Xiaomi Redmi 9, released in 2020, is still a popular device due to its balance between price and performance. However, over time, the Android operating system and the MIUI shell (and now HyperOS) require regular updates to ensure data security and stable application performance. In 2026, the question of the relevance of the software is especially acute, as many services gradually stop supporting older versions of the OS.
The process of updating a firmware may seem complicated for an inexperienced user, but it actually consists of several consecutive steps. It is important to understand that there are several ways to install a new version of the software, from a standard “over the air” update to manually flashing through a computer, the choice of method depends on the current version of your system, the region of the device and the desired result.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available options for updating Xiaomi Redmi 9, including working with the recovery and using the Mi Flash Tool utility. You will learn how to avoid common errors, what to do if the phone is “hang” on the logo, and how to properly prepare the gadget before the procedure. Competent approach will prolong the life of your device and access new interface functions.
Preparation of the smartphone before the procedure
Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring this stage can lead to loss of personal data or malfunction of the operating system. First of all, make sure that the battery is at least 60%, and ideally fully charged. Interrupting the upgrade process due to battery discharge is one of the most common reasons for turning a smartphone into a brick.
The second critical step is to create a full backup of all data. Even if the update is normal, there is always a risk of losing contacts, photos and correspondence. Use built-in MIUI or Google cloud services to save information. It is also recommended to free up space in internal memory: it can take 3 to 5 GB of free space to download and unpack the service pack.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to update your device if it has an unlocked bootloader and third-party kernel modifications installed without first returning to the stock firmware.
Finally, check the stability of the Internet connection. To download bulky firmware files, it is better to use reliable Wi-Fi, as mobile traffic can be unstable or limited. SIM-The card does not block access to the update servers, although in most cases this happens automatically.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
By following these simple requirements, you minimize risks and ensure smooth running of the process, and the stability of the system after the upgrade depends on the quality of preparation.
Automatic update via the settings menu (OTA)
The easiest and safest way to get a new version of the software is to use the built-in mechanism. OTA (Over-The-Air. This method does not require a computer or special knowledge. The system independently checks for new packages on Xiaomi servers and suggests installing them. → About the phone and click on the area with the version MIUI.
If the update is available, you'll see a Download and Update button, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the speed of the internet and the amount of changes. During installation, the phone will automatically reboot and the Android logo will appear on the screen with a progress indicator. Don't turn the device off at this point, even if it seems that the process is stalled.
Sometimes the official update hasn’t arrived on your device yet due to a phased deployment, in which case you can try clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and selecting “Select firmware file.” However, for manual installation through this menu you will need to pre-download a special ZIP-archer, as we will discuss below.
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If the update check button is inactive or gives an error, try changing the region in the settings (for example, India or Global), checking the updates again, and then returning your region.
The advantage of OTA is its security: the system checks file integrity and compatibility with hardware. Automatic update is the best choice for most users who want to just keep the phone up to date.
Manual installation of firmware through Recovery
If the automatic search doesn’t find updates or you want to install a specific version MIUI, You can use the manual installation method. You will need to download the.zip firmware archive from the official website or proven resources. 9 — Lancelot for global or merlin for Chinese/NFC).
Once you download the file, place it at the root of your smartphone’s internal memory. Then go to the update menu (as described in the previous section), click on three dots and select “Select a firmware file.” The system will check the archive and, if correct, prompt you to start installing. This method allows you to update even when OTA-The servers do not offer a new version for your region.
⚠️ Note: When manually installed, you cannot switch between different types of firmware (for example, from China to Global or from China to China). EU Attempting to cross-regional updates via Recovery will result in a validation error or download.
There is also Recovery mode available when the phone is turned off. To log in, press both the power and volume buttons. From the menu that appears, select the language (English) and click Install Update.zip (if the firmware file is renamed accordingly and is located at the root), which is often used when the system is not loading properly, but the recovery section works.
Where can I download a secure firmware?
Manual method gives you more control over the version of the software, but requires careful selection of the file. Model compatibility is a key factor in success.
Using the Mi Flash Tool for PC
For advanced users and cases where the phone does not boot or requires complete flashing, the Mi Flash Tool is designed. This method works in Fastboot mode and requires a computer running Windows. ADB/Fastboot and the utility Mi Flash on PC.
Then you should put the smartphone in Fastboot mode by holding down the volume button when you connect the cable to the computer. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android. In the program on your PC, click the Refresh button, select the downloaded firmware image (unpacked into a folder without Cyrillic in the title) and Clean All data cleaning mode. Pressing the “Flash” button will start a process that completely eras old data and installs a clean system.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on data |
|---|---|---|
| Clean All | Complete cleaning and installation | All data is deleted |
| Save User Data | Saving user data | Data is stored (not always working) |
| Clean All + Lock | Cleaning and locking the loader | All data is deleted, BL is blocked. |
This is often called a “rescue” method, because it restores the device to work in case of serious failures. Fastboot mode has low access to the system, which allows you to overwrite system partitions directly. However, using this method requires accurate follow-up instructions, since interrupting the process can make the phone unusable without a service center.
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The Mi Flash Tool is the most powerful tool to fully restore the system, but it requires an unlocked bootloader to install global firmware on Chinese versions and vice versa.
Solving errors during the update
During the upgrade process, users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 can encounter various errors, one of the most common is the message “failed to update” or an endless reboot cycle. Often this is due to a lack of space in memory or damage to the boot file. In such cases, it is recommended to clear the Recovery cache (Wipe Cache Partition) before trying again.
Another problem is the signature verification error, which occurs if you try to install the firmware on top of the new version, or the file was downloaded from an unreliable source. File integrity can be verified by comparing the checksum (MD5) of the downloaded archive with the one listed on the developer's website. If the amounts do not match, the file is corrupted when downloaded.
If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after the upgrade, try resetting to factory settings via the Recovery menu. To do this, press the power and volume buttons, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Remember, this action will delete all your files, which is why regular backup is so important.
In some cases, the cause of errors may be third-party launchers or applications with deep access rights. Before updating, it is advisable to remove suspicious software and disable Root rights, if they were obtained, this will eliminate conflicts of system files.