The Xiaomi Mi Pad 4 tablet remains a popular device due to its compact format and high-quality screen, but over time, the regular operating system may cease to receive official security updates or new Android features. Owners often face the need to replace the regional version of firmware with a global one or install a custom build to expand the capabilities of the gadget. The software replacement process requires care and accurate follow-up to algorithms, as errors can lead to the failure of the device.
There are several methods of updating: from simple installation OTA-The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of the tablet, the availability of Root rights and the status of the bootloader. Below we will discuss in detail all the preparation stages, the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions for the safe installation of a new system.
Before taking action, you need to be clear about the risks and prepare the workplace. USB-The connection or discharge of the battery at a critical moment can interrupt the recording of data, which will require complex recovery.
The first step is to create a reliable environment for interaction with the tablet. You will need a Windows computer (preferably version 10 or 11), a working computer. USB-Minimum length cable to eliminate signal loss and fully charged Mi Pad 4 tablet, you also need to make sure that your PC hard drive has enough free space for temporary files and system images.
The key to getting ready is installing the right drivers, without which the computer will not be able to correct the device in boot mode. Usually you need a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader package and standard Android ADB Interface drivers, which can be found as part of the official Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool utility or download separately from proven resources.
⚠️ Note: Use of unoriginal or damaged USB-The most common cause of firmware errors is cables, and if the process is stuck on a certain percentage, 80 percent of the time the problem is in the cable or the port. USB.
Remember to back up all your important data. The firmware process, especially through Fastboot mode, often involves completely clearing your internal memory. Save photos, documents, and application settings to the cloud or external drive. It is also important to link your Mi Account account and know the password from it, since after a reset, the system may request authorization.
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi’s official policy is to lock the bootloader to protect user data, and to install custom recavators (such as TWRP) or unofficial firmware, it must be unlocked, a process that does not happen instantly and takes time to wait for permission from the company’s servers.
First, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times. Once the "You've become a developer" notification appears, go to the advanced settings and find Mi Unlock Status. Here you need to link the device to your account.
This is followed by a waiting period that can last from 7 to 168 hours (usually 7 days), during which time you can not log out of your account on the device. Upon expiration, you can start the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your PC, switch the tablet to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when you connect the cable) and unlock.
- 🔓 Unlocking completely erases all data from the internal drive of the tablet.
- ⏳ The wait timer is counted from the moment of the first attempt to unlock in the Mi Unlock application.
- 📶 Successful activation requires a stable Internet connection on the tablet itself.
What to do if the timer is reset?
If you reset your data or log out of your Mi Account before the deadline, the timer may reset.In some cases, waiting 168 hours (full week) from the last account link helps. Make sure the Mi Unlock app displays the status of "Connected" and the timer shows 0 or a message of success.> Selecting the firmware type: Global, China or Custom Market offers a variety of software options for Xiaomi Mi Pad 4. Understanding the differences between them is critical, as installing an inappropriate version can lead to a lack of Russian language, broken notifications or problems with certification, or a timer shows a success message.> Selecting the firmware type: Global, it has a multiling service that is designed for Google's global, and it is designed for the global market. China Stable is targeted at the domestic market of China, often does not have Google services out of the box and may contain Chinese software that is difficult to remove. MIUI EU, They're created by enthusiasts, and they allow you to get a cleaner Android, fresher versions of the system when official support is discontinued, and advanced customization options, but they can contain bugs and don't guarantee the stab work of all modules, such as a wide-angle camera or a wide-angle camera. DRM-contention. Type of firmware Availability of Google Languages Stability Global Stable There are all major High China ROM No (installation required) Chinese, English High MIUI EU There are all major medium/high custom (AOSP) Depends on the build Depends on the version Installation of custom Recovery TWRP Standard recovery is not enough to install informal firmware or create full backups. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This process requires the bootloader to be unlocked. Image file twrp.img It must be specifically assembled for the clover model (codename Mi Pad). 4). The installation process is done via your computer in Fastboot mode. Connect the tablet with the volume down button and start the command line in the tool folder. ADB. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the serial number is displayed, you can go to the recording of the image. fastboot flash recovery twrp_clover.img fastboot boot twrp_clover.img The second command (boot) temporarily runs the Recovery without recording in the permanent memory, which allows you to check its performance. TWRP If you boot correctly, you can go to the firmware itself. It's important not to restart the system right away if you want to save it. TWRP, because stock firmware can try to replace the Recovery back with the original one on the first run. ⚠️ Attention: First launch TWRP You may need to confirm the modification of the system. Slide "Allow Modifications" to allow the changes, otherwise the recovery may not mount the partitions for recording. The most reliable way to return the tablet to a factory state or change the region is to use the Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool utility and firmware in Fastboot format (extension.tgz). This method cleans the device's memory completely and writes all partitions over again, eliminating software conflicts. Unpack the firmware archive at the root of the disk. C:\, So you can use the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Put the tablet in Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Press the Refresh button in the program, you'll see the device ID. At the bottom of the window, select the cleanup mode. It is recommended to use the option "Clean all", which completely erases user data and installs a clean system. the option "Clean all and lock" will also block the bootloader, but use it with global firmware on a Chinese device (or vice versa) can not - this will lead to a "brick". 📂 Make sure that the path to the firmware does not contain Russian letters. 🔌 Don't turn off the cable. USB until the process is complete and the status of "success" appears". 🔋 The charge of the tablet should be at least 50-60% If you press the Flash button, you start a process that will take a lot of time to get out of power. 200 before 600 The tablet will reboot several times, and when success is in status, the device can be disabled. 10 Even with careful preparation, there can be unforeseen situations, and understanding the error codes and their causes helps to quickly resuscitate the device without going to the service center. Most often, problems are software-based and are solved by repeating the procedure or replacing the cable. 0x80070005 Try running the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator or moving the firmware folder to the root of the disk. The Not enough space error means that there is not enough space on the tablet to unpack temporary files, although this is rare in Clear All mode. If the tablet goes into an endless restart (bootloop) after firmware, try running the command fastboot erase userdata and fastboot erase cache, and then restart. In more difficult cases, when the device is not defined in Fastboot, you may need to mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode, which on modern Xiaomi devices often requires an authorized Mi Account for firmware. ⚠️ Attention: Entering mode EDL It can be difficult to do this on an unlocked bootloader.Do not try to disassemble the tablet and close contacts on the board (Test Point) if you do not have experience, as this can damage the hardware. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions: Can I flash Mi Pad 4 without unlocking the bootloader. Installing custom recavers or changing the firmware region (e.g. from China to Global) requires an unlocked bootloader. However, you can update within one region (China to China, Global to Global) through the update menu if the new firmware version is higher than the current one. DRM Widevine L1 Yes, in most cases, unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices leads to a decrease in the security level of Widevine with the help of the device. L1 before L3. This means that streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) They will not be able to reproduce content in HD/4D quality, limiting the authorisation to SD (480p). How do you get back to stock firmware after custom? To get back, you need to download the official Fastboot firmware for your model and region, and then flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of "Clean all" mode. Is it safe to use firmware? MIUI EU? Firmware MIUI EU They are considered safe and stable, based on the Chinese version. MIUI, But they're cleaned of waste and adapted for global use, but this is a side project, and the installer takes responsibility for possible, albeit rare, failures.