Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro, known in the developer catalogs as Markw, originally shipped with the shell MIUI 8 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Despite the excellent balance of price and performance for its time, official support for the device by Xiaomi was discontinued quite early, and did not reach Android 10. However, enthusiasts continue to support the life of this smartphone, creating stable builds based on modern versions of Android.
Installing the Android 10 operating system allows not only to get a fresh interface, but also to ensure compatibility with the current versions of applications that gradually cease to support the old APIs. The update process requires the complete removal of all data, so the procedure should be approached as responsibly as possible, preparing the necessary tools and files in advance.
In this guide, we will discuss in detail each step of the transformation of your Redmi 4 Pro. We will touch on the issues of unlocking the bootloader, installing a modified TWRP receivable and directly the firmware of the custom operating system. Following the algorithm will allow you to avoid typical errors and get a working device with advanced functionality.
Preparation for flashing and compatibility check
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that your device is indeed a global version of the Redmi 4 Pro (Prime/Premium). This model was not released in China, so if you have a device with Chinese firmware, the methodology may differ. Check the model in the Settings → About phone section, where the Markw device should be listed.
To successfully perform the operation, you will need a personal computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, as well as a serviceable computer. USB-It's critical to have a full backup of all contacts, photos and documents, because all the internal memory parts will be formatted in the process.
⚠️ Attention: All actions you take are at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible software failures or device failure.Make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60% before starting work.
You will also need a Mi Account linked to the device to go through the bootloader unlocking procedure, and without this step, further manipulation of the system partition will not be possible, since the bootloader is blocked by the manufacturer.
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Use the original. USB-Cheap charging cables often don't have data lines, which will lead to connection errors. ADB and Fastboot.
Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)
The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader, which is officially authorized by the manufacturer, but requires waiting, and you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer and log in to it under the same account as your smartphone.
Once you have enabled the developer mode and allow debugging over USB, turn your phone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device and press the down volume and power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo shows a picture of a rabbit fixing an android. Connect your smartphone to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility.
Xiaomi’s security system will likely report that unlocking is not possible right now, and will require waiting from 72 hours to 168 hours (7 days), a standard procedure for protecting against device theft.
- 🔓 Download and install drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
- 🔓 Enable "For Developers" and activate "Factory Unlocking".
- 🔓 Link your Mi Account to the developer’s settings menu.
- 🔓 Wait for the SMS notification or the timer expiration in the Mi Unlock app.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow you to install modified firmware, so you need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). There are several versions for the Markw model, but for Android 10, it is recommended to use the build with Treble support and an up-to-date kernel.
The downloaded image file (usually with the.img extension) must be placed in a folder with the ADB tools installed. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode and connect it to the computer. Open the command line in the ADB folder and enter a command to check the connection.
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined, type a command to flash the recovery firmware. Importantly, after this command, you can't just reboot the phone with buttons, because the standard system will overwrite the TWRP back to stock recovery. You need to immediately pinch the button combination to enter recovery mode.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-markw.imgImmediately after the inscription "Successful" appears in the command line, press and hold the buttons Volume Up + Power until vibration and the TWRP logo appears. If you are logged into the stock menu, then the system has been restarted normally, and the recovery firmware procedure will have to be repeated.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Choosing and Preparing Android 10
For Redmi 4 Pro, there are many builds of Android 10, based on projects LineageOS, Pixel Experience or AOSP. The choice depends on your preferences: if you want a pure Android without unnecessary add-ons, choose AOSP, if you need functionality – LineageOS.
The firmware file (usually the.zip archive) and the GApps (Google Apps) add-on package, if not built into the firmware, must be downloaded in advance. It is recommended to use the ARM64 Android 10.0 GApps package with the Pico or Nano set, so as not to take up unnecessary space in the system partition.
| Type of firmware | Features | Who's good for? |
|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Stability, minimum of bugs, its own set of applications | For everyday use |
| Pixel Experience | Google Pixel interface, all services built in | Fans of pure Android |
| AOSP Extended | Lots of customization settings, lightweightness | For experienced users |
| MIUI Ports | Ported versions of MIUI 11/12 based on Android 10 | Those who are used to the shell Xiaomi |
Copy firmware and GApps files into the internal memory of the smartphone or on the SD-This is done while the phone is in mode. TWRP, connecting it to the PC, or in advance, before entering the Recovery, if the file system reads correctly.
Process of installing a new operating system
When you're on the TWRP menu, the first thing you need to do is clear partitions. Go to Wipe and select Advanced Wipe. Check the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache sections. You don't have to touch the Internal Storage section if the firmware files are there.
Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Install. Find the previously downloaded archive with Android 10 firmware and confirm the installation of the slider swipe. The process will take a few minutes, the log will display executable scripts.
⚠️ Note: If you are upgrading from Android 6.0 to Android 10, make sure to do a "Clean Flash" (complete cleanup).
If the selected firmware does not contain built-in Google services, immediately after installation ZIP-Install the GApps archive in the same way without restarting the system, and only after both components are installed can you proceed to restart the system.
- 🧹 Run Advanced Wipe for System, Data, Cache, Dalvik.
- 📥 Press Install and select ZIP-Android 10 firmware file.
- 📦 Install. ZIP-GApps file (if required).
- 🔄 Click on "Reboot System" for the first run.
The first run can last up to 5-10 minutes as the system optimizes applications and creates cache.Don't panic if the screen is lit for a long time by the logo of the new OS - this is normal behavior for the first start after a clean installation.
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The sequence of actions "Wipe -> Install ROM -> Install GApps -> Reboot" is the gold standard for custom firmware and minimizes the risk of errors.
Possible problems and solutions
There may be specific problems with custom firmware on Redmi 4 Pro, and users often experience VoLTE or camera problems because the drivers in Android 10 are different from those in stock for Android 6. Many problems require the firmware of the current Vendor and Firmware.
If your phone is stuck in a bootloop cycle, go back to TWRP, make a Wipe Dalvik/Cache, and try flashing the firmware again. In some cases, cleaning the Data partition through formatting helps, but that will delete all files.
Also worth noting is the encryption problem: Some Android 10 builds may not work properly with data encryption, which will cause the phone to constantly request a password when booting, in which case TWRP recommends you run the Format Data command and enter yes.