The Xiaomi Mi 4s (codename aqua), launched in 2016, was a beautifully crafted compact smartphone that served as a premium refinement of the Mi 4 series. It featured a stylish glass and metal sandwich design, a fast rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a powerful hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. Unlike its predecessor the Mi 4c, the Mi 4s also brought back the highly requested microSD card slot for expandable storage. As this device was sold exclusively in the Chinese market, it never received an official Global ROM. For international users or those needing to restore their phone, this page provides the official China Fastboot ROM, the essential Xiaomi.eu ROM, and the TWRP custom recovery needed to install it.
Important: You must verify your device is a Mi 4s (aqua). This firmware is not compatible with the Mi 4c (libra) or the later Mi 5 (gemini). Flashing the wrong firmware will hard brick your phone.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi 4s (aqua)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 3260 mAh, 18W fast charging
- Original MIUI: Android 5.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 7
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V10.1.1.0.NAJCNFI | 7.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | aqua |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V10.1.1.0.NAJCNFI (Based) | 7.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | aqua |
| TWRP (Custom Recovery) | 3.1.0-0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | aqua |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
This is a quick checklist for this device. For a complete tutorial on installing drivers, unlocking the bootloader, and troubleshooting, please read our master guide:
Read Our Ultimate Guide to Mi Flash Tool
Use this method to restore your phone to the official China MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Xiaomi.eu ROM
Use this method to get a multilingual experience with Google Apps.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s basic stock recovery. It is the essential tool needed to install, or “flash,” custom software like the Xiaomi.eu ROM (.zip file), and perform other advanced tasks like rooting.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash TWRP:
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools, flash the downloaded twrp_aqua_3.1.0-0_miui-hellas.img file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_aqua_3.1.0-0_miui-hellas.img
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Xiaomi.eu ROM:
- In TWRP, it’s recommended to first perform a Factory Reset via the “Wipe” menu.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone’s storage.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Mi 4s (aqua)
The Mi 4s is a classic device with some known characteristics. Review these points before flashing.
- Hard Brick Recovery (EDL Mode): If your Mi 4s becomes completely unresponsive after a failed flash, the primary recovery method is EDL Mode (Qualcomm 9008). This requires opening the phone and shorting two specific test points on the motherboard while connecting to a PC, which forces Mi Flash Tool to detect it for a low-level flash.
- Removing “Fake” Global ROMs: The Mi 4s was only sold in China. If your phone has Google Play Store installed but is not running a known custom ROM like Xiaomi.eu, it is likely an unstable, unofficial “vendor ROM.” Flashing the official China ROM or Xiaomi.eu ROM is the only way to get a clean and secure system.
- Overheating: The Snapdragon 808 processor is powerful but known to run hot, especially during intensive tasks like gaming. It is normal for the phone’s metal frame to get warm. If it becomes excessively hot, close demanding apps and let it cool down.
- Average Battery Life: Due to the powerful-but-less-efficient Snapdragon 808 and a modest 3260 mAh battery, the Mi 4s is not an endurance champion. To maximize battery life, keep screen brightness down and manage background apps.
FAQs
Q1. Is there an official Global ROM for the Mi 4s? No. The Mi 4s was sold exclusively in Mainland China. The best way for international users to get a multilingual experience with Google Play Services is to unlock the bootloader and install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM.
Q2. What’s the difference between the Mi 4s (aqua) and the Mi 4c (libra)? The Mi 4s is the more premium version. It has a metal and glass design, a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a microSD card slot. The Mi 4c has an all-plastic body and lacks both a fingerprint scanner and a microSD slot.
Q3. What was the final official update for the Mi 4s? The Mi 4s launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop and received its final major OS upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat. The MIUI 10 build provided on this page is the last official software update for this model.
