Let's celebrate a true legend of the compact phone world: the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime (codename `markw`). Released in 2016, this was the undisputed "Compact Powerhouse" of its time. While it looked similar to the standard Redmi 4, the `markw` was the top-tier version, packing a sharp Full HD display and the legendary Snapdragon 625 processor into its 5-inch metal frame. In markets like Nigeria, it was the "oga" of small phones—the one to get if you wanted the best performance and a crystal-clear screen.
In 2025, the Redmi 4 Prime is a beloved vintage classic. Its official software support ended years ago with MIUI 10, based on the ancient Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This guide is for the enthusiasts who cherish this perfectly balanced device. A clean firmware flash is the best way to restore its incredible battery life and performance, and it's the essential first step to unlocking its incredible second life with modern custom ROMs.
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi 4 Prime
For a classic like `markw`, flashing is about optimization and unlocking its full potential.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: markw)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware to serve as your recovery tool and the stable base for all future customization.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 10 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the universal unbricking tool and the foundational first step for all `markw` owners.
➡ Your phone will reboot into a perfectly clean, official MIUI 10 system.
Method 2: Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
This is the gateway to the `markw`'s amazing second life with modern, lightweight Android.
➡ With a modern TWRP installed, you can now explore the huge library of custom ROMs on forums like XDA and bring modern, secure Android to your classic device.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know for sure if I have the Prime `markw` or the standard `prada`?
The easiest way to check is the screen resolution in Settings > About phone. The Prime (`markw`) has a Full HD (1920x1080) display and a Snapdragon 625 CPU. The standard `prada` has an HD (1280x720) display and a Snapdragon 430 CPU.
Q2: Why was the `markw` considered the 'oga' of compact phones in Nigeria?
Because it had no compromises. It was small and tough with a metal body, but it also had a very sharp 1080p screen and a powerful, smooth processor (the Snapdragon 625) that didn't drain the massive battery. It was the complete package for a very good price if you knew which one to buy.
Q3: Is the Redmi 4 Prime safe to use in 2025?
On its stock software, no. It is very insecure. However, its huge custom ROM community means you can install modern, patched versions of Android. With a recent custom ROM, it can be made much safer for light, modern use.
Q4: Can I get newer Android versions on this phone?
Not officially. But the `markw` has a fantastic and long-lasting custom ROM community. You can find many unofficial builds of newer Android versions, which is the best way to keep this amazing hardware running.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
In 2025, the Redmi 4 Prime is a beloved vintage classic. Its official software support ended years ago with MIUI 10, based on the ancient Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This guide is for the enthusiasts who cherish this perfectly balanced device. A clean firmware flash is the best way to restore its incredible battery life and performance, and it's the essential first step to unlocking its incredible second life with modern custom ROMs.
- ✔ A definitive guide for the powerful Redmi 4 Prime (`markw`) variant
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 10 (Android 6.0) firmware
- ✔ A path to a new life for your `markw` through its massive custom ROM scene
- ✔ A modern, up-to-date TWRP custom recovery and all essential tools
- ✔ Device-specific troubleshooting for common `markw` issues
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi 4 Prime
For a classic like `markw`, flashing is about optimization and unlocking its full potential.
- Unlock Its Massive Custom ROM Potential (Primary Reason) → This is the best reason to own a `markw` today. Its huge developer community has kept it alive with modern, secure versions of Android. Flashing the latest stock firmware is the crucial first step.
- Unbrick a Bricked Device → The universal recovery tool for a phone beloved by tinkerers. If your phone is stuck in a bootloop or dead, this is your first step.
- Restore Its Legendary Battery Life → A clean flash is the best way to optimize the Snapdragon 625 and 4100 mAh battery combination for maximum, multi-day endurance.
- Fix Lag and Slowness in MIUI 10 → A clean installation will make the final official software run as smoothly as its classic hardware will allow.
- Install a Clean, Ad-Free MIUI (Xiaomi.eu) → The best choice for a pure MIUI experience without the bloatware.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: markw)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime / Pro
- Release Year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- Display: 5.0” Full HD (1080p) IPS LCD
- Battery: 4100 mAh
- Key Feature: The most powerful version of the Redmi 4 series, massive custom ROM support
- OS at Launch: MIUI 8 on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
- Final Official OS: MIUI 10.2 on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow (End of Life)
- Codename: markw
CRITICAL WARNING: This firmware is ONLY for the Redmi 4 Prime/Pro (`markw`). It is NOT for the standard Redmi 4 (`prada`). Check your screen resolution (FHD) and CPU (Snapdragon 625) to confirm your model. Due to its ancient Android 6.0 software, this phone is not secure for online use without a modern custom ROM.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware to serve as your recovery tool and the stable base for all future customization.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | For flashing official Fastboot ROMs. | 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) | Recommended: A modern, up-to-date build. | TWRP 3.7.1 for Markw (2025 Build) |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | Official MIUI 10.2 (Android 6.0) | V10.2.2.0.MBECNXM |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 10.2 (Android 6.0) | V10.2.2.0.MBEMIXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Clean MIUI 10.2 (Android 6.0) | V10.2.1.0.MBECNXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Official MIUI 10 Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
This is the universal unbricking tool and the foundational first step for all `markw` owners.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your device's bootloader must be unlocked. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase your data.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Redmi 4 Prime. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded `.tgz` Fastboot ROM twice until you have a folder with an `images` directory.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. Click "select" and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect Device & Flash: Connect your phone to the PC, click "refresh", ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom, and click "flash".
➡ Your phone will reboot into a perfectly clean, official MIUI 10 system.
Method 2: Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP)
This is the gateway to the `markw`'s amazing second life with modern, lightweight Android.
- Unlock Bootloader: Ensure your bootloader is unlocked.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off the phone and boot into Fastboot by holding Power + Volume Down.
- Flash TWRP: Download the new TWRP `.img` file. Flash it using the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.1-12-1-markw-by-SonicBSV-04-02-2025.img - Boot into Recovery: After flashing, hold Power + Volume Up while the phone reboots to enter the newly installed TWRP.
➡ With a modern TWRP installed, you can now explore the huge library of custom ROMs on forums like XDA and bring modern, secure Android to your classic device.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know for sure if I have the Prime `markw` or the standard `prada`?
The easiest way to check is the screen resolution in Settings > About phone. The Prime (`markw`) has a Full HD (1920x1080) display and a Snapdragon 625 CPU. The standard `prada` has an HD (1280x720) display and a Snapdragon 430 CPU.
Q2: Why was the `markw` considered the 'oga' of compact phones in Nigeria?
Because it had no compromises. It was small and tough with a metal body, but it also had a very sharp 1080p screen and a powerful, smooth processor (the Snapdragon 625) that didn't drain the massive battery. It was the complete package for a very good price if you knew which one to buy.
Q3: Is the Redmi 4 Prime safe to use in 2025?
On its stock software, no. It is very insecure. However, its huge custom ROM community means you can install modern, patched versions of Android. With a recent custom ROM, it can be made much safer for light, modern use.
Q4: Can I get newer Android versions on this phone?
Not officially. But the `markw` has a fantastic and long-lasting custom ROM community. You can find many unofficial builds of newer Android versions, which is the best way to keep this amazing hardware running.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Fingerprint Sensor Not Working on Custom ROMs: This is a classic `markw` issue. Some custom ROMs (especially AOSP-based ones) require a specific firmware base. If your fingerprint sensor isn't detected after flashing a custom ROM, the fix is to first flash the latest official MIUI 10 ROM using Method 1. This installs the necessary proprietary files. Then, you can re-flash your custom ROM.
- Dead Hard Brick (EDL Mode): If your phone is completely dead and only shows up as "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008", it is in EDL mode. Recovery from this state is possible but advanced. It requires specific tools like QFIL and a special "firehose" file, or using a "deep flash cable" to force the phone into this mode for unbricking.
- Mi Flash Tool "sahara" or "xbl" error: This is a common error on very old Qualcomm devices. It can indicate a bad USB connection, but after many years, it can also point to a hardware failure of the eMMC (internal storage) chip.
- Camera Quality seems lower on custom ROMs: The stock MIUI camera app contains Xiaomi's specific image processing algorithms. While Google Camera (GCam) ports for `markw` are excellent, some users prefer the simplicity of the stock camera. Flashing the official ROM is the only way to get that original camera experience.