Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, released in 2020, remains a popular device due to its balanced specs and affordable price.However, over time, the operating system ceases to receive current security patches and new features, which can annoy advanced users. Updating to the latest available version of MIUI and Android allows you to extend the life of the gadget, improving the stability of work and interface.
The software upgrade process can occur in several ways, from standard automatic updates to manually installing an archive through Recovery. It is important for device owners to understand the difference between updating the MIUI shell version and the Android operating system itself, as Xiaomi often releases new features within a single version of Android. Below we will discuss all the available methods that will help your device work faster and safer.
Before you start any manipulation, you need to realize that any interference with system files carries minimal but present risks. Make sure you follow the instructions clearly to avoid turning your phone into a brick. In this article, we will describe each step in detail to minimize the likelihood of error and get the desired result without losing data.
Preparation of the device for the installation of new firmware
The beginning of any firmware process requires careful preparation. Ignoring the preliminary steps often leads to download errors or loss of personal data. The first step is to back up all important information, since when you switch between major versions of Android (for example, from 10 to 11), the data can be deleted.
Charge the smartphone battery to at least 60-70%. the upgrade process can take from 15 minutes to an hour, and a sudden power outage at a critical time of recording system partitions can lead to serious failures. Also free up at least 5-8 GB of free space in the device’s memory, even if you plan to upgrade “over the air”.
Check the stability of the Internet connection. High-speed Wi-Fi is recommended to download heavy service packs, which can be as large as 3-4 GB. Mobile network use is possible, but it will take much longer and can be unstable.
- 🔋 Charge the battery above 60% to ensure the process is complete.
- 💾 Make a full backup of contacts and photos to the cloud or PC.
- 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network with high data rate.
- 🧹 Free up at least 5GB of internal memory for temporary files.
⚠️ Warning: If your device has mission-critical applications for work or business installed, make sure you have access to their backups or passwords to re-authenticate after the update.
☑️ Readiness for renewal
Automatic updates through system settings
The easiest and safest method for most users is to use a built-in update mechanism, which checks Xiaomi servers for new firmware versions that are suitable for your region and model, ideal for those who do not want to understand file types and manual installations.
To run the check, go to the settings menu and find Device About, which shows the current version of MIUI and Android, clicking on the logo or update check button, you initiate a request to the server, and if the new version is available, the system will prompt you to download and install it.
In some cases, the update may not come to all users at once. Xiaomi uses a phased rollout, so owners of the same models in different regions can receive an update with a difference of several days or even weeks. If the update is available but not installed, try clearing the cache of the app "Update" through the app menu.
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If you don’t get an automatic update, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Global, check for updates, and then return your region.
Manual Installation of Updates through Recovery
If the automatic method does not work or you want to speed up the process, you can use the manual installation method. This requires downloading the current firmware archive from the official website or proven resources. It is important to download a file that strictly corresponds to your model (Redmi Note 9 Pro, codename curtana) and the type of memory (Global, Russia, India).
Once you download a file with the.zip extension, place it at the root of your smartphone's internal memory. Don't put the archive in folders, use the main storage space. Then go to the update menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, and select Select File (or Choose Package).
The system will check the integrity of the file and, if all is right, prompt you to start updating. The phone will reboot to Recovery mode, where the installation process will take place. The screen can go out and light up, and the MI logo will hang longer than usual - this is normal system operation.
What if the system says “I couldn’t check the file”?
Use Fastboot Mode and Mi Flash Tool
For advanced users who have experienced serious errors or want to completely reflash the device, there is a Fastboot mode. This method requires a Windows computer and the Mi Flash Tool installed. It allows you to install the system cleanly by removing all data and errors from previous builds.
Before you start, you need to unlock the bootloader if it is locked. This is an official procedure that requires you to link your Mi Account and wait from 7 to 168 hours. Without an unlocked bootloader, deep flashing through the Fastboot is impossible.
The process is as follows: the phone is transferred to Fastboot mode (clamping Volume Down + Power when the device is turned off), connects to the PC with a USB cable. In the Mi Flash program, the path to the unpacked firmware and Clean All mode is selected. After pressing the Flash button, a process that cannot be interrupted begins.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Clean All mode | Complete data cleanup | When changing the region of the firmware |
| Save User Data Mode | Data retention | Only to reinstall the same version |
| Clean All + Lock mode | Cleaning and locking | Use with caution, can block the loader |
| Type of connection | USB port port | Use the original cable and USB 2.0/3.0 port |
It is important to understand that using Clean All + Lock mode after installing global firmware on a Chinese phone (or vice versa) can lead to a device lock (Bootloop).Always choose Clean All mode without locking the bootloader, unless you are 100% sure of the compatibility of the regions.
Solving Common Errors During Updating
Even if all the rules are followed, errors can occur, and one of the most common is "failed to check the file" or hanging on the MI logo. Often this is due to a corrupted firmware file or version incompatibility, in which case re-downloading the archive from another source helps.
If the phone is gone into an endless reboot, try entering Recovery mode. + Power) and select Wipe Data, which will delete all the data, but it can save the system. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over Fastboot.
Another problem is the lack of security updates. Xiaomi sometimes stops supporting models older than 2-3 years. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the main Android updates have already come out, and now the device only receives MIUI security patches. It is officially no longer worth waiting for Android 13 or 14 to be released unless the manufacturer announced it additionally.
Optimizing the work after updating
After successfully installing a new version of the system, the smartphone can run slower than usual for the first 24 hours, because the background processes index files and optimize application databases for the new version of Android.
It is recommended that you do not load the device with heavy games immediately after the update. Let it lie on the charger with the screen off for about an hour, this will allow the system to complete all background tasks, and it is also worth checking the settings of permissions for applications, as new versions of MIUI can reset some access rights for the sake of security.
If you notice fast battery consumption, go to the usage statistics and see which app consumes the most power. Sometimes older versions of apps conflict with the new system and need to be updated through Google Play or GetApps.
⚠️ Warning: After a major system update (such as a change to Android version), always complete a full reboot cycle: turn off the phone completely and turn it on again in 10 seconds.
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The first day after the upgrade is a critical time to stabilize the system, do not panic due to a slight heating or reduced autonomy during this period.