How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to the latest firmware: 3 proven ways

Why is it important to update the firmware on Redmi Note 4?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, released in 2017, is still popular with users due to its balanced performance and reliability. However, over time, its software becomes obsolete: security vulnerabilities appear, compatibility with new applications decreases, and bugs accumulate. Regular firmware updates solve these problems, but the Redmi Note 4 has nuances - the model was released in two versions: on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processors (global version) and MediaTek Helio X20 (Chinese version of Redmi Note 4X).

The latest official firmware for Redmi Note 4 is MIUI 11 based on Android 7.0 Nougat (for Snapdragon) and Android 6.0 Marshmallow (for MediaTek). Despite the lack of support from Xiaomi, enthusiasts are releasing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which allows you to upgrade to Android 10/11. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating – from standard to advanced, taking into account the features of each version of the smartphone.

Preparing for the update: what to do in advance

Before you start an update, it is critical to follow a few steps to avoid data loss or device buildup. Start with the obvious, backup. Even if you upgrade through the standard menu, a failure can occur at any time. Use the built-in backup function in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root).

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-Sync the file or sync with Google)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (save the list of networks in a text file)
• 🎮 Save games (use cloud services like Google Play Games)

Next, check the battery power, which must be at least 60%, otherwise the device may turn off during the upgrade. If you use a cable to connect to a PC, make sure it is original or high-quality (cheap cables can interrupt data transfer).

• 🔧 Install MediaTek Preloader drivers (download from the official website)
• 🖥️ Disable driver signatures in Windows (instruction below)
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan a custom firmware)

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 with MediaTek (Redmi Note) 4X) In case of incorrect firmware, the module can burn down. NAND-It's a hardware failure that can't be fixed software, and it's a risk that comes from using informal tools like this. SP Flash Tool with incorrect settings. If you're not sure, use only official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method

If your Redmi Note 4 is still getting official updates (albeit rarely), the safest way is to upgrade by air (OTA), and the system checks for new versions and suggests installing them, so that you can manually run the check:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode (optional, but useful for debugging).
3. Go back to the main settings and select System Update.
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.

If you find an update, the system will prompt you to download it. The file size is usually 1.5-2.5 GB, so use Wi-Fi.

• 🔄 Click Reboot and Update.
• 🕒 Wait until it is completed (it will take 10-20 minutes).
• 📱 After restarting, check the version. MIUI customized.

⚠️ Note: If after the update OTA The smartphone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 30 minutes, don't panic. Try to force it to restart by holding the power button for 15 seconds. If that doesn't work, you'll have to refashion through Recovery (see next section).

OTA-updates are limited: they only work if the current firmware is not modified (no root, custom backups, or modified system files). If you have previously experimented with firmware, this method may not work.

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If OTA-update is not available, try changing the region in the settings. → Additionally. → Region and choose India or Russia, sometimes it helps to access fresh firmware.

Method 2: Update via Recovery – if OTA doesn’t work

If automatic updates are not available or if they give you an error, you can manually install the firmware through the stock Recovery, which is suitable for official firmware in.zip format and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi Note 4 with charge >60%
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot
• 🔗 Official firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi website)

Step instructions:

1. Download the correct firmware: For Snapdragon: look for files labeled nikel (global) or mido (Chinese). For MediaTek: tagged files nikel_mt. The file should have a name like miui_HMNote4Global_V11.0.2.0.NCFMIXM_....
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone: Connect the phone to your PC and copy the.zip file to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!). Disable the device and turn it off.
3. Launch Recovery: Press the Volume Up + Power buttons and hold for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu (navigation is done by volume buttons, the choice is by the power button).
4. Install firmware: Select a language (usually English). Go to Install update.zip to System. Confirm the installation and wait until it is completed.

Once installed successfully, the smartphone will restart. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes, which is normal. If the process is stalled, try repeating the steps or using the Fastboot method (described below).

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to flash Redmi Note 4 if other options don't work.

• 🔄 Recovery of the “brick” device
• 📥 Installation of official firmware from scratch
• 🔓 Unlock the loader (if required)

This will require:

• 💻 PC Windows/Linux and the Mi Flash Tool installed and ADB/Fastboot
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater)

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked): How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 4?To unlock, you need to link the Mi Account to the device: 1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times for developer mode). 2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging. 3. Connect the phone to your PC and follow the command: adb reboot bootloader 4. Go to Mi Unlock, log in and follow the instructions: You can unlock the old models!
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume down + Power until the hare appears in the hat-eared. Connect to your PC.
3. Flick through the Mi Flash Tool: Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without Cyrillic. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder. At the bottom, select Clean all (full clean) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware). Press Flash and wait for the completion (green tick).

⚠️ Attention: Fastboot firmware completely erases data from the device, including photos, messages and apps, and if you don't backup, you can't recover it. This may cause damage to the boot section and the need for repair through the service center.

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Fastboot is the only method that is guaranteed to restore the Redmi Note 4 even after a serious failure (for example, after a failed installation of a custom recavator).

Install custom firmware: how to upgrade to Android 10/11

Official support for Redmi Note 4 is long over, but enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware that allows you to upgrade to modern versions of Android.

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is stable and optimized
• 📱 Pixel Experience (Android 10) – with a Google Pixel interface
• 📱 Havoc-OS (Android 10) - with advanced settings

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlocked bootloader (see spoiler in the previous section).
2. Castom Recovery (TWRP is recommended for Redmi Note 4).
3. Firmware in.zip and GApps format (Google services, if necessary).

Instructions for installing TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Download. TWRP For Snapdragon: twrp.me For MediaTek: search in themes on XDA Developers (e.g., developers, TWRP-3.5.2_mido.img).
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Don't touch it.

Internal Storage

MicroSD

GApps

Install → Choose. ZIP-firmware → Swipe to Confirm Flash


Install → Select ZIP- GApps → Swipe to Confirm Flash

Reboot → System

After installing custom firmware, you will receive:

• ✅ Support for modern apps (such as new versions of WhatsApp or Google Maps)
• ✅ Security Updates (Monthly Patches from Google)
• ✅ New features of Android 10/11 (dark theme, navigation gestures, etc.)

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on the Redmi Note 4 with MediaTek. Check forum reviews before installing (e.g., for example, 4PDA or XDA). Some builds may not support dual-SIM, NFC or camera.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When updating Redmi Note 4 users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods helped, and the smartphone is not turned on, the last option remains – firmware through the phone. EDL-This method requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (or circuit of contacts on the board). EDL You can find it on profile forums, but without experience it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions