Update Xiaomi 9T to the latest version of MIUI: all the ways and nuances

The Xiaomi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) remains a popular smartphone even years after its release. However, keeping its firmware up to date is critical to ensuring it works and has access to new features. The latest version of MIUI not only fixes security bugs, but also optimizes performance, adds fresh interface chips and improves compatibility with modern applications.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to update Xiaomi. 9T — standard OTA-Updating "over the air" to manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery, with special attention to device preparation, data backup and solving typical problems that users face when upgrading firmware. If your smartphone has not received updates for a long time or hung on the old version MIUI — This will help you bring him back to life.

Xiaomi 9T Preparation for Upgrade: What to Do Before You Get Started

Before you start an update, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, disruption, or even a build-up of the device, starting with checking the current firmware version and compatibility.

Open the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. Remember or write down the current version (e.g. MIUI 12.5.4 Stable).This will help you choose the right firmware file if you need a manual update. Also check the device model in the Model section - it should match the Xiaomi 9T (davinci) or Redmi K20 (davinciin for the Indian version).

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. When upgrading via Recovery or Fastboot, 100% is recommended, as the process can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📱 Free space - minimum 3 GB on the internal drive. The firmware weighs. ~2-2.5 GB, plus space required for temporary files.
• 🔒 Backup – be sure to save contacts, photos, messages and app data. Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 🌐 A stable Internet connection is for OTA-You can use Wi-Fi or mobile Internet with unlimited rates to download firmware manually, you can use a PC.

⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi 9T was unlocked through Mi Unlock or installed custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), standard OTA-In this case, use only manual methods with complete data cleanup (clean all in Fastboot).

Also, remove unnecessary files and app cache to free up space. Go to Settings → Storage → Cleanup and optimize. If you plan to upgrade through Fastboot, install the latest version of the Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Xiaomi on your PC.

Method 1: Automatic Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) system, which is suitable for most users unless the smartphone has been heavily modified, taking 10-20 minutes and requiring no connection to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet can take up a lot of traffic).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Press the Check Updates button. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to download it.
4. After download, click Reboot and Update. The smartphone will restart and install the firmware automatically.

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

• 🔄 Your current version MIUI It's so old that it's old. OTA-servers don't support it, and you'll need to manually update it through Recovery.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions. Some firmware is distributed first in China and then in the global version. Try changing the region in your Mi Account settings.
• 🔧 Automatic updates are disabled on your smartphone. Check the settings in the System Update section → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update.

⚠️ Attention: If after OTA-Xiaomi update 9T If you start to overheat or discharge quickly, reset the cache to Recovery. + Power, select Wipe Cache and confirm the action. User data will not be affected.

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OTA-Update is the safest method, but only works if the current firmware is official and not modified.

Method 2: Manual update via Recovery

If automatic updates are not available or if they give you an error, you can manually install the firmware through Recovery mode, which saves user data but requires you to select the right firmware file.

Download the latest version of MIUI for Xiaomi 9T from the official website:

• Global version: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index
• European version: https://new.c.mi.com/eu/miuidownload/index
• Chinese version: https://new.c.mi.com/cn/miuidownload/index

The file must have a.zip extension and a name of the type. miui_DAVINCIGlobal_V12.5.4.0.RFKEUXM_... (where DAVINCI — codename Xiaomi 9T).

Installation instructions:

1. Copy the downloaded.zip file to the root directory of internal memory (not to folders!).
2. Turn off your smartphone and press the Volume Up + Power combination to enter Recovery.
3. From the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then Install update.zip to System.
4. Specify the path to the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
5. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

If you install it through Recovery, you see a "Can't verify update" error, it means that the firmware file is corrupted or not intended for your model. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5) through a utility like HashMyFiles.

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

The Fastboot method is used when:

• 🔄 The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the Mi logo.
• 🔧 Repeat to an older version is required. MIUI.
• 🔓 The device was unlocked, and you need to install the official firmware from scratch".

This method will require:

• 💻 Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (download from the official website).
• 📄 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\).
2. Install drivers for Xiaomi (you can use Mi PC Suite).
3. Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (the image of a hare in a hat-outfit will appear).
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the firmware folder. Then select clean all mode (complete cleaning) or save user data (save data, but not always stable).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, check the cable connection and try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of your PC. Also disable the antivirus, it can block drivers.

5. Solving common errors in the update

Even if you follow the instructions, Xiaomi 9T users may encounter errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error: "Can't verify update" in Recovery

Reasons:

• The firmware file is corrupted or not completely downloaded.
• Mismatch of device model and firmware (for example, trying to install firmware for Redmi K20 Pro on Xiaomi 9T).
• The firmware has been modified (e.g., recovery.img removed).

Solution: Download the firmware again, check its hash amount and make sure that the file is designed specifically for davinci (codename Xiaomi 9T).

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

This error means that the firmware is not suitable for your model. Check the code name of the device in Fastboot with the command:

fastboot getvar product

If the output shows davinciin, download the firmware for the Indian version (Redmi K20).

Error: Hanging on the Mi logo after the update

Possible causes:

• Version incompatibility (e.g., switching from Android 10 to Android 11 without a complete cleanup)
• The update process is interrupted.
• Conflict with installed Magisk or Xposed modules.

Solution: Run Wipe Data in Recovery (full reset) or run your device through Fastboot with the clean all option option option option.

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If after the update the sound is lost or the mobile network is not working, reset the network settings in Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resets. This often helps with configuration conflicts.

6. How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi 9T if the update failed

If the new version of MIUI is unstable (for example, the battery is fast down, the processor is warmed or lags occur), you can return the previous firmware.

• 🔙 A rollback to an older version of Android (e.g. 11 to 10) requires a complete data cleanup (clean all in Fastboot).
• 🔒 If the device was locked after the update, unlocking will take 7-30 Days (by Xiaomi Rules).
• 📱 When rolling back to the old firmware, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, MIUI 12.0.3 Stable) from the official website.
2. If the rollback is within the same Android version (e.g., from MIUI 12.5 to MIUI 12.0), you can use Recovery without losing data.
3. If you roll back to another version of Android, run the device through Fastboot with the clean all option.
4. After rollback, reset settings to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Reset settings.

Important: Before rolling back, check if the old firmware supports current apps. For example, some versions of WhatsApp or Google Pay may not work on Android 9.

7. Optimize Xiaomi 9T after the update

After a successful update, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance:

• 🧹 Cache Cleanup: Go to Settings → Warehouse → Cleaning and removing unnecessary files.
• 🔄 Network reset: This will help avoid problems with Wi-Fi or mobile internet (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
• 🔋 Battery calibration: Completely discharge the smartphone, then charge to 100% No breaks. Repeat the cycle. 2-3 once.
• 🛡️ Disabling unnecessary services: C Settings → Permits → Auto Start Disable Autoboot for Low Used Applications.

Also check the energy saving settings:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode.
2. Choose Balanced or Performance (if you want top speed).
3. Turn off MIUI Optimization for critical applications (such as messengers or navigators).

If you have lags after the update, try turning off the interface animation.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the items Window animation scale, transition animation scale and animator duration - set the value Disconnected.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)