When will the update on Xiaomi Redmi 4: official status and alternatives

Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 4 (prada, markw, mido) often wonder about the future of their device in software terms. The smartphone, which launched in 2016, has established itself as one of the most reliable “centenarians” in the budget segment. However, time is inexorable, and support from the manufacturer is gradually reduced to zero.

Many people are waiting for Android 8.0 Oreo or even Android 9.0 Pie to extend the life of their favorite device. Unfortunately, the reality is that the official development for this generation of devices has stopped at earlier versions of the operating system. In this article, we will discuss in detail why this happened, which versions of MIUI are the final versions for different versions of the processor and what can be done to get new features.

The software is a hardware-based solution, and Redmi 4’s various modifications are based on the Snapdragon 430, Snapdragon 425 and Helio X20 chips, which make adjustments to the update policy, and understanding these differences is critical before trying any firmware reflash to avoid turning your work phone into a brick.

Official Support Status for Redmi 4

Official support for the Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphone from the manufacturer was discontinued a few years ago. This is standard practice in the mobile industry, where the active support cycle is usually 2-3 years from the release of the model. For Redmi 4, this period ended with the version of MIUI 9 and MIUI 10, based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or Android 7.0 Nougat depending on the particular model.

⚠️ Warning: Expect official updates MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS for Redmi 4 is not worth it.

Users should distinguish between global and Chinese builds. Sometimes in the Chinese segment, updates took a little longer, but support is long gone. Attempts to find “official” firmware with a more recent build date on third-party resources often lead to the installation of modified or stripped-down versions of the software, which may contain errors or malware.

Importantly, the lack of security updates makes the device potentially vulnerable when used on open networks. While basic call and instant messenger functionality persists, using banking apps on older, unupdated versions of Android becomes risky.

Differences in versions: Prime, Standard and Pro

The Redmi 4 lineup was not homogeneous. Xiaomi engineers released three major modifications that have drastic differences in hardware, which directly affected the availability of updates. Mixing firmware between these models is strictly prohibited and will lead to the failure of the device.

The Redmi 4 Prime (codenamed markw) was powered by the Snapdragon 625 processor, the most powerful variant that got the best support, and it was the longest-serving version of the system to receive security patches and interface updates, and many custom developers still focus on this platform.

The base version of the Redmi 4 Standard (codenamed prada) ran on a Snapdragon 425 chip, which had less RAM and a less powerful graphics accelerator, and was one of the first to be phased out because the resource-intensive MIUI updates simply suffocated the modest hardware.

There was also a version of the Redmi 4 Pro (or High Edition in some regions) based on the MediaTek Helio X20. MediaTek processor devices traditionally have the worst support from the developer community because of the closed-source drivers.

Why New Versions of Android Are Not Coming

The main obstacle to the release of Android 8 and higher on Redmi 4 are the technical limitations laid by the manufacturers of chipsets Qualcomm and MediaTek. For the correct operation of the new version of the operating system, the appropriate drivers are required, which vendors of processors provide only at certain periods of time.

Qualcomm, for example, stopped releasing updated drivers and libraries for the Snapdragon 4xx series and even the 625 a few years ago.Without these low-level components, Xiaomi engineers could not physically adapt the Android kernel to new versions of the system.

In addition, modern versions of Android require more RAM and performance. MIUI 12 and later consume significantly more resources than MIUI 9. Installing such a shell on Redmi 4 would lead to a catastrophic drop in performance, constant freezes and rapid battery discharge, which would cause a wave of negative feedback from users.

There is also the concept of Vendor Implementation. This is the level of implementation of functions by a specific manufacturer. Xiaomi optimizes its shells for certain versions of Android. When the chipset support cycle ends, the update chain breaks at the level of the processor supplier, and neither Xiaomi nor third-party developers can magically create new drivers out of thin air.

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The lack of updates is due to the end of the life cycle of Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets, not the company’s desire to force users to buy new phones.

Capacity of custom firmware

The only way to get a more recent version of Android on Redmi 4 is to install custom firmware, with enthusiasts around the world creating informal builds based on LineageOS, Pixel Experience and other projects, which allows you to run even Android 10 or 11 on the device, albeit with some tradeoffs.

To install custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader. This is an official procedure from Xiaomi, requiring application and waiting from 3 to 7 days (sometimes longer), After unlocking, a custom recavator, such as TWRP, is installed through which the new system is installed.

• 🚀 LineageOS: Lightweight, clean system with no excess debris, ideal for older devices, ensures stable operation.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience: Gives Google Pixel interface and features, but can be a bit heavy for the standard Redmi 4.
• ⚡ Xiaomi.eu: A modified version of the official MIUI, Cleaned of Chinese software and advertising, but still based on older versions of Android.
• 🛠 ArrowOS: Minimalistic firmware focused on autonomy and smoothness.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids the warranty (although it has long expired for Redmi 4) and carries the risk of data loss.

It is worth considering that custom firmware may not work some functions that depend on proprietary drivers, such as high-quality photo processing in the standard camera or VoLTE in some regions, but for extending the life of the device is the best option.

Instructions: How to check and update the system

If you're still on the official firmware and want to make sure you haven't missed the latest official patches, or you're planning to get ready to install custom, follow this algorithm. First, check for official updates through the standard interface.

Go to the settings menu of your smartphone. Find About phone (usually at the top of the list). Click on a large icon with the version of MIUI (such as MIUI 10.2.3).

If updates are found, a Download button appears. If the system says there are no updates, it means that you are on the latest version available for your region and model.

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot oem unlock




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




fastboot reboot

This sequence of commands (used in a PC environment) demonstrates the basic principle of switching to firmware mode, but beginners are advised to use graphical utilities or follow detailed manuals on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums, as the process requires accuracy.

Security issues and optimization

Using a device that has not received security updates for more than 3-4 years requires the user to improve digital hygiene.Vulnerabilities found in Android after 2018 will not be fixed on Redmi 4.

First of all, refuse to install applications from unknown sources (APK-The old version of WebView or system libraries can allow malicious code to access your data. Use only the Google Play Store or proven alternatives like F-Droid.

To optimize the old system, you can turn off unnecessary services. Go to Settings → For the developer (if the menu is hidden, click 7 times on the build number in About Phone). Find the animation section and zoom in or turn them off. This will visually speed up the interface.

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Install a lightweight launcher like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair. The standard MIUI shell on older versions of Android can run slowly, and a third-party launcher will return a sense of speed.

It is also recommended to regularly clean the cache of applications and remove unused software. The accumulated “digital garbage” has a stronger impact on the performance of older eMMC drives than on modern UFS drives. Periodic reset to factory settings (Hard Reset) can be a salvation for a heavily “cluttered” phone.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions