Update Xiaomi Mi4: all ways of firmware in 2026

The Xiaomi Mi4, released back in 2014, is still a cult smartphone among the brand’s enthusiasts. Despite its venerable age, the device can be upgraded to current versions of MIUI – but with reservations. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of Mi4 firmware in 2026, including official and custom solutions, and also warn against typical errors that can turn your gadget into a “brick”.

The main problem with the Xiaomi Mi4 update is the lack of official support since 2018. Xiaomi’s latest stable firmware for this model is MIUI 10 based on Android 7.0 Nougat. However, the development community offers alternatives: ported versions of MIUI 12/13 based on Android 10 or even custom firmware like LineageOS. The choice of method depends on your goals: whether you need stability or new features.

Before you start, please note that firmware via Fastboot or custom Recovery will void the warranty (if it was still in effect) and may result in data loss without recovery.

1. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before upgrading, you need to know exactly which version of MIUI and Android is installed on your Xiaomi Mi4, which will determine the available firmware options and help avoid conflicts.

To get a version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll to MIUI version – this is the build number (e.g. V10.2.1.0.NXCMIXM).
3. Find the Android version below (for Mi4 it is likely 7.0 or lower).

Compatibility of firmware for Xiaomi Mi4 (codename cancro):

• 🔹 Official firmware: only up to MIUI 10 (Android 7.0) No new Xiaomi versions are available.
• 🔹 Ported MIUI: assemblies MIUI 11/12/13 Android-based 10 (require an unlocked loader).
• 🔹 Castom firmware: LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10), HavocOS, Pixel Experience.

Important: If yours Mi4 work MIUI 8 or lower, an interim update to the new firmware may be required before installing the new firmware. MIUI 9/10. Direct transitions from ancient versions often lead to errors such as Error. 7 recover.

2.Preparation for the update: backup and unlock the bootloader

Any firmware update is a risky operation. OTA-Updating through the settings menu can go wrong if the device has modified system files installed.

What to keep:

• 📱 Contact and SMS: Export through Settings → System system → Backup or use Google Account.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 🎮 Apps and data: Use Titanium Backup (requires root) or manually save folder /data/app.
• 🔑 IMEI Serial number: write them down (you can find them under the battery or in Settings). → The phone).

If you plan to install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader. For the Xiaomi Mi4, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but since 2026 the process has become more complicated:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Unlock OEM.
2. Wait 72 hours (a mandatory requirement for Xiaomi for older models)
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and follow the instructions.

Charge the battery at least 60% |

Save IMEI and serial number |

Make a backup of contacts and photos |

Download firmware and tools (MiFlash, TWRP) |

Unlock the bootloader (if you need custom firmware)|

Disable antivirus on PC (can block MiFlash)-->

⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi4 It resets the device to factory settings, and if you don't backup, the data will be lost without any recovery!

Method 1: Update via OTA (for official firmware)

The easiest and safest method is an air-to-air update (OTA) which is suitable if your Mi4 is running on the official MIUI 9/10 firmware and you haven't changed your system files.

Instructions:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update weighs ~1.5-2 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it.
4. After downloading, click Reboot and install.

If OTA-No update is available, perhaps:

• 🔌 The device runs on modified firmware (for example, with remote system applications).
• 🌍 The firmware region is not the same as yours (e.g. global vs. Chinese version).
• ⏳ Xiaomi has stopped supporting OTA for your version MIUI.

In such cases, manual installation through Recovery will help (see the next section).

💡

If OTA-Update hung during the boot phase, try to clear the cache of the application System Update in Settings → Annexes.

Method 2: Install firmware through Recovery (TWRP)

If OTA is not available or you want to install an informal firmware, custom Recovery – TWRP is required. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires an unlocked bootloader and the ability to work with ADB.

Installation steps:

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Xiaomi Mi4 (search for cancro) from twrp.me.
2. Install TWRP via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-cancro.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-cancro.img
3. In TWRP, make a full backup (Backup section) by selecting System, Data, Boot.
4. Download the firmware (for example, MIUI 12 ported or LineageOS and put it on SD-card.
5. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (if you switch from another firmware).
6. Install the firmware through Install by selecting the downloaded.zip file.

Typical errors and decisions:

⚠️ Attention: Installation of unofficial firmware on Xiaomi Mi4 This can cause problems with Wi-Fi and modules. NFC (If it was in your model. Before you run the firmware, check the reviews about the specific build on the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

5. Method 3: Fastboot (MiFlash) Firmware

The Fastboot method is the most reliable method for restoring a brick or installing an official firmware. It is suitable if the device does not turn on or hangs on the logo. For the Xiaomi Mi4, use the MiFlash Tool (version 20180528 or later).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official Fastboot firmware for Mi4 (see cancro code) from MIUI Downloads.
2. Unclarify the.tgz file to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi4_Fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect the Mi4 to your PC, start MiFlash, and select the firmware folder.
5. Press Refresh – the device must be determined as COM-port.
6. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader back).
7. Press Flash and wait until the end (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Important nuances:

• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cables – cheap cables can cause data transmission errors.
• 💻 The latest version of Qualcomm drivers must be installed on the PC (you can download it via MiFlash).

6. Update to custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If the official firmware does not suit you, you can install custom firmware based on Android 10 or Android 11. For Xiaomi Mi4 available:

• 📱 LineageOS 17.1 (Android 10) - stable, with a minimalist interface.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ HavocOS – customizable firmware with support for themes and gestures.

Installation process:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 2).
2. Install TWRP (version 3.7.0 or later).
3. Download firmware and GApps (e.g. Open GApps for ARM64, pico variant).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
5. Install firmware, then GApps, then (if necessary) Magisk for root.
6. Restart – the first turn on can take up to 15 minutes.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Support for new versions of Android (up to 11 for Android) Mi4).
• ✅ No extra bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps).
• ✅ Regular security updates from the community.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on build).
• ❌ No official support, all risks are on you.
• ❌ Certain functions (e.g, IR-port may not be operational.

💡

Custom firmware gives a second life to the Xiaomi Mi4, but requires a willingness to experiment.Be sure to check reviews about a particular build on 4PDA or XDA before installing it!

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, the Xiaomi Mi4 update may not go according to plan, and we will analyze the typical problems and ways to fix them.

Error 1: The device does not turn on after firmware ("brick")

• 🔋 Check the battery power - connect to charging for 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Try to enter the Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and run the official firmware through MiFlash.
• 🛠️ If it doesn't help, it may be damaged. EFS-section (responsible for IMEI). Restore it through TWRP backup.

Error 2: Constant reboots (bootloop)

• 🗑️ Make a Wipe. Cache/Dalvik into TWRP.
• 🔄 Reinstall the firmware by pre-formatting System and Data.
• 🔧 Check the compatibility of the firmware with your model (cancro for the model). Mi4).

Error 3: No network or IMEI after firmware

• 📡 Set the modem separately and EFS file.
• 🔢 Restore. IMEI Engineer Mode (code #4636##) or Chamelephon (requires root).
• 📶 Check the settings. APN In Settings → Mobile network.

Error 4: Touchscreen doesn’t work after installing custom firmware

• 🖥️ The problem is typical for firmware based on Android 10+ — The driver of the touch screen may not be suitable.
• 🔄 Return to the official firmware or try a different build (e.g. LineageOS 16 instead of 17.1).

8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions