How to upgrade Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite to Android 11: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite (codenamed pyxis) is a popular smartphone of 2019, which originally ran on Android 9 Pie with a shell MIUI 10.Although Xiaomi’s official update support is over, many users still want Android 11, not just for the new features but also for compatibility with modern apps. from official (if still available) to install custom firmware through TWRP.

It’s important to understand that switching to Android 11 can lead to loss of warranty (if it’s still valid), the risk of “bricking” the device when errors occur, and possible bugs in the camera or sensors. However, with the right approach, the process goes smoothly. We will describe each step in detail from preparation to final configuration, as well as tips for backup and recovery in case of failures.

If you're not confident, you'd better trust someone to update you, but if you're willing to do it yourself, read on. Let's start by checking the current version of the software and the official updates available.

1. Verification of the current version MIUI availability of Android 11

Before you start the upgrade, make sure your Mi 9 Lite really needs manual firmware. Android 11 may already be available through standard hardware. OTA-Update – especially if you are using a European or global version MIUI.

To check the current version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check out the MIUI version and the Android version.
3. If the Android version is 10 or lower, and MIUI — version older than 12.5, then the official update to Android 11 for your region may not be available.

Now check the availability OTA-update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available before MIUI 12.5 Enhanced or newer – it most likely contains Android 11.

💡

If the update menu contains the error "Can't connect to the server", try changing the region in your phone settings to India or Europe (EEA). Sometimes it helps to access hidden updates.

If OTA-It's not available, but you can see that there is one for other regions, and you can try manually installing the official firmware through Fastboot or Recovery.

2. Official update through MIUI: step-by-step

If Android 11 for your model exists, but does not come by air, it can be installed manually via Recovery or Fastboot.The official way is safer custom firmware, but requires care.

First, download the correct firmware from the official Xiaomi website:

• 🌐 Go to the downloads page MIUI.
• 🔍 Type in Mi 9 Lite (or pyxis).
• 📥 Choose the most recent stable version for your region (e.g. Global, EEA, Russia).
• 📁 Download a file with the.zip extension (for Recovery) or.tgz (for Fastboot) extension).

For installation via Recovery:

Download the firmware.zip and rename it to update.zip

Transfer the file to the root folder of the phone (not to folders!)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Disable password/pattern lock protection (at the time of the update)

-->

1. Copy the update.zip file to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
3. Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).
5. After the reboot, check the Android version in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes - forcefully restart it (Power) + Volume down for 10 seconds.If the problem recurs, you will need to reset via Fastboot.

If you don't have an official firmware for Android 11 for your region, there are two options: change the region through Fastboot or install custom firmware.

3. Custom firmware: how to install Android 11 on Mi 9 Lite

If Xiaomi is no longer releasing updates for your model, the only way to get Android 11 is to use unofficial firmware based on the model. AOSP (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or modified versions MIUI third-party.

The most popular firmware for Mi 9 Lite (pyxis):

To install custom firmware will require:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instruction below).
• 🛠️ Established custom recovery TWRP.
• 📱 Backup copy of data (required!).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 80%.

The installation process takes about 30-40 minutes and involves several critical steps, and we will discuss each step in detail in the next section.

Official. MIUI|Pixel Experience (Pure Android)|LineageOS|Xiaomi.eu (MIUI bloatless)|other-->

4.Preparation for installation: unlock bootloader and TWRP

Before installing custom firmware, you need to unlock the bootloader (bootloader) and install TWRP Recovery. These are the conditions that make it impossible for the firmware to stand up.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process requires an account to be tied to Mi Account and waiting (usually 7-14 days).

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone at Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
4. Download the Mi Unlock Tool on PC.
5. Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power when the phone is off).
6. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions, and when you first start, the program will request a wait (usually 168 hours).

⚠️ Warning: If you see an error when unlocking "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", then the Mi Account is not tied to the phone.

Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery

After unlocking the bootloader, install TWRP — custom recovery, which will allow you to flash any firmware. Download the current version for pyxis from the official website:

• 📥 Download TWRP Mi 9 Lite (select version 3.7.0 or later).
• 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
• 📱 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-pyxis.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-pyxis.img

After successful installation TWRP The phone will automatically reboot to a new recovery. Don't reboot the device to the system right away -- run the firmware first or backup! MIUI may re-write TWRP.

5. Install Android 11 via TWRP: step-by-step

Now that you have unlocked the bootloader and installed TWRP, You can start installing custom firmware. We'll look at the process with the Pixel Experience, but the steps are similar for other firmware.

Step 1: Preparing files

Download to your computer and transfer to your phone (or to your phone). SD-map: following files:

• 📱 The firmware itself (e.g, PixelExperience_plus_pyxis-11.0-20231010.zip).
• 🔄 Open GAPPS (choose the option ARM64 → 11 → nano).
• 🔧 Magisk (for root rights, if necessary).

Step 2: Cleaning the sections

In TWRP, do the following:

1. Press Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache.
3. Swipe for confirmation (do not erase Internal Storage!).

Step 3: Install the firmware and GAPPS

1. Back to the main menu TWRP and press Install.
2. Select a firmware file (for example, PixelExperience_plus_pyxis-11.0.zip) and confirm installation.
3. Once complete, don't reboot! press Add More Zips and select Open GAPPS.
4. If you need a rut, add a similar Magisk.zip.
5. Complete the installation and press Reboot System.

It can take up to 15 minutes to boot up, which is fine. Once you're successful, set up the system as a new phone. If you have problems with your camera, mobile network, or sensors, check if there are any fixes on the forum for your firmware. XDA Developers.

Possible errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error 1: “This package is for pyxis devices; this is a XXXX"

This error appears if you are trying to install firmware that is not designed for the Mi 9 Lite.

• Check the code name of the device in TWRP (Advanced → File Manager → /proc/device-tree/firmware/android/fstab).
• Download firmware specifically for pyxis, not for laurus (Mi) CC9) or other.

Error 2: Bootloop (Cyclical Reboot)

If the phone is constantly rebooted on the logo:

• Go back in TWRP and sew Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (unless you've done it before).
• Check the compatibility of the firmware core with your model.
• If the problem remains, the official backlash MIUI via Fastboot.

Error 3: Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working

This is a typical problem for custom firmware based on Xiaomi.

• Make sure the firmware supports your region (e.g., Pixel Experience may not have a module for Russian carriers).
• Try to manually select the operator in the Settings → Mobile network → Operators.
• Set a fix for the modem (seek on the 4PDA or XDA pyxis modem fix fix).

Error 4: Google Pay or banking apps are not working

If you install Magisk, banking applications may block work due to root rights.

• Hide the root with the MagiskHide Props Config module.
• Use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
• If it doesn’t help, go back to the firmware without a root.

💡

Before installing any custom firmware, check user reviews on XDA Developers or 4PDA. Some builds may have critical bugs (e.g., a broken camera or a fast battery drain).

7.Shootback to official MIUI: How to get it back

If custom firmware is unstable or you don’t like Android 11, you can return the official firmware. MIUI This is based on Android 10. You will need to flash the device through Fastboot.

Step 1: Download the official firmware

On the website MIUI Downloads find the latest stable version for your region. You need a file with the.tgz extension (e.g, pyxis_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RFCEUXM_20211012.0000.00_10.0_global_XXXX.tgz).

Step 2: Prepare for Fastboot Firmware

• Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive on your computer.
• Install ADB and Fastboot.
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).

Step 3: Firmware through Fastboot

Open the command line in the folder with the unpacked firmware and do:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

After the restart, the phone will return to factory settings with the official MIUI. If you want to save data, before firmware make a backup through TWRP (backup).

⚠️ Warning: If you roll back on the official firmware via Fastboot, all the data on your phone will be erased, including photos and apps. If you don't have a backup, you can't restore it.

8 Recommendations after upgrading to Android 11

After a successful upgrade to Android 11 (whether official or custom firmware), follow a few steps to work optimally:

1. Battery optimization

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery → Battery mode and select Adaptive mode.
• 📵 Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🔄 If the battery is quickly discharged, perform a calibration: discharge the phone to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruptions.

2. Performance adjustment

• 🎮 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Performance mode (not available on all firmware).
• 🗑️ Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 If the phone is slowing down, try turning off animation: activate Developer Options and install Windows animation = 0.5x.

3. Application compatibility check

Some older apps may not work on Android 11 due to changes in permissions.

• 🔄 Update it through Google Play.
• 🛠️ If there are no updates, try installing an older version. APK (Look for APKMirror).
• 🔧 For rooted devices, use the AppOps module in Magisk to manually configure permissions.

4. Data backup

After the update, it is recommended to create a fresh backup:

• 📱 Use Google Account for Contacts and Photos.
• 📁 For apps and settings, Swift Backup (requires a root) or Titanium Backup.
• 💾 For a full backup system — TWRP Backup (save a copy on PC).

If you’ve used custom firmware, keep an eye out for updates on the developer forum. Many builds (like Pixel Experience) get monthly security patches.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the Mi 9 Lite