How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time its performance may decline due to an outdated version of MIUI or Android. The firmware update not only adds new features, but also fixes security bugs, improves stability and extends the life of the device. However, the upgrade process on Redmi 9 has nuances, from locking the bootloader to features of versions for different regions.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to update, from standard OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot and Recovery. We will discuss how to check the current version of the software, where to download official firmware, and what to do if the update is “hanged” or gives an error. And you will learn why updating through MIUI bootloader can be dangerous for models with a locked bootloader and how to avoid this.

1. Check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you upgrade to Redmi 9, make sure you really need a new firmware. Check the current versions of MIUI and Android:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Scroll down to the MIUI version section, where the build number (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2) is listed.
3. Click multiple times on the MIUI version to see more information, including the Android version (like Android 11).

Compare your version to the latest official releases on MIUI Downloads. Pay attention to the regional binding: firmware for Redmi 9 is divided into Global (international), China (Chinese), EEA (Europe), India (India) and Russia. Installing firmware outside your region can lead to loss of communication or blocking IMEI.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (China version), it will not be suitable for global firmware without first unlocking the bootloader.

Also check the status of the loader:

adb reboot bootloader

If you see the word Device is locked in Fastboot mode, then the bootloader is locked, and you will need to unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool to manually update it.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

The simplest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "over the air" can weigh up to 2-3 GB).
2. The battery should be at least 50% charged.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, click Download.
5. After downloading, select Install Now or Install Later.

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet (unless operator restrictions block access to Xiaomi servers).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – sometimes updates roll out in stages.

⚠️ Note: If after the update OTA The phone stopped turning on or stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic. Wait 10-15 minutes -- sometimes the first download after the update takes a long time. If the problem hasn't gone away, try a hard reboot (clip the power). + Volume up for 10 seconds).

OTA-Updates usually come with a delay of 1-4 weeks after release. If you need to update urgently, use manual methods (see the following sections).

Battery charge ≥50%|Stable Wi-Fi connection|Released. ≥3 GB of memory|Disabled. VPN proxy|Backup of important data is made-->

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA doesn’t work or you want to install a specific version of MIUI, you can upgrade through Recovery Mode.This method is suitable for firmware with the.zip extension and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but has limitations:

• ✅ You can only install official firmware for your region.
• ❌ You can't downgrade the story. MIUI (for example, 14 to 13).
• ❌ You can not install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary firmware from the site MIUI Downloads for Redmi. 9 Choose the Lancelot (Global Version) model or lancelot_in (India).
2. Put the.zip file in the root of internal memory (not in the folder!).
3. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
6. Select Reboot to System.

If Recovery doesn’t have Install update.zip, then your version of Recovery is outdated, in which case update via Fastboot (see next section) or install an intermediate version of MIUI via OTA first.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for experienced)

Fastboot is a method that works for installing official firmware when other methods don’t work. It requires an unlocked bootloader and a PC with Xiaomi drivers installed, and the advantage of this method is the ability to restore the phone even after serious crashes.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB & Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not, see the instructions below).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder on your PC. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
2. Turn off Redmi 9 and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install Mi Phone Manager drivers.
4. Launch it. flash_all.bat (It's a double click. 5–15 minute.
5. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart.

If the bootloader is blocked, unlock it through the Mi Unlock Tool:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Turn on the phone Settings → For developers → Unlock OEM and debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the phone! backup in advance. Also note that Xiaomi can block unlocking for accounts under 30 days.

fastboot flash boot boot.img

(file boot.img is in the unpacked firmware).-->

5. Solving common errors in the update

Redmi 9 updates don't always go smoothly, but here are the most common problems and solutions.

Error: "Cannot verify update" in Recovery

Reasons:

• 🔹 A damaged firmware file (hop it over).
• 🔹 Firmware not for your model (check device code: Lancelot for global version).
• 🔹 Recovery version (update it via Fastboot).

This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device

So what that means is you're trying to install firmware for another region or model.

• 📱 Check the current version MIUI In Settings → The phone.
• 🌍 Download firmware specifically for your region (e.g. Global or Global). EEA).
• 🔄 If you want to switch from Chinese firmware to global, first unlock the bootloader.

phone is stuck on startup MI logo after update

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🕒 Wait 15-20 minutes – the first download can be long.
• 🔄 Perform a hard reset: pinch the power supply + Volume up, select Wipe Data → Reboot.
• 📥 Fastboot phone via Fastboot (see section 4).

If none of the methods worked, there may have been an error in writing the system partition, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all option will help.

💡

If the IMEI is missing or the network is down after the update, it's probably not for your region, and you can restore the IMEI via the engineering menu (#4636##), but it's easier to reflash the correct version.

6.How to roll back the update on Redmi 9

If the phone gets worse after the upgrade (e.g., it runs out faster or brakes), you can return the previous version of MIUI.

• ❌ You can’t roll back to a lower version of Android than the current one (like Android 12 to Android 11!
• ✅ You can go back to the previous version. MIUI within the same version of Android.
• ⚠️ Recoil requires an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the MIUI version from MIUI Downloads.
2. Unpack the firmware and find the file flash_all_except_storage.bat (retains user data).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
4. Launch it. flash_all_except_storage.bat.

If you need to roll back to an older version of Android (like 12 to 11), you have to use custom Recovery (TWRP) and stitch it manually, a process that is risky and can lead to data loss.

7.Alternative firmware for Redmi 9

If you are not satisfied with the official MIUI, you can install custom firmware, for example:

• 📱 Xiaomi.eu – Optimized MIUI without bloat (requires an unlocked bootloader).
• 🤖 LineageOS – “clean” Android without branded applications Xiaomi.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlocked bootloader.
2. Installed TWRP Recovery (unofficial version for Lancelot)
3. Backup of all data (installation erases internal memory!).

Instructions for Xiaomi.eu:

1. Download the firmware from Xiaomi.eu (choose Lancelot).
2. Go to TWRP Recovery (clip Power + Volume up).
3. Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Click Install and select the downloaded.zip file.
5. After installation, run the Wipe Cache and restart.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on budget devices like Redmi 9. Check forum reviews before installing, XDA Also note that some firmware (e.g. LineageOS) may not support all camera features or NFC.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)