When will the update for Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 in 2026? full update guide

Introduction: Relevance of updates for an old but beloved smartphone

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, the legendary smartphone Released in January 2017, is still in the hands of many users. Despite its venerable age (by the standards of the mobile industry), the device continues to receive security updates and sometimes even new features from MIUI. But how often do they come out? And is it worth waiting for a global update in 2026?

In this article, we will look at what updates can be released for Redmi Note 4, how to track them, and what to do if your device is stuck on the old version, and also talk about the risks of installing unofficial firmware and give a checklist for a secure upgrade.

Spoiler: Official support for the Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) is long over, but there are nuances.Read more!

Official Support Status: What Does Xiaomi Say?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is codenamed mido (global version) and nikel (Chinese version). According to the company's policy, smartphones receive 2-3 years of major MIUI updates and up to 4 years of security patches after release. For Redmi Note 4, this means:

• 📅 The latest major update MIUI: MIUI 12.5 (2021, based on Android 7.0 Nougat).
• 🔒 Latest security patches: The quarter Q2 2022 (for global firmware).
• ❌ Official EOL (Xiaomi will no longer release updates for this model from 2023.

But that doesn't mean your smartphone is doomed to eternal work on old firmware, but there are alternative ways, which we'll talk about in the section on custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 4 is still getting updates over the air» (OTA), These are likely to be regional security patches for specific countries (like India or Russia), which do not add new features, but only close vulnerabilities.

How to check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you look for updates, make sure you know the current firmware version.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version section, and the number will be listed here (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3 Stable).
3. Below, find the Android version – for the Redmi Note 4, it’s either Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.0 Nougat.

If your version is older than MIUI 12.5, you haven't updated in a while.

What if the system says "No updates found"?

• 🌍 Your model does not support global firmware (for example, the Chinese version of nikel).
• 🔄 Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (check Later).
• 📵 The device is locked by the operator (rarely, but sometimes).

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If the update does not come, try changing the region in the Mi Account settings. To do this, go to Settings → Mi Account → Region and select India or Russia.

How to Upgrade Redmi Note 4 in 2026

Even without official support, there are several ways to upgrade your smartphone, and let's take them from the safest to the riskiest.

1. Official Update via Recovery

If OTA doesn't work, you can manually install firmware through Recovery Mode.

1. Download the latest stable version MIUI For the Redmi Note 4 From the official Xiaomi website (select) mido_global).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of internal memory.
3. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.

2. Fastboot firmware via Mi Flash Tool

A more sophisticated method that requires a PC, suitable if the smartphone is not turned on or "blocked".

3. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you want Android 10/11 on the Redmi Note 4, you'll have to install the unofficial firmware.

• 🤖 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) – stable, but without branded features Xiaomi.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – pure Android with support for Google services.
• ⚡ XDA Developers – here lay out fresh builds for mido.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can lead to a loss of warranty (if it is still valid), and you risk getting a brick if you interrupt the process.

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Custom firmware gives a new lease on life to an old smartphone, but requires technical skills. Start with official methods if you're unsure of your abilities.

Castom firmware: pros and cons

Installing unofficial software is always a trade-off between new features and stability, and let's look at the main benefits and risks:

If you want to experiment, choose firmware marked "Stable" and read reviews on forums, such as LineageOS is famous for reliability, and Pixel Experience is close to "stack" Android.

Where to look for actual builds?

• 📥 XDA Developers – the main hub for mido.
• 🤝 Telegram chats of Russian-speaking developers.
• 🌐 SourceForge – official builds of LineageOS.

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Before installing custom firmware, backup with TWRP (Castom Recovery). Instructions: TWRP → Backup → Select partitions (Boot, System, Data) → Swipe to Back Up.

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even official updates sometimes cause disruptions.-5 Problems with the Redmi Note update 4 and ways to fix them:

1. Phone does not turn on after update Reason: Interrupted installation or incompatible firmware Solution: Press Volume up + Power for 10 seconds to log in to Recovery and repeat installation.
2. Fast battery discharge Reason: New firmware is not optimized for the old battery.Solution: Reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset) or roll back to the previous version.
3. Mobile networks are not working Cause: modem module failure Solution: Refuse modem separately via Fastboot or change modem SIM-map.
4. Apps fly out Reason: Incompatible with the new version of Android Solution: Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → Clear the cache).
5. Touch screen bugs Cause: Driver conflict. Solution: Install firmware with another core (e.g. KernelSU).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the smartphone stopped charging, check the condition of the connector USB-C. Often the problem is not in the firmware, and in mechanical wear (especially relevant for Redmi Note 4 over 5 years old).

Alternatives to the update: how to extend the life of the Redmi Note 4

If updates are no longer coming out and custom firmware seems too risky, there are other ways to make your smartphone faster and safer:

• 🧹 Cleaning up the system: Remove unnecessary apps and cache through Settings → The vault. Use it. SD Maid or Files by Google for deep cleaning.
• 🔄 Light firmware: Try Xiaomi.EU – an optimized version MIUI no-bloatware.
• 🛡️ Antivirus and Security: Install Malwarebytes or Bitdefender to protect against old Android vulnerabilities.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: The original Redmi Note 4 battery holds a maximum charge of 2-3 years, BL-41A) reinstatement.
• 📱 Use as a secondary device: Configure your smartphone as a IP-camera (Alfred app), media player or GPS-tracker.

Should I buy the Redmi Note 4 in 2026?

• 💰 Budget is extremely limited (up to 5,000). ₽).
• 🔧 You are ready for a self-repair/update.
• 📱 Need a spare phone for calls and messengers.

For basic use, consider the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 – they are cheaper than flagships, but support current versions of Android.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions