The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC, released with a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, is a popular device in the budget segment. However, over time, the standard shell MIUI may begin to slow down, accumulate errors, or contain unnecessary pre-installed software. Reflashing the device allows you not only to return it to its former speed, but also to install a more recent version of Android if official support has already been discontinued. In this article we will analyze in detail the process of replacing software.
The process of updating or changing firmware on Android devices requires care and strict adherence to instructions. Errors at the preparation stage can lead to the gadget not working, so it is important to study the theoretical part in advance. We will look at two main methods: using an official tool Mi Flash Tool to return to the factory state and installing custom solutions through recovery TWRP.
Before taking active steps, you need to understand the risks. Any tampering with the system memory partition will void the warranty and carry the potential risk of data loss. The process of unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi 9C NFC irreversibly erases all user data from the internal memory of the device. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to create a complete backup copy of important information on an external storage device or in cloud storage.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preparation. You will need a personal computer or laptop running the operating system Windows 10/11. Using virtual machines or older OS versions is not recommended due to possible problems with drivers ADB and Fastboot. You also need a high-quality USB cable, preferably an original one, since cheap analogues often only support charging and do not transfer data stably.
You need to install specialized software on your computer. To work with MediaTek firmware that is installed in Redmi 9C, drivers are often required MediaTek VCOM, and to interact with the bootloader - standard drivers Xiaomi USB Driver. Without the correct installation of these components, the computer simply will not see the phone in the desired mode. It is recommended to download the package Minimal ADB and Fastbootwhich contains all the necessary command line utilities.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the smartphone battery charge is at least 60-70%. A sudden power outage during the process of writing system partitions can turn the device into a “brick”, the restoration of which will require complex hardware intervention.
In addition to the hardware, you need to prepare firmware files. For Redmi 9C NFC (code name angelica or angelicain depending on the region) there are different versions of the software. It is important to download exactly the assembly that matches your region or the one you plan to install. Files usually have an extension .zip for installation via recovery or .tgz for firmware via Fastboot.
☑️ Check before flashing
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Locking the bootloader is a security mechanism installed by the manufacturer to prevent unauthorized changes to the system. To flash Redmi 9C NFC custom image or even install the global version instead of the Chinese one, this lock must be removed. The procedure is performed exclusively through the official service Xiaomi Unlock Tool. Illegal unlocking methods for this model can be dangerous.
The first step is to link your account Mi Account to the device. Go to your phone settings, select About the phone and click on version MIUIseveral times to activate the menu for developers. Then, in the advanced settings, enable the Factory unlocking (OEM Unlocking) option and USB debugging. After that, in the same menu, click the “Add account and device” button.
After linking, you will have to wait a certain period. Typically, the company Xiaomi sets a waiting timer from 7 to 15 days. This is done so that the user has time to change his mind or the stolen phone cannot be immediately flashed. After the period has expired, you need to connect the phone in Fastboot (holding down the volume down and power button) to the PC and run the unlock utility.
What to do if the timer is reset?
If after waiting the timer is reset or an error appears, try linking your account via the mobile data by turning off Wi-Fi. Sometimes this helps to synchronize the status with the company's servers.
It is important to understand that after unlocking the device will warn about an unprotected state every time you turn it on. This is normal. In addition, security features such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet) and banking applications may stop working without additional manipulations to hide the unlock status (for example, through Magisk).
Installing stock firmware via Fastboot
The most reliable way to return your phone to factory state or update it - use the mode Fastboot and utility Mi Flash Tool. This method completely clears the device’s memory and writes all partitions again, which eliminates errors in the file system. You will need to download the archive with firmware type Fastboot ROM and unpack it to the root of drive C so that the path does not contain Cyrillic characters.
Turn the smartphone into firmware mode. To do this, turn off the device, then hold down the power and volume down buttons. An image of a hare in a fur hat repairing an android will appear on the screen, and the inscription FASTBOOTConnect the cable to the computer Run Mi Flash Tool as administrator and press the button Refresh. If the drivers are installed correctly, the device serial number will be displayed in the list.
At the bottom of the utility window you will see three options. Selecting a mode is critical to the final result:
- 🟢 clean all — complete data clearing and firmware installation (recommended for a clean installation).
- 🔵 save user data — installing the system while saving user files. (only possible when switching to a version with the same region).
- 🔴 clean all and lock —complete cleaning and re-locking the bootloader (use only if you are installing the official firmware of your region).
After selecting the mode, press the button Flash. The process will take from 200 to 500 seconds. partitions. Do not disconnect the cable at this moment. Upon completion, the phone will automatically reboot. The first startup may take up to 10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
Using the “clean all and lock” mode on the global firmware installed on a Chinese device can lead to blocking (hard brick), since the regions do not match! data-i="97">Firmware via Recovery Mode (TWRP)
Firmware via Recovery Mode (TWRP)
If you want to install custom firmware (Custom ROM) or simply update without connecting to a PC, you will need a modified recovery MIUI allows you to install only files signed with a Xiaomi digital key. To install third-party images, you need to replace it with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
Installation process TWRP on Redmi 9C NFC is performed via the Fastboot command. After downloading the image file twrp.img, place it in the folder with ADB tools. Open the command line in this folder and enter the command to temporarily download the recovery:
fastboot boot twrp.imgAfter booting into the TWRP menu, you can make a full backup of the current system (Nandroid Backup). This will create an exact copy of all partitions that can be restored in case of failure. Then in the menu Wipe format the partitions Data, Cache, DalvikDo not format the internal memory if you do not want to lose all files permanently before installing a new one. system.
To install the firmware, go to the section Install, select the downloaded ZIP archive with the firmware and slide the slider to confirm. After installation is complete, be sure to clear the cache (Wipe Cache/DalvikOnly after this you can reboot the system. If you install custom firmware, you often also need to flash it. package GApps (Google Apps), if they are not built into the image.
| Firmware type | Installation method | Data saving | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Recovery) | Through the update menu | Yes (usually) | Low |
| Official MIUI (Fastboot) | Mi Flash Tool | No (full reset) | Medium |
| Custom (Custom ROM) | TWRP Recovery | No (requires wipe) | High |
| Unofficial Port (GSI) | Fastboot / TWRP | No | Very high |
Possible errors and methods for eliminating them
During the firmware process Redmi 9C NFC users may encounter various problems. One of the most common is an error MissMatching image and device in the Mi Flash app. This means that you downloaded the firmware for a different model or region. For example, trying to flash the Chinese version (angelica) onto a global device (angelicain) without the appropriate modifications will cause this error.
Another common problem is getting stuck on the logo (Bootloop). If your phone keeps rebooting endlessly, try entering Recovery mode and doing a factory reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset). If this does not help, the partition may be damaged Boot, and you will need to reflash this partition separately via Fastboot with the command fastboot flash boot boot.img.
⚠️ Attention: If the computer stops seeing the phone in Fastboot mode (the device is displayed as "Unknown Device" or "QHSUSB_BULK"), the bootloader may be damaged or the power controller has burned out. In this case, software methods are powerless, and you will need to contact a service center to resolder the memory chip.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with the drivers. If the phone is detected in Device Manager with a yellow exclamation mark, try manually updating the driver by specifying the path to the driver folder Xiaomi or MediaTek. Sometimes it helps to disable driver digital signature verification in Windows before connecting the device.
Optimization and first steps after flashing
After successfully installing a new system, the device may not work perfectly in the first hours. Android performs file indexing and application optimization in the background, which consumes CPU resources. Let the phone charge for about an hour without active use. This will allow the system to complete background processes and stabilize operation.
For owners of unlocked bootloaders, the issue of payment security is relevant. To get contactless payment back to work, you need to hide the fact of unlocking from applications. To do this, use the superuser rights manager Magisk. In Magisk settings, enable the function Zygisk and add banking applications to the DenyList. You may also need a module to hide the very fact of having root access.
Check the operation of the module NFC, since in some custom firmware the drivers may not work correctly. Test card reading and payment emulation. If NFC does not work, try flashing the file nvdata or find a specific patch for your model on the developer forum. Always keep an eye on security updates by installing monthly patches if your firmware supports them.
Is it possible to flash Redmi 9C NFC to a newer version of Android than the official one?
Yes, this is only possible through installing custom firmware (Custom ROM), such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. Xiaomi officially stops supporting budget models quite quickly, so enthusiasts are porting new versions of Android. However, the stability of such firmware is not guaranteed, and functions like the camera or NFC may work with errors.
What is EDL Mode and when is it needed?
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is an emergency boot mode for Qualcomm and MediaTek processors, which allows you to flash the device even with a completely damaged bootloader. To enter it, you often need to disassemble the phone and short-circuit certain contacts on the board (Test Point). This mode is used to save “bricked” devices when the usual Fastboot methods do not work.
Will IMEI be erased after flashing?
If official images are correctly flashed via the Mi Flash Tool, the section with modem data (EFS or Persist) is not affected and the IMEI is retained. However, if done incorrectly, flashing incompatible images, or power failures, this partition may be damaged. IMEI restoration is a complex procedure that requires special boxes and knowledge, so make a backup of the Persist partition before any experiments.
Is it possible to update from the Chinese version to the Global version without unlocking?
No, you cannot officially change the firmware region (for example, from CN to Global) without unlocking the bootloader. The system will throw an error when trying to install. The only legal way to change the region is to unlock the bootloader after waiting 7-15 days and then cleanly install the global firmware via Fastboot.