Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in early 2020, is still a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, to maintain stability and data security, it is critical to regularly update the software. Owners often face the question of how to correctly install the latest version of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS if automatic notification does not come.
The firmware process can range from simple air upgrades to complex manual installations via Recovery Mode. The method choice depends on the current system version, device region and desired result. In this guide, we will take a look at all available methods relevant to 2026 and help avoid common errors.
Before you start any manipulation, you need to understand the risks, wrong actions can lead to data loss or software failures, so carefully study each step, prepare the necessary files and make sure that the battery is at least 60%.
⚠️ Warning: Before you start any flashing, make sure to back up your important contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on your computer. Reset during the upgrade process - the normal situation.
Preparing for the update: important steps
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. Don’t ignore this stage, even if you have already worked with Xiaomi equipment. First of all, check the current version of the system in the Settings → About phone menu. Write down the build number to understand how serious the jump in versions will be.
Free up space on the internal drive. Update files can weigh between 2 and 4 GB, and the system requires extra space to unpack and install them. Delete unnecessary apps or transfer heavy media files to a memory card or PC.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
Make sure you remember the password from your Mi Account and Google account. Once you flash it, the system can request authorization to verify the owner's rights (protection against theft). If you forget the data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device.
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Use the original cable and connect your smartphone to your computer via the USB 3.0 port on the back of the system unit for maximum file transfer speed.
Official method: Update through Settings (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in OTA (Over The Air) mechanism. The system itself checks the servers for new products and downloads the package. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the system logo.
If the update is available, a Download button will appear. Once the file is downloaded, the device will prompt you to restart and start installing, the entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes and does not require user input, ideal for those who just want to get security patches.
However, it is often the case that servers are updated in stages, and your region or specific IMEI has not yet received a new version, in which case you can try to change the region in the settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → Region) to “India” or “Global”, check the updates, and then return the native region.
Sometimes the download can be interrupted due to unstable Internet, in which case try to switch from Wi-Fi to a 4G mobile network or vice versa, and connection stability is a key success factor when using a regular updater.
Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If OTA is not working or you want to update forcibly, bypassing server queues, use the manual installation method. You will need to download the current firmware archive from the official website miui.com or a proven resource like miromi.guru. It is important to choose a file with the.zip extension (Recovery ROM) and not.tgz (Fastboot ROM).
Once you download the file, move it to the root of the smartphone's internal memory. You don't need to rename the archive, but make sure it's at the root, not in the Download folder. Next, go to the update menu and click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
Select the Choose update package, and the system will find the zip archive and check its integrity, and if all is well, the installation process will begin, allowing you to upgrade to older versions or skip OTA queues.
⚠️ Note: When you manually install firmware through Recovery, user data is usually stored. However, when you switch between different regions (for example, from Global to Chinese version), you may need to completely reset the data.
For the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename curtana), it is important not to confuse firmware with the Redmi Note 9S (curtana) or Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (excalibur) version. Installing an inappropriate firmware can lead to a "brick" of the device. Always check the code name in specs.
Use of Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool
Fastboot is considered the most powerful tool in the toolkit of a specialist, allowing you to completely reinstall the system, clean all partitions and even restore the device after serious failures. USB Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool.
Download the Fastboot firmware (.tgz archive) for your model. Unpack the archive to the root of the C disk so that the path is short, such as: C:\Xiaomi\curtana_global. Long paths with Cyrillic often cause firmware errors.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, slamming both power and volume down buttons. Connect the device to your PC. In Device Manager, it should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface. If there is an unknown device, install ADB/Fastboot drivers.
fastboot devicesType this command in the command line. If you see the serial number of the device, the connection is established. Run the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the unpacked firmware and click the button "Flash all" (for complete cleaning) or "Flash all except storage".
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| File extension | .zip | .tgz | |
| The need for a PC | No (can be from the phone) | I'll be sure. | |
| Data retention | Usually. | Depends on the team. | |
| Speed of installation | Difficulty | Low. | Tall. |