Clean Android on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: full instructions from unlock to firmware

Xiaomi Redmi 4A (codenamed rolex for the global version or prada for the Chinese) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its proprietary shell MIUI is not everyone’s liking. Installing pure Android (AOSP) allows you to get rid of unnecessary Xiaomi services, get current security updates and smoother work. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will analyze all the stages - from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the optimal custom firmware, taking into account the specifics of Redmi. 4A (including problems with EDL-The instructions are relevant for 2026 and take into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.

Why you should install a clean Android on Redmi 4A

The proprietary MIUI firmware on Redmi 4A has a number of drawbacks that the transition to the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) solves:

• 🚀 Performance: the absence of background processes Xiaomi increases the speed of work by 20-30% (tests on rolex with 2 GB of RAM).
• 🔒 Privacy: no data collection via Mi Cloud, Analytics and other Xiaomi services.
• 📱 Updates: Most custom firmware supports fresh security patches (unlike the official ones) MIUI, renewal).
• 🎨 Customization flexibility: the ability to install themes, launchers and modifications without restrictions MIUI.

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Loss of functions: some features of Redmi 4A (for example, IR-The blaster or camera modes may not work properly.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Pure Android often consumes battery faster due to lack of Xiaomi optimizations.
• 🛠️ Risk of “bricking”: if errors in the firmware process, the phone may stop turning on.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4A With a Snapdragon 425 processor, some custom firmware may not support hardware video acceleration (manifested as "teared" playback on YouTube). 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

Preparation for installation: what will be needed

Before starting the process, collect everything you need:

Important: Before you start, back up all your data. The firmware erases your phone's internal memory!

• 📁 Files: copy to PC or cloud (Google Drive, Mega).
• 📞 Contacts: sync with your Google account.
• 📸 Photos/Video: Use Google Photos or Mi Mover.
• 🔑 Passwords: Export from your browser or password manager.

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 4A was purchased in China (prada version), to unlock the bootloader may require a link to a Chinese account MI. In this case, use the bypass methods through EDL (More in the section on unlocking).

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 4A

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, so the first step is to unlock it.The process takes 3 to 7 days (due to checking the Xiaomi account) and consists of several steps:

1. Account binding MI: 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode). 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. 🔗 Link your Xiaomi account to Settings → Mi Account (required to confirm email and phone!).

Request for unblocking:

• 🖥️ Download Mi Unlock Tool and launch it on PC.
• 🔑 Sign in under the same account MI, as on the phone.
• 📱 Get Redmi on board. 4A in fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down) + Nutrition).
• ⏳ Wait for a successful link (usually 168 hours).

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error after waiting, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the phone to another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 🔧 Disable antivirus and firewall on PC.
• 📡 Use another account MI (Sometimes it helps to register through VPN Chinese IP).

For owners of the Chinese version of Redmi 4A (prada), the standard method may not work.

1. Use it. EDL-Mode (plug your phone to your PC with the Volume Up button pressed) + Volume down, then insert the cable).
2. Fastboot firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the "clean all and lock" option to avoid blocking).
3. Repeat the unlocking process through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required for firmware and backup installation. Redmi 4A is suitable for version 3.7.0 or later.

1. Downloading TWRP: Download the image for your model: 🌍 For the global version (rolex): twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rolex.img 🇨🇳 For the Chinese version (prada): twrp-3.6.0_prada.img

Firmware via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rolex.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rolex.img

The first command flashes the TWRP to the recovery section, the second immediately loads the phone into it.

Recovery replacement lock:

After the first download to TWRP, do:

adb shell


echo "setprop sys.usb.config diag,adb" > /data/local/tmp/boot-debug.sh




chmod 755 /data/local/tmp/boot-debug.sh

This will prevent the automatic replacement of TWRP with stock recovery when rebooted.

If after TWRP firmware the phone loads into stock recovery, then the protection of Xiaomi has worked.

• 🔄 Repeat the firmware. TWRP, But after the command fastboot flash recovery immediately perform fastboot oem reboot-recovery.
• 🔧 V TWRP Go to Mount. → Enable MTP And copy the file to the phone. disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip (can be found 4PDA), Then you run it through.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of Redmi 4A s MIUI 12+ installation TWRP This can trigger an anti-rollback, which locks the phone with the error "This" MIUI To avoid this, use firmware based on Android 7.1.2 or later.

Selection and installation of custom firmware

For Redmi 4A, there are several types of firmware based on pure Android:

Selection recommendations:

• 🏆 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is the most well-established build for Redmi 4A.
• 📱 Pixel Experience 11 (but can slow down in games).
• ⚡ For maximum performance: HaventOS (optimized for Snapdragon 425).

Installation process:

1. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services) to your phone or microSD.
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache 📁 System 📄 Data 🔄 Cache

GApps

Reboot → System

The first download can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt! If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 15 minutes, then an error has occurred (see the "Problem Solving" section).

💡

If there is no mobile network after firmware, check the APN settings. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile Network → Access Points (APN) and add your operator’s settings manually.

Addressing common mistakes

When installing pure Android on Redmi 4A, users often face the following problems:

If your phone has turned into a hard brick, try to restore it through the phone. EDL-regime:

1. Download the Redmi 4A stock firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8917.mbn (for Snapdragon 425).
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil for firmware in EDL mode.

Return to MIUI: How to Reverse the Way

If you don't have a clean Android, you can go back to MIUI.

1. Download stock firmware for Redmi 4A: 🌍 Global version: MIUI Global 🇨🇳 Chinese version: MIUI China

flash_all.bat

flash_all.sh

fastboot

Wait until the process is completed (the process will take ~5-10 minutes).

If after returning to MIUI, the phone asks for authorization of the Xiaomi account (even if you did not put it), then FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection has worked.

• 🔑 Enter the account that was tied to the firmware.
• 🔧 If you don’t remember the data, use the Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires PC and connection in mode). EDL).

⚠️ Note: When returning to the MIUI All data will be erased via fastboot, including photos and apps on internal memory. If you want to save files, copy them to a PC or microSD before you run the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing clean Android on Redmi 4A