Update Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9A remains one of the most popular budget smartphones even years after its release. However, without regular firmware updates, the device begins to slow down, loses support for new applications and becomes vulnerable to security threats. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update from automatic through settings to manual firmware through Fastboot, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and not lose data.

It's important to understand that Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) officially supports upgrades to MIUI 12.5 based on Android 10. Newer versions of MIUI (13/14) are not available for this model, but there are custom firmwares — we'll mention them at the end. If your phone hasn't been updated for a long time, there is a high risk of an error "failed to check the update" due to an outdated security certificate. We'll show you how to fix this.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start an update, follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, device freeze, or even a “brick” (completely inoperable), especially for manual firmware methods.

First, check the current version of MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If the version is below 12.0.10.0, it is recommended to upgrade in stages: first to the intermediate stable version, then to the last.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, and when upgraded via Recovery or Fastboot, the phone should not turn off.
• 📱 Backup: Copy photos, contacts and files to your PC or the cloud. Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.
• 🌐 Stable Wi-Fi connection. Update "over the air" (OTA) Weighs 1.5-2.5 GB – mobile traffic may not be enough.
• 🔐 Turn off ad blockers (like AdGuard or Blokada) and they can block Xiaomi update servers.

⚠️ Note: If root access or custom Recovery is installed on the phone (TWRP), automatic OTA In this case, use only manual methods.

Make sure battery power >60%| Backup data | Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Disable VPN and ad blockers | Check free space (minimum 3GB)

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Method 2: Automatic Update through Settings (OTA)

This is the easiest and most secure method for most users: Xiaomi releases OTA (Over-The-Air) updates every 1-3 months. If your Redmi 9A has not been updated for a long time, the system may not detect a new firmware due to an outdated update client.

To run the check:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Service Pack (if this item is missing, skip the step).
3. Check for updates and wait for the server to respond.
4. If an update is found, click Download, then Install.

It takes 10 to 30 minutes. The phone will reboot 1-2 times, which is normal. If the "Update not installed" notification appears after the reboot, try again or use alternative methods.

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If the update is “hanging” during the download phase, try changing the DNS on the router to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If the automatic method doesn’t work, you can install firmware manually through standard Recovery, which is suitable for official service packs (.zip) downloaded from Xiaomi’s website, and the main advantage is that you don’t need to connect to a PC.

First, download the correct version of the firmware:

1. Go to the official MIUI website.
2. Search for Redmi 9A or dandelion.
3. Choose the latest stable version for your region (e.g. Russia or Global).
4. Download the file marked Recovery (weight ~1.8–2.2 GB).

Next:

1. Rename the downloaded file to update.zip (required!).
2. Move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
4. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

⚠️ Warning: If you see an error in Recovery, "E:footer is wrong," you're corrupting the firmware file. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

This method requires a computer and is suitable for cases where the phone is not turned on or an update via Recovery is impossible. It uses the Mi Flash Tool, the official utility from Xiaomi. Importantly, all data will be deleted, including photos and apps.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Mi Flash Tool is not working).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (version not lower than 2020.3.14.0).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in a folder without Cyrillic (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool and drivers (if the phone is not identified, download the drivers manually).
3. Turn off Redmi 9A and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.
6. Wait until it's finished (green tick in the program). The phone will reboot automatically.

The first run after firmware through Fastboot can take up to 10 minutes.If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset (clip Volume up + Power for 10 seconds).

Automatic (via settings) | Through Recovery| Through Fastboot | Never Update |Other option

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5. Solving errors in the update

Even when following the instructions, Redmi 9A users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error: "Cannot verify update" (unable to check update)

This problem arises from an incorrect date/time or an outdated security certificate.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Date and time.
2. Turn off Autodetermination and manually set the date to January 1, 2022.
3. Try checking the update again.
4. After successful verification, return the current date.

Error: "Installation aborted" in Recovery

Reasons:

• The firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model.
• There is not enough space in the /cache section.
• Custom Recovery (TWRP) is installed.

Decisions:

• Download the firmware again and check it out. MD5-hash (must match the one on the site).
• Clean the cache with Recovery → Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
• If TWRP is worth it, go back to the drainage Recovery via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot

This package is for 'dandelion' devices; this is a ''

It means you're trying to install firmware for a different model, like downloading a Redmi version. 9A NFC (codename dandelion_nfc), And you have a regular Redmi. 9A (Solution: download the correct firmware from the official website.

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If none of these things work, the last thing you can do is to completely reset the Fastboot with the clean firmware, which will delete all the data, but it will bring the phone back to working order.

6.Castom firmware: should it be updated informally?

Official support for the Redmi 9A ended with MIUI 12.5, but enthusiasts are developing custom firmware based on Android 11/12 (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

• 🆕 Newer version of Android with modern features.
• 🚀 Improved performance (removed by Xiaomi’s Bloatware).
• 🔄 Regular security updates.

However, there are risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📵 Possible problems with camera, Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge due to unoptimized core.

If you decide to use custom firmware, follow the instructions on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Be sure to unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (it can take up to 720 hours to wait!).

7.Optimization after Update

After a successful update, it is recommended to perform several actions for stable operation:

• 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache. It will delete the temporary files of the old firmware.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: help avoid problems with Wi-Fi or mobile Internet (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 🔋 Battery calibration: After upgrading, drain your phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Security Check: Update Google Play Protection and Run Virus Scan.

If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after the update, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off Auto Brightness and set the value manually (~50%).
2. Limit the background activity of applications: Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run.
3. Turn off Mi Cloud Sync and Auto Update apps in Google Play.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9A update