Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4, despite its age, remains a popular device due to its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, over time, official support for the device ends, and users are faced with the need to independently update the system to improve security and performance. The process of installing a new firmware version may seem complicated, but if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions, it is accessible even to beginners.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for upgrading software: from standard over-the-air update to manual installation via mode Recovery. You will learn how to prepare the device, what risks exist, and how to restore the phone's functionality in case of failure. It is important to understand that each model has its own characteristics, so general advice may not work without taking into account the specifics of your device.
Preparing your smartphone for the update procedure
Before starting any manipulations with the system software, you must perform a number of critical steps. Ignoring this step often leads to data loss or the device becoming a brick. First of all, create a complete backup copy of all important data: contacts, photos, instant messenger conversations and documents. Use cloud services or save files to your computer via a USB cable.
Make sure the battery is charged at least 60-70%. The flashing process requires stable power, and suddenly turning off the phone in the middle of writing system files can lead to fatal bootloader errors. Also free up space in the internal memory: to correctly download and unpack the archive with the firmware, at least 3-4 GB of free space is required.
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was previously unlocked using unofficial methods or has a modified bootloader, standard update methods may not work or lead to a cyclic reboot.
Check the integrity of the USB cable with which you plan to connect the phone to the computer. Cheap cables often only provide charging but no data transfer, which will make it impossible to use some flashing tools. It is best to use the original cable included in the delivery kit or a certified analogue.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Official update method via OTA (over the air)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the system is to use the built-in update mechanism. The company Xiaomi periodically releases update packages for its devices, which arrive automatically. However, for older models, such as Redmi 4, servers may no longer send notifications, so the scan will have to be initiated manually.
To start the scan, go to the settings menu of your device. Find the section About phone and click on the MIUI version icon or button Check for updates. If the server detects an available version that is compatible with your current build, the system will offer to download and install it. This method saves all user data without the need for a reset.
Sometimes the automatic search does not return results, although new firmware already exists. In this case, you can try changing the region in the settings or clearing the cache of the Update application. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Component update, select Clear and then Clear cache. After that, try checking again.
If the update is not found automatically, try switching the smartphone region to "India" or "Global" in settings, sometimes servers in different regions have different rollout schedules.
You should remember that OTA updates come in stages. Even if the firmware is officially released, your device may receive it with a delay of several weeks. Patience in this case is the best strategy, since a forced installation through this method is not possible without downloading the file manually.
Manual installation of the firmware via Recovery
If automatic update is not available, you can download the full archive of the firmware manually. This method is called installation via Recovery. You will need to download a file with the extension .zipcorresponding to your model (code name Prada for the global version or Markw for the Chinese version). The file must be placed in the root of the phone's internal memory.
After downloading the file, reboot the device into recovery mode. To do this, hold down the power and volume up buttons at the same time. In the menu that appears, select a language (usually English and Chinese are available), then go to Install update.zip or Select file on internal storage. Find the downloaded archive and confirm installation.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Incremental) | .zip | Through the update menu | Yes |
| Recovery (Full) | .zip | Through Recovery mode | Yes (usually) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Via PC and MiFlash | No (full reset) |
The installation process will take from 5 to 15 minutes. The screen may go off and on several times - this is normal behavior. Once completed, the phone will prompt you to reboot. The first launch after the update may take longer than usual as the system optimizes applications.
What to do if the installation is interrupted?
If the installation process freezes or gives an error, do not panic. Try downloading the firmware file again, as the archive may have been damaged during downloading. Make sure that the file is located in the root of the memory and not in a folder. If the error persists, the firmware version may be incompatible with your current bootloader version.
Flashing via Fastboot mode using a computer
The most radical and effective method is to use the mode Fastboot and utility MiFlash on the computer. This method allows you not only to update, but also to completely restore the system if the phone does not boot. You will need a PC with Windows, installed ADB/Fastboot drivers and the MiFlash Tool itself.
Download the firmware in the format .tgz (Fastboot ROM) and unzip the archive on your computer. The path to the folder must not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the app will generate an error. Connect the switched off phone to the PC by holding down the volume down button. An image of a hare in a hat with earflaps repairing an android will appear on the screen.
fastboot devicesEnter this command in the command line (after opening the platform-tools folder) to make sure that the computer sees the device. If the serial number is displayed, launch MiFlash, select the path to the unpacked firmware and press the Flashbutton. At the bottom of the window, select mode clean all for complete cleaning or save user dataif you want to save files (does not always work when changing the region).
⚠️ Attention: When flashing firmware via Fastboot with the "clean all" option, all data on the phone will be permanently deleted. Make sure that the backup copy is made and verified.
Wait for the process to complete. The progress indicator in the app will show the status, and the phone will reboot automatically. If a green message successappears in the logs, it means the operation was successful. It is not recommended to disconnect the cable before the system is fully loaded.
Possible errors and ways to solve them
During the update process, users often encounter various problems. One of the most common errors is Error 7 or a message about the impossibility of verifying the package. This happens when you try to install global firmware on a Chinese version of the phone (or vice versa) without an unlocked bootloader. The MIUI security system blocks the installation of unsigned software.
Another common problem is a “bootloop”, when the phone constantly turns on and off at the logo. In this case, you need to enter Recovery mode and perform a factory reset (Wipe Data). This will delete all data, but often allows the system to start correctly after a failed update.
If the phone does not respond to buttons at all and the screen is black, it may be “bricked.” Try connecting it to the charger and leaving it for a few hours. If the indication does not appear, you will need to flash the firmware via the Test Point with disassembling the case, which is best left to the service center specialists.
Most updating errors are associated with incompatible firmware versions or a damaged download file. Always check the model code name before downloading.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Redmi 4 to Android 10 or 11 officially?
Unfortunately, official support Xiaomi Redmi 4 has ended with version Android 6.0 (MIUI 9/10). Newer versions of Android have not been officially released for this Snapdragon 435 processor. However, enthusiasts have created custom ROMs (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) that allow you to install Android 10 and higher, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP.
Will the update erase my photos and contacts?
When updating via OTA or via Recovery (without selecting the Wipe Data option) your personal files, photos and contacts are saved. However, when flashing firmware via Fastboot with the parameter clean all or when resetting the settings after an error, all information will be deleted. Always make a backup copy before starting the procedure.
Where to download secure firmware for Redmi 4?
The only safe source is the official website miui.com or verified archives like XiaomiFirmwareUpdater. Avoid sites with modified builds if you are not sure of their source, as they may contain malware or be unstable.
Why did the phone start to run slower after the update?
After a major update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background, which can take up to several hours. It is also possible to accumulate cache from old versions of applications. Try rebooting the device and letting it charge for about an hour without active use.