Smartphone owners Xiaomi Redmi 4 often face the issue of software relevance, since official support for this model ended with version MIUI 9 or 10, based on Android 7.0 Nougat. Getting the latest available firmware is not just about wanting a new interface, but also about ensuring data security and compatibility with modern applications. The update process may seem complicated for a beginner, but strictly following the algorithm of actions allows you to avoid critical errors.
There are several methods for switching to the desired version of the operating system: from a standard over-the-air update to manually installing an archive via the mode Recovery. The choice of a specific method depends on the current version of MIUI, the region of the device and the presence of superuser rights. It is important to understand that interfering with system files always carries certain risks, so preliminary preparation is a mandatory step.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available installation options Android 7 on Redmi 4, consider the necessary tools and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to properly download the firmware, how to prepare the phone for flashing and what to do if errors occur during the installation process.
Preparing the smartphone and checking compatibility
Before you begin any manipulations with the software, you need to make sure that your device really is Redmi 4 (code name prada), and not the Prime or Pro version, since the firmware for them is incompatible. An incorrectly selected software version can lead to inoperability of communication modules or complete system failure. You can check the exact model in the settings menu or on the device box.
The next critical step is to create a complete backup of all data. When updating or flashing, there is a high probability of losing personal information, including contacts, photos and messages. It is recommended to use cloud services Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive, as well as duplicate important files on your computer.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, the battery charge level must be at least 60%. Interrupting the update process due to a low battery may damage the system partition and make it impossible to boot the phone.
You also need to free up space in the internal memory. For correct operation of the installer and placement of temporary files of the firmware archive, it is advisable to have at least 4-5 GB of free space. If memory is low, delete unused applications or transfer media files to a memory card.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Method 1: Update via the built-in MIUI menu
The simplest and safest method getting Android 7 is using the standard system update tool. If your device has not previously been modified and has global or Chinese official firmware, servers Xiaomi can offer the current version automatically.
To start the test, go to the settings menu and select About phone. Next, click on the MIUI version icon or the System updatebutton. In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select firmware fileif automatic update is not found, but the file has already been downloaded manually.
If server the update is available, the system itself will download the package and prompt you to reboot. This method ensures the integrity of system files and the absence of driver conflicts. However, if the phone is already on a newer version or the device region does not match the firmware region, this method may not work.
If the automatic update is not found, try changing the region in the settings (Country) to India or Global, then run the update check again.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery Mode
The manual installation method via recovery mode (Recovery) is the most universal and allows you to update even if you do not have access to the update servers. To do this, you will need to download the current firmware archive in the format .zip (Recovery ROM) strictly for your model.
After downloading the file, rename it to update.zip to simplify the search and place it in the root of the device’s internal memory. Next, you need to go to recovery mode: turn off the phone and simultaneously press the Volume up and Power buttons until the logo appears.
In the Recovery menu, select a language (usually English or Chinese) and click on item Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data. This will clear the phone of user data, which is necessary for the new system to work correctly. After cleaning, return to the main menu and select Install (or Install update.zip), find your file and confirm installation.
| Firmware type | File format | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery ROM | .zip | Through the Recovery menu | Requires a full reset |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz | Via PC and Mi Flash | Full cleaning (Clean) |
| Updater Package | .zip | Through the update menu | Possibly without loss |
⚠️ Attention: When manually installing the firmware via Recovery, all data on the internal drive will be deleted. Make sure that you save important files to external storage.
Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot and Mi Flash
For advanced users who need to completely clean the device or restore after unsuccessful experiments, the flashing method via the interface is suitable Fastboot. This method requires a computer with Windows OS and the installed utility Mi Flash Tool.
You will need to download the firmware in the format .tgz (Fastboot ROM) and unpack the archive on your computer. The path to the folder must not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces, otherwise the app may not see the files. Connect the switched off phone to the PC by holding down the button Volume downto put it into Fastboot mode.
fastboot devicesEnter this command in the command line to test the connection. If the device is detected, run Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the unpacked firmware and press the button Flash. At the bottom of the window, you can select a mode clean all to completely clear or save user data to save data, although the latter option is less stable when changing Android versions.
What to do if Mi Flash gives an error?-->
A common cause of errors in the Mi Flash Tool is blocking by an antivirus or wrong file path. Make sure your antivirus software is not blocking ADB drivers. Also try running the app as an administrator and use a USB port connected directly to the motherboard (at the back of the system unit), and not through the front panel or hubs.
Resolved problems and errors during the update
During the update process, users may encounter various difficulties, such as being stuck on the logo, a cyclic reboot, or a package verification error. If after installation the phone does not boot beyond the logo MI, try resetting to factory settings via Recovery (Wipe Data).
Installation errors are often associated with violation of the integrity of the firmware file. If the download was interrupted or the file was damaged when writing to a flash card, the installer will display an error message. In this case, you need to download the archive again, preferably from another source or using another Internet connection.
Another common problem is bootloader locking (Bootloader). To install global firmware on the Chinese version of the device or use some methods, you need an unlocked bootloader. You can check the bootloader status in Fastboot mode
Wipe Data). if the hare is repairing the android from. sign Unlocked, then access is open.
System optimization after installing Android 7
After a successful update to Android 7 Nougat the system may be unstable in the first hours due to background optimization of applications and cache restructuring. Let the phone sit connected to Wi-Fi and the charger. device within 1-2 hours to complete all system processes.
It is recommended to remove the remnants of old applications that may have been updated incorrectly. Go to the application settings and check the list for duplicates or system garbage. It is also worth rechecking the permissions for important apps, since security policies may have changed in the new version of Android.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and location of settings may differ depending on the version of MIUI (8, 9 or 10) installed on top of Android 7. Always check the actions with the current screenshots for your version of the shell.
To improve performance, you can disable window animation in the menu For developers. This will make the interface more responsive, especially on hardware Redmi 4which is not a flagship. Also, do not forget to update all applications via Google Play to ensure their compatibility with the new version of the OS.
Stable operation after the update is achieved only after completely clearing the data and waiting for the background system optimization to complete for several hours.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Updating Redmi 4 to Android 7 is an effective way to extend the life of the device and gain access to new functionality. Despite the age of the model, competent optimization and clean installation of the firmware allow you to comfortably use the smartphone for basic tasks.
Remember that using unofficial builds or modified firmware always carries risks. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use official methods or contact a service center. Regular backup is the key to preserving your data in any situation.
Is it safe to update Redmi 4 to Android 7?
Yes, if you use official firmware from Xiaomi designed specifically for your model (Redmi 4 prada). Updating to Android 7 is a standard procedure for this device.
Will my data be lost after the update?
When updating through the "System Update" menu, the data is usually saved. When installing via Recovery or Fastboot with the "Clean All" mode selected, all data will be deleted, so a backup copy is required.
Is it possible to update if the bootloader is locked?
To install Recovery ROM (zip), unlocking the bootloader is usually not required. However, to install Fastboot ROM (tgz) or change the firmware region (from China to Global), unlocking is required.
What to do if the phone goes into an endless reboot?
Try to enter Recovery mode (Volume up + Power) and do a Wipe Data/Factory Reset. If this does not help, you will need to flash it via Fastboot with complete erasure of the data.
The main key to success is the exact match of the device model and firmware version, as well as having a fresh backup copy of the data before starting work.