Update Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to Android 8: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) was released in 2017 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board and later received an official update to Android 7.0 Nougat as part of the program. MIUI. However, many users are still looking for ways to install Android 8.0 Oreo, the latest version that is theoretically supported by hardware, and in this article we will look at all possible methods, from official (if they are still available) to custom firmware based on LineageOS or the Internet. AOSP.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi has never released an official global firmware with Android. 8 For the Redmi Note 4 — The maximum version remained MIUI 10 Android-based 7.1.2. However, enthusiasts have created unofficial ports, and in some regions (e.g. for the Indian version). mido_spr) We've been out beta with Oreo, and we'll look at both, and we'll also go into detail on how to prepare the device to minimize the risks of bricking".

If you are new to firmware, we recommend starting with the official methods (Section 2). Experienced users can immediately move to custom solutions (Section 4), where we compare popular builds and their features. Remember: any interference with system software can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device.

1. Check the current version of the software and compatibility

Before you start the update, you need to make sure that your device supports the target version of Android.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And check the current firmware. MIUI 9 or newer, the chances of a successful upgrade are higher.
• 🔍 Find out your model’s codename: for most Redmi Notes 4 It's mido, but for the Indian version — mido_spr. Find it in Settings → The phone. → Model.
• 📋 Check the bootloader version: new versions can block custom firmware installation, and you can find out through the fastboot getvar anti command (requires an unlocked bootloader).

Compatibility with Android 8 depends on the modification:

If your model does not support an official update, do not despair: custom firmware often works more stable than factory ones, especially if you choose proven builds from well-known developers. 4PDA or XDA Developers – Some builds may have problems with the camera or module NFC (If you have it in your modification).

2. Official Update to Android 8 (if available)

As mentioned earlier, the global version of the Redmi Note 4 I've never gotten Android. 8 However, for some regional modifications (e.g. Indian). mido_spr) Xiaomi released beta versions MIUI You can check for them on the basis of Oreo:

1. Open the Update app on your smartphone.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If there are versions marked "Oreo" in the list of available packages, or "MIUI 9.2" - can be installed without risk of warranty.

If there are no official updates, but you are sure that your model supported them (for example, according to information from the forums), try manual installation through Recovery:

• 🔗 Download the official update package from the site MIUI Downloads (select a version for your model!).
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of your internal memory.
• 🔄 Reboot to Recovery (clip the power supply) + Volume up) and select Install update.zip.

⚠️ Note: Installing unofficial packages through standard Recovery can lead to a boot cycle.If the phone doesn't turn on after the upgrade, try resetting your settings via Wipe Data in Recovery.

If none of the official methods work, it's just the custom firmware path, but before that, you have to prepare the device, and that's what we're going to talk about in the next section.

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Official Update to Android 8 Available only for the Indian version of the Redmi Note 4 (mido_spr) beta-fixed MIUI 9.2. For the global version of mido, such an update has never existed.

3. Preparation of the phone for the installation of custom firmware

Installing an informal firmware requires prior preparation, a process that involves unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery, and backing up data, and skipping any step can result in data loss or device blink.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

Checking firmware compatibility with the phone model

Battery charging at least 70 times%-->

Data backup

Castom firmware will require a full reset (Wipe), so save:

• 📸 Photos and Videos (use Google Photos or transfer to PC).
• 📞 Contacts (synchronize with Google Account)
• 💬 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore).
• 🎮 Application Data (use Titanium Backup for rooted devices).

Pay special attention to the preservation IMEI and MAC-Losing them can make your phone unusable for calls or network connections. MTK Droid Tools (for MediaTek processors) or commands ADB:

adb shell


su




dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 of=/sdcard/imei_backup.bin

Unlock the loader

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, and to install custom firmware, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (it should be linked to your phone!).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to your PC and run the utility. Follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi may refuse to unlock if your account is new (less than 30 days) or if the phone was purchased less than 7 days ago, in which case you will have to wait or use workarounds (for example, changing the region of the account).

Once you've successfully unlocked it, you'll see Unlocked on the screen, and you can now install custom recovery.

Installation TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery that allows you to install unofficial firmware. 4 use the version TWRP 3.2.3-0 or newer:

• 🔗 Download the image TWRP for mido from the official website.
• 🖥️ Move the file to a folder from fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).
• 📱 Reboot your phone in Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.2.3-0-mido.img
• 🔄 Without leaving fastboot, reboot to recovery: fastboot boot. twrp-3.2.3-0-mido.img

If TWRP successfully downloaded, make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select Boot, System, Data, and this will help you recover your phone if you fail.

4. Installation of custom firmware Android 8

Now that the phone is ready, you can start installing custom firmware. We will look at two popular options: LineageOS 15.1 (based on Android 8.1) and AOSP Both builds work well on the Redmi Note 4, but have their own features.

Selection of firmware

Comparison of popular firmware for Redmi Note 4:

For most users, the best choice will be LineageOS 15.1 - it is as close as possible to "pure" Android and has a minimum number of bugs. MIUI (For example, second space or reading mode, try the informal space. MIUI oleo.

Step-by-step installation through TWRP

The instructions are suitable for any custom firmware:

1. 🔗 Download firmware (for example, LineageOS 15.1) and GApps (Google services package, select the following: ARM64, Android 8.1).
2. 📁 Transfer both files to internal memory or SD-map.
3. 🔄 Reboot to TWRP Recovery (squeeze power) + Loudness up).
4. 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Install

GApps

🔧 (Optionally, if the firmware requires additional fixes (for example, for the camera), install them now.

Reboot System

⚠️ Note: If after installation the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, then the firmware is incompatible with your modification of the Redmi Note 4. TWRP.

If it's successful, you'll see the screen of the original Android 8 setup. Check the basic features: calls, internet, camera. If something's not working, go back to the phone. TWRP and reinstall the firmware with a full WIP.

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If after firmware does not work mobile network, try to manually select the operator in the settings or install a patch for the modem through TWRP. Often the problem is solved by a change. APN.

5. Solving common problems after the update

Even with the right custom firmware installation, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

5.1. the phone is not turned on or stuck on the logo

Reasons:

• 🔴 Incompatible firmware (for example, trying to install a build for mido_spr mido).
• 🔴 Incomplete vape before installation.
• 🔴 A damaged firmware file.

Decisions:

1. Boot in. TWRP And re-establish the backup (if you did).
2. Repeat installation with full Wipe (Format Data) → enter).
3. Try another firmware (for example, install LineageOS instead of LineageOS). AOSP Extended).

5.2 The camera or mobile network is not working

For the Redmi Note 4, the following are common problems:

• 📷 The camera gives an error: "I failed to connect to the camera" → Install the Camera Fix patch through TWRP.
• 📶 No network or SIM-map not defined → Check if the firmware supports your modem (for example, the Indian version may require firmware to support your modem). mido_spr).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge → Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the phone, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

5.3. applications fly out or the system lags

If the firmware is not stable:

• 🛠️ Remove the app cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔄 Reinstall GApps (possibly the package is too big or small).
• 📉 Turn off animations: in Settings → For developers, set the animation scale on No animation.

If problems persist, go back to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool or try another custom build.

6. Alternative ways: Android 8 through MIUI 10

If custom firmware doesn’t suit you, there’s another way to get some Android 8 features – upgrade to a new one. MIUI 10 (the latest version for the Redmi Note 4).Although it is based on Android 7.1.2, it implements interface and optimization elements from Oreo:

• 🎨 New design with rounded icons and navigation gestures.
• 🔋 Improved battery management (similar to Doze from Android 8).
• 📱 Optimization for full-screen applications.

To upgrade to MIUI 10:

1. Download the latest stable version MIUI 10 for mido from official website.
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
3. Update through Settings → Updating the system → Select a package.

MIUI 10 won’t give you a full Android 8, but will offer most of its visual and functional enhancements without the risks associated with custom firmware.

7.Should we upgrade to Android 8 in 2026?

With Android 14 and Android 15 coming out, the relevance of Android 8.0 Oreo raises questions. Let's see if it makes sense to upgrade:

Pros:

• ✅ Android 8 gets security updates until 2020, which is better than the outdated version 7.1.
• ✅ Performance: Oreo optimizes the application background, which is relevant for the Redmi Note 4 his 3/4 GB RAM.
• ✅ New features: Picture-in-Picture support, channel notifications, autocomplete passwords.

Cons:

• ❌ Informal support: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially in camera or modem operation.
• ❌ No updates: Neither Google nor Xiaomi are releasing security patches for Android 8.
• ❌ Application compatibility: Some new apps (like banking) may require Android 9+.

If your goal is simply to extend the life of the phone, it may be better to consider buying a new device, but if you need specific Oreo features (like Project Treble to make future updates easier), custom firmware may be a viable solution.

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Android 8 on Redmi Note 4 only makes sense if you have critical features (like Picture-in-Picture or notifications with channels). MIUI Or consider buying a new phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 4 update