Xiaomi Mi 9 SE is a compact flagship of 2019, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support of the development community. However, the official MIUI firmware for this model stopped on Android 10, which raises questions among users: can you upgrade to Android 11 and how to do it without the risk of “bricking” the device?
In this article, we will look at all the available ways to update, from official (if they still exist for your region) to alternatives through custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. We will focus on device preparation, data backup and nuances that will help avoid typical errors. If you have never done firmware before, don’t worry: the instructions are adapted for beginners, but with all the technical details.
Why Xiaomi Mi 9 SE is not getting Android 11 officially
According to Xiaomi’s policy, the Mi 9 series received only two major OS updates: Android 9 Pie (out of the box) to Android 10.Subsequently, support was discontinued, despite the fact that the Mi 9 SE hardware (Snapdragon 712 processor, 6 GB of RAM) is quite capable of running on newer versions of Android.
Reasons for this decision:
- 📅 Limited update cycle: Xiaomi sticks to the “2-year major updates” rule for most mid-range devices.
- 🔧 Optimizing Resources: The company focuses on new models, and supporting old ones requires additional testing costs.
- 🛠️ Fragmentation MIUI: Different firmware versions for global, Chinese and European devices make unified updates more difficult.
However, this does not mean that it is impossible to update. There are informal firmware that port Android 11 (and even Android 12/13) to the Mi 9 SE. They are developed by enthusiasts based on the source code of the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) or modified versions of MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain bugs, especially in camera operation, NFC Check the reviews of a particular build on the forums before installing. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
Preparing the device for update
Regardless of the method of updating chosen, preparation is the most important step, and if you miss even one item, you risk losing data or getting a broken smartphone.
What must be done:
- 📱 Check the current version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Write down the assembly number (for example, MIUI 12.5.4 Stable).
- 🔋 Charge the battery to 80% or more. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to loss of access to recovery.
- 💾 Back up all your data: contacts, photos, messages and apps. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copy on your PC.
- 🔌 Prepare cable and PC: Some methods will require USB-cable with support for data transfer (not only charging!) and a computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
Make a backup in Mi Cloud|Download firmware on PC|Check the battery charge|Install drivers ADB|Disable the lockdown OEM (if you need to unlock)-->
If you are planning to install custom firmware, additionally:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires Mi Account binding and waits 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (such as TWRP) – you will need it to install unofficial assemblies.
What happens if you don’t unlock the bootloader?
Method 1: Update via OTA (if available)
In rare cases, Xiaomi can release OTA-Update to Android 11 for selected regions (e.g., Chinese versions of Mi 9) SE firmware MIUI China? It's easy to check it out:
- Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if any).
- If the system offers to download the upgrade to MIUI 12.5 Enhanced or higher, it is likely based on Android 11.
If an update is found:
- 📥 Download it over Wi-Fi (file weight) ~2-3 GB).
- 🔄 Connect the charger and start the installation.
- ⏳ Wait for the reboot (the process will take 15-30 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stuck on the logo MI longer than 10 minutes, don't panic. Forced reset it, holding power. + Volume up for 10-15 seconds. If the problem recurs, reset via Recovery (Wipe Data).
If OTA-No update, move on to alternative methods.
Method 2: Install custom firmware on Android 11
If there is no official update, there is an option with unofficial firmware, the most stable builds for the Mi 9 SE (grus is the code name of the device):
- 📱 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is a minimalist AOSP no-nonsense.
- 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface and chips from Google Pixel.
- 🔧 MIUI 12.5/13 Developers - modified versions with Android 11.
The installation process consists of several stages:
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader
Without this step, custom firmware installation is impossible.
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website, log in and follow the instructions.
After sending the request to unlock, you will have to wait from 7 to 15 days (the time depends on Xiaomi policy), after which time, repeat the process in the Mi Unlock Tool, and the bootloader will be unlocked.
Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that allows you to install informal firmware. For the Mi 9 SE, use the version from the developer mauronofrio or official TWRP for grus.
Instructions:
- Download TWRP.img for Mi 9 SE from the official TWRP website.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-grus.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-grus.img
- After rebooting in TWRP, backup your current firmware (Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
Step 3: Installation of firmware
When TWRP is installed, you can start the firmware:
- Download your selected firmware (e.g. LineageOS 18.1) and GApps (Google services) from OpenGApps (select ARM64, Android 11, pico or nano).
- Transfer the files to your smartphone or flash drive.
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Install the firmware (Install) → Choose. ZIP-file → Swipe to Confirm Flash, then repeat for GApps.
- Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).
The first run can take 10 to 20 minutes, which is normal. If the system doesn't load for more than 30 minutes, repeat the installation or check the firmware compatibility with your model.
💡
If the camera doesn’t work after the firmware, download the ANX Camera or GCam module for the Mi 9 SE from the 4PDA forum. Many custom firmware doesn’t include proprietary camera drivers from Xiaomi.
Comparison of official and custom Android 11
To help you choose the right method, we have compiled a table with key differences:
| Criteria | Official Update (if available) | The LineageOS/Pixel Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Stability of work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Xiaomi has been fully tested) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Possible bugs in the cell, NFC, gesture) |
| Support for Google Services | ✅ Yes (in global versions) | ⚠️ Requires a separate installation of GApps |
| Security updates | ❌ Terminated (last - 2022) | ✅ Regular (monthly/weekly) |
| MIUI functions | ✅ Everything (themes, second space, etc.) | ❌ Not present (pure Android) |
| Productivity | ⚠️ Possible lags due to outdated optimization | ✅ Often better (community optimized) |
If you want stability and are not ready to sacrifice MIUI features, try first to find an official update through OTA or Mi Flash Tool. If you want a fresh version of Android and are ready for experiments, custom firmware is a good option.
💡
Custom firmware gives access to new versions of Android, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP. Official updates are easier to install, but may not be available for your region.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
1. "Cannot load Android system" error after firmware
Reason: Incompatible firmware version or lack of GApps.
Decision:
- Reflash your device with full Wipe (including System and Data).
- Make sure that the firmware is designed specifically for Mi 9 SE (grus).
- If you have GApps installed, select the ARM64 version for Android 11.
2.The smartphone does not turn on after unlocking the bootloader
Reason: A process interruption or an incorrect command in fastboot.
Decision:
- Connect the device to your PC and check if it is detected in fastboot devices.
- If not, keep Power + Volume down 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot.
- If yes, repeat unlocking or stitch the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working
Reason: No modems (firmware files) for your region.
Decision:
- Download firmware for Mi 9 SE with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Install it via TWRP after the main OS is firmware.