How to change region to China in Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven methods + risks

Changing the region to China in Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones is a popular query among users who want to access exclusive features of global MIUI firmware, remove restrictions on regional versions or test Chinese services. However, the process is not as simple as it seems: wrong actions can lead to blocking the Mi Account, loss of warranty or even “bricking” the device. In this article, we will discuss three officially working methods for changing the region (including hidden settings MIUI 12/13/14), and also explain how to circumvent typical errors and restore the phone’s health if something goes wrong.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) came in several versions — global (MIUI Global), European (MIUI EE), Indian (MIUI IN) and Chinese (MIUI China), the latter differs not only in the interface language, but also in a set of pre-installed applications (for example, Mi Pay, Mi Video with Chinese content), and the lack of Google services, while some features (for example, ultra-economic battery mode or advanced camera settings) can only be available in Chinese firmware.

Before you start, check the current version of MIUI on your device. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. If you have Stable firmware installed, the process of changing the region will be easier than on Developer or custom firmware. Also make sure that the phone does not have important data - some methods require resetting to factory settings.

Why users are changing the region to China: pros and cons

The main reason for the region’s change is to gain access to exclusive features that Xiaomi is testing first in the Chinese market, such as MIUI China, which used to show up:

• 🔹 Improved battery optimization with additional energy saving modes.
• 🔹 Advanced camera settings, including manual modes for video 4K.
• 🔹 Dual Applications for all applications (the list is limited in the global version).
• 🔹 More frequent security updates (Chinese firmware updates are faster).
• 🔹 Unique themes and wallpapers not available in the global thematic library.

However, there are serious shortcomings:

• ⚠️ Google Play and Google services are not available, and you will have to install them manually. APK Alternative stores (for example, Aurora Store).
• ⚠️ Problems with push notifications from Western applications (Facebook, Instagram, Telegram).
• ⚠️ Limited compatibility with banking applications (due to Google SafetyNet's lack of availability).
• ⚠️ Risk of blocking Mi Account if using informal methods (especially through the use of a third party). ADB or TWRP).

Another important point is that once you change region to China, you can't bring back global firmware with standard means. EDL-If you do decide to do so, we recommend you first create a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP (if established).

Method 1: Officially change region through MIUI settings (no root)

This is the safest way, but it only works on some versions of MIUI (mostly MIUI 12.5 and older).If you have a newer firmware, this method may be blocked. Check the version in Settings → About the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional → Region (on some versions, the path may differ: Settings → System → Language and Region).
2. Select China from the list. If this option is not available, your firmware does not support official region change.
3. Confirm the change and restart the phone.
4. After the reboot, a request to reset your settings may appear – agree, otherwise some functions will not work.

If China is not on the list, try the following trick:

1. Install a VPN with a server in China (such as a Turbo VPN or ProtonVPN).
2. Connect to the VPN and re-open your region settings.
3. Sometimes, after connecting to Chinese IP, a hidden option appears.

Make sure that MIUI 12.5 is newer or more

Create a backup copy of the data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi

Disable the ad blocker (may interfere with the loading of settings)-->

⚠️ Note: After changing the region through settings, some system applications (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) may not work properly, due to the fact that they are tied to Xiaomi regional servers. ADB or disable in the application settings.

Method 2: Change region through ADB (for power users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and access to ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and is suitable for firmware where official region change is blocked.Warning: incorrect ADB commands can cause the system to crash!

What you need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Execute the command to change region: adb shell settings put global region CN
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

If the region hasn’t changed after the reboot, try additional commands:

adb shell am start -n com.miui.region/.RegionActivity


adb shell settings put secure user_setup_complete 0

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after settings put global region CN Mi Cloud protection may work, and the phone will require a Chinese account link, and if you don't have a Chinese phone number to sign up for, you won't be able to unlock the device, and then only a full Fastboot reset will help.

Method 3: Install Chinese firmware via TWRP (for advanced)

This is the most radical, but also the most reliable way, which involves completely flashing the device to the Chinese version of MIUI. Importantly, this method requires an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP Recovery. If you have never flashed a smartphone, you better consult a specialist — an error can turn the phone into a brick.

What you need:

• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (instructions on the official Xiaomi website).
• 🔧 Established TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9 (lancelot).
• 💾 Firmware MIUI China Stable for your model (download at xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Download MIUI China firmware in.zip format and place it in the root folder of the phone.
2. Boot in TWRP Recovery (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
3. Make a full backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select all partitions → Swipe for confirmation).
4. Run Wipe (clean up): Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System → Swipe
5. Install firmware: Install → Select firmware file → Swipe to confirm
6. After installation, run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and restart.

The first download can take 10-15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If after the reboot the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo, try re-installing or recovering from the backup.

💡

Before you run the firmware, check the hash amount of the downloaded firmware file (MD5 or SHA-1), which will help avoid errors due to broken files, and compare the hash using the HashMyFiles utility or online services.

Table: Comparison of the methods of changing the region to China

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

1.The phone does not turn on after the change of region

Reason: System file conflict or incomplete firmware installation.

Decision:

• 🔄 Try to boot up in Safe Mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down when switched on).
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
• 📡 If the phone doesn’t respond at all, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

2. The "Mi Cloud Lock" error is constantly being reset.

Xiaomi is blocking devices that have unofficially changed the region.

Decision:

• 🔓 Unlock the device via the official Mi Cloud website (Chinese phone number will be required).
• 📧 If there is no Chinese number, contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase.

3. Google services are not working

Reason: There are no Google services in Chinese firmware.

Decision:

• 📥 Install Google Installer (such as NikGapps or OpenGapps) via Google Installer TWRP.
• 🔍 Enable Unknown Sources in your security settings and install APK-manually.

💡

If after changing the region, the phone requires activation through a Chinese number, and you do not have one - do not try to enter random data. Xiaomi can block the IMEI of the device for suspicious activity.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the region to China