Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in 2020, still remains a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, over time, standard versions of software no longer receive the latest security patches and new features. Users often wonder how to extend the life of their gadget and install the latest version, be it the latest available one or a new shell. The firmware update process can take place in two ways: automatically through the system settings or manually using a computer and special utilities. The method you choose depends on whether your device's bootloader is locked and whether official firmware is currently available for your model. It is important to understand that Android, be it the last one available MIUI or new shell HyperOS.
The firmware update process can take place in two ways: automatically through the system settings or manually using a computer and special utilities. The method you choose depends on whether your device's bootloader is locked and whether official firmware is currently available for your model. It is important to understand that software update is a critical operation that requires care and preparation.
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that you understand the risks. Incorrect installation can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, to turning your smartphone into a brick. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the procedure, from backup to final setup, so that you can safely upgrade your device. Preparing the device and backing up data. Any tampering with system files carries a potential risk of information loss. Even if you plan to update over the air (OTA), it is highly recommended that you create a complete copy of your important data. This applies to contacts, photos, correspondence in instant messengers and installed applications. Redmi Note 9 Pro.
Preparing your device and backing up your data
Any tampering with system files carries a potential risk of information loss. Even if you plan to update over the air (OTA), it is highly recommended that you create a complete copy of your important data. This applies to contacts, photos, instant messenger conversations and installed applications.
The easiest way to save information is to use cloud services. For account owners Google synchronization via Settings → Google → Backupis ideal. Make sure that the switches next to the required items are active and the last copy was created recently.
If the amount of data is large or the Internet speed is unstable, it is better to use local copying to a computer or external storage device. Connect your smartphone to your PC via a USB cable, select the file transfer mode and copy the folders DCIM, Download and Documents to your hard drive.
Messenger data deserves special attention. B WhatsApp and Telegram backup settings are located inside the applications themselves. Do not rely only on the system copy, as when resetting the settings, the correspondence history may be lost forever.
- 📸 Take photos of important screen and application settings to quickly restore them after the firmware.
- 🔋 Charge the device battery to at least 60-70% so that the process is not interrupted due to discharge.
- 💾 Free up at least 5-8 GB of internal memory to accommodate the new firmware files.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to switch from the global version of the firmware to the Chinese one (or vice versa), the backup will definitely lead to the complete deletion of all data from the device.
Checking for available updates via OTA
The first and most secure way to update Redmi Note 9 Pro is to use the built-in update mechanism. The system itself checks the servers Xiaomi for the presence of new versions suitable for your region and model. This method is ideal for those who do not want to take risks and are willing to wait for the official release.
To start the scan, go to menu Settings → About phone. At the top of the screen you will see the current version logo MIUI or HyperOS. Click on it and the system will start searching for updates. If a new version is found, a download button will appear.
Sometimes it happens that an update is available, but no notification is received. In this case, you can click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the firmware selection screen and select "Download the latest version." This will forcefully activate the search on the server.
After downloading a file several gigabytes in size, the system will prompt you to reboot. The phone will turn off, install new files and turn on with the updated version Android. The whole process can take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the speed of the device memory.
Manual installation of firmware via Recovery
If automatic updating does not work or you want to install a specific version of the software that the system does not offer, you can use the manual installation method. To do this, you will need to download the archive with the firmware in the format .zip from the official website or trusted resources.
It is important to download the firmware specifically for your model. For Redmi Note 9 Pro the code name is curtana (for the global version) or joyeuse (for the Indian version). Using firmware from another model is guaranteed to damage the device.
The downloaded file must be renamed to update.zip and placed in the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Next, go to the "Explorer" application, find this file, click on the three dots and select "System Update". The phone will automatically enter recovery mode and begin installation.
If the system gives an error when you try to install, you may be trying to downgrade to an older version or change the region. In such cases, complete data clearing is required, which is performed through the mode Recovery.
☑️ Preparation for manual installation
Firmware via Fastboot mode and Mi Flash Tool
The most radical and effective method is to use the Fastbootmode. This method allows you to completely repartition the memory partitions and install a “clean” system. It is necessary if the phone is in a reboot cycle or if you want to change the firmware region.
To work with this method, you will need a computer with OS Windows, installed drivers Xiaomi USB Drivers and utility Mi Flash Tool. It is also critical that your bootloader is unlocked. Without this step, installation via Fastboot is impossible. Redmi Note 9 Pro was unlocked. Without this step, installation via Fastboot is not possible.
The process begins by putting the smartphone into download mode. Turn off your phone, then hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. When a hare wearing earflaps appears on the screen, connect the cable to the PC. In the device manager, the phone should be identified as Android Bootloader Interface.
Run Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the unpacked firmware (important: the path should not contain Cyrillic or spaces). At the bottom of the window, select the mode clean allto avoid compatibility errors, and click the button Flash.
| Firmware mode | Need to unlock | Save data | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (over the air) | Not required | Stored | Low |
| Recovery (manual) | Not required | Keeped (usually) | Medium |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash) | Required | Deleted completely | High |
⚠️ Attention: When using command
clean all and lockin Mi Flash Tool the bootloader will be locked back. If you install firmware from another region with a locked bootloader, the phone will turn into a “brick.”
Solving common problems when updating
During the update process, users often encounter errors that can stop the procedure. One of the most common problems is the message "Failed to check for update." This is usually due to an unstable Internet connection or overloaded servers Xiaomi.
If an error occurs during manual installation via Recovery, check the checksum of the downloaded file. A damaged archive will not be able to be unpacked. Also make sure that you are not trying to install a version of Android lower than the one already installed on the device (rollback protection).
Sometimes after a successful installation, the phone takes a long time to boot, showing the logo MIUI. This is normal for the first launch after a system update, as applications are being optimized. The process may take up to 10-15 minutes.
If the device is stuck at the logo for more than 20 minutes, try performing a hard reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to enter Recovery mode and reset to factory settings.
What to do if the phone went into Bootloop?
If the phone reboots cyclically, go to Recovery (Volume up + Power). Select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will delete all files, but will restore system functionality.
The transition to HyperOS and features of the new shell
The company Xiaomi is gradually replacing the shell MIUI with a new platform HyperOSbased on more recent versions Android. For Redmi Note 9 Pro This transition may be the last major update, since the device is no longer a flagship.
The new system features an optimized core, which can have a positive effect on the autonomy and smooth operation of the old hardware. However, the interface has undergone changes: the icons, settings menu and animations have changed. You need to be prepared for this.
Before installation HyperOS it is recommended to clear the cache of all applications to avoid conflicts between old data and the new system. It is also worth checking the compatibility of critical banking applications, as new security requirements may limit their operation on older versions of Android.
Users note that after switching to HyperOS devices of the series curtana there may be a temporary decrease in performance in the first days of use. This is due to background indexing of files and training of the system's neural networks.
After a major system update, go to the battery settings and let the phone work for a couple of hours without load. This will help the system correctly calibrate energy consumption.
The transition to a new shell requires a mandatory backup, since the structure of system files in HyperOS is different from MIUI.
Is it possible to update Redmi Note 9 Pro to Android 14 officially?
Currently official support Redmi Note 9 Pro by Xiaomi is limited to Android 13 version within the HyperOS shell. Getting Android 14 is only possible through installing custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and is fraught with risks.
How long does it take to unlock the bootloader?
After submitting an application in the Mi Unlock application, you must wait from 7 to 15 days. This is a mandatory security measure for Xiaomi. It is officially impossible to speed up this process.
Will the warranty expire after updating the firmware?
Updating through official methods (OTA, Recovery) does not void the warranty. However, unlocking the bootloader and installing firmware via Fastboot officially voids the warranty obligations of service centers.
What to do if after the update the phone quickly discharges?
In the first 2-3 days this is normal system behavior. If the problem persists longer, try a factory reset or check which application is consuming the most power in the battery statistics.
⚠️ Note: The interface and available features may vary slightly depending on the firmware region (Global, EEA, Russia, India). Always check the device model with the firmware code before installation.