How to update MIUI on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways and nuances

Updating MIUI firmware on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a process that can significantly improve the performance of a smartphone, from optimizing performance to adding new features. However, not all users know how to perform this procedure correctly to avoid errors and data loss. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of updating – from standard OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot – and also tell you how to prepare the device and what to do if something goes wrong.

The Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) has received several major updates since its release in 2020, including a move to MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 based on Android 11/12. But not all regions are getting updates at the same time, and some users are facing delays. If your smartphone has not received updates in a long time, it may be time to update manually. Next is a detailed guide for users of all skill levels.

1. Preparation of the smartphone for the MIUI update

Before you start an update, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, device freeze or even a "brick" (completely inoperable).

• 📱 Check the current version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down the assembly number (for example, V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to a minimum of 60%.When manually upgraded via Recovery or Fastboot, 100 is recommended%.
• 📡 Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Update "over the air" (OTA) It can weigh up to 2-3 GB.
• 🔐 Create a backup: Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

Important: If your Redmi 9 is locked (linked to your Mi Account), you may need to enter your login/password after resetting or manually updating. Make sure you remember the data from your Xiaomi account!

It is also worth freeing up at least 5-6 GB of storage on the internal drive. MIUI updates often require a temporary space to unpack files. If there is not enough memory, the system may give an error "Not enough space to update."

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If you have a custom recavator installed (TWRP), Before the official update, it is recommended to return stock recovery through the Mi Flash Tool. OTA-The update may result in an error.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI system, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click the "Check Updates" button and the system will contact Xiaomi's servers.
3. If the update is available, a notification will appear with the "Download" button.
4. After downloading, select “Install Now” or “Install Later” (if you want to postpone the process).
5. The smartphone will restart and install the update automatically (it will take 5-15 minutes).

If the update is not available, the following reasons are possible:

• 🌍 Regional restrictions: Xiaomi releases updates in stages; in some countries (e.g. Russia, India) updates may be delayed.
• 📵 An outdated version MIUI: If you haven’t updated in a long time, you may need an intermediate firmware.
• 🔒 Blocked bootloader: On some devices with unlocked bootloader OTA-updates disabled.

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery

If OTA-It's not available, but Xiaomi's official website already has a new firmware for your model, you can manually install it through Recovery, which saves user data, but requires care.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the correct firmware: Go to MIUI Downloads. Select the Redmi 9 model (lancelot code). Download the stable version for your region (e.g. Russia, Global, EEA). The file should have the.zip extension and weigh ~2-3 GB.
2. Transfer the file to your smartphone: Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and copy the downloaded.zip to the root folder of internal memory (not nested directories!). Disconnect the device from your computer.
3. Start Recovery Mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press Power + Volume up at the same time until the Mi logo appears. Release the buttons - you will be taken to the Recovery menu.

Install the update

• Choose a language (if you want it).
• Tap "Install update.zip" (or similar item).
• Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
• Once completed, select Reboot – the smartphone will reboot with the new version of MIUI.

Warning: If you choose the wrong firmware (for example, for another model or region), the device may stop loading. Always check the file name - it should contain the lancelot code (for example, lancelot_global_images_V14.0.2.0.SJCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global_...).

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

Fastboot is the most reliable method for installing MIUI, but requires a computer and basic knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔧 You need to "roll back" to the previous version. MIUI.
• 🚫 OTA Recovery is not working due to corrupted system files.

To run through Fastboot, you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (not to be confused with Recovery version!).

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader (unlocked): This is a must! Fastboot firmware is impossible without unlocking. Go to Mi Unlock and follow the instructions (it requires a tied Mi Account and a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install drivers: Download and install Mi PC Suite or ADB drivers manually. connect the Redmi 9 turned off to the PC, holding Volume down + Power to log in to Fastboot Mode.
3. Unpack firmware: Downloaded archive (for example, lancelot_global_images_V14.0.2.0.SJCMIXM_20231010.0000.00_12.0_global.tgz) Unpack in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.

Flow through the Mi Flash Tool

• Open the Mi Flash Tool, press "Select" and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
• Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
• In the program, click "Refresh" - the device should appear.
• Select the “Clean all” or “Clean all and lock” mode (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).
• ⚠️ "This package is for 'lancelot' devices; this is a '': You are trying to install firmware for another model. → The phone. → Model (should be) M2003J15SC or similar to the Redmi 9).
• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo after the update: Maybe the firmware is installed incorrectly or there was a failure. Solution: Click Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot. If it doesn't work, run the device through Fastboot (see Method 3).

"No command" at Recovery

This is not a bug, but a standard screen. Press Power + Volume up again to open the menu.

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If the smartphone overheats or discharges quickly after the upgrade, reset to factory settings via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This often solves problems with optimizing new firmware.

7. How to roll back to the previous version of MIUI

Sometimes the new MIUI version is worse than the previous one, with bugs, brakes, or app incompatibility, and users want to bring back the old firmware, but Xiaomi limits the ability to downgrade due to the Anti-Rollback mechanism.

Here's what you need to know:

• 🔙 The rollback is only possible within one generation of Android. MIUI 14 (Android 12) on MIUI 13 (Android 11) you can’t roll back – it will lead to a breeze.
• ⏳ Allowable rollback: only on earlier builds of the same Android version (for example, with the V14.0.5.0 on V14.0.2.0).
• 🔧 Recoilout method: only through Fastboot (see Method 3). Recovery firmware will not allow you to install the old version.

8. Alternative firmware: is it worth trying?

In addition to the official firmware, there are custom builds for Redmi 9, such as:

• 📱 LineageOS – “pure” Android without shell MIUI.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS - custom firmware with advanced settings.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ No Advertising and Unnecessary Xiaomi Apps.
• ✅ More recent versions of Android (for example, Android 13 instead of Android 11).
• ✅ Advanced Performance and Design Settings.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ❌ The risk of unstable operation (bugs with camera, sensors, mobile communication).
• ❌ Lack of official security updates.