MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi 9: what is it, its versions and how to work with it

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but many users are faced with the question: what is MIUI, which is installed on this device? It is not just an operating system, but a proprietary shell from Xiaomi, which radically changes the interaction with Android. Unlike the “naked” Android on Google or Samsung smartphones, MIUI offers a unique design, additional features and deep integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

If you’ve just bought a Redmi 9 or are planning to, it’s important to understand that MIUI affects everything from the interface to the basic applications. In this article, we’ll look at what MIUI is in practice, what versions Redmi 9 supports, how to update, configure, and even replace it with alternative firmware, and reveal hidden MIUI features that most users don’t even know about.

What is MIUI and why is it installed on Redmi 9?

MIUI (Pronounced "Mai Yu-Ai," it's a proprietary shell developed by Xiaomi based on the Android operating system. It not only changes the look of the system, but also adds hundreds of unique features that are not available in standard Android. MIUI eat:

• 🔄 Dual applications (cloning messengers for two accounts)
• 🔒 Advanced privacy settings (locking camera/microphone access for individual applications)
• 🎨 Themes and icons (deep customization of the interface through the Themes)
• 📱 Second Space mode (separation of data for work and personal use)

The Redmi 9 out of the box installs a MIUI based on Android 10 or 11 (depending on the region and the device version). But it is important to understand: MIUI and Android are not the same thing. Android is the basis (like the engine in the car), and MIUI is the body, interior and additional equipment that makes the car unique. Without MIUI, Xiaomi smartphone would be a regular Android device without branded chips.

Why doesn’t Xiaomi launch a pure Android smartphone? First, MIUI makes it different from its competitors (such as Samsung One UI or Oppo ColorOS). Second, the shell is deeply integrated with Xiaomi’s services — cloud storage, theme store, the Mi Home smart home ecosystem. Finally, MIUI gives Xiaomi control over updates: the company can release security patches and new features independently of Google.

Which MIUI versions support Redmi 9: Compatibility table

Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model number) M2003J15SC For the global version, it was originally released from MIUI 11 is based on Android 10, but it has seen some major updates since it was supported. MIUI and Android for this device:

Redmi 9 will not officially receive MIUI 14 or newer versions, since Xiaomi stopped supporting this device in 2023, but enthusiasts can install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) to get a fresh Android.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 offers an upgrade to MIUI 14 through Settings → The software update is likely a fake notification! Fraudsters often spread malicious firmware through phishing sites. Official updates only come through embedded software.

Differences MIUI from pure Android: pros and cons

MIUI is often criticized for being over-customized and over-advertised, but the shell has some undeniable advantages, and let’s compare it to pure Android (like the Google Pixel):

• ✅ Pluses MIUI: 🎛️ Deep interface setting (themes, fonts, animations) 🔋 Battery optimization (power saving modes work more efficiently than in Android stock) 📱 Dual applications and second space (comfortable for work and personal life) 🔒 Advanced permissions (you can block access to geolocation for backgrounds)
• ❌ Cons MIUI: 📢 Advertising in system applications (in some regions, such as China) 🐢 Android update delays (Xiaomi often delays new versions) 🗑️ Garbage apps (pre-installed Xiaomi services that cannot be removed) 🔄 Instability of beta versions (frequent bugs in weekly builds)

One of the most controversial things is MIUI advertising, which is less common in global firmware versions, but it can even appear in Chinese builds in settings, and fortunately, you can turn it off:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup.
2. Turn off the recommendation option.
3. In Settings → Additional → Advertising deactivate all sliders.

💡

If the ad continues to appear, install a patch through Magisk (root rights required) or go to custom firmware without ad modules.

How to upgrade MIUI to Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

Updating MIUI to Redmi 9 can be done in two ways: through the built-in menu or manually by downloading firmware from the official website.

Method 1: Automatic update (recommended)

Download your phone at least 50% | Connect to Wi-Fi | Backup your data | Close all apps-->

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Software update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, click Download (file weight is usually 1.5-2.5 GB).
4. After downloading, select Reboot and Update.

Method 2: Manual installation (for experienced users)

If the automatic update does not work, download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website:

1. Select the Redmi 9 (Lancelot code for the global version).
2. Download a file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V13.0.1.0.SJCMIXM_...).
3. Move the file to the root folder of the phone.
4. Open Settings → About Phone → Software Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the update process! if the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI For more than 15 minutes, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

Hidden MIUI features on Redmi 9 you didn't know about

MIUI hides a lot of useful things that are not obvious at first glance.

• 🔍 Search by Settings: At the top of the Settings menu is a search bar – type in a keyword (like “bat” for battery) and the system will show all related options.
• 📲 Screenshot gestures: Swipe three fingers down the screen to take a screenshot. Set this up in Settings → Additionally. → Gestures.
• 🔊 Do Not Disturb Schedule Mode: Automatically Turn Off Sounds at a Predetermined Time (Settings) → Sound. → Don't disturb).
• 📡 Accelerating the Internet: Enable Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Speed up loading for faster mobile internet.
• 🔋 Hidden Energy Saving Mode: Activate Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Ultra for maximum operating time.

Another little-known possibility is to change the DPI to display more information, to activate it:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Developers → Minimum width.
3. Set the value 411 (standard) or 380 (compact view).

💡

Changing the DPI can cause some applications to display incorrectly: If the interface is broken, return the standard value or restart the phone.

How to Remove MIUI with Redmi 9 and Install a Clean Android

If you don't like MIUI, you can replace it with an alternative firmware, like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but this process requires unlocking the bootloader and can be insecure.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Open the unlock page and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Launch the tool on your PC, log in to your account and follow the instructions.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).

Step 2: Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)

Download TWRP for Redmi 9 (model lancelot) from twrp.me and run through the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_lancelot.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_lancelot.img

Step 3: Install custom firmware

1. Download the firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20 for Redmi 9) and move it to your phone.
2. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
3. Press Install and select the firmware file.
4. After installation, restart.

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware may contain bugs, and unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. Also, some features (such as the camera) may perform worse than on the phone. MIUI.

Frequent MIUI issues on Redmi 9 and how to fix them

Redmi 9 users often face typical MIUI problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the phone started spontaneously restarting, it may be due to:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (check bloating).
• 📱 Firmware damaged (flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool).
• 📡 Problems with SIM-Remove the card (try to re-insert it and re-insert it).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent MIUI Questions on Redmi 9