How to update Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: full ways to firmware

Owners of the legendary Redmi Note 4 (codename nikel or mido) often face the need to update the operating system to get fresh security patches or new interface features. Although official support for the model has already been discontinued, enthusiasts and alternative firmware allow you to keep the device up to date. The upgrade process can range from simply pressing a button on the menu to complex installation of customized Recovery, depending on the desired result and the current version of the software.

Before you start any manipulation, you need to clearly understand the differences between the global version, Chinese assembly and custom versions. ROM-base AOSP. It is critical to determine the exact code number of your model (mido for Snapdragon or nikel for MediaTek), since firmware from one version to another will cause the device to fail. OTA to manual mode, eliminating the risk of data loss.

It’s worth noting that upgrading an old device to the latest Android versions often requires unlocking the bootloader.This action erases all user data and changes the warranty status if it’s still relevant. However, for the Xiaomi Note 4, it’s often the only way to breathe a second life into the gadget, installing, for example, Android 10 or 11 via LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

Device preparation and data backup

The beginning of any flashing process should be accompanied by careful preparation, as an error at this stage can lead to the loss of photos, contacts and correspondence. The first step is to create a full backup of all important files, transferring them to an external drive or to the cloud storage. The built-in MIUI allows you to backup the system, but for reliability it is better to use a computer.

Make sure the battery is charged at least 60-70%, Because it's a very energy-intensive process to write data to flash, interrupting the procedure because of battery discharge is the surest way to turn a smartphone into a brick that requires programr soldering. USB-cable through which the transfer of files will be made, eliminating damaged wires.

It is important to activate USB debugging mode if you plan to use advanced installation methods. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times until a notification appears that you have become a developer.

• 📂 Make a copy of your contacts and SMS via Mi or Google account.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to above 70% for stability.
• 🔌 Check the work. USB-port and cable on another device.
• 📸 Take a picture of the current network settings and APN, so that we don't look for them again.

⚠️ Note: When updating with one version MIUI On another (especially from China to Global) a full reset (Wipe Data) is recommended, otherwise cyclical reboots are possible.

Official method of updating through OTA

The easiest and safest way to update software is to use the built-in OTA (Over The Air) mechanism, which checks Xiaomi servers for new versions and suggests downloading them, a method ideal for those who want to simply get the latest available fixes without risking damage to the system.

However, the Redmi Note 4 is no longer officially updated, and the device may be the last available version (usually Android 7 Nougat for the globalist).If the servers still give the package, it will appear on the menu. Otherwise, the system will report that there are no updates, even if they exist for other regions.

To check for packets, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If the Check Update button doesn’t respond or gives an error, it’s possible that your region’s servers have stopped serving that model, and changing the region in settings or using a manual method helps.

Sometimes it's helpful to force the check by selecting three dots in the top right corner and activating "Select firmware file." This switches the menu to manual selection mode, but first, try the standard path. If OTA doesn't work, move on to the next sections.

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Official OTA-It is safe, but for older models like the Note 4, it is often no longer available or offers outdated software versions.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

The manual installation method requires you to pre-download the firmware archive with the.zip extension from an official aggregator site, such as MIUI bootloader. The file must be placed at the root of the device's internal memory. It is important that the file name does not contain Cyrillic and is as short as possible to avoid read errors.

Once you download the file, go back to the update menu and click three dots to select "Select firmware file." The system will check the integrity of the archive and digital signature. If the archive version is newer than the current one, the installation process will begin, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes, at which time the screen may go out, but you can not interrupt the process.

• 📥 Download the right one. ZIP-recovery ROM for your model.
• 💾 Place the file in the root folder of internal memory (not in the folder!).
• 📲 Start the installation via the About Phone menu» → three-point.
• ⏳ Wait for the automatic reboot and initial setup.

⚠️ Note: You can’t go back to the older version. MIUI through standard Recovery without unlocked bootloader and special utilities.

If you see a message called “Can’t verify update”, it means that you are trying to install a version for another region (eg Global on China) or an older version.

Use of Fastboot and Computer

For deep flashing, region change or error recovery, Fastboot mode is used. This method requires a Windows computer, installed driver. ADB/Fastboot Mi Flash Tool. This method completely cleans the memory of the device, so backup is mandatory.

First, you need to put your smartphone in bootloader mode. To do this, turn off the device, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a hare repairing an android and the inscription will read: FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.

fastboot devices

This command in the computer's command line must output the serial number of the device, confirming the connection. If the device is not identified, check the drivers. Then in the Mi Flash Tool program, you select the path to the unpacked firmware (.tgz format) and the cleanup mode "Clean all".

After selecting the "Clean all" mode, press the "Flash" button. The process will take a few minutes, during which the progress bar will be filled in green. Successful completion is marked with a green "success" label.

Installation of custom firmware and unlocking

Since the official updates for the Redmi Note 4 ended on Android 7, many users are turning to custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS, which are based on Android 10 and 11.This requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool.

The unlocking process takes between 7 and 168 hours (depending on MIUI rules) and requires you to link your account to your device. Once you have permission from Mi Unlock Status, you need to log in to your PC account and unlock your device in Fastboot mode, which permanently erases all data.

To install the custom will need to install a third-party Recovery, most often TWRP. It allows you to install signed zip archives of any ROM-ov, make full partition backups and clear cache. TWRP It also happens via Fastboot by the fastboot boot team. twrp.img or.

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock service.
• 🛠 Install custom Recovery (TWRP).
• 📲 Download. ZIP-custom firmware file and GApps.
• 🗑 Make a Wipe. Dalvik/Cache/Data before installation.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

During the update process, users often encounter an error such as “Update package is corrupted” or “Can’t verify update.” The first often occurs when a file is not fully downloaded or a corrupted archive is corrupted; the second when you try to install firmware in another region or older version without being completely cleaned.

If the device is in a bootloop cycle, try going to Recovery. + Power and factory reset (Wipe Data) if that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it through the Fastboot with a full cleanup.

⚠️ Note: A 403 or 503 update error often indicates a Xiaomi server issue or an account region incompatible with the firmware region.

If you experience a No command error in Recovery mode, press the power button and press the volume up once to make the menu appear. To diagnose driver problems on your PC, use Device Manager to check for unknown devices when connecting your smartphone.

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If your computer can’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) and the original cable, as cheap cables often only work for charging purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)