Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even 4 years after its release. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and the transition to HyperOS, users have questions: how to update the device correctly, which versions are supported, and what to do if the update is “hanged.” In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update firmware – from standard OTA to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also talk about how to avoid errors, such as Error 7 or endless download.
It's important to understand that Redmi 9 officially received its last major update in 2023 (MIUI 14 based on Android 12), but unofficial firmware and custom recaps allow you to install more recent versions. We won't be looking at uncertified builds - only official methods to ensure stability. If your smartphone hasn't yet updated automatically, check the settings: you may have missed the notification of the new version.
1. Supported firmware versions for Redmi 9 in 2026
Xiaomi Redmi 9 (lancelot) was released in 2020 with MIUI 11 based on Android 10.To date, the official support from Xiaomi looks like this:
| MIUI/HyperOS version | Basic Android | Status of support | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.5 | Android 11 | ✅ Stable. | Last Security Update - June 2023 |
| MIUI 13 | Android 12 | ✅ Stable. | Optimization of energy consumption, new widgets |
| MIUI 14 | Android 12 | ✅ The latest official | Some Google services in regional versions removed |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Android 13 | ❌ Informally | Requires unlocking the loader and custom recaveri |
If your Redmi 9 is still running MIUI 11 or 12, we recommend upgrading to MIUI 13 for better performance and security. The newer MIUI 14 version won't be released officially, but enthusiasts port HyperOS through projects like Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS. Remember, unofficial firmware can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the NFC module or camera.
⚠️ Warning: Upgrading to HyperOS on Redmi 9 requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device to factory settings. backup data via Mi Cloud or locally is mandatory!
2. Preparation of the smartphone for the update
Before you start the update, follow a few critical steps to avoid data loss or “bricking” your device:
- 📱 Check the current version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down the assembly number (for example, V13.0.4.0.SJCMIXM).
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%.100 is recommended when upgrading via Fastboot%.
- 📡 Stable Wi-Fi connection: OTA-Updates weigh 1.5-2.5 GB. Mobile Internet may not be suitable.
- 🔐 Disable Ad Blockers: Some modules like AdGuard or Blokada prevent downloading update files.
If you are planning to upgrade through the Mi Flash Tool, additionally:
- 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool and Mi Flash Tool on PC (Windows) 10/11).
- 🔌 Prepare the original. USB-cable (not cheap substitutes!).
- 📂 Download the full firmware package for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
Backup in Mi Cloud| Check the free space (minimum 5GB)| Disable VPN and proxy | Close background applications (especially antiviruses) | Connect the charger (in case of a long process)
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Pay special attention to backup, even if you're not. OTA-Update is a risk of failure. Use the built-in Settings function → Memory. → Backup or third-party tools like Swift Backup (require root rights) If you have Magisk or other modifications installed, they will have to be removed before upgrading or you will have a Status 7 error.
Method 1: Air Update (OTA)
The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the settings menu, which is suitable for moving to the next version of MIUI (for example, from 12 to 13), but will not allow you to skip the versions (from 11 to 14 at once).
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the icon «⋯» (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Download the latest version.
- If the update is available, click Download. Wait until it is completed (may take 10 to 30 minutes).
- After downloading, select Install Now or Install Later (if you want to postpone the reboot).
- The smartphone will reboot to Recovery mode and install the update automatically.
If the Download button is inactive, it means:
- 🔄 Your version. MIUI already relevant.
- 🕒 The update hasn’t rolled out for your region yet (check in a week).
- 📵 The device is not certified (bought on AliExpress without global firmware).
💡
If the update is “hanging” during the verification phase, restart your smartphone and try again. Sometimes it helps to change the Wi-Fi network or reset the network settings in Settings → Connections → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
For compulsory verification of updates can be used ADB-team:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.SYSTEM_UPDATE_SETTINGSThis command immediately opens the update menu, bypassing the main settings.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery
If OTA-Update is not available, but you have found the right firmware on the forums (e.g, XDA Developers, you can install it through a standard Recovery, and this method saves user data, but it requires caution.
- Download a firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V13.0.4.0.SJCMIXM_...zip).
- Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to Download or MIUI!).
- Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume up + Power buttons at the same time to enter Recovery Mode.
- In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then:
Wait for the completion (about 5-10 minutes).
Reboot to System
⚠️ If the error E: Footer is wrong, then the file update.zip Download it again and check the checksum (MD5) A utility like HashMyFiles.
This method is suitable for installing incremental updates (small patches) or full builds of the same version of MIUI. To switch to another version (for example, from 12 to 13), it is better to use Fastboot.
5. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)
The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to install full firmware, but it requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.
- 📉 The smartphone does not turn on or freeze in the loading cycle.
- 🔄 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
- 🛠️ Restore the device after a failed update.
Step-by-step:
- Download the full Fastboot firmware (.tgz or.zip file) and unpack it into a folder on the disk. C:\ (for example, C:\lancelot_fastboot).
- Install the Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot drivers (you can use Universal ADB Drivers).
- Turn off your smartphone. Press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare image will appear with the words Fastboot).
- Connect your phone to your PC. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue:
cd C:\lancelot_fastboot
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata userdata.img
fastboot rebootThe complete list of commands for firmware is contained in the file flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac). Just run it on behalf of the administrator.
What if the Fastboot can’t see the device?
It takes 5 to 15 minutes, and when it's done, it'll reboot, and the first time it's turned on can take up to 10 minutes, which is normal.
6. Solving common errors during the update
Even when following the instructions, there may be errors, and let's look at the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error 7 (Status 7) | Incompatibility of firmware with the current version or modified system (Magisk, Xposed). | Remove root, roll back changes, or find firmware with the no-verity-opt-encrypt patch. |
| Couldn't verify update | A damaged update.zip file or space shortage. | Check the MD5 file, free up 5+ GB of memory, and download the file again. |
| Infinite boot (bootloop) | Module conflict or incomplete firmware. | Log in to Fastboot and swipe the full package with the command fastboot flash all. |
| Anti-rollback check | Trying to install an older version of MIUI. | Upgrade to the latest version, then try the downgrade again (risky!). |
If the sound is gone after the update, the camera is not working or the mobile network is missing:
- Reset network settings: Settings → Connections → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
- Clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → App management → [App name] → Clear the cache.
- Perform reset to factory settings (last option).
💡
After the update, the smartphone stopped seeing SIM-Check if the card has been broken. IMEI. You can restore them through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the utility. SN Write Tool (requires a Xiaomi account).
7.How to roll back the update on Redmi 9
Sometimes newer versions of MIUI work worse than previous ones: they appear lags, the battery goes down faster or functions disappear.
- ⏳ Downgrade is only possible within one branch of Android. MIUI 13 (Android 12) can be returned to the MIUI 12.5 (Android 11), but not on MIUI 11 (Android 10) – Anti-rollback protection will work.
- 🔓 A rollback will require an unlocked loader.
- ⚠️ All data will be deleted (except internal memory, if you do not format userdata).
Instructions for rollback:
- Download the desired firmware version for Fastboot with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Unpack the archive and delete the files from the folder:
Fastboot
flash_all.bat
flash_all_except_data_storage.bat
After rollback, you may need to re-activate the device in Mi Account. If this device is locked, unlock the bootloader again through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will have to wait 7-30 days).
8.Alternative firmware: HyperOS and custom ROM
Official support for Redmi 9 is complete, but enthusiasts continue to develop unofficial firmware.
- 🌐 HyperOS (Xiaomi.eu): Android 13-based port with new design and optimizations. Requires unlocked bootloader and installation via TWRP.
- 📱 LineageOS 20: Pure Android 13 without Xiaomi-branded apps OTA-update.
- ⚡ Pixel Experience: Firmware with Google Pixel functionality, including exclusive camera chips.
- 🔧 Havoc-OS: Flexible firmware with many settings for fine customization.
Installation of custom firmware includes the following steps:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (you will have to link your Xiaomi account and wait 168 hours).
- Install the custom TWRP recavator for lancelot (you can download here).
- Make a full backup of the current system in TWRP (Backup section).
- Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
- Clear the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/ART Cache).
⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may disrupt Widevine L1, Why Netflix, Disney?+ and banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) will refuse to work. XDA concretely.
To return to the official MIUI, you just need to flash the full package through Fastboot (see section 5).