Let's take a journey deep into the history books to look at the devices that built Xiaomi's reputation: the legendary Mi 3 (2013) and Mi 4 (2014). These foundational flagships, which share the codename `cancro`, were powered by top-tier Snapdragon 800-series processors and offered performance that challenged the very best in the world. For the original tech enthusiasts in places like Lagos, importing a Mi 4 with its beautiful stainless steel frame was a sign that you were a true connoisseur.
In 2025, these devices are true antiques. Their official software journey ended on Android 6.0, but a major split occurred: the Chinese version received a final, modern update to MIUI 10, while the Global version was left on MIUI 9. This guide is a restoration manual for collectors and hobbyists, showing how to install the superior MIUI 10 experience on this classic hardware and keep its legacy alive.
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 3 / Mi 4
For a vintage classic like `cancro`, flashing is about restoration and preservation.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: cancro)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware for your region, or the recommended Xiaomi.eu ROM for the MIUI 10 upgrade.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Upgrading to MIUI 10 (Fastboot Mode)
This is the best way for any Global Mi 3/Mi 4 user to get the final, most modern official UI.
Method 2: Restoring Your Official Global ROM
Use this method to return your phone to its original Global software (MIUI 9.5).
FAQs
Q1: Why do the Mi 3 and Mi 4 have the same codename?
They were built on the same core platform with a very similar motherboard layout and used slightly different versions of the same Snapdragon 800 processor family. For software development, it was efficient for Xiaomi to maintain a single software branch (`cancro`) for both devices.
Q2: Were these phones actually seen?
Only by the true OGs of the tech scene. Back in 2014, if you saw someone with a Mi 4 and its shiny, perfectly machined steel frame, you knew you were looking at a serious connoisseur, someone who knew how to import the best technology before anyone else.
Q3: Is it really worth upgrading from MIUI 9 to MIUI 10?
Yes. MIUI 10 was a massive visual redesign focused on a "full-screen" experience, even on older 16:9 phones. It brought a new recent apps screen, new volume controls, and a much more modern aesthetic. It's a significant upgrade that makes the phone feel much newer.
Q4: Can I get modern Android on my Mi 3/Mi 4?
Not officially. But the `cancro` has one of the most legendary and long-lasting custom ROM communities ever. You can find unofficial builds of many newer Android versions on forums like XDA. This is the only safe way to use this classic hardware online.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
In 2025, these devices are true antiques. Their official software journey ended on Android 6.0, but a major split occurred: the Chinese version received a final, modern update to MIUI 10, while the Global version was left on MIUI 9. This guide is a restoration manual for collectors and hobbyists, showing how to install the superior MIUI 10 experience on this classic hardware and keep its legacy alive.
- ✔ A tribute to the foundational flagships that made Xiaomi a global name
- ✔ An explanation of why the Mi 3 and Mi 4 share a codename
- ✔ A guide to upgrading your Global Mi 4 to the superior MIUI 10
- ✔ All the essential tools and drivers to revive these vintage devices
- ✔ Device-specific troubleshooting, including advanced partitioning issues
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 3 / Mi 4
For a vintage classic like `cancro`, flashing is about restoration and preservation.
- Upgrade Your Global Device to MIUI 10 → This is the #1 reason to flash. The update brings a completely redesigned, full-screen user interface and new features that make the phone feel much more modern than MIUI 9.
- Unlock Its Legendary Custom ROM Potential → The `cancro` has one of the most dedicated custom ROM communities ever. Flashing the latest stock firmware is the essential first step before installing a modern, more secure version of Android.
- Unbrick a Bricked or Bootlooping Device → The definitive guide to recovering a Mi 3 or Mi 4 that is stuck on the Mi logo or fails to boot.
- Restore a Piece of Xiaomi History → Perform a clean flash to bring this iconic phone back to its original factory software state for a collection.
- Fix Lingering Bugs → Resolve any final issues from the last official Global MIUI 9 build with a fresh installation.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: cancro)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 3 / Xiaomi Mi 4
- Release Year: 2013 / 2014
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 / 801
- Display: 5.0” FHD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: Foundational flagships, premium builds (stainless steel frame on Mi 4), shared `cancro` codename
- OS at Launch: MIUI 5 on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
- Final Official OS: MIUI 9 (Global) / MIUI 10 (China) on Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Codename: cancro
HISTORICAL NOTE & WARNING: The Mi 3 and Mi 4 share the codename `cancro` and use the same firmware. These devices are over a decade old, and their software is critically insecure. Do not use for any online activity involving personal data. This guide is for restoration and enthusiast purposes only.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware for your region, or the recommended Xiaomi.eu ROM for the MIUI 10 upgrade.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing official Fastboot ROMs. An older version is recommended. | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC can communicate with your phone. | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the bootloader. | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | The gateway to all custom ROMs. | Official TWRP for Cancro |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | Official MIUI 10.1 (Android 6.0) | V10.1.1.0.MXDCNFI |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 9.5 (Android 6.0) | V9.5.7.0.MXDMIFA |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Based on older MIUI 9.5 build | V9.5.1.0.MXDCNFA |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Upgrading to MIUI 10 (Fastboot Mode)
This is the best way for any Global Mi 3/Mi 4 user to get the final, most modern official UI.
- Unlock Bootloader: Ensure your bootloader is unlocked using the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the China MIUI 10 `.tgz` Fastboot ROM twice until you have a folder with an `images` directory.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. For best results with a device this old, an older version of Mi Flash Tool (from 2017-2018) is recommended.
- Connect Device & Flash: Connect your phone, click "refresh", ensure "clean all" is selected, and click "flash".
Method 2: Restoring Your Official Global ROM
Use this method to return your phone to its original Global software (MIUI 9.5).
- Follow the exact same steps as Method 1, but use the downloaded Global MIUI 9.5 `.tgz` file instead of the China ROM.
FAQs
Q1: Why do the Mi 3 and Mi 4 have the same codename?
They were built on the same core platform with a very similar motherboard layout and used slightly different versions of the same Snapdragon 800 processor family. For software development, it was efficient for Xiaomi to maintain a single software branch (`cancro`) for both devices.
Q2: Were these phones actually seen?
Only by the true OGs of the tech scene. Back in 2014, if you saw someone with a Mi 4 and its shiny, perfectly machined steel frame, you knew you were looking at a serious connoisseur, someone who knew how to import the best technology before anyone else.
Q3: Is it really worth upgrading from MIUI 9 to MIUI 10?
Yes. MIUI 10 was a massive visual redesign focused on a "full-screen" experience, even on older 16:9 phones. It brought a new recent apps screen, new volume controls, and a much more modern aesthetic. It's a significant upgrade that makes the phone feel much newer.
Q4: Can I get modern Android on my Mi 3/Mi 4?
Not officially. But the `cancro` has one of the most legendary and long-lasting custom ROM communities ever. You can find unofficial builds of many newer Android versions on forums like XDA. This is the only safe way to use this classic hardware online.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Partition Size Errors when Flashing Custom ROMs: This is the #1 advanced issue for `cancro`. Its original partition layout is too small for modern Android ROMs. Before flashing a recent custom ROM, you must flash a special "re-partition" script in TWRP that resizes your system partition to make space. You can find these scripts on the XDA-Developers forum for the Mi 4.
- Dead Hard Brick (EDL Mode): The Mi 4 was notorious for this. If the phone is completely dead and shows as "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008", it's in EDL mode. Recovery is possible but very advanced, requiring specific "firehose" files and sometimes a "deep flash cable" or "test point" method on the motherboard.
- "Can't read from port" or flash fails at 2s: A classic error for these older flagships. It's almost always a driver issue on modern PCs. Reinstall drivers, restart your PC, use a USB 2.0 port, and run an older version of Mi Flash Tool from 2016-2017 for best compatibility.
- Bootloop after flashing a new ROM: You must format data in TWRP before flashing, especially when moving between major Android versions or from MIUI to AOSP. Go to Wipe -> Format Data, type "yes", and then flash your ROM.