Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
mido
Snapdragon 625
Android 12
LineageOS 21
MIUI
In this article, we will analyze all the current firmware for Redmi Note 4, their pros and cons, and give step-by-step instructions for installation - from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the optimal version of GApps. Particular attention will be paid to performance, autonomy and compatibility with modern applications. If you want to return the smartphone to a second life - read on.
The Redmi Note 4 is particularly critical to monitor the bootloader version (check out Settings → About Phone → Kernel Version) If you install the wrong firmware, you can get the device "brick" (inoperable), but if you do the right thing, even the beginner can do it, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps.
═══
1. Official firmware from Xiaomi: MIUI 12.5 and below
The MIUI stock firmware for Redmi Note 4 has officially been updated to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 7.0 Nougat. Yes, it's an outdated system, but it has its advantages:
- 🔄 Stability: Minimum risk of bugs and crashes, as the firmware was tested by the manufacturer.
- 📱 Full iron support: All sensors, camera and communication modules work without crutches.
- 🔒 Security: Closed bootloader and built-in virus protection tools.
- 🛠️ Easy to roll back: It's easy to go back to the stock version if something goes wrong.
However, MIUI 12.5 has serious drawbacks: first, the lack of security updates from 2021 makes the smartphone vulnerable to new threats. Second, Android 7.0 does not support many modern applications (for example, the latest versions of Google Chrome or Instagram may not be updated); Third, MIUI is known for its “heavy” interface – at 3 GB of RAM, the system is already starting to slow down.
If you still want to stay on the official firmware, download the latest stable version from the Xiaomi website (choose Global or Russia region).
⚠️ Note: When switching from custom firmware to MIUI via Fastboot, be sure to clean all in the Mi Flash settings. Otherwise, download cycles or errors with the IMEI.
═══
2.Castom firmware on Android 10/11: which one to choose?
The main advantage of custom firmware is support for new versions of Android. Redmi Note 4 is available builds up to Android 11 (and even experimental ports Android 12L), which give:
- 🆕 Modern interface with support for dark theme, gestures and new animations.
- 🔐 Up-to-date security patches (e.g. from Dirty Pipe or Stagefright vulnerabilities).
- 🎮 Best Game Compatibility: Many titles (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) require Android 8+.
- 🔋 Power optimization: New versions of Android better manage background processes.
But there's a flip side: not all custom firmware is equally good. Some builds can suffer from bugs with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a camera. Also, performance on Android 11 can be lower than on Android 10, due to higher system requirements.
Here's the top.-3 Checked firmware for Redmi Note 4 into 2026 year:
| Firmware | Android version | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS 18.1 | Android 11 | Maximum stability, minimalist interface, regular updates. | There are no built-in MIUI themes, the camera works through Google Camera. | XDA |
| Pixel Experience | Android 11 | The interface is like Google Pixel, great optimization, support for Google Camera. | Sometimes slows down when multitasking, there is no Russification in some menus. | XDA |
| Havoc-OS | Android 10 | Maximum customization (themes, gestures, statusbar), high performance. | Fewer updates, possible bugs with sensors. | XDA |
Critical: Android 11 firmware requires an updated kernel and may not run on older versions of the bootloader. Before installing, check the version through the fastboot getvar anti command - it should be at least 3.
═══
3. firmware preparation: unlocking the bootloader and TWRP
Before installing custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader and install custom recavers (TWRP), which are mandatory steps without which you can not flash an alternative Android.
Instructions for unlocking the loader:
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi website.
- Sign in to your Mi-account (it should be linked to your phone).
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when the device is turned off).
- Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Press Unlock.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi restrictions).
After unlocking, install TWRP:
- Download the latest version of TWRP for mido from the official website.
- Go to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img
- Then, immediately do: fastboot boot. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img (This will prevent the replacement of the recovery with stock at the first load).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone doesn't load into the recavery, check if the Fastboot settings are reset. TWRP Pre-disabling signature verification (fastboot oem) disable_verity).
Make a backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Charge your phone at least 70 times%|Download firmware and GApps to memory card|Check the bootloader version|Disable antivirus on PC-->
═══
4. Installation of custom firmware: step-by-step instructions
Once the TWRP is installed, you can start firmware, and it's important to follow a precise course of action to avoid errors. Here's the general guide for most custom firmware:
- Data reset: In TWRP, go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Swipe for confirmation.
- Firmware: Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware file (usually in.zip format).
- Install GApps: If the firmware does not include Google services, run the appropriate GApps package (NikGApps or OpenGApps are recommended in the pico version).
- Magisk firmware (optional): If you want root, install Magisk via Install in TWRP.
- First boot: Reboot the phone. The first start can take up to 10-15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo or went to bootloop, try:
- Reflash the firmware without GApps.
- Select another version of the kernel (e.g., perseus instead of stock).
- Perform a complete reset via TWRP and repeat the installation.
Important: Some firmware (e.g., Pixel Experience) require additional patches to run VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling. These patches are usually listed in the firmware theme on XDA.
What to do if the firmware does not stand up?
═══
5. Performance optimization after firmware
Even after successfully installing custom firmware, the Redmi Note 4 may not work perfectly, and here are some tips on how to speed up the system and extend battery life:
- 🔧 Disable unnecessary services: In the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Build number - tap 7 times) turn off animations (Window animations) = 0.5x) background.
- 🔋 Optimize your boot: Use apps like Greenify or built-in firmware tools to limit background apps.
- 📱 Set up the kernel: Install Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel to fine-tune the CPU and task scheduler frequencies.
- 🎯 Use lightweight alternatives: Replace heavy apps (e.g. Facebook with Hermit and Chrome with Bromite).
If you have installed Magisk, we recommend the following modules for Redmi Note 4:
- Magisk Delta – Upgrade without losing root.
- Universal SafetyNet Fix – for the SafetyNet (necessary for banking applications)
- BusyBox for Android NDK – for some optimization scripts to work.
Warning: Do not install sepolicy-changing modules (such as Xposed) as this may cause system instability.
💡
If the Android 11 firmware has been getting hot, try limiting the maximum CPU frequency to 1.8GHz via Kernel Adiutor, which will reduce performance by 5-10%, but will significantly improve thermothrottle.
═══
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even the most stable firmware can cause errors, and here are the most common issues on the Redmi Note 4 and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera's not working. | There is no driver or conflict with GApps. | Install Google Camera with mido settings or patch Camera2API. |
| No net (IMEI reset) | The modem section is damaged. | Restore modem via TWRP (download stock modem.img for your model). |
| Fast battery discharge | Background processes or unoptimized core. | Check the consumption statistics in Settings → Battery and disable voracious applications. |
| VoLTE is not working. | There is no support in the firmware. | Install the patch. VoLTE_enabler or go to a firmware with support (e.g. LineageOS). |
If after firmware lost the sound in the speaker or microphone, check if the settings in build.prop. Sometimes helps to edit the string ro.vendor.audio.sdk.ssr=false on true.
💡
Before installing any firmware, be sure to check reviews on the XDA or 4PDA forums. Even official builds may contain critical bugs that are not mentioned in the description.
═══
7. Should I upgrade to Android 12/13?
You can find experimental ports on the web for Android 12L and even Android 13 for Redmi Note 4. But should you install them?
The advantages of Android 12/13:
- 🆕 The most modern interface with support for Material You.
- 🔒 Latest security patches (at the time of port release).
- 🎮 Support for new API game- and application-based.
The disadvantages of Android 12/13:
- 🐢 Significant performance drop (up to 30% compared to Android 10).
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized core.
- 🛠️ Lack of official support – all ports are made by enthusiasts and may contain critical bugs.
- 📱 Some features (such as Always-on Display or Wireless Display) are not working).
Our verdict: Android 12/13 on the Redmi Note 4 is more of an experiment than a daily firmware. If you want a stable smartphone, it's better to opt for Android 10 (Havoc-OS) or Android 11 (LineageOS).
If you want to try it out, here are two ports you can check out:
- Android 12L by crDroid (relatively stable but with camera bugs).
- Android 13 from AOSP Extended (experimental, test-only)
═══