Introduction: Is support for Redmi 4 relevant in 2026?
Xiaomi Redmi 4 is a legendary budget smartphone released in 2017, which is still used by many users. However, since the release of 7 years, and the issue of support for the device has become critical. owners of Redmi 4 often ask: will there be another update for this model or Xiaomi has finally stopped producing firmware?
In this article, we will discuss Xiaomi’s official policy on supporting older devices, analyze the latest available versions of MIUI for Redmi 4, and also explain how to manually check and install updates if they are still available, and pay special attention to alternative ways to extend the life of a smartphone – from custom firmware to optimize the current version of the software.
If you are still using the Redmi 4 (markw or prada models), this information will help you understand whether it is worth waiting for official updates or it is time to consider switching to informal solutions.
Xiaomi’s official policy: how many years are smartphones supported?
Xiaomi has traditionally provided 2-3 years of major MIUI updates for its devices, followed by 1-2 years of critical security patches only. For flagships, this can be longer, but budget models like the Redmi 4 usually receive minimal support.
The latest official version MIUI for Redmi 4 — MIUI 11 based on Android 7.1 Nougat.This means the smartphone is already 4+ It doesn’t get any new features from Xiaomi, and security updates (if they come out) are sporadic. MIUI 12.5.
- 📅 Date of last official update: MIUI 11.0.8.0 (2020)
- 🚫 Support terminated: 2021 (no new versions available) MIUI)
- ⚠️ Android 7.1 Vulnerabilities Not Fixed Since 2022
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t announce updates to legacy devices in advance, and if new firmware does appear, it will be without prior notice, and the likelihood of this is extremely small, but theoretically possible as part of monthly security patches (although they haven’t been released since 2021 for Redmi 4).
How to check for available updates on Redmi 4?
Before looking for information about future updates, make sure you haven’t missed the ones already released.
- Using smartphone settings: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If the update is available, the system will prompt it to download. Pay attention to the version of MIUI and Android - if it says MIUI 11 and Android 7.1, then there are no new official firmware.
- Through Update: Some versions of MIUI have a separate Update app (an icon with a down arrow). Open it and click Check Updates. If the message appears "Your version is current", then there are no new firmware.
If the system offers an upgrade, be sure to check its size and version. For example, switching from MIUI 10 to MIUI 11 can weigh ~1.5 GB, and monthly patches can weigh only ~20-50 MB. Be careful: sometimes older devices get "updates" that actually just reinstall the current version.
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If you check for updates and you get a “failed to connect to the server” error, try changing the region in your smartphone settings to India or Russia – sometimes this helps to bypass regional restrictions.
Alternative ways to update: custom firmware and unofficial MIUI
Since the official updates for Redmi 4 are no longer coming out, many users are switching to custom firmware.
- 🔄 LineageOS (Android 10-12) – stable, open source firmware.
- ⚡ Pixel Experience – pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
- 📱 Havoc-OS or CrDroid – customizable firmware with advanced settings.
- 🔧 Informal ports MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 from third-party developers).
Advantages of custom firmware:
- ✅ Support for new versions of Android (up to Android 12 for Redmi 4).
- ✅ Regular security updates from the community.
- ✅ Improved productivity and optimization.
However, there are risks:
⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and may result in loss of warranty (if it is still valid) as well as unstable operation of some functions (for example, a camera or module). NFC).
Before installation, it is necessary to:
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages) |
Check firmware compatibility with Redmi 4 (markw/prada) |
Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool|
Download firmware and TWRP Recovery from trusted sources (e.g. XDA Developers)|
Charge your phone at least 60%-->
Table: comparison of official and custom firmware for Redmi 4
| Characteristics | Official MIUI 11 (Android 7.1) | Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 19) |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | 7.1 Nougat | 10–12 |
| Security updates | No (last one is 2021) | Monthly (from the community) |
| Productivity | Slowdowns due to outdated software | Optimized for weak iron |
| MIUI functions | All original functions | Not available (depending on the firmware) |
| Risks. | Security vulnerabilities | Possible bugs, loss of warranty |
If you decide to use custom firmware, we recommend starting with LineageOS, which is the most stable for Redmi 4. Installation instructions can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums (look for themes marked [ROM][UNOFFICIAL]).
What if there are no updates and there will be no updates?
If you don’t want to take risks with custom firmware, but want to improve the performance of Redmi 4, here are some practical tips:
- Optimize your current firmware: Turn off animations in Settings → Additional → Developer Mode (enable Developer Mode by clicking 7 times on MIUI Version). Set the Animation Window, Animation Transition and Duration Animator to 0.5x or Disabled.
- Use lightweight apps: Replace heavy messengers (like Telegram X instead of the usual Telegram) and browsers (Bromite or Firefox Lite instead of Chrome).
- Clean the cache regularly: In Settings → Apps, select frequently used programs and click Clear Cache. You can also use SD Maid for deep cleaning.
- Reverse to the older version of MIUI: Sometimes older versions (like MIUI 9) run faster than MIUI 11. firmware can be found at miui-downloads.com.
If your smartphone is slowing down a lot, consider resetting to factory settings (but don’t forget to make a backup!). To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Reset and Reset → Reset.
How to reset Redmi 4 if it does not turn on?
The future of Redmi 4: is it time to change the smartphone?
In terms of official support, Xiaomi Redmi 4 is an outdated device. The probability of a new update from Xiaomi is close to zero, and even if it does, it will contain only minor security patches (which, most likely, will not cover all the vulnerabilities of Android 7.1).
But that doesn't mean you can't use the smartphone, but here are the arguments for and against the future.
- ✅ Pro: Suitable for basic tasks (calls, messages, social networks) can be reanimated with custom firmware. Low price in the used market (good as a spare phone).
- ❌ Cons: Lack of security updates is a risk to personal data; inability to install new versions of apps (many require Android 8)+). Weak performance for modern games and multi-tasking.
If you use the Redmi 4 as your primary phone, consider switching to a newer model, such as the Redmi. 9A POCO M5, They get Android 12-13 updates and have better hardware, but if you need a smartphone for secondary tasks, like, GPS-navigator or reading device, it can be used further, but with caution.
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Xiaomi Redmi 4 is no longer getting official updates, and the best you can count on is custom firmware from the community or optimizing the current version of MIUI.