How to Sweeten Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 MTK: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still a popular device based on the MediaTek (MTK) processor, but owners often face the need to reinstall the software. The reasons can vary from banal “bricking” after a failed experiment to the desire to install custom firmware for the sake of a fresh version of Android. Unlike the Snapdragon versions, it uses a fundamentally different approach to low-level interaction with the device’s memory.

The process of firmware requires accuracy and understanding of how the BootROM bootloader works. Errors in the preparation stage can lead to a loss of warranty or, in the worst case, the impossibility of turning on the device without a programmer. However, if you follow a clear algorithm, system recovery takes no more than 15-20 minutes even for an inexperienced user.

In this article, we’ll go through all the steps from finding the right firmware file to final calibration. It’s critical to understand that firmware for Snapdragon (SD) is categorically not suitable for the MTK version and vice versa, so the first step should always be to accurately identify your device model through a service menu or box.

Model identification and tool preparation

Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that you are looking at the version on the chip MT6797 (Helio X20). Often users confuse them, because the exterior of the housing is identical. Check the model in the settings or on the sticker under the battery: look for the label MDI or 2016100, which indicates the platform MediaTek.

To be successful, you'll need software that allows you to communicate directly with the chip without having to go through the standard operating system, and the main tool is the SP Flash Tool, a utility designed specifically for MediaTek-based devices that allows you to write partition images directly into NAND memory.

Also, be sure to download and install the MTK VCOM USB Driver drivers. Without them, the computer simply won’t see the phone in boot mode. In some cases, especially on Windows 10 and 11, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the driver signature check to allow the system to install unofficial debugging software.

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi Note 4 MTK battery-charged 50-60%.
• 💻 Computer or laptop running Windows (preferably 7, 8 or 10).
• 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-data-couple.
• 📂 Downloaded firmware file (Scanter-loading file) just for your model.

⚠️ Attention: Use of poor quality USB-A cable or port with insufficient power can interrupt the recording process at the most inopportune time, causing damage to the loading sector.

Make sure that there is enough free space on your PC hard drive, and the antivirus does not block work. flash_tool.exe. Sometimes security software mistakenly responds to the actions of the program, trying to penetrate the system processes of the phone, so it is advisable to add a folder with tools in exceptions.

Unlocking the bootloader and superuser rights

Many users are eager to get root rights or install custom recavers, but forget that the Bootloader must be unlocked.In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility. The process requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 7 to 168 hours, depending on the company's policy at the time of application.

It's worth noting that unlocking the bootloader automatically resets the full Wipe Data, so if you have any important contacts or photos on your phone, you need to save them to the cloud or to your computer in advance, and once you unlock, the phone will greet you with an open-lock screen every time you turn on, which is normal behavior.

To obtain superuser rights (Root) most often used modified loader TWRP Recovery. It allows you to install. ZIP-Files with patches, complete partition backups, and clear cache. TWRP on MTK-The version requires caution, as an incorrect image can "kill" partition markup.

• 🔓 Unlocking allows you to install any operating systems and modifications.
• ⚠️ The process voids the device manufacturer's official warranty.
• 🔐 Some banking apps may stop working without additional security settings.
• 🔄 A return to the runoff is possible, but requires a full backup.

If you plan to simply restore your phone after a crash, unlocking may not be necessary if the device is enabled in Recovery mode.However, for deep flashing through the SP Flash Tool, having an unlocked bootloader is often a must, especially if you are changing the firmware region (for example, from CN to Global).

Installation of drivers and setting up SP Flash Tool

The most critical step is to install the drivers correctly. The system must correctly identify the phone in Preloader mode. To do this, download the MTK driver package and launch the installer on behalf of the administrator. The device manager should appear MediaTek USB Port or MediaTek PreLoader USB VCOM when you connect the phone to the off (clutch the volume buttons).

After installing the drivers can be started SP Flash Tool. Launch the file. flash_tool.exe In the program interface, select Download Only (download only) or Firmware Upgrade (firmware update). Format All mode + Download only in extreme cases, as it erases all data, including IMEI, which will require restoration.

Then click the "Scatter-loading File" button and select a text file from the firmware folder (usually it has the.txt extension). The program automatically determines the paths to partition images. Make sure that the ticks are opposite all the main sections: preloader, uboot, boot, recovery, system, cache, userdata.

It is important not to touch the default settings in the Options section unless you are an experienced user, for example, the DA DL All With Check Sum option may be required if the standard firmware fails, but in 90% of cases it only complicates the process.

Firmware process: step-by-step instructions

When all the (preparatory work) is done, you can move on to the process itself. Press the Download button in the SP Flash Tool. The program will go into standby mode for the device connection. Now the most important thing is to connect the phone correctly.

Turn off your smartphone completely. If it doesn't turn off, press the power button on the phone. 10-15 Press the Volume Down button and, without letting go, plug it in. USB-If the drivers are installed correctly, the device manager will have the corresponding port and the firmware process will begin.

Expected sequence of action:


1. Press Download in the program.




2. Turn off the phone.




3. Clip Vol- (sometimes you need to press both volume buttons).




4. Connect USB.




5. Wait for the red, then the yellow stripe to appear.

At the bottom of the program window, a progress color scale will appear, first it burns in red (search for the device), then in yellow (direct data recording), and at the end it will be green (successful completion). The entire process takes 3 to 10 minutes depending on the amount of firmware and speed. USB-port.

Once the green box "Download OK" comes up, turn off the cable and try to turn on the phone. The first turn on can last up to 5-10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and recreates cache files. Don't panic if the Mi logo hangs for a long time - this is a regular situation.

Solving errors and problems in firmware

Even with strict adherence to instructions, failures can occur. One of the most common problems is error. S_BROM_CMD_STARTCMD_FAIL (2005). It often occurs if the phone was connected before the Download button is pressed or if the drivers are not properly installed.Solution: reconnect the cable, pre-pulling the battery (if the design allows) or waiting for full discharge.

Another common mistake — STATUS_CHECKSUM_ERROR (3168). This suggests that the checksums of the files are not the same as those recorded in the phone, in which case switching the firmware mode to Firmware Upgrade or using a different version helps. SP Flash Tool (for example, older ones) 5.16xx new 6.xx).

• 🔌 Mistake. 1018 (SCM_CMD_NOT_SUPPORTED): Hash problem, requires a change of mode or authorization file.
• 🚫 Error 4050: Incorrect scatter file, try to download the firmware again, possibly the archive is damaged.
• 💾 Error 3108: The problem with the team ERASE, Often solved by unchecking the Preloader section (if it is not updated).
• ⚡ Error 2005: Connection failure, check cable, port USB and drivers VCOM.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has gone into an endless bootloop cycle after you have firmware, try running Wipe. Data/Factory Reset via Recovery. If that doesn't work, you'll need to re-rout Format All. + Download (with risk of loss) IMEI).

Sometimes the problem lies in the very USB-Ports on the front of the system unit often don't give enough voltage. Always use ports soldered directly on the motherboard (back of the PC). USB-The device, leaving only the mouse and phone.

IMEI recovery and calibration after firmware

With deep flashing, especially using Format All mode, there is a risk of losing unique identifiers, including IMEI. Without them, the phone will not see the network, work with 3G/4G or even function properly Wi-Fi. You can check for IMEI by dialing *#06# in the dialer.

If the number is displayed "Null" or "0", you need to restore a backup of NVRAM. That is why experienced wizards always back up the NVRAM or Protect partition before any manipulations. Recovery is possible through the engineering menu or special utilities such as Maui Meta or SN Writer, using the previously saved file.

The engineering menu is often closed on modern Android versions, and you have to use PC software to restore the engineering menu (if available), so you need to input the data accurately, so you'd better trust the engineers if you don't have experience.

In addition to IMEI, the proximity sensor and light sensor can be calibrated, and if the phone does not go out during a call after firmware, you will need to calibrate through the engineering menu with code ##6484## (Menutest) or similar service code for your version of MIUI.