Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains a popular device even a few years after its release, largely due to the ability to receive current versions of the operating system. Software updates are not just a change of numbers in settings, but a critical process to ensure data security and stability of the gadget. The owner of the device often faces the need to manually start this process if automatic notifications stop coming or the system reports a boot error.
The installation procedure for the new version of MIUI can be done in several ways, each with its own characteristics and risks. In this article, we will discuss in detail the methods of updating through the standard interface, using a special Recovery bootloader and manual installation of the firmware archive.
Preparation of the device for installation of a new version of the software
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to make sure that the device is fully ready for the procedure. Ignoring the preparatory stage often leads to the system freeze or loss of important contacts and photos. First check the battery level: it should be at least 60%, and ideally be fully charged.
The second critical point is to back up your data. Even if you plan to upgrade without losing information, there is always a risk of failure.Use the built-in tools of Xiaomi Cloud or copy important files to your computer through the use of a computer. USB-Also make sure that the internal drive is free at least 5-10 GB space for temporary installer files.
⚠️ Warning: Do not start the firmware process if the smartphone is in Unlock Bootloader mode with custom recovery if you are not sure of firmware compatibility.
A stable connection to the Internet is another requirement. It is best to use a Wi-Fi network, since the amount of data you download can exceed 3 GB. Mobile Internet can be unstable, which will damage the downloaded archive and install error.
☑️ Checklist before update
Automatic update via settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a fresh firmware version is to use the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism, which checks the manufacturer's servers and suggests installing the package if it is available for your region and specific device model, a method preferred by most users because it minimizes the risk of errors.
To start the check, go to Settings → About Phone. Here you will see the current version of the MIUI shell and the system logo. Click on the version icon or the "Check Updates" button. If a new version is found, the system will prompt you to download and install it.
Sometimes the phone says "No Updates found" even though the servers already have a new version, and this is due to a phased rollout, where updates come in waves, so you can try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional Settings → Region) to a country where the update is already available, such as India or Indonesia, and repeat the check.
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If the update doesn’t come, try clearing the Updates cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Find Updates → Clear → Clear the cache.
Once you load the package to 100%, you'll see the "Reboot and Update" button, press it, and the smartphone will go into installation mode, the screen will go out, the Redmi logo will appear and the progress scale will appear, at which point you absolutely can't touch the control buttons or turn off the device.
Manual installation via Recovery Mode
If the automatic method does not work or you want to install a specific version of firmware that OTA does not offer, you will have to use the manual method. It requires you to download the firmware archive from the official website or verified sources. The file must have the.zip extension and be designed specifically for your model (codename lancelot for the global version).
The downloaded archive should be renamed to update.zip and placed in the root folder of the internal memory of the smartphone, without putting it in any folders. After that, go to the recovery menu. To do this, turn off the phone and press the button combination Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
In the Recovery menu (Chinese or global), select a language (if available) and click on the button "Install Update.zip" or "Select File." The system will check the integrity of the file and, if all is well, start the firmware process. This method is often called "clean installation", as it can erase user data if you do not select the appropriate save point.
| Parameter | OTA (Automatically) | Recovery (Manually) | Fastboot (PC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Data retention | Yes. | Depends on choice. | No (usually) |
| Requirements | Wi-Fi | Firmware file | PC, cable, drivers |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
What if Recovery says "Can't verify update"?
Use of the Mi Flash Tool Program
For advanced users who are faced with serious problems in the system, there is a method of firmware through a computer with the Mi Flash Tool utility. This method requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), the process of obtaining which takes from 7 to 15 days after submitting an application in the Mi Unlock application.
The process begins with the smartphone switching to Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to connect the device to the computer, holding the Volume Down button. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android. In the program on the PC, you need to choose the path to the unpacked firmware (.tgz format) and the firmware mode.
There are three modes of firmware in Mi Flash:
- 🟢 clean all – complete cleanup of all data and installation of a new system (recommended for stability).
- 🔵 Save user data: attempts to save user data, but with the risk of file conflicts.
- 🔴 Clean all and lock – complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (use only with the original global firmware!).
⚠️ Warning: Selecting a clean all and lock mode with the wrong region's firmware (e.g. China's on Global) will result in a hard Brick.
When you press Flash, you start writing memory sectors, the progress bar in the program moves, the log shows the current commands, and do not turn off the USB cable until the "Success" message appears. The entire process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the port speed and the amount of data.
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The Mi Flash Tool is a radical method that completely reinstalls the system, and it is necessary when switching from the Chinese version to the global version or when recovering from viruses and crashes.
Possible errors and methods of their solution
Redmi 9 users may experience a variety of software bugs during the upgrade process, and one of the most common is the message “Can’t check the update,” which often indicates that you’re trying to downgrade an older version of Android or MIUI, which is prohibited by Xiaomi’s security policies without a complete data cleanup.
Another common problem is getting stuck on the logo after the update (Bootloop).If the phone is cyclically rebooted, try entering Recovery mode. + Power) and select Wipe Data, which will delete all personal files, but often allows the system to boot correctly.
If the upgrade is interrupted due to battery discharge, the device may not turn on at all, in which case only connecting to the original charger for a long time (up to 1 hour) without trying to turn on will help. If the charging indicator does not light up, you will need to flash through Fastboot or contact the service center.
Network errors when booting OTA shift DNS-It is also worth checking whether access to the update servers is blocked by an antivirus or hosts file (if the system has been modified).