Xiaomi Mi 3 /Mi 4 (cancro) Firmware Flash File Download [Stock ROM]
Xiaomi Mi 3/Mi 4 (codename cancro) represents one of Xiaomi’s most iconic device families, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 800/801 processors, premium design, and exceptional build quality that established Xiaomi as a flagship competitor. If your classic device is experiencing performance issues, battery degradation, or software instability, flashing the correct stock firmware can help restore its original capabilities. This page provides official fastboot ROMs for both Chinese and Global variants, a optimized Xiaomi.eu ROM, and the latest TWRP recovery.
Important Note: The “cancro” codename covers both Mi 3 and Mi 4 devices, which share similar internal hardware but different designs. The Mi 3 has a plastic body while Mi 4 features metal framing. Their firmware is compatible but always confirm your specific device model before flashing.
Quick Device Specs
- Devices: Mi 3 (TD/WCDMA), Mi 4 (LTE/WCDMA)
- Release year: 2013 (Mi 3), 2014 (Mi 4)
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (Mi 3)/801 (Mi 4)
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD, 1080p (441 PPI)
- Battery: 3050/3080 mAh (Non-removable)
- Key Feature: Flagship performance, premium materials
- Camera: 13MP Sony IMX214 (Mi 4), 13MP (Mi 3)
- Original OS: Android 4.4, MIUI V5
- Final Official MIUI: MIUI 10 (Android 6.0 Marshmallow)
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Qualcomm QDLoader Drivers | Download Drivers (For EDL mode) |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page (Mandatory) |
| ADB and Fastboot Tools | Download from Google |
Fastboot ROMs & Tools
| Type | Build / Version | Android | Release Date | Download | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Stable (CN) | V10.1.1.0.MXDCNFI | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | 2018-10-10 | Download | ~1.4 GB |
| Global Stable | V9.5.7.0.MXDMIFA | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | 2018-08-15 | Download | ~1.3 GB |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V9.5.1.0.MXDCNFA | 6.0 (Marshmallow) | — | Download | ~900 MB |
| TWRP Recovery (Official) | 3.7.0_9-0 | — | — | Download | ~18 MB |
How to Flash via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
- Unlock your bootloader using the official Mi Unlock tool. This is a mandatory first step.
- Extract the downloaded .tgz firmware file to a folder on your PC.
- Open Mi Flash Tool. Click Select and choose the extracted ROM folder.
- With your phone powered off, boot into Fastboot mode (Hold Volume Down + Power). Connect it to the PC.
- In Mi Flash Tool, choose the clean all option. Avoid “clean all and lock” unless you are absolutely certain you are flashing the correct stock ROM for your device’s original region.
- Click Flash and wait for the process to complete. The first boot may take 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the difference between Mi 3 and Mi 4 under the cancro codename?
While sharing the same firmware base, key differences include:
- Design: Mi 3 has plastic body, Mi 4 has metal frame
- Chipset: Mi 3 uses Snapdragon 800, Mi 4 uses Snapdragon 801
- Camera: Mi 4 has better Sony IMX214 sensor
- Connectivity: Mi 4 adds LTE support in some variants
- Build quality: Mi 4 features more premium materials
Their firmware compatibility makes them unique in Xiaomi’s lineup.
Q2. Why is my device still performing well despite its age?
The Snapdragon 800/801 were groundbreaking flagship processors that:
- Were significantly overpowered for their time
- Featured advanced 28nm Krait 400 cores
- Included Adreno 330 GPU that still handles basic tasks well
- Have excellent thermal management compared to later chips
This hardware quality is why these devices remain usable today for basic tasks.
Q3. Can I upgrade to newer Android versions on my Mi 3/Mi 4?
Yes! The Snapdragon 800/801 have exceptional custom ROM support:
- LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) – Most stable
- LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1)
- Some Android 9.0 and 10.0 builds through dedicated projects
These provide significantly better security and modern features while maintaining good performance.
Q4. Why is my battery life still decent compared to newer phones?
Several factors contribute to the enduring battery life:
- Lower resolution display (1080p vs higher modern resolutions)
- Efficient chipset manufacturing process
- Less background activity from older Android version
- Smaller display size (5.0″)
- Generally better battery quality from the era
A new battery replacement can often restore near-original battery life.
Troubleshooting (Cancro-Specific)
- “Antirollback check error” in Mi Flash Tool: The device has Anti-Rollback (ARB) protection. You cannot flash older ROM versions. Check your current ARB version with
fastboot getvar antiand ensure you’re flashing a ROM with the same or higher version number. - Device not detected in Fastboot mode: This is usually a driver issue. Install the latest ADB/fastboot drivers and try a different USB cable and port (preferably USB 2.0). Check device detection with
fastboot devicesin the command prompt. - Phone boots directly to Fastboot mode: This indicates a corrupted
boot.imgor system partition. Flash the complete stock ROM using the “clean all” option in Mi Flash Tool to restore all partitions. - Camera focus issues: The Mi 4’s Sony IMX214 sensor may develop focus problems. Clean the camera lens, check for software updates, and test in third-party camera apps. A clean flash can resolve software-related camera issues.
- Wi-Fi connectivity problems: This can be caused by a corrupted
persistpartition. Flashing the stock ROM usually restores this partition. If not, the issue may be a failing Wi-Fi chip. - Performance optimization: For best performance, consider: 1) Clean flash, 2) Battery replacement if old, 3) Using lightweight apps, 4) Installing custom ROM for better memory management.
