Xiaomi is yet to announce Android 7.0 Nougat update for the Mi4 while its users can already enjoy Android 7.1, thanks to the release of CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM by the industrious Android custom ROM developers. The CyanogenMod ROM is based on the stock Android 7.1 firmware and hence it gives the original feel and look of the Nougat update without the hassles of installing bloatware.
Although a stable build of CyanogenMod ROM for Android Nougat still seems elusive, the current nightly builds of CM are regularly updated to ensure bug-free software for the end users when the final release eventually comes out.
Consequently, the CyanogenMod Nightly builds will become much more stable and versatile than the OEM released stock ROMs. Interested users can go ahead and root their devices with CWM or TWRP recovery installed, before flashing the custom ROM package, using the zip file provided in the download link below.
Downloads Required
CyanogenMod 14.1 Nougat ROM for Xiaomi Mi4
Google Apps for Android 7.1 Nougat
Prerequisites
- Ensure that you have a computer and the original USB cable handy with you.
- Verify that USB debugging is enabled on your Mi4 by navigating to menu > Settings > developer options. To enable Developer Options, go to menu > Settings > About Phone and repeatedly tap on the build number until the "you are now a developer" message appears on the screen.
- Make sure that your phone has at least 80% battery charge, before you proceed with the CM14.1 ROM installation on your Xioami Mi4.
- The instructions provided in this guide are limited to the Mi4 model. Do not attempt this procedure on any other phone as it will result in bricking or causing permanent damage to the device.
How to install Android 7.1 Nougat on Xiaomi Mi4 using CM14.1 ROM
- Download the necessary CM14.1 firmware and Google Apps zip files to the computer, using the download links provided. Save the files to a safe location such as the desktop on the computer.
- Connect your Xiaomi Mi4 to the computer via USB cable and transfer the files to the internal storage of your handset.
- Now remove the USB cable from the computer and turn off the phone.
- Boot the Mi4 to recovery mode and perform Wipe Data Factory Reset, Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache.
- Wait until the wipe process completes and then return to the main recovery menu.
- Browse and select the firmware file by tapping on Install zip from SD card and then selecting Choose zip from SD card.
- Go ahead and install the Android 7.1 Nougat update and then repeat the previous step for installing Google Apps as well.
- Wait until both the packages are installed successfully and then hit "Reboot System Now" button.
That's it. Your Xiaomi Mi4 is now running the latest Android 7.1 update via CyanogenMod 14.1 ROM.