Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in 2020, became a real bestseller due to its successful combination of price and performance. However, many owners of this device today are wondering about the current status of the software. Official support major Android updates for this model have already been completed, which causes natural concern among users accustomed to the latest features and security patches.
Initially, the device went on sale with the shell MIUI 11 based Android 10. During its life cycle, the device received several major updates, reaching MIUI 12.5 based Android 11. This is the final official version of the firmware for the global market, although there were experimental builds in some regions. Understanding the current situation with software will help you make a decision: stay on a stable system or look for alternative development paths.
In this article we will look in detail at which version Android is relevant for your gadget right now, what risks are associated with installing unofficial software and how to check for updates manually. We will also touch on the topic of custom firmware, which allows you to extend the life of the device by installing newer versions of the operating system.
Official Android versions and update history
The history of software support Redmi Note 9 Pro is quite standard for the budget segment of that time. The company Xiaomi guaranteed two major system updates, which were implemented. Users received a transition from Android 10 to Android 11, which brought new privacy features and improved access rights management.
The shell MIUI developed more actively than the base system. After MIUI 11 the device received MIUI 12 with a new design and animations, and then the final stable MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition. This version optimized memory performance and reduced power consumption, which was critical for the processor Snapdragon 720G.
⚠️ Attention: Attempts to force install global firmware MIUI 13 or MIUI 14 through the Recovery menu on the global version of the device will lead to a signature verification error. The system will block installation, since these versions are not officially certified for this model.
However, in China, for a similar model (Redmi Note 9S or Pro Max), test branches were sometimes released, which enthusiasts ported to global devices. However, such actions require unlocking the bootloader and carry the risk of losing the warranty or turning the smartphone into a “brick.”
How to check the current version and availability of updates
Before taking action any action, you need to find out exactly what software is currently installed on your device. This will help avoid version conflicts when updating manually. The verification procedure is as simple as possible and does not require connecting to a computer.
Go to the smartphone settings and find the section About phone. All key information about the system is displayed here. Click on the large version icon MIUIto start checking for updates through the company servers.
- 📱 Open the application
Settingson the main screen. - 🔍 Go to the top menu item
About phone. - 🔄 Click on the logo MIUI to search for new packages.
- ℹ️ Pay attention to the version number Android, listed under the shell version.
If the system reports that you are using the latest version available, but you are sure that there is a newer package, the update may be coming in stages. In this case, you should wait a few days or try changing the region in the settings, although this method does not always work.
Before checking for updates, make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Downloading the firmware can take from 1 to 2 GB of traffic, which will significantly affect the mobile balance.
Manual installation of updates via Recovery
Sometimes the automatic update freezes or does not see the new package, although it is already available on the servers. In such cases, manual installation of the firmware file helps. This method is safe if you are using the official file and are not trying to roll back to an older version.
You will need to download the full firmware package (Recovery ROM) from the official website or trusted resources like XiaomiFirmwareUpdater. The file should have an extension .zip and weigh about 2-3 GB. Place it in the root of the smartphone's internal memory.
Next, go to the menu again About phone and click on the version logo MIUI. Now make a few quick clicks (usually 5-7 times) on the logo. A pop-up message will appear indicating that additional update functions are enabled.
Menu → Three dots in the corner → Select firmware fileSelect the previously downloaded archive and confirm the action. The smartphone will reboot and begin the installation process. The screen may go off and on several times - this is normal behavior.
☑️ Preparing for manual installation
Custom firmware capabilities and new Android
If official updates are over, and you desperately need Android 12, 13 or even 14, the only solution is to install custom firmware. The developer community XDA Developers actively supports Redmi Note 9 Pro (code name curtana).
Popular projects such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Evolution Xoffer pure Android without unnecessary software Xiaomi. This significantly speeds up the interface and frees up RAM. However, this comes at the price of giving up some proprietary camera functions and the lack of Google Play Protect security certificates in some assemblies.
| Firmware type | Android version | Stability | Complexity settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI | 11 (Max) | High | Low |
| LineageOS | 12/13 | Medium | High |
| Pixel Experience | 12/13 | High | High |
| ArrowOS | 13/14 | Medium | High |
To install a custom system, you need to unlock the bootloader through the utility Mi Unlock ToolAfter this, a custom recovery is installed, for example, TWRP, through which the new operating system is already installed.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically erases all data from the device (full reset). It can also void the warranty, if it is still valid, and disrupt the operation of banking applications (Google Pay/Samsung Pay), although the problem can often be solved through Magisk patches.
What are VoLTE and Widevine in custom firmware?
Unofficial builds often have problems with the operation of VoLTE (calls over 4G) and Widevine L1 certification, which is why streaming services like Netflix do not allow you to watch content in HD quality. Always read the firmware topic on the forum before installation.
Compatibility and security issues
Switching to unofficial software is always fraught with risks. The main problem is the lack of regular security updates. If a vulnerability is discovered in the system kernel, custom firmware developers may fix it with a delay or not fix it at all.
In addition, specific hardware Xiaomi, such as camera drivers or the NFC module, may not work correctly in a pure Android environment. Users often complain about deterioration in the quality of night shooting or unstable operation of contactless payment.
Banking applications may refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader. This is due to the protection mechanism SafetyNet or a new one. data-i="128">. Bypassing these checks requires installation Play Integrity API. Bypassing these checks requires installation Magisk and special modules, which is a game of “cat and mouse” with security developers.
- 🔒 Banking applications can block launch when root access is detected.
- 📸 Photo processing algorithms from Xiaomi are lost when changing the firmware.
- 📡 The GPS module may work less accurately due to other configuration files.
If you use your phone as the main tool for work and finance, it is better to stay on the latest official one MIUI 12.5. It still receives rare security patches and ensures maximum hardware stability.
Custom firmware gives new life to old hardware and fresh versions of Android, but requires the user to have technical knowledge and a willingness to put up with possible bugs.
Optimizing the current system without flashing
Even if you cannot update Android to the latest version, you can significantly improve the performance and autonomy of the current one system. MIUI is known for its tendency to accumulate garbage and background processes that slow down the device.
First of all, disable unnecessary system services and advertising. In your privacy settings, you can revoke consent to the use of diagnostic data, which will slightly reduce the load on the processor. It is also recommended to disable autostart for most applications.
Use the built-in optimization tools. The application Security allows you to clear the cache and close background processes. Regular memory cleaning helps maintain performance at an acceptable level, especially if you have a version with 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM.
Do not forget about the physical side of the issue. If the battery is several years old, its degradation may be perceived as system brakes. Replacing the battery in a service center often returns the smartphone to its former agility without any software manipulation.
Is it possible to roll back from MIUI 12.5 to Android 10?
Technically, this is only possible through Fastboot mode and a computer with the Mi Flash utility, but only if you download a firmware version lower than the one installed (Anti-rollback protection may block the device if you try to roll back to a version that is too old). An ordinary user will not be able to do this through the phone menu.
Will Redmi Note 9 Pro receive an update to HyperOS?
Officially - no. The list of devices that support the new HyperOS shell from Xiaomi does not include models on the Snapdragon 720G processor, as they have reached the update limit. Unofficial ports may appear in the future, but you should not expect stable operation from them.
Is it safe to use banking applications on custom firmware?
Without additional settings (Magisk, Shamiko, Hide My Applist) - no. Banks see the unlocked bootloader and refuse to work. With the correct setting of hiding root access, work is possible, but there is no 100% guarantee that the application will not be blocked after the next bank security update.
Where can I download the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro?
The only reliable source is the website miui.com or a specialized resource XiaomiFirmwareUpdater. Never download firmware from random forums or file hosting services, as they may have viruses or miners built into them.
Why does the phone get hot after updating MIUI?
In the first 2-3 days after the update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. This causes increased battery consumption and heating. Usually the problem resolves itself after a couple of days of active use.