Smartphone owners Xiaomi Redmi 9T often wonder about improving the performance and security of their device by installing the latest version of the operating system. The transition to Android 12 MIUI 13 brings not only visual changes, but also significant battery optimizations, as well as new privacy features. For this device, updating is a natural stage of the life cycle, allowing you to extend the relevance of the gadget.
However, the firmware process requires care and adherence to certain rules in order to avoid unexpected failures. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available legal methods for installing new firmware, explain the nuances of data preparation and answer frequently asked questions from users. The correct approach guarantees a successful installation without losing important information.
Preparing the device for installing a new software version
Before starting any manipulations with the system partition, it is critical to create a complete backup copy of all user data. Although standard update tools usually save files, there is always a risk of information loss due to power failures or write errors. Use a cloud service Google Drive or a built-in application Mi Cloud to synchronize contacts, photos and notes.
Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%, and it is better to connect your smartphone to the network throughout the entire process. Updating the system is a processor-intensive task, and a sudden power outage can damage the bootloader. Also check the availability of free space in the internal memory; downloading and unpacking update packages may require 3 to 5 GB of free space.
⚠️ Attention: If your device was previously unlocked to root or install a custom recovery, the standard OTA update may not install or may result in a cyclic reboot. In such cases, a complete reset or manual flashing is required.
It is recommended to remove third-party launchers and antiviruses during the update, as they may conflict with system processes while overwriting files. This is a simple step that is often ignored, but it helps to avoid freezes at the application optimization stage after the first start.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Checking update availability through settings
The easiest and safest method of getting a new version of Android is to use the built-in update center. The system itself checks the manufacturer's servers for the availability of a suitable package for your specific model and region. Go to the menu Settings, select item About phone and click on the large icon with the MIUI version.
If an update is available, you will see a button Download and install. In some cases, the system may offer a choice between a stable version and a beta version. For the average user, you should always choose the stable branch as it is fully tested and free of critical bugs. The download process may take time depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
Sometimes automatic notification does not arrive immediately after the release of the firmware for your region. This is a normal practice for phased deployment, allowing developers to monitor stability on small groups of devices before mass distribution. In this case, you can use the function Three dots in the corner of the update screen and select Check for updates manually.
If the update is not found automatically, try changing the region in the phone settings to "India" or "Global", check for an update, and then return your region. Firmware often arrives in different countries at different times.
Manual installation of firmware via Recovery mode
If the automatic method for some reason did not work or you want to update before the official release in your region, you can use the manual installation method via Recovery. To do this, you must first download the current firmware file in .zip format from the official website or trusted resources. It is important that the firmware version matches your device type (Global, EEA, Russia).
After downloading the file, move it to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory. Next, go to the updates menu, click on the three dots and select Select firmware file. Specify the path to the downloaded archive. The system will check the integrity of the package and offer to start installation.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Saving data |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Incremental) | .zip (small size) | Through the update menu | Yes |
| Recovery (Full) | .zip (2-4 GB) | Through the update / Recovery menu | Yes (usually) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Via Mi Flash on PC | No (full reset) |
The device will automatically reboot into recovery mode and begin the installation process. The screen may go dark or display the logo MI for 10-15 minutes. It is strictly forbidden to interrupt this process, even if it seems that the phone is frozen. Upon completion, the smartphone will turn on with the new version of the system.
What to do if the error "Can't verify update" appears?
This error occurs if you are trying to install the firmware of a different region (for example, Global to the Chinese version) or the version is too old/new. You must download a version that strictly corresponds to your device or perform a complete data reset before installation.
Updating via a computer using Mi Flash Tool
For advanced users who have encountered serious system failures or want to change the device region, there is a method of flashing the firmware via a PC. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and the use of the utility Mi Flash Tool. It allows you to install a clean system, completely removing all user data and errors from the previous installation.
Download the firmware archive in the format .tgz, unpack it on your computer and run the app in administrator mode. Switch your smartphone to Fastbootmode by holding down the power button and volume down button, then connect it to the PC with a cable. In the app, click Refresh, make sure that the device is detected, and select the cleaning mode Clean all.
⚠️ Attention: Using the "Clean all and lock" mode on devices with global firmware, but a Chinese bootloader (or vice versa), can turn the phone into a "brick". Use the bootloader lock mode only if you are 100% sure of the compatibility of the firmware region and the device.
Press the button Flash and wait for the process to complete, which will take from 300 to 500 seconds. Successful completion will be signaled by a green bar in the status and the phone will automatically reboot. The first launch after such a procedure will last longer than usual, since the system re-indexes the files.
The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to restore the functionality of a smartphone in case of critical system errors, but requires an unlocked bootloader.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
During the update process, users may encounter a number of typical problems problems. One of the most common is getting stuck on the logo MI (bootloop). If your phone doesn't boot for more than 20 minutes, try to force restart by holding the Power button for 10-15 seconds. In most cases, this helps the system complete started processes.
Another common problem is rapid battery drain or heating in the first days after the update. This is due to background optimization of applications and rebuilding of the cache by the system Android Runtime. Usually the situation stabilizes within 3-5 days of active use. Don't panic and roll back right away.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: Check battery statistics in the settings and limit the background running of rarely used applications.
- 📶 Problems with Wi-Fi: Reset network settings through the menu
Connections and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. - 📱 Interface lags: Enable animations in developer mode or clear the system application cache
MIUI Home.
If nothing helps, the only correct solution is the complete one Reset to factory settings (Wipe Data). Before doing this, be sure to save all important data, as it will be permanently deleted. This procedure returns the phone to out-of-the-box condition with a clean version of Android 12.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (12.5, 13, 14) and system language. Always check the current screenshots for your specific version of the shell.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I lose data when updating through the settings?
When updating in the standard way (OTA) or through the file selection menu in Recovery, all your photos, contacts and applications are saved. Data is deleted only when you select the "Clean all" mode in the Mi Flash Tool or when you perform a hard reset manually.
Is it possible to update Redmi 9T to Android 13 or 14?
Official support for Redmi 9T may be limited to Android version 12 (MIUI 13) or 13 (MIUI 14) depending on the company's policy Xiaomi. Installing newer versions is only possible through custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and carries the risk of losing the warranty.
What to do if the phone turns off during the firmware?
If the device turns off and does not turn on, try holding down the power and volume buttons to enter Recovery or Fastboot mode. If the menu is displayed, try flashing the device again via your computer. If the screen is black and there is no response to the buttons, you will need help from a service center.
Why did some applications disappear after the update?
The Android 12 system has tightened compatibility requirements. Some older applications that are not optimized for the new API version may be hidden or deleted by the system as incompatible. You can try to find and install them again through the Google Play Market.