How to upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9: official and alternative ways

Why it’s important to update Android to Redmi 9

Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codenamed Lancelot) was released in 2020 with Android 10 and shell MIUI 11 on board. In four years, the manufacturer has released several major updates, but many users still operate the device on outdated software. This is fraught not only with the lack of new features, but also with security vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit through vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel or Qualcomm components.

Updating the firmware on Redmi 9 gives several advantages:

• 🔒 Closing critical vulnerabilities (e.g, CVE-2023-20958 MediaTek, affecting the Helio chip G80, which is installed in this apparatus)
• ⚡ Optimization of energy consumption - in MIUI 14 The "Ultra-Battery" mode has been added, increasing autonomy on the 15-20%
• 📱 New functions MIUI: Navigation gestures 2.0, improved multitasking, support for Android 12 widgets+
• 🎮 Increased performance in games due to updated drivers GPU Mali-G52

But not all updates are equally useful. For example, the transition from Android 10 to 11 to Redmi 9 is called a “trick upgrade” by some users: with new chips come slowdowns of animations and increased heat of the processor. In this article, we will discuss which versions of Android officially support Redmi 9 in 2026, how to update without the risk of “bricking”, and what to do if the system refuses to install fresh firmware.

The official Android version for Redmi 9: what is available in 2026

Xiaomi has a clear policy of updates for budget smartphones: 2 major Android updates and 3 years of patch security. M2004J19G) This means the following:

Xiaomi is no longer releasing updates for Redmi 9 OTA (The last official firmware — MIUI 13.0.6 Stable based on Android 12. However, there are two nuances:

• 🔄 In some regions (India, Europe) updates may be delayed until the end of the year. 2-3 You can check the relevance on the official website. MIUI.
• 🛠️ Unofficial builds (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) allow you to install Android 13, but require unlocking the bootloader and carry the risk of losing warranty.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (the C-suffix version in the model), you won’t be able to upgrade to global firmware through standard methods.

Preparing your phone for an update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start updating, you need to take a number of steps to avoid data loss or system damage, especially for devices with unlocked bootloader or root rights.

Backup via Mi Cloud or locally|Check the vacant space (minimum 3 GB)|Connect to charging (battery) >50%)|Remember the current version of the firmware|Shut down. VPN and antivirus-->

Let's take a closer look at each item:

1. Backup Use the built-in Settings tool → The phone. → Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root: 📁 Contact and SMS (export to a.vcf file) 📸 Photo/video (copy to PC or cloud) 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Exports of the network) 🎮 Game Saving (via Google Play Games or Titanium Backup)

Memory check

The update weighs 1.8-2.5 GB, if there is less space available 3 GB, clear the cache (Settings) → Warehouse → Clear) or transfer files to the memory card. To verify, use the command in ADB:

adb shell df -h /data

Battery charge

If the charge level is below 50%, the system can interrupt the installation, at worst, it will lead to a breeze (unloadable state). 18W.

If you are upgrading from Android 10 to 12 (skipping 11), it is recommended to perform a phased update: first before the end of the day. MIUI 12.5 (Android 11), then before MIUI 13 This will reduce the risk of system libraries conflict.

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If after the update the phone began to brake, reset the cache through Recovery: pinch the Power + Volume up when turned on, select "Wipe Cache Partition".

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the safest method

The official Settings update is suitable for 90% of users, it doesn't require a computer and it saves all the data.

• ✅ It only works if the current firmware is not modified (no root, custom recaveri)
• ✅ Only stable versions are available (no beta tests)
• ❌ It will not show an update if the firmware region does not coincide with the region. SIM-map

Step instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon "⚙️" in the upper right corner and select Update package (if you downloaded firmware manually).
3. If you find an update, click Download. It'll take you a while. 10-30 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet.
4. Once you download it, the system will suggest Install Now or Install at night.
5. The phone will restart and start installation (screens with logo) MI Don't interrupt the process! The first download after the update can take up to 10 minutes.

If the system says “No updates”, but you are sure that it should be, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone and check again.
• 🌍 Change region in settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Place the region on "India" or "Europe")
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes mobile Internet operators block Xiaomi servers)

⚠️ Attention: If during installation OTA When the service pack fails, it means that the firmware file is corrupted, re-download it or use the method through Recovery (described below).

Method 2: Manual updates with Recovery Mode

If OTA-Update doesn't work (for example, because of region change or corrupted system files), you can manually install firmware through stock recaps. This method saves user data, but requires you to preload the correct firmware file.

Steps for manual update:

1. Download the firmware for your model: 🔗 Official source: MIUI Downloads 📌 Select files marked "Recovery" (not Fastboot!) and the same region (Global/EU/IN) 🔍 The file name must contain the "lancelot" codename Redmi. 9)

Move the file.

miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V13.0.6.0.SJCMIXM_...

Download to Recovery.

• Turn off the phone.
• Squeeze the power. + Volume up on 5-10 seconds
• In the menu, select the language (English / Whale) and the item Install update.zip to System
• Select the firmware file and confirm the installation. 5-15 minute.
• After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

If the error "E: Footer is wrong" appears in Recovery, it means that:

• The firmware file is damaged (download again)
• You have chosen the wrong version (for example, for Redmi). 9A instead of Redmi 9)
• You have a custom Recovery installed (TWRP), which is not compatible with official firmware

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

Fastboot is the most reliable method, but it's also the most risky one, and it's good if you:

• 🔧 Phone is not turned on (hangs on the logo) MI)
• 🔄 You need to switch from Chinese firmware to global (or vice versa)
• 🛠️ Downgrade is required (downgrading the Android version)

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers (download here)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz (Fastboot) format for your model
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (official page)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, `C:\MIUI\lancelot_global`).
2. Download the phone to Fastboot: (a) Turn off the phone b) Press the power + Volume down for 10 seconds in) Connect to the PC – should appear icon Fastboot (robot with a gear)
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator, click Select and specify the firmware folder.
4. Select firmware mode: Clean all - complete cleanup (removes all data) Save user data - save user files (not always stable) Clean all and lock - clear + Locking the bootloader (for the sale of the phone)

Flash

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is an error "anti_rollback", This means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, Xiaomi blocks downgrade to protect against exploits. Solution: run through the intermediate version (e.g., with a MIUI 13 on MIUI 12.5, then MIUI 11).

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Fastboot firmware is the only way to “reanimate” Redmi 9 after a failed upgrade or reset to factory settings with a damaged system.

Unofficial firmware: Android 13 and custom ROM

Since Xiaomi hasn't officially released Android 13 for Redmi 9, enthusiasts have created unofficial ports.

To install custom firmware, it is necessary:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires an account binding Mi and waiting 7 days).
2. Install TWRP — Redmi 9 is a good version 3.7.0.
3. Complete the full backup of the current system through TWRP (Backup → Select All).
4. Switch firmware: (a) Download ZIP-Firmware and GApps (if you need Google services) b TWRP choose → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data in Install Firmware → choose ZIP) d) Install GApps (if required) (e) Reboot

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Before installing custom firmware, check the reviews on the XDA-Developers forum for your specific model (lancelot).

Frequent update errors and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users face problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

If the root rights have been lost after the update or TWRP, It's normal, when you install the official firmware, they're reset to return the root:

1. Unlock the bootloader again (if it is blocked).
2. Fly Magisk through TWRP Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip) b TWRP Choose Install → choose Magisk.zip (c) Reboot

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the phone is no longer defined by the computer in Fastboot, try it: 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) 🖥️ Reinstall the driver manually through Device Manager (select "Mi/Xiaomi Fastboot Interface") 🔄 Reboot your phone to Fastboot, holding power + Loudness down 30 seconds

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions