Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 4, often referred to as “Prorok” or “Santana”, often face the desire to extend the life of their device by installing a more recent version of the operating system. Official support for the model has long been discontinued, and the latest stock solution was MIUI 10 based on Android 8.1 Oreo. However, the development community did not abandon this smartphone, creating a lot of custom firmware based on Android 10.
The process of transitioning to a new system requires attention and understanding of technical nuances, since it is a question of software intervention at a low level: you will unlock the bootloader, install a custom recavator and choose the right build of Android 10, which will not only update the interface, but also access modern applications that are no longer supported on older versions of the OS.
It is important to realize that installing unofficial software always carries certain risks, including the possibility of turning the phone into a brick if the technology of the process is broken. However, for experienced users and enthusiasts, this is a great way to give the gadget a second life. Below we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation and installation of the system.
⚠️ Note: All actions described in this article are performed at your own risk.The author is not responsible for possible data loss or device failure.
Technical features and choice of firmware
Before you start any manipulation, you need to clearly understand what kind of modification of the device you have in your hands. Xiaomi Redmi 4 was released in three main versions: Standard, Prime and Pro, each of which is based on different processors. The standard version and Prime run on the Snapdragon 430, while the Pro version is equipped with a more powerful Snapdragon 625.
Choosing the wrong firmware can cause important modules like the camera or touch screen to fail or the system to fail to boot. For Android 10, LineageOS, Pixel Experience and ArrowOS builds are considered the most stable.
It is worth noting that Android 10 It requires more resources than previous versions, so the younger models are more expensive. 2 GB of RAM system can work slower than stock MIUI. But the kernel optimizations allow you to smooth out these roughnesses, and it's critical to download the firmware strictly under the code name of your device:'santana' for Standard/Prime and'prada for Pro.
- 📱 LineageOS - provides stable operation and a high degree of customization of the interface.
- 🚀 Pixel Experience – gives you the feeling of using a clean Google Pixel with all services.
- ⚡ ArrowOS – Minimalistic and fast firmware focused on autonomy.
- 🔧 Paranoid Android – Balance between functionality and stability for advanced users.
What is the difference between GApps and Vanilla?
Tools and training required
The success of the operation depends on 90% on the correct preparation of the workplace and the set of tools. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device, and a damaged cable can interrupt the firmware at the most inopportune moment.
You need to install all the necessary drivers on your smartphone. For Xiaomi devices, these are drivers. ADB and Fastboot, as well as specific USB-Qualcomm drivers. Without them, your computer won't be able to communicate properly with your phone in bootloader mode. 60-70%.
Make sure to make a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking and firmware involves completely removing information from the internal drive. Use cloud services or copy files to an external medium. Save contacts, photos and documents in a safe place.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader, because without it, you can't install a customized Recovery. The official method requires you to submit an application through the Mi Unlock Tool app and wait 7 to 168 hours, a security measure introduced by the manufacturer.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device in your phone settings. Then turn on the developer mode by clicking on the build number several times in the About Phone menu. In the developer menu, activate OEM Unlocking and USB debugging.
Once you've received permission from Xiaomi's servers, turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding both the power and volume buttons, connect your device to your PC, and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. If all the data is correct, the unlock button will become active.
fastboot oem unlock
fastboot flashing unlock⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader will automatically perform a full reset (Wipe Data) on the device.
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If the wait for unlock is delayed, don’t try to re-link your account or reset your phone settings, this can reset your wait timer.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once successfully unlocked, the standard recovery menu is replaced with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a special mode that allows you to install firmware, make partition backups and clear cache. The TWRP image should be strictly adapted to your Redmi 4 model.
Upload the twrp.img file to the ADB tool folder on your computer. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. From the command line, execute a command to temporarily load the recovery or permanently install it in the recovery section.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_santana.img
fastboot boot twrp_santana.imgOnce you have completed the command, the phone should reboot in the TWRP menu. If you see a familiar interface with sliders, then the stage has passed successfully. Now the device is ready for adoption by the new operating system. Remember to allow modification of the system partition in the TWRP settings if necessary.
- 🔄 Swipe to Wipe – Clean Data, Cache, Dalvik Partitions Before Installation.
- 💾 Install – Selection of a Zip Archive with Firmware for Installation.
- 🔒 Wipe Format Data - full formatting (you need to enter the word yes).
- 🔧 Advanced – section for working with ADB file manager.
Android 10 installation process
The final step is to install the operating system directly. Copy the firmware file (usually a zip archive) and Google Services Package (GApps) in advance, if not built into the phone's internal memory or onto a microSD card. Download to TWRP.
The first thing you need to do is clean up your old data. Go to the Wipe menu and select Advanced Wipe. Check the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, System and Data sections with ticks. Don't touch the Internal Storage section if the firmware files are there, or you'll delete the installer.
Once cleaned, go back to the main menu and select Install. Find an archive with Android 10 and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few minutes. If the firmware does not include GApps, immediately after installation, without restarting, install the archive with Google services.
| Section | Action. | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART | Wipe | Cleaning the compilation cache |
| System | Wipe | Removal of the old OS |
| Data | Format Data | Complete reset of user data |
| Cache | Wipe | Cleaning the system cache |
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Once you have installed firmware and GApps, be sure to run Wipe Cache/Dalvik again to avoid conflicts on your first run.
Solving problems and mistakes
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, there can be unexpected situations, often users encounter a “bottleup” (infinite restart) or a broken sensor, in most cases this is solved by re-cleaning the partitions or choosing a different version of the firmware.
If your camera or Bluetooth isn’t working after you install Android 10, you may be using the wrong kernel or GApps. Try to find an alternative Google service package or firmware version marked “Stable.”
If the phone is no longer responsive to commands and is not in recovery mode, you will need to use the QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) utility to restore stock image, a more complex method that requires the circuit board to close contacts (Test Point) to enter Emergency Download mode.
⚠️ Note: If the touch screen is not working in TWRP, Use the connection. USB-keyboard OTG-Adapter or volume buttons for navigation, if supported by the Recovery version.