Android on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: the current version and prospects of updates

Owners of the popular budget smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9T often wonder about the software that controls their device. At the time of release, the gadget was running Android 10 with a proprietary shell MIUI 12, which for the budget segment was considered a great indicator. It has been enough time since the premiere, and the situation with software support has changed significantly, offering users new features and interface solutions.

Today, it is already possible to install more modern versions of the operating system, including Android 12 and even Android 13 within the MIUI 14 shell. Understanding which firmware you have installed is critical for the correct operation of applications and the security of personal data. In this article, we will examine in detail the evolution of the software of this model.

Many users confuse the version of the operating system itself with the version of the manufacturer's proprietary shell. These are different things: Android is the base, and MIUI is the add-on that changes the appearance and functionality, and it is important to distinguish these concepts when you are looking for information about the security or compatibility of software.

Previous Post:How did the Redmi 9T start?

The smartphone debuted in early 2021, and it carried Android 10, a highly relevant solution at the time that ensured the stable operation of all popular apps and games. The MIUI 12 shell brought a fresh design and new privacy management features that favorably set the device apart from competitors in its price class.

However, like any electronic gadget, the phone needed updates to address security vulnerabilities, the original version of the software contained a number of bugs that were patched in subsequent patches, and users who bought the device in the first months of sales were urged to check for updates immediately.

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When buying a used Redmi 9T, be sure to check if the system is reset to factory settings by the seller. If so, you will have to go through the entire upgrade path from Android 10 to the current version, which will take considerable time.

It’s worth noting that even in the launch, the system was performing well in optimization, and the Snapdragon 662 was doing well in everyday use thanks to the code of the core system, but the lack of newer Android features limited the customization of the interface.

Update path: from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 and Android 13

Xiaomi responded to user requests fairly quickly and released an update to Android 11 with the shell MIUI 12.5.This was an important milestone, as the new version improved application resolution management and a more flexible notification system.

The next big step was getting Android 12 along with MIUI 13, which dramatically changed the look of the system with big headers, new widgets and a redesigned control panel, and for many Redmi 9T owners, it was the most significant upgrade to refresh the device.

The current version for global models is Android 13 in conjunction with the shell MIUI 14, the final major update that officially received the smartphone, which brought memory optimization, improved work with photos and new privacy features.

The process of upgrading to the latest version requires care, as the transition between major versions of Android can take a long time.The system conducts deep optimization of applications after installation, so the phone can heat up in the first hours after the update.

How to check the current version of Android and MIUI

To find out which version of the software is installed on your device right now, you need to go to the settings. It's a simple procedure that doesn't require any special knowledge or superuser rights. It's enough to do a few sequential actions on the smartphone menu.

Open the Settings app and find the About phone item, which is usually at the top of the list. When you click on it, you'll see the MIUI version logo and build number. To see the Android version, you'll need to quickly click on the MIUI logo several times or find the corresponding line in the specs list.

• 📱 Go to the Settings menu on the main screen.
• ℹ️ Select About Phone (first item at the top).
• 🔍 Find the Android version line under the logo MIUI.
• 🔢 Also pay attention to the Version. MIUI, for example, 14.0.3.0.

In some cases, information may not be displayed correctly if the system has been modified by a previous owner. If you see strange characters or the version does not match the release date of the security patch, you should consider flashing. Official versions always have a clear numbering and release date of security patches.

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The MIUI build number contains a region code (e.g. MXM for global, EUX for Europe) to ensure that your region matches your geographic location for services to work properly.

Comparison of capabilities of different versions of Android

Each new version of the operating system brings not only visual changes, but also major changes under the hood. Android 10 focused on basic stability and a dark theme that was only then being introduced in a massive way. With the transition to Android 11 and 12, users were able to fine-tune the interface and control the access of applications to the camera and microphone.

The move to Android 13 was a step towards personalization, allowing you to change the color theme not only of the wallpaper, but also of individual elements of the interface of system applications, and improved work with the clipboard and added new input languages without the need to install third-party keyboards.

The performance difference between versions can be noticeable on devices with limited RAM. Newer versions of Android require more resources, but at the same time better manage background processes. On the Redmi 9T with 4 GB of memory, the difference between Android 10 and 13 is felt, but not critical for everyday tasks.

Should I upgrade to the latest version?

This is a concern for many owners, especially those who have experienced a slowdown since previous updates. Android 13 offers better security and compatibility with newer versions of banking apps and instant messengers. Ignoring security updates can lead to personal data vulnerabilities when using Wi-Fi networks.

On the other hand, on older devices, the new heavy shells may work less smoothly. However, the optimization in MIUI 14 was aimed at reducing the load on the system. Many Redmi 9T users note that after updating and completely cleaning the cache, the phone works even faster than on stock firmware.

⚠️ Note: Before updating, be sure to release at least 5-6 GB of free memory: If there is not enough space, the installation process may be interrupted, which will lead to damage to system files and the need to flash through the computer.

Also, consider that some older apps may stop supporting Android versions below 11 or 12. If you are actively using new services, switching to the latest version of the software becomes a necessity, not just a whim. Failing to upgrade will gradually turn the smartphone into a device with limited functionality.

The prospects for the release of HyperOS and Android 14

There are a lot of rumors surrounding the release of the new HyperOS shell, and Xiaomi has officially announced the list of devices that will receive the update, and Redmi 9T is not included in it, due to the company's policy to support devices for 2-3 years after the release for major Android updates. The probability of getting Android 14 officially is extremely small.

However, the development community is not dozing away. For the Redmi 9T (codenamed lime), custom firmware based on Android 14 already exists. They allow you to extend the life of the device, but require unlocking the bootloader and installing through the computer, which is the way for advanced users who are willing to risk the warranty for new features.

If you’re not ready for experiments, it’s best to stay on the official MIUI 14, which ensures that all basic functions are stable and compatible with the Xiaomi ecosystem.The official HyperOS will not be available in 2026-2026, as the processor resources may not be enough to run smoothly.

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