The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9, released in 2020, initially came with the MIUI 11 or 12 shell based on Android 10. Over time, developers released security improvements and new features, bringing the device to Android 11 and MIUI 12.5. However, many users are faced with the fact that automatic notifications about updates stop coming, or the system reports that the latest version is installed, although more recent builds are already available on the global network.
The need to update the firmware can arise for various reasons: from the desire to get new emoji and interface functions to critical fixes for security vulnerabilities. Owners Redmi 9 often wonder whether it is possible to “jump” over missing versions or install custom Android 12/13. This process is not always trivial and requires an understanding of the differences between regional firmware versions.
In this material we will analyze in detail all the legal and advanced ways to upgrade the software of your device. You'll learn how to properly prepare your phone, what tools you'll need for manual installation, and what to do if the process freezes during the boot phase. The main thing is to act strictly according to the instructions so as not to turn your smartphone into a “brick.”
Assessment of the current situation and version compatibility
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly determine which version of the software is currently installed on your gadget. This is a critical step, as attempting to install a global firmware over a Chinese firmware (or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader will result in a signature verification error. Go to the menu Settings → About phone and look at the MIUI version number.
Official support Xiaomi Redmi 9 (code name lancelot) is limited to versions of Android 10 and 11. There is no official update to Android 12 or 13 from the manufacturer for this model in the global stable branches. If you see offers to install Android 13, most likely, we are talking about custom firmware (Custom ROM), such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which requires unlocking the bootloader.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware or attempting to reflash the region (for example, from CN to Global) without appropriate preparation may lead to loss of warranty and disruption of banking applications (Google Pay/Mir) Pay).
It is also worth considering the type of processor. In different regions Redmi 9 it could be supplied with different modifications of the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, which affects driver compatibility. An incorrectly selected assembly can cause problems with the communication module or camera.
Preparing the device for the update procedure
Any interference with system files carries risks. To minimize the likelihood of data loss or operational failure, careful preparation is necessary. You should not neglect this stage, even if you are planning a simple over-the-air update. Power failures or network errors can happen at the most inopportune moment.
First, create a complete backup of all important data. Photos, contacts and correspondence can be saved to the Google cloud or to your computer. For a deeper backup of settings, use the built-in MIUI tool: go to Settings → About phone → Backup and restore. Select the data to save and create an archive on the internal memory or SD card.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60-70%, since the firmware process is energy-consuming.
- 💾 Do not release less than 5-8 GB of free space to download and unpack the installation package.
- 📶 Use a stable Wi-Fi connection, mobile data may be unstable when downloading large files.
It is also recommended to remove unnecessary applications and clear the cache so that the system works more stable during the update. If you are planning a manual installation via Recovery, make sure that the firmware file has been downloaded completely and its checksum matches that stated on the developer’s website.
☑️ Ready for update
Method 1: Automatic OTA update (over the air)
The simplest and safest method is to use the standard update mechanism. The system itself checks the servers Xiaomi for the presence of new packages for your specific model and region. If the servers have not yet closed support for your device, you will receive a notification automatically.
To force a check, go to the section Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version icon. The verification process will begin. If an update is found, the system will prompt you to download and install it. After booting, the phone will reboot into Recovery mode, install the packages and return to working condition.
Sometimes it happens that there is an update, but the button is inactive or says “No updates”. In this case, you can try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region), selecting, for example, India or Indonesia, where support for some models lasts longer. However, this method does not always work and depends on the connection of the device to a specific sales market.
If automatic updating is not found, try clearing the Component Update application data. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → find “Component update” → Clear data. Then repeat the check.
After successful installation, the system may optimize applications for some time. This process may take from 5 to 15 minutes. Don't panic if your phone hangs on the MIUI logo - this is normal behavior when you first start it up after a major update.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery (Local Update)
If the OTA servers do not offer the current version, you can download the update package manually. This method is called Local Update. You will need a firmware file with the extension .zip, which must strictly correspond to your current version or be the next in order (step update).
You can download official firmware from trusted resources such as miui.com or xfia.com. Select the tab Recovery and download the file for your region (Global, EEA, Russia). Place the downloaded archive in the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
Next you need to activate the hidden manual update menu. Go to the check for updates menu (as in the first method) and quickly click 7-10 times on the icon of the current MIUI version (three dots in the corner or logo). A pop-up window will appear asking you to select a file. Specify the path to the downloaded archive and confirm installation.
| Firmware type | File extension | Installation method | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Incremental) | .zip (small size) | Automatic / Manual | Only from the previous version |
| Recovery (Full) | .zip (2-4 GB) | Manual (Local Update) | Any version (within the region) |
| Fastboot | .tgz | Via PC (Mi Flash) | Unlocked bootloader |
What to do if the system writes “Unable to verify package”?
This error occurs when you try to rollback to an older version (Anti-Rollback protection) or when installing firmware from another region on a locked bootloader. Solution: use only full versions (Recovery ROM) of the same branch or unlock the bootloader.
Method 3: Advanced update via Fastboot and Mi Flash
This method is intended for experienced users and allows you to perform a “clean” installation of the system with the removal of all data. It is necessary if the phone is in a “bootloop” state (constant reboot) or if you need to change the firmware region (for example, from Chinese to Global).
To work, you will need a computer with Windows OS, ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and a utility Mi Flash Tool. It is also critically important to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi service (Mi Unlock), which requires waiting from 7 to 168 hours after linking your account.
1. Unzip the Fastboot firmware (.tgz) to drive C.2. Switch your phone to Fastboot mode (Volume down + Power).
3. Connect the cable to the PC.
4. Launch Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. At the bottom, select the “clean all” mode.
6. Click the Flash button.
The process takes about 200-500 seconds. When finished, the phone will automatically reboot. It is important not to disconnect the cable until the “Success” message appears in the utility. Using the mode clean all and lock will return the bootloader to a closed state, but this can only be done when installing the official global firmware on a global device.
⚠️ Attention: When changing the firmware region (Cross-flashing) without locking the bootloader after installation, problems may arise with receiving OTA updates in the future. The system will consider the device region to be changed unofficially.
Possible errors and ways to resolve them
During the update process, users Redmi 9 may encounter a number of typical problems. The most common is error 7 when installing via Recovery, which usually indicates a damaged firmware file or version mismatch. The solution is simple: download the file and check its checksum.
Another common problem is getting stuck on the “MI” logo after installation. If the phone does not respond for more than 15 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds. If this does not help, you will need to enter Recovery mode and reset the settings (Wipe Data).
- 📉 Insufficient memory: Clear the application cache or delete large video files before starting.
- 🔌 Connection error: When using a PC, replace the USB cable with the original one and try another USB 2.0 port.
- 🌍 Inconsistency region: Make sure that the letter in the firmware name (for example, MIUI 12.5.3.0.GQCMIXM) matches your device (G - Global, R - Russia, E - Europe).
Most errors when updating Redmi 9 are associated with an attempt to install firmware from a different region on a locked bootloader. Always check region codes before downloading.
If the phone stops turning on completely (black screen, only responds to charging), the boot partition may have been critically damaged. In this case, only flashing via EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode) will help, which often requires an authorized Mi account or contacting a service center.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Redmi 9 to Android 12 or 13 officially?
No, official support Xiaomi Redmi 9 has ended with version Android 11 (MIUI 12.5). Further security updates may arrive rarely or not at all. To get Android 12+, you will need to install custom firmware, which requires unlocking the bootloader and voids the warranty.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
When updating via OTA or regular Recovery (without Wipe Data mode), all user data is saved. However, when using the Fastboot method with the “clean all” option or when resetting the settings in Recovery, all information will be deleted. Always make a backup copy.
Why did the phone start to discharge quickly after the update?
In the first 2-3 days after a major update, the system performs background file optimization and data indexing, which consumes a lot of energy. This is a temporary phenomenon. If the problem persists for more than a week, try resetting the settings to factory settings.
Is it safe to install firmware from sites like 4PDA or XDA?
Third-party resources often post modified assemblies. Their installation carries risks: errors in the operation of the camera, NFC or banking applications are possible. Use only official files from Xiaomi servers if you are not an experienced user.
What is Anti-Rollback and is it possible to downgrade the Android version?
Anti-Rollback is a protection mechanism that prohibits rolling back to an older firmware version if the protection index has been increased. An attempt to perform such a rollback on Redmi 9 may lead to complete failure of the device (Hard Brick). You can downgrade the version only in rare cases and with great risks.