Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone often wonder about extending the life cycle of their device through the installation of a newer version of the operating system. Despite the fact that the gadget originally came out with Android 10, Xiaomi has provided the possibility of an upgrade, which allows you to use new security and interface features. The process of transitioning to Android 11 in the shell of MIUI 12.5 or later versions can be done in several ways, each of which has its own nuances.
Before you start manipulating software, you need to understand that updating your firmware is a critical operation. Mistakes can lead to data loss or software failures. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the methods available, from standard “over the air” updates to manual installation through the Recovery menu, so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Preparing the smartphone for the installation of a new firmware
The first and most important step is to prepare the device thoroughly, and ignoring this step often leads to failed installation attempts or loss of important contacts and photos, and you need to make sure that the battery is at least 60 percent charged, as the process of firmware is energy intensive and power interruption can fatally affect the system.
Make sure to back up all your data. The built-in Mi Cloud or local storage on your computer will help you recover information if you reset your settings. Also check for free space in your internal drive – you need at least 4-5 GB of free space to work properly.
☑️ Checklist before update
Don’t forget to check the current firmware version in the settings. Go to Settings → About the phone and look at the build number. If you have a Global version installed, you need to update to a global version to avoid regional conflicts.
Official method of updating through OTA
The easiest and safest way to get Android 11 is to use a built-in update mechanism, which checks the servers for a new version of the software that is compatible with your region and device model, which is ideal for ordinary users who do not want to get into technical details.
To start the process, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Click on the system logo or the “Check Updates” button. If the server responds that a new version is available, the file will start downloading. The speed depends on your Internet connection, so it is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network.
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If the update doesn’t come automatically, try changing the region in the settings (Settings → Additional settings → Region) to India or Indonesia, check for updates, and then return your region.
Once booted, the system will suggest a reboot. During installation, the screen may go out and turn on several times, which is normal behavior. Do not touch the device at this point, so as not to interrupt the process of writing system files.
Manual installation via Recovery (local update)
If the automatic search doesn't produce results, you can use the manual installation method. You need to download the full firmware archive (ZIP-format) for your Redmi 9 model (codenamed Lancelot) from the official website or verified resources.
Copy the downloaded archive to the root of the smartphone's internal memory. Then open the Update app, click three dots in the corner of the screen, and select "Select File." The system will find the archive and suggest that you start installing.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the firmware you download is the same as your current system type (Global on Global, EU on EU). Trying to install the Chinese version on top of the global one without unlocking the bootloader will lead to an error or bootloop.
This method allows you to update even if the servers in your region have not sent push notifications, and it is also useful in restoring the system after failures when you need to reinstall the current version of the software.
Comparison of update methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose your strategy, we have prepared a basic method comparison table that will help you assess the risks and resources required for each option.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Required SOFTWARE |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (Airway) | Low. | No. | Absent. |
| Locally (Recovery) | Medium | No (usually) | ZIP firmware file |
| Through Fastboot (Mi Flash) | Tall. | Yes (full reset) | PC, drivers, cable |
| Recovery Mode (Wipe) | Tall. | Yes (100%) | ZIP firmware file |
As you can see from the table, OTA is the most gentle method. Using Fastboot requires a computer and an unlocked bootloader, making it a tool for advanced users.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
There may be a number of failures during the update process. Often users will experience an error such as “Failed to Update” or “File is corrupted” which may indicate that the file is not fully loaded or damaged when downloaded. Always check the checksum (MD5) of the downloaded archive if you have the option on the source site.
Another common problem is memory shortage, where the system may refuse to start installation if less than 10% of the total is free, in which case you need to delete unnecessary applications, video files or transfer data to an SD card or to the cloud.
What to do if the phone goes into a cyclical reboot?
If an error occurs when you manually install, try clearing the Update app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Update and click Clear Data.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will my data be saved after upgrading to Android 11?
Can I upgrade Redmi 9 to Android 12 or 13?
What is a boot loader unlock and is it necessary?
Why did the phone start to run slower after the update?
To conclude, the transition to Android 11 for Redmi 9 is a necessary step to ensure the security and relevance of the applications. Follow the instructions carefully and your smartphone will be happy with stable operation.
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The most reliable way is to wait for the official OTA-notifications, but manual installation via Recovery allows you to speed up the process with a verified firmware file.