How to update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9: All ways + error solving

Introduction: Why Update the Firmware on Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) was released in 2020 with MIUI 11 based on Android 10, but over the years the manufacturer has released many updates - up to MIUI 14 and Android 12. The firmware update not only adds new features, but also solves critical problems: from security vulnerabilities to battery bugs or 5G connection.

However, not all users know that Redmi 9 can install firmware in three different ways: through automatic updates over the air (OTA), manually through Recovery, or using a Fastboot and a computer, and each method has its own nuances, like, for example, the following, OTA-The update can freeze by 99%, and the firmware through Fastboot requires unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we will discuss all options with step-by-step instructions, error warnings and tips for preparing the phone.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi officially stopped supporting Redmi 9 in 2023, but security updates can continue to be released through MIUI Global Stable. If your phone hasn’t received updates in a long time, you may be using custom firmware or a regional version of software (such as MIUI China), which does not support OTA for global devices.

How to check the current version of MIUI and Android

Before you upgrade, you need to know which firmware is installed on your Redmi 9, which will help you avoid errors, such as trying to install an older version of MIUI or firmware for another model (for example, Redmi 9A or Redmi 9C).

To check the software version:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click on the MIUI version bar and the current firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2 Stable) will be displayed here.
4. To see the Android version, tap the MIUI version several times and you’ll see more information, including Android 12 (or another version).

Also, pay attention to the firmware region:

• 🌍 Global - international version (supports Russian language, Google services).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese firmware (without Google, with local services).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (with limitations on certain functions).
• 🇷🇺 Russia - special assembly for Russia (may differ in a set of pre-installed applications).

If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China, but used in Russia, OTA-updates may not come due to regional restrictions, in which case you will need to manually firmware through Recovery or Fastboot.

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method

Automatic updates via OTA (Over-The-Air) are the recommended way for most users, and do not require a computer or special knowledge, but have limitations:

• ✅ It only works if the phone is not rooted and has no custom recaveri (for example, a phone that is not rooted, TWRP).
• ✅ Supports only official firmware (not customized).
• ❌ It may not work if the version MIUI It is very old (for example, trying to update). MIUI 11 MIUI 14 in one step).

Instructions for updating through OTA:

1. Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi (update “weighs” 1.5-3 GB).
2. The battery should be at least 60% (preferably 100%).
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
5. After downloading, click Install and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the provider’s locks interfere with the download).
• 🗓️ Wait 1-2 days — OTA-updates roll out gradually.
• 🔧 Manually download firmware from the official site (see Method 2).

💡

If after the update the phone began to brake, clear the cache in Recovery: turn off the device, press Power + Volume up, select Wipe → Wipe Cache.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If automatic updates are not available (for example, due to a change in region or a long absence of updates), you can install the firmware manually through stock Recovery. This method saves user data, but requires the correct choice of the firmware file.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

• Go to the official MIUI Downloads website.
• Search for Redmi 9 (or Lancelot for the global version).
• Select the newest stable version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.2 Global Stable).
• Download the file with the.zip extension (weight ~2-3 GB).

Step 2: Transfer the firmware to your phone

• Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB.
• Copy the downloaded.zip to the root folder of internal memory (not to the Download or MIUI folder).
• Turn off the phone and restart it to Recovery: turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds.

Step 3: Install the firmware

1. In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available).
2. Tap Install update.zip to System (or similar item).
3. Select the downloaded.zip file.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
5. After the reboot, check the MIUI version in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If after installation the phone is stuck on startup the logo MI For more than 15 minutes, the firmware was chosen incorrectly (for example, for another model or region), in which case you will have to refashion the device via Fastboot (see Method 3).

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

Fastboot is the most reliable, but it's also the most complex, and it requires a computer, an unlocked bootloader, and knowledge of commands.

• 🔧 Phone "brickled" (not turned on or stuck on the logo).
• 🔄 We need to revert to an older version. MIUI.
• 🌍 Requires to change the firmware region (for example, from China to Global).

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

• Register on the Mi Unlock website and get permission to unlock (can take up to 7 days).
• Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down when the device is off).
• Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.

Step 2: Download the Fastboot firmware

• On MIUI Downloads, select the Fastboot firmware version for Redmi 9.
• Unpack the downloaded archive in a folder on your computer (for example, C:\MIUI\lancelot).

Step 3: Install firmware through the Mi Flash Tool

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (a screen with a rabbit and the words Fastboot).
3. In the program, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
4. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data from your phone (photos, contacts, messages) and backups first via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or manually copy files to your computer.

Table: Comparison of update methods

Frequent update errors and how to fix them

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 9 users face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and their solutions.

1. "Cannot verify update" error in Recovery

Reasons:

• 📁 The firmware file is corrupted or not fully downloaded.
• 🔖 The firmware is intended for another model (for example, for Redmi). 9A instead of Redmi 9).
• 🔒 Installed custom Recovery (TWRP), which does not support official firmware.

Solution: Download the firmware again from the official website, check the file name (should contain lancelot for Redmi 9).

2.The phone is stuck on the MI logo after the update

This happens if:

• 🔄 The firmware is installed on top of an incompatible version (for example, MIUI China on top of Global).
• 🗜️ The update process is interrupted (power is turned off or the user forcibly restarts the phone).

Solution: Go to Recovery and do Wipe data, and if that doesn't work, run your phone through Fastboot.

Error 3: This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device

It means you're trying to install firmware for another model or region.

• 🇨🇳 You. MIUI China, and downloaded. MIUI Global.
• 📱 Trying to flash Redmi 9 firmware from Redmi Note 9.

Solution: Check the phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model and download the correct firmware.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after an unsuccessful update, try going to Fastboot. + Volume down) and stream the device through the Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions