After the firmware and first download Redmi 4A You can request a Google account that was previously synced to the device. FRP (Factory Reset Protection.If you don't remember the password, it's hard to get around this protection on modern Android versions, but on Redmi. 4A Android 6.0 or 7.0 are available through special methods APK-file-setting.
One common method is to use TalkBack or special features settings to call the browser and download the FRP reset application. However, if the phone belongs to you legitimately, the easiest way to restore access to your account through your computer is by visiting the Google Account Recovery website. Entering the correct account details is the only legal way to unblock the lock.
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If you buy a used phone, always ask the seller to log out of your Mi Account and Google account before resetting your settings, which will prevent future FRP issues.
Also worth mentioning is Mi Account Lock, which is that if you have a Mi Account on your phone and you have Find the Device enabled, you'll need to enter your password after you've run the firmware, and you won't be able to use it without that password, and you can only reset that protection by knowing your account details or by contacting official support with a check to buy it.
Optimizing the system after installation
After successfully installing the new firmware and initially configuring, a series of actions are recommended to optimize the Redmi 4A. Since it is a budget device with limited RAM (1.5 or 2 GB), unnecessary services can slow down. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → For developers and find animation scales.
Set the values of “Window animation”, “transition animation” and “Duration of animation” in the position 0.5x Or shut them down completely, which will visually speed up the interface, making the system response more instantaneous, and also disable unnecessary system applications through Settings. → Apps if you have root rights or use them ADB-freeze-up.
- 🚀 Turn off auto-run for heavy apps like social media to save RAM.
- 🔋 Turn on energy saving mode for background processes you don't need all the time.
- 📵 Remove pre-installed garbage (if the firmware allows) through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 name-pack.
Remember to clean your cache regularly. Although the new firmware is clean, browser and messenger cache grows as you use it. Use Xiaomi's built-in Security utility, but be wary of aggressive memory cleanups, as constantly unloading applications from RAM can, on the contrary, increase battery consumption for re-starting them.
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Properly selected firmware and disabled animation can extend the comfortable use of Redmi 4A for another year or two.