How to update Android on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: all methods 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones released in 2016. Despite its advanced age, the device is still actively used due to its reliability and the ability to install modern versions Android via custom firmware. However, official support from Xiaomi for this model has long been completed, which creates certain difficulties when updating.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of updating Android on Redmi 4A —from the standard OTA update (if it is still available) to installing custom firmware type LineageOS or Pixel Experience. You will learn how to check the current software version, prepare the device for firmware, avoid common mistakes and even return everything back if something goes wrong.

We will pay special attention data security —we will explain how to make a backup copy, which settings will be saved after the update, and which will have to be configured again. We will also consider the nuances of working with fastboot and recoverywhich often frighten beginners, but in fact are not so difficult if you follow the instructions.

1. Checking the current version of Android and MIUI on Redmi 4A

Before you start updating, you need to know exactly which version Android i MIUI is installed on your Redmi 4A. This will help you determine which update options are available and avoid conflicts when installing new firmware.

To find out the software version:

1. Open the application Settings on the home screen.
2. Scroll down and select item About phone.
3. Click on MIUI version —the current firmware will be displayed here (for example, MIUI 12.5.1 Stable).
4. For information about Android tap several times along the line Android version —a window with the build number will appear (for example, Android 6.0.1 MMB29M).

On Redmi 4A the following versions were officially supported:

• 📱 Android 6.0 Marshmallow — basic version at release.
• 📱 Android 7.1 Nougat —the latest official update from Xiaomi.
• 📱 Android 8.x+ —only through custom firmware (unofficially).

Pay attention to code name your device - Redmi 4A was produced in two modifications: rolex (global version) and prada (for China). You can find it in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → Advanced → For developers → Device model).

2. Preparing Redmi 4A for update: backup and charging

Updating the firmware is a process that can lead to data loss, especially if you are upgrading to custom firmware or resetting the settings. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is create a backup copy of all important files.

What needs to be saved:

• 📸 Photos and videos — transfer to a computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Contact — synchronize with your account Google or export to file .vcf.
• 💬 Messages —use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.
• 🎮 Application data —for games with progress (for example, through Helium or root access).

Battery charge ≥ 70%|Data backup created|Password/pattern disabled|Drivers and firmware downloaded|Device code name checked-->

Also make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge is at least 70% (when updating via recovery 100% is recommended).
• 🔌 A stable power source is connected (if updating via fastboot).
• 🔓 Screen lock (PIN, pattern) is disabled - it can interfere with the process.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Mi Account and have enabled reset protection (Find Device), disable it in your account settings. Otherwise, after flashing the device, the device may be blocked!

For reliability, it is recommended to do a full one. backup via TWRP (if installed) or standard means MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset.
2. Select Local backup and check all the required data.
3. Click Create backup and wait for completion.

3. Official MIUI update via OTA. (if available)

The easiest way to update Redmi 4A is to use the built-in function OTA (Over-The-Air). However, since 2020 Xiaomi has stopped releasing updates for this model, so the chances of finding the latest firmware are minimal. However, it’s worth a try.

Instructions for checking OTA updates:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updates via the mobile data may be blocked).
2. Open Settings → About phone → System update.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Update package.
4. If an update is found, download it and confirm installation.

Possible problems and solutions:

⚠️ Attention: If your device was purchased in China (prada), and the firmware is global (rolex), OTA updates can lead to brick (breakage). In this case, it is better to use Mi Flash Tool.

If OTA does not work, go to the next section - manually installing the firmware via Recovery or Fastboot.

4. Manual update via Recovery: step-by-step guide

If automatic updating is not available, you can install the firmware manually via standard or custom recoveryThis method is suitable for official and some custom firmware.

What you will need:

• 📱 Downloaded firmware file in format .zip (for example, miui_ROLEXGlobal_V12.5.1.0.NCCMIXM_...).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (for transferring a file to your phone).
• 🔋 Battery charge is at least 80%.

Installation steps:

1. Download the appropriate firmware from official website (select model Redmi 4A and region).
2. Move the file .zip to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folder!).
3. Turn off the device and press Volume up + Powerto enter Recovery.
4. In the menu Recovery select a language (if there is a choice), then:

   Install update.zip to System One
   → Select the firmware file
   → Confirm installation

5. Once completed, select Reboot to System.

If you have installed TWRP, the process is slightly different:

1. Log in TWRP (press Volume up + Power).
2. Press Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache.
3. Return to the main menu, select Install and specify the file firmware.
4. Swipe to confirm and wait until the end.

⚠️ Attention: When installing via TWRP do not format the partition System or Data, if you are not sure of your actions, this may lead to data loss or bricking!

5. Updating via Fastboot: for experienced users

Method fastboot suitable if:

• 🔄 You need to return the device to its factory state.
• 📦 Install the official firmware if OTA fails.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked).

For this method you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows (or Linux/macOS with installed drivers ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in format .tgz or .zip for fastboot.
• 🛠️ Utility Mi Flash Tool (download from official website).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Unpack the firmware into a folder without spaces (for example, C:\miui_rolex).
2. Turn off the phone and hold down Volume down + Powerto enter Fastboot (a hare in a hat with earflaps will appear).
3. Connect the phone to the PC. Install the drivers if the system asks for them.
4. Run Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the folder with the firmware.
5. At the bottom, select mode Clean all (complete cleaning) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after flashing).
6. Click Refresh —your device should appear in the list.
7. Click Flash and wait for completion (usually 5-10 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically reboot. The first startup may take up to 15 minutes. - do not interrupt the process!

⚠️ Attention: Mode Clean all and lock will lock the bootloader, and you will need to wait 72 hours to unlock it again (according to the rules XiaomiUse it only if you are sure that you will no longer install custom firmware.

6. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience and etc.)

If you want to update Redmi 4A to Android 8.1+, you will have to use custom firmware. Popular options:

• 📱 LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1) - stable and optimized.
• 📱 Pixel Experience (Android) 9-10) - with an interface from Google Pixel.
• 📱 Havoc-OS or Resurrection Remix - for fans of customization.

What needs to be done before installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader via official tool Xiaomi (required account Mi and wait 7 days).
2. Install custom recovery (TWRP for rolex).
3. Download firmware and GApps (services Google, if they are not included in the assembly).

Installation instructions LineageOS:

1. Download the firmware (for example, from lineageos.org) and Open GApps (select option arm → 8.1 → pico).
2. Transfer files to your phone.
3. Enter TWRP (Volume up + Power).
4. Do Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install firmware (Install → select the .zip file), then GApps.
6. Reboot (Reboot System).

Important: after installing custom firmware, some functions may not work correctly - for example, dual SIM, NFC (if available) or camera in some assemblies. Before installation, check reviews about specific firmware on the forums (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

7. Solving common errors when updating

Even if you follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to resolve them.

If after updating the device:

• 🔄 Looped on the logo —try going to recovery and doing wipe cache.
• 📵 Does not catch the network —check the settings APN or reflash module modem.
• 🔋 Discharges quickly —calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption).

⚠️ Attention: If after flashing custom firmware it stops work Google Apps, check whether you installed GApps immediately after the firmware. If not, you will have to repeat the installation.

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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