How to Upgrade Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9: All Ways 2026

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time its performance may decline due to an outdated version of Android or MIUI. The firmware update not only adds new features, but also fixes security bugs, improves stability and extends the life of the device. However, the upgrade process on Redmi 9 has nuances, from automatic OTA-apatdates to manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update Android to Xiaomi Redmi 9 (lancelot/angelica/angelican models), including official and alternative methods. You will learn how to check the current version of the software, where to download the correct firmware, how to unlock the bootloader (if necessary), and what to do if the update freezes or gives an error.

Preparing for an update: checking the current version and compatibility

Before you start the update, you need to make sure that your Redmi 9 supports the new version of MIUI or Android. the manufacturer does not release updates for all regions at the same time, and some models may remain on the old version due to hardware restrictions.

To check the current firmware:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the lines MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5) and Android version (e.g. Android 11).
3. Write down the exact model name in the Device Model section (e.g. M2003J15SC for global version).

Compare your version with the latest available on the official Xiaomi MIUI Downloads website.

• 🌍 Global - for international versions (designated MI end-of-model).
• 🇨🇳 China - Chinese firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European Union countries (with Google services pre-installed).
• 🇷🇺 Russia - adapted version for Russia (may not be available Google Play).

⚠️ Note: Installing firmware outside your region may cause mobile networks to fail, language to be missing, or problems with Google services. For example, Chinese firmware does not support Google Play Services without additional manipulation.

Also check the free space on the device – it takes at least 3-4 GB of free space to update via OTA. If there is not enough memory, transfer the files to a memory card or computer.

2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

If your Redmi 9 receives official updates, the safest way is to install it via OTA (Over-The-Air), a method that doesn’t require unlocking the bootloader and saves all the data.

Instructions:

1. Connect to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If the update is available, the Download button will appear.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot (may take 10-20 minutes).

If the update is not available, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and repeat the check.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by providers).
• 🕒 Wait 1-2 days – updates can come out in waves.
• 🔧 Manual download. OTA-package (see next section).

⚠️ Attention: If during installation OTA If you see an error called "Can't check the update", it may mean that the firmware is damaged or not suitable for your model. ROM official website.

Advantages of OTA:

• ✅ Does not require technical skills.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of “bricking” the device.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates may come with a delay.
• ❌ Not all regions receive the latest version.
• ❌ It is impossible to roll back without a complete flashing.

💡

OTA-The update is the best choice for most users, but if your Redmi 9 hasn’t received an update in a long time, it may be time to consider handheld firmware.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If automatic updates are not available or if they are not available, you can install the firmware manually through Recovery, which is suitable for official firmware and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but it is important to choose the right version for your model.

Steps:

1. Download Recovery ROM For your model from Xiaomi website MIUI Downloads. The file will be in.zip format (e.g, lancelot_global_images_V14.0.5.0.QJCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_11.0_global_1234567890.zip).
2. Rename the file to update.zip (required!) and move it to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power Button to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Choose a language (if required) and then:
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).
6. After the reboot, check the version in Settings → About the phone.

Important nuances:

• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 50%.
• 📁 Don't unpack. update.zip — It should remain an archive.
• 🔄 If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Wait 10-15 minutes. If it doesn't work, reset it with Recovery (Wipe Data).

Download the correct version of Recovery ROM|Rename the file to update.zip|Transfer to the root of memory|Charge the phone. >50%|Make a backup copy of the data-->

If the error "E: Footer is wrong" or "E: Signature verification failed" appears during the installation, it means that:

• The file is corrupted – download it again.
• The wrong firmware region is selected.
• The phone has custom firmware installed (then a Fastboot is required).

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users

If the first two methods didn’t work or you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you’ll need firmware via Fastboot.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📦 Fastboot ROM (tgz or.zip file from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (download to Android) SDK).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader: Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Developer → Link your Mi Account. Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging and send a request to unlock via the Mi Unlock Tool. Waiting can take up to 720 hours (30 days) – Xiaomi has introduced this security restriction.

Install the drivers:

• Download the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Redmi 9.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
• Fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot flash recovery system.img fastboot flash vendor.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

5. Update to Android 12/13: Is it possible to Redmi? 9?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 officially supports only Android 11 (with the shell MIUI 12/13/14). However, some users install custom firmware based on Android 12 or even 13 through informal builds.

The most popular custom firmware for Redmi 9:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
• 📱 Havoc-OS – flexible configuration with many functions.
• 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between Performance and Stability.
• Through EDL (Emergency mode: Authorized Mi Account and special cable are required, suitable for "brick" devices: ❌ It is impossible to roll back on Android 10 if there was an update to Android 11 with a change in the bootloader. ❌ After the rollback, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. ❌ Some functions (such as Widevine) L1) If you can't roll back, try it: 🔧 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge). 📉 Disable animation in Developer Settings to speed up work. 🔋 Replace the battery (if the problem is fast discharge). 8. Alternative ways to improve performance without updating If the update is not available or does not solve problems, you can optimize the Redmi 9 operation in other ways: Software methods: 🧹 Clear the cache: Settings → Memory. → Clear the cache. 🚫 Turn off autoloading of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start. 🔄 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery. 📱 Install a lightweight launcher (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair: 🔋 Replace the battery (if the capacity has dropped below 70%). 💾 Transfer applications to the memory card (Settings) → Annexes → Move it to SD). 🔄 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption) Custom cores and mods: 🛠️ Install a custom core (such as FrancoKernel) to improve performance. 🎯 Use Magisk for root rights and optimization modules (e.g. Greenify). 🔋 Set up. CPU Governor via Kernel Adiutor (requires root). ⚠️ Attention: Installing custom cores or root rights will void the warranty and may lead to unstable work.Before experimenting, make a full backup through TWRP. 💡If Redmi 9 It is hot, try to limit the maximum frequency of the processor through the Magisk module "CPU Temp Control. This will reduce performance but increase battery life. FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi updates 9 Can I upgrade Redmi? 9 Android 12 No, it's official, Xiaomi Redmi. 9 Only Android officially supports Android 11 shelled MIUI 12/13/14. Update to Android 12 It is possible only through custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). 19), But these are unofficial builds with possible bugs. OTA-update on my Redmi 9? There are several reasons: 📡 Your region has not yet received an update (exit waves). 🔄 On the phone installed custom firmware or root rights. 📵 Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (try it later). 🔧 Manually changed system files (for example, removed standard applications). Solution: download the firmware manually from the official website and install it through Recovery. How to return the stock firmware after custom? To return to the official firmware: Download Fastboot ROM For your Xiaomi model, unlock the bootloader (if it's locked), run through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option. After you reboot, link your Mi Account again. Attention: this will delete all data and block the bootloader! What if the sound is lost after the update? Sound problems after the update are solved this way: 🔊 Check the volume settings and Do Not Disturb mode. 🔄 Reboot the phone. 🛠️ Clear the cache and application data Settings → Annexes → Sounds and vibrations. 📥 If it doesn't work, go through the vendor section from the original firmware. If there's a problem with the dynamics (hardware malfunction), contact the service. Can you upgrade Redmi 9 without losing data? Yes, but only through OTA Recovery (if you install the same version) MIUI). Firmware via Fastboot or changing the version of Android (for example, from 10 to 11) erases all data: 📱 Contacts: sync with your Google account. 📷 Photo/video: copy to PC or cloud. 💬 Messages: Use applications like SMS Backup & Restore.