Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro, launched in early 2020, is still a popular device due to its balanced hardware and high-quality screen. However, time is inexorable and the software needs updating to maintain security and compatibility with new applications. In 2026, owning a device that has received official support up to MIUI 12.5 or MIUI 13 (depending on the region), requires understanding the intricacies of installing updates that no longer come “through the air” in the standard way.
The process of upgrading the system can vary from simple verification of availability to OTA-Many users experience a situation where the phone says "You have the latest version installed", although a more recent build has long been available on global forums. This is due to regional restrictions and the end of the official support cycle.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of updating software for Redmi 9 Pro (codename: curryin).We will look at standard methods, manual installation of recovery archives, and also touch on the topic of custom firmware based on Android 12 and Android 13, which allow you to breathe new life into the device. It is important to understand the risks and clearly follow the algorithm of actions to turn a smartphone into a “brick”.
⚠️ Attention: Any manipulation of firmware carries the risk of data loss or device malfunction.Be sure to create a full backup of important files to an external medium or to the cloud storage before starting any actions.
Preparation of the device for the update procedure
Before you start any action, you need to perform a number of preparatory activities. Ignoring this stage often leads to errors in writing data or interruption of the process halfway. First of all, check the battery status: battery charge should be at least 60%, and ideally be fully charged to 100%.
Then you need to make room for internal memory. Even if you upgrade through the air, the system needs space to unpack the installation package. It is recommended to have at least 5-7 GB free. Also remember to back up contacts, messages and photos. The regular MIUI tool allows you to save data to the Mi Cloud cloud or to your computer.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to 100% and do not connect it to the charger during installation if the cable does not provide stable power without heating.
- 💾 Free up at least 8GB of internal memory for temporary files and archive unpacking.
- 📱 Backup important data through Settings → The phone. → Reservation and rehabilitation.
Pay special attention to the stability of the Internet connection if you plan to download the service pack directly. Used Wi-Fi networks can cause a broken file to download. 4G/5G. Make sure that SIM-card not blocked PIN-code that may be required after a reboot, although this is a rare scenario of blocking the process itself.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to interrupt the update process even if the screen is out or the phone has stuck on the logo for a while. 5-10 Forced reboot at this point is guaranteed to result in system files being resolved.
After preparation, check the current firmware version. This information is in the Settings → About Phone menu. Write down a version number, for example, V12.5.3.0.RUINXM. This will help you understand how big the gap between the current and the target version is, and choose the correct method of updating. If the difference between versions is too large (for example, switching from Android 10 to Android 12), a direct update may not be available.
Official update via Recovery Menu (OTA and manual)
The safest and most recommended way for most users is to use the regular recovery menu. Even if the automatic notification didn't arrive, you can try to initiate a manual search for updates. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on the system logo. Sometimes this opens up hidden opportunities or just forces a request to the server.
If the server does not find updates for your region, you can use the method of manual installation of the recovery archive. You will need to download a firmware file with the.zip extension, specifically designed for Recovery mode (not to be confused with the Fastboot version), the file should exactly match the Redmi 9 Pro model and the region of your current firmware (Global, Russia, Europe).
Once you download the file, put it in the root of the internal memory. Go to the update menu and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Select "Choose update package." The system will check the integrity of the archive and, if correct, prompt you to start installing.
- 📥 Download firmware only from trusted resources, such as the official website miui.com or authorized mirrors.
- 📂 The update file should be in the root folder, not in the back of the directories, so that the system can find it.
- ✅ Make sure the file name does not contain Cyrillic characters or spaces that can cause a read error.
It is important to understand the difference between a clean installation and a save-data upgrade. Staff Recovery usually offers to save user data. This is convenient, but sometimes old configuration files can conflict with the new system, causing lags or errors. If you notice unstable work after an update, it is worth considering the option of a full reset (Wipe Data), but this will require reconfiguration of the phone.
☑️ Checking before installing Recovery
Use of Mi Flash Tool and Fastboot Mode
For more advanced users who want to install a global firmware version on top of the Chinese or roll back to an earlier version, the Fastboot method is designed. This method requires a Windows computer and a Qualcomm or MiUSB driver installed. The process involves unlocking the bootloader, which is a critical step.
Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro requires filing an application through the Mi Unlock app and waiting from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the company's policy at the time of 2026). Without the unlocked bootloader, you will not install Fastboot firmware - the process will be interrupted with an authorization error. This is a security measure designed to protect user data.
After successful unlocking, download the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware archive in.tgz format. Unpack the archive in a folder with a path that does not contain Cyrillic alphabets (for example, unpack the archive in a folder with a path that does not contain Cyrillic alphabet, C:\mi_flash\curryin_global). Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by clamping the volume button when the device is turned off and connecting the cable to the PC.
fastboot devicesThis command in the command line will make sure that the computer sees the device. If the serial number is displayed, you can run the Mi Flash Tool, select the path to the firmware folder and press the "Flash" button. At the bottom of the program, you need to select Clean all mode to avoid compatibility errors.
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .zip | .tgz |
| The need for a PC | No (optional) | I'll be sure. |
| Unlocking BL | Not required | Required. |
| Data retention | Maybe. | Just clean all. |
Fastboot takes longer to run through than Recovery, because all the file system sections are reassembled, and the phone screen will show the progress bar and the log of the commands being executed. USB-not interrupt the power of the computer until the green "success" label appears in the Mi Flash program. Any interruption at this stage may require the use of deep recovery tools, such as: EDL mode.
Switching to custom firmware and Android 12/13
Since the official support of the Redmi 9 Pro is limited to MIUI 12.5 or 13, many enthusiasts are turning to custom firmware. Projects like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu (which is a modified official firmware) allow for a fresher Android and optimized system performance.
Custom ROM requires not only unlocking the bootloader, but also installing custom recoveries, most commonly TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which replaces the regular recovery menu with a more functional one, allowing full partition backups and modified packages to be installed.
Risks of installing custom firmware
The installation process begins with the download of the TWRP image for the curryin model. Through Fastboot, you replace the recovery partition with the fastboot flash recovery twrp.img command. After the first login to the TWRP, you need to confirm permission to modify the system. Then, through the recovery interface, the custom firmware archive is downloaded and, if necessary, the Google Apps package (GApps).
- 🛠 For the installation of Custom ROM You need to have an unlocked Bootloader installed and TWRP.
- 🧹 Before installing a new system, a full vape (Wipe Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) is required).
- 📦 GApps (Google Apps) should be downloaded separately if they are not built into the firmware, selecting the version for the ARM64 android.
Castom firmware often works faster than stock firmware because it lacks pre-installed “garbage” and heavy MIUI shell. However, the stability of specific features such as NFC, VoLTE or photo quality can vary depending on the build. Before installing, carefully read the development branch on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum, paying attention to the “Bugs” section.
Solving Common Errors During Updating
During the upgrade process, users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 Pro may encounter various errors, one of the most common is the "Can't verify update". This happens when you try to install global firmware on top of Chinese or vice versa, without unlocking the bootloader. MIUI block.
Another common problem is the endless reboot after installation, which can be caused by a corrupted firmware file, lack of space, or conflict of old data with the new system, in which case it will help to enter Recovery mode (clamp Volume up + Power) and perform a data reset (Wipe Data).
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If the phone is in the bootloom and is not included in the Recovery menu, try pinching the button combination immediately after the vibration or charger is connected when the screen is still black.
The “No command” error in the Recovery menu is solved by simply pressing the power button or the combination “Loud up + Power” (sometimes you need to hold them for a few seconds).
If you have a "Missmatching image and device" error when you run through Mi Flash, it means you have chosen the wrong firmware model. For example, the firmware from the regular Redmi 9 won't work for the Redmi 9 Pro or 9 Pro Max. Always check the device's code name (curryin for the Pro version).
⚠️ Warning: If after all attempts to recover the phone does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the computer even in mode EDL (The black screen may have damaged the bootloader, and only a qualified service center with a programmer will help.
Optimizing the system after updating
After a successful system update, especially if it is a major upgrade (e.g. with Android) 10 on 11 or 12), It takes time for the system to optimize the applications. 15-30 It can run slower than normal, warm up and consume a battery (ART optimization).
It is recommended not to load the device immediately after the update, let it lie on the charger with the screen off for about an hour, and check the updates of all applications in Google Play and Mi GetApps, as older versions of programs may not work properly with the new API system.
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The first hours after the update are critical for stabilizing the work of background processes and indexing files.
If you upgrade to a new version of MIUI or custom firmware, it makes sense to recheck your power settings. Newer versions of Android often change the logic of background processes, and some applications may be erroneously limited by the system, stop sending notifications. Go through the list of installed programs and make sure that there is a “No restrictions” for instant messengers.
It is also worth clearing the cache of the system, even if the update is normal, this can be done through the built-in Security app or through the Recovery menu (Wipe Cache Partition), which will help to get rid of temporary files left over from the previous version of the OS, which can take up space and potentially cause conflicts.