How to upgrade Xiaomi Mi 9T to the latest version of MIUI: all ways

Why it is important to update the firmware on Xiaomi Mi 9T

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) is still a hot device years later, thanks in large part to regular firmware updates. The latest version of MIUI not only adds new features, but also closes security vulnerabilities, optimizes battery life, and fixes camera or screen lighting errors. For example, updates for the Mi 9T often feature Always-On Display bugs or charging overheating issues.

However, not all users know that the update can be installed in several ways: through the built-in OTA menu, manually through Recovery, or even with a full reset via Fastboot. Each method has its own nuances, from the speed of installation to the risk of data loss. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including bypassing the blocking of updates on blocked downloaders, and explain how to avoid errors like the “Cannot verify update” or hanging on the Mi logo.

Before you start, check the current version of MIUI: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If your Mi 9T runs on a version older than MIUI 14, you can upgrade to the latest stable build - even if official support from Xiaomi is terminated.

Preparing for the update: what to do in advance

Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, preparing the device reduces the risk of failure. Start with backup: even if an update via OTA usually saves data, crashes happen. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Local backup or third-party applications like Swift Backup (requires root rights).

Pay particular attention to:

• 🔋 Battery charging: not lower than 60%. When upgrading via Fastboot, connect your phone to charging - the process can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📶 Network connection: for OTA-Update requires stable Wi-Fi (mobile Internet may be interrupted) Firmware download speed up to 1.5 GB.
• 📁 Free space: the internal drive must be at least 3 GB free. Check in Settings → Warehouse.
• 🔑 Unlock the bootloader: If you plan to upgrade via Fastboot, the bootloader must be unlocked (instruction below).

Also disable Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi → Synchronizing for the time of the update – this will prevent conflicts when recovering data. If you use custom recovery (TWRP), make sure it is compatible with your version of Mi 9T (Davinci model for global firmware).

Method 1: Air-to-air update (OTA) is the easiest method

OTA (Over-The-Air) is a standard upgrade method that does not require a computer, and is suitable for most users if:

• 📱 The phone is not rooted and works on official firmware.
• 🔄 Update available for your region (for example, MIUI Global Stable).
• 🚫 No updates blocked due to modified build.prop.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon"⋮" (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Download the latest version.
3. If an update is found, click Download (file weight – ~1.5–2 GB).
4. After downloading, select Install and confirm the reboot.

The phone will reboot to Recovery mode and install the update automatically. The entire process will take 10-15 minutes. If the notification "Update not installed" appears after the reboot, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the provider’s locks prevent you from downloading Xiaomi files).
• 🗑️ Clear the update cache: Settings → Warehouse → Files. → com.android.updater → Clear the cache.

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If OTA-Update not coming, check if Google services are disabled: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Google Play Services → Permits (include all).

Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery – if OTA does not work

If automatic updates are not available (for example, because of a change in the firmware region or remote Xiaomi servers), you can install the firmware manually through Recovery, which saves user data, but requires the correct choice of the firmware file.

Steps:

1. Download the full firmware package (not incremental!) for your model from the official MIUI Downloads website. For the Mi 9T, choose the davinci model and region (e.g. Global or EEA).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of internal memory (not to folders!).
3. Open the System Update app, click on the icon"⋮" → Select a firmware file.
4. Select update.zip and confirm installation. The phone will reboot to Recovery.

If a Couldn't verify update package appears after the reboot, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔍 The firmware file is corrupted (download it).
• 🌍 Region mismatch (for example, trying to install China Stable on global firmware).
• 🔒 bootloader is locked (unlocking required).

Download the full package (not incremental)

Rename to update.zip

Putting it at the root of internal memory

Check the checksum (MD5) file-->

To check the checksum, use the MD5 Checker app from the Play Market. Compare the hash you get to what's listed on Xiaomi's website. If the amounts don't match, the file is downloaded with errors.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot for power users

The Fastboot method is suitable if:

• 🔧 You need a “clean” update (with a full reset).
• 🔓 The loader is unlocked (required!).
• 📦 Downloaded in.tgz format (for Mi Flash Tool).

Warning: This method erases all data on the phone, including photos and apps.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and install it on PC.
2. Download the firmware for Fastboot (.tgz format) for the davinci model.
3. Unclarify the firmware into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\mi9t_fastboot).
4. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
5. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
6. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
7. At the bottom, select Clean all (full reset) or Clean all and lock (reset + lock bootloader).
8. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-20 minutes).

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically restart. It can take up to 10 minutes to start up -- don't interrupt! If the device has been stuck on the Mi logo for longer than 30 minutes, try:

• 🔄 Remove the battery (if removable) or clamp down the power supply + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔧 Repeat the firmware by selecting the Save user data option in the Mi Flash Tool (if available).

How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 9T

Upgrades via Fastboot or custom firmware installation require an unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process takes up to 72 hours due to account verification.

Steps:

1. Link your Xiaomi account to your phone: Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Xiaomi.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times until the message “You’re a developer” appears). Then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging by USB.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
4. Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Sign in to your Xiaomi account.
6. Press Unlock. If you receive a message to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 72 hours) and try again.

After unlocking the bootloader, you can install any firmware, but remember:

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. It can also void the warranty (check the conditions in your area).

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, the reasons may be as follows:

Solving problems after updating

Even a successful upgrade can lead to unexpected bugs, and here are the most common problems on the Mi 9T and their solutions:

1.The phone does not turn on after the update

• 🔋 Connect the charger for 30 minutes – sometimes the battery runs out in the process.
• 🔄 Squeeze the power. + Volume up 15 seconds for forced reboot.
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, swipe your phone over Fastboot again (see Method 3).

2.The battery goes down quickly after the update

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes background processes eat up charge.
• 📊 Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Battery use.If the app (like Google Play Services) is to blame, clear its cache.
• ⚙️ Reset the settings to factory: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings.

3. Mobile network or Wi-Fi is not working

• 📶 Restart your phone and check your settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Additionally. → Resetting the network.
• 📦 If the problem persists, run your phone through Fastboot with the Clean All option.

4. Error "Com.android.phone process stopped"

• 🗑️ Clear the cache and application data Phone: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache/data.
• 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (clip Power, then hold Power Down until Safe Mode option appears).
• 📦 If the error repeats, re-sweep the phone.

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If after the update the phone began to slow down, try to turn off animation: Settings → For developers → The scale of the animation window (switch off) and the scale of animation transition (switch off).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi 9T update