The smartphone Redmi Note 4, released in 2017, has become a real long-liver in the mobile device market due to its successful combination of price, performance and autonomy. However, over time, official support from the manufacturer ceases, and users are faced with the question: how to get the latest versions of Android when the factory servers stop sending updates? For many owners, this device remains the main or second working gadget, so extending its life cycle by installing up-to-date software is an extremely urgent task.
The process of upgrading software on this model has its own unique features related to the differences between the global version and the Chinese version, as well as dependence on the regional linking of the account. In this guide, we will analyze in detail all the legal and alternative ways to switch to new versions of the operating system, assess the risks and prepare the necessary tools. Important to understandthat any manipulation of the system partition requires care, but if you follow the algorithm of actions, the procedure is successful in most cases.
Official update methods through the interface MIUI
The safest and recommended way to upgrade the system is to use the built-in shell tools MIUI. Xiaomi provides an over-the-air (OTA) update mechanism that automatically checks for new packages on the servers. To get started, the user needs to make sure that the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, since the volume of downloaded files can exceed 1.5 GB. Go to the menu Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version icon.
The system initiates a check of available packages. If the server sees a compatible version for your region and device type (Global or China), the download will begin. After the download is complete, the smartphone will prompt you to reboot for installation. This method is ideal for those who do not want to interfere with the operation of the bootloader or lose the warranty, although for the 2017 model the warranty is no longer valid. The key advantage is the preservation of all user data and settings without the need for a full reset.
However, there is often a situation when the official update is no longer available comes, although new versions exist for other regions. In this case, you can try changing the region in the settings, selecting, for example, India or Singapore, and repeat the check. Sometimes this forces the server to give up a more recent firmware package. However, it is worth remembering that this trick does not always work and depends on the current software distribution policy of the company.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any update, be sure to create a backup copy of important contacts, photos and documents. Even with a regular update, there is a minimal risk of file system failure, which can lead to data loss.
Manual installation of firmware via Recovery mode
If the automatic search does not produce results, you can use the method of manually installing the firmware archive. To do this, you will need to download the full update package (Full ROM) from the official website or trusted resources in the format .zip. The file must be placed in the root directory of the smartphone’s internal memory or on a microSD card. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
Next you should go to recovery mode. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time until the logo appears. In the menu Recovery select a language (usually English and Chinese are available) and press the button Install Update Package or simply select the downloaded archive from the list. The system will check the digital signature of the file. If the signature is correct, the flashing process will begin, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes.
This method allows you to update even when the OTA channel is closed, provided that you download a version newer than the one currently installed. Important to notethat the transition between different types of firmware (for example, from Chinese to Global) through standard Recovery is often blocked by the security system. In such cases, you may need to unlock the bootloader, which will be discussed below.
☑️ Preparing for manual firmware
Unlocking the bootloader and using Fastboot
For a radical update, changing the firmware region or installing custom versions of Android you need unlock the bootloader. This is an official procedure from Xiaomi, but it requires time and linking the device to a Mi account. First you need to go to the settings for developers, activate the item Factory unlocking and link the device to your account. After this, you need to submit an application through a special utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer.
After approval of the application (which can take from 3 to 15 days), you can begin the procedure. Switch your phone to Fastbootmode by holding down the power and volume down buttons, and connect it to the PC. Run the unlock utility, which will erase all data from the device for security. Only after successful unlocking does it become possible to install images via Fastboot, which opens the door for any experiments with the software.
Critical moment here is the choice of the correct firmware version. For Fastboot mode, only archives with the extension .tgzare suitable, which contain scripts for flashing all memory sections. Incorrect choice of region (for example, Global firmware on a device with a Snapdragon processor for the Chinese market) can lead to inoperability of communication modules. Always check device codes before starting the procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader irreversibly erases all data from the internal drive. Make sure that you have saved all important files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting the process.
Installing custom firmware and LineageOS
When official updates from Xiaomi end, the community of enthusiasts continues to support the device by releasing custom firmware based on pure Android or adapted versions of MIUI. For Redmi Note 4 (code name mido) there are many stable builds, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu. These versions are often devoid of pre-installed garbage, work faster and receive security updates much longer than the original.
Installing custom software requires an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery installed, for example TWRP. The process is as follows: a full backup of the current system (Nandroid backup) is made through TWRP, then the Data, Cache and Dalvik partitions are completely cleared (Wipe). After this, through the Install menu, you select the custom firmware archive and, if necessary, the Google Apps package (GApps), if they are not built into the system.
The use of third-party assemblies gives a second life to the old hardware. Memory optimization and power management in custom kernels is often superior to stock solutions. However, you should be prepared for the fact that some functions specific to Xiaomi devices (for example, advanced camera settings or second spaces) may not work correctly or be absent altogether.
What are GApps and why you need them?
Google Apps package (GApps) contains Google Play services, the application store and related libraries. In pure firmware such as LineageOS, they are not included due to licensing restrictions, so they must be installed separately immediately after flashing the system, otherwise the game store will not start.
Comparison of firmware types and compatibility
When choosing an update path, it is important to clearly distinguish between the types of available software. A mistake in your choice may result in your phone turning into a “brick” or losing the ability to make calls. Below is a table that helps you navigate the variety of options for this model.
| Firmware type | File extension | Requires unlocking | Data saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA Update | .zip (incremental) |
No | Yes |
| Recovery ROM | .zip (full) |
No (for the same region) | Yes (usually) |
| Fastboot ROM | .tgz |
Yes (required) | No (full reset) |
| Custom ROM | .zip |
Yes (required) | No (Wipe required) |
Pay attention to the processor architecture. Redmi Note 4 exists in two main variations: on base MediaTek Helio X20 (model for the Chinese market) and Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 (global version and Indian version). The firmware for these processors is completely incompatible with each other. Trying to install an image for Snapdragon on a version with MediaTek is guaranteed to damage the device. Always check the processor model in the section About phone before downloading files.
Use the Device Info HW or CPU-Z application to accurately find out the processor model and device code before downloading the firmware. This will protect you from a fatal incompatibility error.
Possible problems and solutions
During the update process, users may encounter a number of common errors. One of the most common is the message Can't verify update when you try to install Recovery ROM. This means that the file signature does not match the current region or bootloader version. The solution may be to clear the data or use the Fastboot flashing method, which ignores some signature checks when the bootloader is unlocked.
Another problem is the “bootlap” (infinite reboot) after installing custom firmware. This is often due to incorrect partition cleaning or incompatibility of the GApps version with the Android version. In such cases, you need to go into TWRP again, perform a full Wipe (Data formatting) and try to reflash the system again, possibly using a different assembly. It is also worth checking the integrity of the downloaded archive via MD5 sum.
Wi-Fi module malfunctions or Bluetooth after the update often indicates damage to the partition persist or incompatibility of the kernel with the modem. In this case, flashing the stock image of the modem or restoring the persist section from a backup copy, if it was made in advance, helps. If the problem persists, you may need to roll back to a previous stable version of the software.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery menu interfaces and function sets in firmware utilities may differ depending on the MIUI version and recovery type. Always check the latest screenshots and instructions for a specific software version on the relevant forums before proceeding.
Most firmware errors occur due to inattention when selecting a file for a specific modification of the processor or region. A thorough check of the device code is the key to success.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Redmi Note 4 to Android 12 or 13 officially?
Xiaomi has officially stopped supporting this model on versions of Android 7 (Nougat) for the global version and Android 8 (Oreo) for some Chinese versions in the MIUI shell. Obtaining more recent versions of Android is only possible through installing custom firmware, such as LineageOS 19 or 20, which are based on new versions of the system.
What to do if the phone is locked after an unsuccessful firmware?
If the device only boots into Fastboot mode, you can try to flash the stock firmware via Mi Flash Tool in Clean mode All. If the phone does not respond to buttons (Hard Brick), you will need to disassemble the case and short-circuit the test points on the board to enter EDL mode, after which firmware can only be updated through an authorized Mi account in special service software.
Will the information be erased when updating via OTA?
No, over-the-air (OTA) update and installation Full firmware updates via standard Recovery (without unlocking the bootloader and changing the region) occur without loss of user data. However, creating a backup copy is always recommended as a precaution in case of unexpected power failures or recording errors.
What is the difference between the Global and China version of the firmware?
The Global version has built-in Google services, support for multiple languages, including Russian, and is tuned to communication frequencies used in Europe and Asia. The Chinese version (China) does not have Google services out of the box, contains a lot of Chinese software and may not support some 4G frequencies used in other countries, which degrades the quality of communication.