The Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codenamed markw) is still a popular budget smartphone, despite its release in 2017. Its reliability and maintainability make it relevant for firmware experiments — whether it’s a return to stock MIUI, installing custom build on Android 10/11 or recovering from bricking. However, improper firmware actions can turn the phone into a brick or deprive warranty. This guide only shows proven methods relevant for 2026, taking into account the features of the Redmi 4 Pro (including versions with 3/32 GB and 4/64 GB).
Smartphone firmware is a process that requires preparation. There is no improvisation, from choosing the right version of MIUI (global, Chinese or EEA) to unlocking the bootloader and working with tools like MiFlash or TWRP. We will take all the steps from the data backup to the final setup of the system, and also warn against typical errors that lead to the loss of IMEI or sensor problems. If your Redmi 4 Pro is stuck on the logo, cyclically rebooting or simply becoming obsolete, this will help bring it back to life.
1. Firmware Preparation: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you start firmware, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro meets the key requirements. First, check the device model: firmware for Redmi 4A (rolex) or Redmi 4 Prime (prada) will not work! Find a sticker under the battery cover or enter the phone application code ##4636## - in the "phone information" section, the markw model should be displayed.
Second, determine the type of firmware:
- 📱 Official. MIUI — Xiaomi stable version (global, Chinese or European) suitable for recovery and updates OTA.
- 🔧 LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS – Alternative builds based on Android 10/11 with advanced settings, but without official support.
- 🔄 Firmware port - unofficial assemblies MIUI For other devices (for example, ports with Redmi Note 4), can be fraught with bugs.
Critical! Fastboot firmware completely erases data, including photos in internal memory. Even if you plan to upgrade through Recovery, back up IMEI (using MTK Droid Tools for Mediatek chips) and back up contacts through Mi Cloud.
Also prepare:
- 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (MiFlash is required.NET Framework 4.5+).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original, with data transmission support).
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when discharged during firmware, the risk of failure increases).
- 📁 Driver folder (Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008 for emergency mode).
2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Redmi 4 Pro. Without unlocking, it is impossible to install custom Recovery or flash an informal build.The process takes 3 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi's policy) and requires an association of the Mi Account to the device.
Steps to unlock:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Mi Account.
- Activate the OEM Unlock option in Settings → For developers (if the partition is hidden, tap 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section).
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Start your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.
⚠️ Note: If the phone was previously unlocked and then locked again (for example, after a reset), Xiaomi can block the unlock for 30 days. EDL-Regime (requires an authorized account).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" error?
3. Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP)
TWRP Recovery is required to install unofficial firmware or modified cores. The official version for the Redmi 4 Pro is available on TeamWin's website, but note: some builds may not support data encryption or have sensor bugs.
Installation instructions:
- 📥 Download the latest version TWRP for markw (e.g. for markw, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-markw.img).
- 🖥️ Rename the file to recovery.img Place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where installed) ADB).
- 📱 Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- 🔧 In the command line, run fastboot flash recovery. recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
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If the phone is stuck on the logo after installing TWRP, try flashing the kernel (boot.img) from stock firmware through Fastboot. This often solves the boot problem.
After successful installation of TWRP:
- 🔄 Make a full backup of the current firmware (Backup section in the TWRP).
- 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Format Data (if you install custom firmware).
- 📁 Copy the firmware file (.zip) to your phone via MTP into TWRP.
4. Firmware via Fastboot (official MIUI)
Fastboot is the most reliable way to flash an official MIUI, especially if the phone is not turning on or stuck on the logo, and you will need the MiFlash utility and the correct firmware version.
Step-by-step:
- Download Fastboot firmware for Redmi 4 Pro from the site MIUI Downloads. Select the version by region: Region Firmware Code Global Features markw_global_images_... Support for Google Services, English/Russian Chinese markw_images_... Without Google services, only Chinese/English EEA (Europe) markw_eea_global_images_... Compliance GDPR, No Chinese services
- Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MIUI\markw).
- Install Qualcomm drivers (unless the phone is identified in MiFlash).
- Start MiFlash, select the firmware folder and press Refresh – the device should appear as COMX.
- At the bottom of the window, select Clean All (complete cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (clean + lock bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Fastboot
⚠️ Note: If MiFlash gives an error "critical partition flashing is not allowed", then the bootloader is blocked. Unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool or use the method EDL (requires authorization).
5. Firmware through Recovery (TWRP or stock)
Installing firmware through Recovery is suitable for updating the current version of MIUI or installing custom builds. Stock Recovery only has official.zip firmware from Xiaomi, and TWRP allows you to flash any files.
Instructions for TWRP:
- 📁 Place the firmware file (.zip) in the root of the internal memory.
- 🔄 Come in. TWRP (Hold the volume up + Power with the phone turned off).
- 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (for clean installation).
- 📥 Click Install, select a firmware file and confirm installation.
- 🔧 After completion, either Magisk (if root is needed) or Disable Force Encryption (for custom firmware).
For stock Recovery:
- Rename the firmware file to update.zip.
- Put it in the root of memory.
- Go to Recovery (click Volume Up + Nutrition).
- Select Install update.zip to System.
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Firmware via TWRP allows you to install unofficial builds and modifications, but requires an unlocked bootloader.Stock Recovery only works with official MIUI updates.
6. Solving Typical Errors After Firmware
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Incorrect firmware or interrupted process | Switch through EDL with MiFlashPro or QFil |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Conflict of the kernel or modules | Switch boot.img from stock firmware through Fastboot |
| No network (IMEI missing) | Modem or NVRAM partition is damaged | Recover IMEI with Maui META or SN Write Tool |
| The sensor is not working. | Incompatible firmware or drivers | Swipe stock MIUI or custom build with Markw support |
How to restore IMEI on Redmi 4 Pro?
If root is missing after the firmware, re-sweep Magisk through TWRP. To recover data from the backup, use the Restore option in TWRP, but note: you can restore system partitions (System, Boot) only on identical firmware!
7. Update firmware without loss of data (OTA)
If your Redmi 4 Pro is stable, you need to upgrade to a new version MIUI, use the built-in OTA-Update: This method saves user data, but only for official firmware.
How to update through OTA:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔍 Click Check Updates. If the update is available, download it.
- 📥 After download, click Reboot and install.
- ⏳ Wait until the phone is finished (reboot 1-2 times).
If OTA-update doesn't come:
- 🔄 Check the firmware region: Global devices don’t get updates for the Chinese version.
- 📡 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates are blocked at the provider level).
- 🔧 Download the full service package (.zip) from the official site and install it through Select the update file in the settings.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed system files (delete applications) MIUI or modified build.prop), OTA-The update may end in an error, in which case, run the full version. MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.