Xiaomi Redmi 2: Which Android is and how to update?

Many users are still wondering what Android is installed on their Xiaomi Redmi 2, and whether there is any way to improve the performance of this legendary smartphone.This model, released in 2015, became a hit in the budget segment, offering impressive specs for its price. However, time goes by and the standard software shell no longer meets modern requirements of security and app compatibility.

Initially, the device was shipped with the operating system Android 4.4.4 KitKat, on top of which was installed proprietary shell MIUI 6. Subsequently, Xiaomi has released an official update to the version of Android 5.1 Lollipop with the shell MIUI 9. This was the final point in the official support of the device by the manufacturer, which left many owners at a crossroads: to accept outdated software or to look for alternative ways of development.

Fortunately, the active development community has not left this gadget unnoticed. There are proven ways to install newer versions of the operating system, including Android 7 Nougat and even later, through third-party firmware. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to find out the current version of the software, whether to update officially, and what risks it carries custom builds.

Official Android and MIUI versions for Redmi 2

Understanding what software is installed on your device is the first step to managing your smartphone properly. Officially, Xiaomi Redmi 2 has gone from Android 4.4 to Android 5.1. This means that most modern applications requiring newer APIs may not be installed from the official Google Play Store. The MIUI shell in this model has its own features that distinguish it from stock Android.

It is important to distinguish between the global firmware and the Chinese. The Global ROM already includes Google services and support for many languages, including Russian. The Chinese version (China ROM) often requires manual installation of Google services and may not have some localizations. You can check the current build in the settings menu, which is critical before any manipulation.

Users often confuse the MIUI shell version with the Android version itself. For example, MIUI 9 can be based on both Android 5.1 and Android 6.0 depending on the device. In the case of Redmi 2, the upper official limit was the bundle of MIUI 9 and Android 5.1. Further development is possible only through third-party solutions.

• 📱 The official maximum for Redmi 2 is Android 5.1 Lollipop.
• 🔒 Security on this version is no longer updated, which creates risks when using online banking.
• 🌏 Global firmware more stable work with the Russian interface and Google services.

How to find out the current version of firmware and Android

Before you make a decision to upgrade, you need to accurately identify the state of the system, which does not require a computer connection or the use of complex utilities, all the necessary information is available in the standard menu of smartphone settings, this is a basic procedure that every owner should be able to perform.

You need to go to Settings, then select About Phone, and this is where the MIUI shell version, such as MIUI 9.2.3.0, appears in large print. Below, in smaller details or in a separate menu item, the version of the underlying Android operating system is often indicated.

⚠️ Note: If the About Phone version of Android is not explicitly listed in the menu, you can recognize it by going to Settings. → The phone. → All settings and finding the line "Android Version".

There is also a hidden menu available through a special code set in the Phone app. By typing ##4636##, you will be taken to the testing menu, where you can find detailed data about the software in the Phone Information section.

Should Redmi 2 be officially updated?

The question of whether to upgrade to the latest official version of MIUI 9 remains open to many owners, on the one hand, it guarantees the stability of all components: camera, communication module and touch screen. On the other hand, Android 5.1 is outdated and does not support many modern functions and applications.

The official update is often optimized for the hardware of a particular model better than the experimental builds. However, the performance gains on the old Snapdragon 410 processor may be invisible, and the new visuals will only strain the system. If your phone is stable and you are satisfied with the feature set, there is no point in rushing to upgrade through Recovery.

The main argument against this is security: the lack of security patches in recent years makes your device vulnerable to open Wi-Fi networks. If you use your phone only for calls, SMS and music offline, the risks are minimal.

• ✅ Pros of the official update: stability, operation of all sensors, absence of bugs.
• ❌ Cons: outdated version of Android, inability to install new versions of applications.
• ⚖️ The solution depends on the use cases: for calls - leave as is, for the Internet - change.

Installation of custom firmware: opportunities and risks

For those who want to breathe a second life into their gadget, there are custom firmware based on Android 7, 8 and even 10. Popular builds such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu allow you to get a clean Android without unnecessary garbage and with more recent versions of the system.

The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader, which is Xiaomi's official 3 to 7-day wait, and once unlocked, you need to install custom receptacles like the TWRP, which is the way you flash it, which gives you full control of the device, but requires care.

Note that the hardware of Redmi 2 is not unlimited. Installing heavy Android 10 can lead to interface brakes and quick battery discharge. The optimal choice is often lightweight versions based on Android 7 Nougat, which work faster and smoother than stock MIUI. However, cameras in such firmware can work worse due to the lack of original drivers.

⚠️ Warning: Installation of custom firmware cancels the warranty (if it is still valid) and carries the risk of turning the phone into a “brick” in case of violation of technology.

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Before you run firmware, make sure to make a full backup of all important data to your computer or the cloud, as the installation process of the new system will completely remove all files from internal memory.

Instructions: Preparation for reflashing

If you're determined to go beyond the official software, you have to be prepared carefully. Chaotic actions can lead to data loss or device failure. The first step is always to create a backup. Save contacts, photos and documents to a safe place.

The battery should be charged at least to 70-80%. The process of power-intensive firmware, and suddenly turning off the phone at a critical moment is fatal. USB-cable and installed drivers ADB on a computer if you plan to use a PC to manage the process.

The most important step is unlocking the bootloader, and you need to apply for the Mi Unlock Tool by linking your Mi Account to your device, and once you get permission (SMS notification), you can unlock it through Fastboot mode, and then you can install TWRP Recovery.

fastboot oem unlock

This command, executed in the console, initiates the unlocking process (after confirmation on the phone screen). Remember that after unlocking, all data on the phone will be automatically deleted for security purposes.

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Unlocking the bootloader is a point of no return: the data will be deleted, and the process takes several days of waiting from Xiaomi.

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even with a successful installation, there can be unforeseen difficulties: users often experience a cyclic bootloop, where the phone constantly displays the logo and does not load, most of which is solved by cleaning the Cache and Data partitions through the Recovery menu.

Another common problem is a broken communication module or Wi-Fi, which often happens when switching between regional firmware versions (e.g. China to Global), the solution is to flash the modem or install the correct radio file that matches your region.

If the phone starts to run out quickly after the upgrade, give it 2-3 cycles of full charging and discharging.The system should re-index files and optimize the operation.If the problem persists, it is possible that the selected firmware build is not optimized for your particular hardware.

• 🔄 Bootloop is treated with reset via Recovery (Wipe) Data/Factory Reset).
• 📡 Communication problems are often solved by flashing a radio module.
• 🔋 Fast discharge requires calibration of the battery or change of the core of the system.