Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 firmware via 4PDA: a complete guide to unlocking and installing custom software

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) remains one of the most popular smartphones for firmware experiments even years after its release. The 4PDA forum has hundreds of modified builds, from official MIUIs to custom LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, improper firmware actions can turn a device into a brick or take away warranties. In this guide, we will examine all the stages of firmware through 4PDA: from preparation to installation of alternative software, taking into account the nuances of 2026.

It's important to understand that the firmware procedure for the Redmi Note 4 is different from the new Xiaomi models. There is no Fastboot mode with the Mi Unlock Tool unlocked in the usual form - you will have to work with the new model. EDL-bypassing or circumventing restrictions through TWRP. In addition, many of the firmware with 4PDA Requires pre-unlocking of the bootloader, which is officially supported only for older versions MIUI. We will tell you how to get around these restrictions legally and safely.

This guide will be suitable for all Redmi Note 4 versions:

• 📱 Redmi Note 4X (model for China, mido)
• 📱 Redmi Note 4 Global (international version, mido)
• 📱 Redmi Note 4 Qualcomm (with Snapdragon 625 processor)

Not suitable.

Mediatek

Redmi Note 4 MTK

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Running the Redmi Note 4 through 4PDA requires not only downloaded files, but also the device to be properly prepared, and ignoring this step leads to 80 percent of errors like "Mi Flash can't see the phone" or "TWRP is not installed." Let's start by checking the current state of the smartphone.

The first thing you need to do is find out the bootloader version and the unlock status.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot getvar anti If the answer is anti: 3 - the bootloader is locked (you need to unlock).

Also check the current version of MIUI in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version).

• 🔄 Firmware with 4PDA Often require a specific version MIUI as bases, for example, MIUI 9.6. for installation TWRP).
• 🔒 On new versions (above) MIUI 12) may not work unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool.
• ⚠️ If you MIUI 13/14, You will have to go back to the older version first.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 4 is purchased after 2019, there is a good chance it has anti-rollback protection, which means that the firmware of the older version is not used. MIUI Check this in Fastboot with the command: fastboot getvar anti If the value is higher than 4, you can not roll back on the old versions.

Download the necessary files in advance (links are valid for 2026):

Make sure the battery is charged > 60%|Download the firmware and TWRP forecast|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Disable antivirus on PC (can block Mi Unlock Tool)-->

2. Unlock the bootloader: bypass the limitations of Xiaomi

Unlocking the bootloader is the most difficult step when you run the Redmi Note 4 firmware. Xiaomi officially allows you to do this, but with a number of restrictions:

• 🔗 Requires to link your Mi Account to your device (minimum 72 hours of waiting time).
• 📅 On the new versions MIUI Unlocking may not work (return to the MIUI 9-11).
• 🔒 If the device was bought with hands, the previous owner could already unlock the bootloader - check this out in Fastboot.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Link your device. Make sure that the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times) include OEM unlock and USB debugging.
2. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility with 4PDA and unpack. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in: Use the same Mi Account as you do on your phone. If the program says "Device not supported", you have to wait 72 hours (or bypass the restriction - see below).
4. Connect your phone to Fastboot: Turn off the device, press Volume Down + Power, connect to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool is a “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device not supported” error, try it: 🔄 roll back MIUI 9.6 (The most reliable version to unlock). 🔌 Use the other USB-port USB 2.0 back-panel). 🖥️ Run the utility on Windows 7/10 (Windows 11 There may be problems with drivers).

If the official method does not work, 4PDA There are alternative ways to unlock through EDL-The system is called "emergency firmware:

• 🔧 Special cable (Deep Flash Cable) or short circuit of contacts on the board.
• 💻 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firehose.mbn file for your model (downloaded from the 4PDA).

3. TWRP installation: custom recavers for firmware

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery that allows you to install informal firmware, make backups and restore the system. There are several versions of TWRP for the Redmi Note 4, but the most stable is 3.2.3-0 from the developer brunopm1996 (available on 4PDA).

Installation instructions:

1. Download the correct version of TWRP: For mido, a file called twrp-3.2.3-0-mido.img is suitable. Don't use versions newer than 3.3.x - they may not work with MIUI.
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Open the command line in this folder and type: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img The last command will temporarily boot TWRP without a permanent installation (useful for the test).
4. Go to TWRP: From the Fastboot menu, select Recovery (or press Volume Up + Power after rebooting).

If the TWRP doesn’t start or crashes on the logo, the reasons may be:

• 🔋 Wrong version TWRP (For example, for another model Xiaomi).
• 🔒 bootloader not unlocked (check the command fastboot oem device-info).
• 📱 A new version has been installed MIUI recoil-proof.

⚠️ Note: After the first loading in TWRP You can't immediately flash custom software. First you need to: Backup boot, system, data partitions. Format Data (if you install an informal firmware like LineageOS). Disable signature verification in settings. TWRP (Settings → Disable DM-Verity, otherwise, after the reboot, the phone will get stuck on the logo. MI.

1. In the TWRP menu, select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).

2.Reboot to Recovery again - password is no longer required.

3. Install firmware and Magisk (if root is required).-->

4. Select firmware for 4PDA: MIUI, custom Android or Global

The 4PDA features hundreds of firmware for the Redmi Note 4, but they are all divided into 4 main types:

How to choose the right firmware?

• 🔍 If you want the most stable option - take the official MIUI Fastboot (for example, the latest stable version for mido).
• 🚀 If you want a pure Android without ads – LineageOS 18.1 or Pixel Experience 12.
• 🌍 If you need a Google-enabled software — MIUI Global or xiaomi.eu.
• 🔧 If you plan to root and modify - any firmware + Magisk.

Before downloading firmware with 4PDA, pay attention to:

• 📅 Build date: If the firmware is older than 2022, it may have vulnerabilities.
• 🔢 Android Version: Redmi Note 4 is the best possible Android 10 (new versions are not supported by hardware).
• 📌 Reviews in the Topics: Check the latest 5-10 bug-page.

💡

There are no official firmware for Redmi Note 4 on Android 11 and later. Any builds with Android 11+ are unofficial ports with in-camera bugs, Wi-Fi or performance. The optimal choice is Android 9/10.

5. Firmware through TWRP: step-by-step instructions

Once the TWRP is installed and the firmware is downloaded, you can start installing it, which is the same process for most custom firmware, but there are nuances for MIUI and AOSP.

Universal instruction:

1. Reset the settings (if you switch from another firmware): TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 📛 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📂 Data (if you change the type of firmware, for example, with the MIUI LineageOS) 🔄 Do not touch Internal Storage and MicroSD if you do not want to lose files.
2. Install firmware: Press Install, select the downloaded file (usually in.zip format) and confirm the installation.
3. Additional patches (if necessary): 🔐 Magisk (for root) – installed after firmware. 📡 Disable Force Encryption (if the firmware encrypts data). 📱 GApps (for AOSP-firmware without Google services).

Reboot.

Once installed, select Reboot → System. The first download can take 10-15 minutes.

If the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo after firmware:

• 🔄 Try to re-flash by pre-formatting Data.
• 🔧 Check if the firmware is suitable for your model (mido or other).
• 📡 If the problem is Wi-Fi/Mobile network – Modem or vendor partitions may have been incorrectly stitched.

⚠️ Attention: When installed MIUI through TWRP There may be an error in the Updater process ended with ERROR: 7" This means that the firmware is designed to be installed via Mi Flash (Fastboot).In this case: Download the Fastboot firmware version from the 4PDA (Unpack it into a folder and launch Mi Flash. Connect your phone to Fastboot and select Clean all and lock (if you don't need to save data). 6. Firmware solutions Even if you follow the instructions accurately, errors can occur. Below are the most common problems and solutions for Redmi Note. 4: Error Reason Fastboot not recognize device Not installed drivers or problem with USB Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 Manually via Device Manager This package is for mido; this is Firmware is not suitable for your model Check the device codename (fastboot getvar product) Phone does not turn on after firmware Incorrect boot.img Select boot and vendor separately through Fastboot E: Unknown command [log] into TWRP Old version of Recaveri Update TWRP before 3.2.3 Or newer No network after firmware Do not match modem files Shape modem and fsg from stock firmware If neither solution worked, try: Return to stock firmware via Mi Flash (select Clean all). Check the integrity of downloaded files (sometimes archives on the file). 4PDA damaged). Turn to the top of the firmware on 4PDA — It's a lot of developers say, what do you do when you're missing a firmware? IMEI? Loss of loss IMEI — frequent problem with the scaling of EDL Or unofficial tools. To recover: 1. Download. IMEI-repair tool (e.g. Maui) META or SN Write Tool). 2. Find the original IMEI (on the box or under the battery. 3. Enter commands in Diag mode (how to turn it on - see the instructions). 4. IMEI not restored – modem partition may be damaged (reflashing through Mi Flash is needed). ⚠️ No IMEI The phone won’t catch the network, but the rest of the features (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) will work. 7. Post-firmware optimization: setup and improvements After successful firmware Redmi Note 4 requires additional customization, especially if custom firmware is installed. Here's what's worth doing first: 🔧 Disable unnecessary services: C MIUI: Settings → Permits → Auto-run (disable unnecessary applications). AOSP: Use Magisk + Debloater module. 🔋 Optimize the battery: For Snapdragon 625 FrancoKernel or Perseus (improving autonomy) 15-20%). 📡 Set up a network: If the signal is weak, try changing modem files to newer ones (there is a new one). 4PDA). 🎯 Install Magisk: For root rights download the latest Magisk (not lower than version) 24.0) and pass through TWRP. For MIUI tweak: 📱 Install. MIUI Optimizer (module for Magisk) that adds hidden settings. 🔒 Turn off advertising: in Settings → Additionally. → Advertising Turn Off Personalization. 📲 Activate Double Press to Wake Up in Settings → Lock screen. For AOSP-Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): 🔊 Set the sound: by default, the volume may be low - set ViPER4Android. 📷 For the camera, use the GCam (version) Urnyx05 It works best on Snapdragon. 625). 🔋 Turn on Battery Saver in the settings – this will prolong the working time on the 2-3 hour. 💡If the vibration doesn’t work after the LineageOS or Pixel Experience firmware, download and run through the app. TWRP patch vibrator_fix.zip (there are in the tops of the firmware 4PDA). 8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Can I use the Redmi Note? 4 No, for custom firmware installation (TWRP, LineageOS) is required to unlock, but you can flash the official MIUI via Mi Flash without unlocking if: You use Fastboot firmware with 4PDA. Settings are on OEM-unlocking. MIUI No more than the one that is already established (because of the recoil protection). But in this case, you will not be able to install TWRP Or custom cores. How do you get back the official firmware if your phone doesn't turn on? If the device is in a brick state (no buttons, no Fastboot), try it: EDL-Download the Mi Flash Pro mode