Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model code lancelot) was released in 2020, but still remains popular due to balanced features and support for updates. However, every year the relevance of the firmware becomes critical: new versions of MIUI bring security patches, performance optimizations and even additional features. If your Redmi 9 began to slow down, quickly discharge or issue errors, most likely the reason is outdated software.
In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways of updating: from the standard to the standard. OTA (Over the air) to manual firmware via Fastboot or Recovery, and we will pay special attention to the risks when updating through informal firmware - they can lead to a lockdown of the bootloader or loss of warranty. MIUI, Prepare the phone for an update and what to do if the process freezes.Instructions are suitable for all versions of Redmi 9: standard version, Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C redmi 9T (lime-code).
1. Verification of the current version of MIUI and available updates
Before you start the update, make sure it's really necessary.The latest MIUI versions for Redmi 9 are based on Android 12 (MIUI 14), but some regions may be getting late updates. Here's how to check the relevance of your firmware:
Open the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This shows the current firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2.0.SJCMIXM).
- 📅 Building Date – If older than 6 months, update is critical.
- 🌍 Region - Firmware for China (CN), Europe (EEA) Global and Global are different.
- 🔄 Update type: stable (Stable) or beta (Developer).
To check for availability OTA-Updates, go to Settings → System system → Update and click Check Updates. If the system finds a new version, follow the on-screen prompts. Important: connect to Wi-Fi before downloading - the service pack can weigh up to 2-3 GB.
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China CN), But used in Russia, automatic updates can lead to blocking of Google services, in which case it is recommended to reflash the device to the global version (Global) manually.
2.Preparing the phone for an update: 5 mandatory steps
Regardless of the upgrade method chosen, preparing the phone will reduce the risk of crashes, and neglecting these steps can lead to data loss, a device “brick” or errors in the operation of the new firmware.
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone to at least 60%
Connect to stable Wi-Fi (for OTA)
Free up at least 4 GB of memory
Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (for manual firmware)
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Let's take a closer look at each item:
- Backup. Use the built-in Settings tool. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup or third-party services like Google Drive/Mi Cloud: 📸 Photo and video (folder) DCIM) 📞 Contacts and call log 💬 Communications (SMS messenger chats) 🎮 Save games (via Google Play account)
Battery charge
80% and above
Memory of the device
⚠️ Note: If you use custom Recovery (for example, TWRP), before updating through OTA You have to return stock Recovery, otherwise the phone might be stuck on the Mi logo.
Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method
OTA (Over-The-Air) is an automatic update over the Internet, and it's suitable for most users because it doesn't require technical skills.
- Connect to Wi-Fi (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
- Go to Settings → System → Software Update.
- Click Check Updates. If you find an update, click Download.
- After downloading, select Install Now or Install at Night (unless you want to interrupt your phone use).
- The phone will restart and start installation. Wait until it is completed (usually 10-20 minutes).
Installation instructions:
- Download the file (usually with the.zip extension) to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory (not folders!).
- Rename the file to update.zip (required!).
- Turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- In the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip to System (manage by volume buttons, confirm by power button).
- Wait for the installation to be completed and restarted.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't verify update package | A damaged firmware file | Download the file again, check the checksum (MD5) |
| E: footer is wrong | Wrong file name | Rename update.zip (registration is important!) |
| Hanging on the Mi logo | Conflict with Custom Recovery | Return stock recovery or flash through Fastboot |
What if Recovery doesn’t see the update.zip file?
5. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware for Power Users
The Fastboot method is used if:
- 🔧 You need to reflash the phone from scratch (for example, after a failure).
- 🌍 Requires a change of the firmware region (c) CN Globally).
- 🐢 OTA Recovery is not working due to serious errors.
This method will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and Mi Flash Tool.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 📄 Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot (downloaded from the same Xiaomi site).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder on your computer (for example, C:\MIUI\fastboot).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect your phone to your computer. Make sure the drivers are installed (Android Bootloader Interface should be displayed in Device Manager).
- Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the firmware folder.
- At the bottom, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
- Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.
⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future. Use it only if you are sure you will not modify the system.
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Fastboot firmware completely erases data from the phone, including internal memory.
6. Solving problems after the update
Even a successful update can cause problems, and here are the most common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Fast battery discharge | Background optimization of new processes | Give the phone a 2-3 charge/discharge cycle for calibration |
| Overheating | High brightness or background tasks | Disable unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery |
| The Google Play Error | Conflict with services after the change of region | Clear the cache and data of Google Play in the app settings |
| No network (IMSI unknown) | Communication module failure | Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks |
If after the update the phone does not turn on or hangs on the screensaver, try:
- Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
- Log in to Recovery and make Wipe data/factory reset.
- If it doesn’t work, re-wire your phone through Fastboot.
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Aftermajor updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14) it is recommended to reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset → Resetting).
7.How to roll back an update if the new version is worse
Sometimes fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits, such as bugs, performance problems, or app incompatibility, in which case you can return the previous version of MIUI, but with reservations:
- ⏳ Recoil is only possible within 72 hours of the update (unless a reset has been made).
- 🔒 Blocking the bootloader can prevent rollbacks to some versions.
- 📉 Data loss is likely if there was no backup when updating.
Instructions for rollback:
- Download the previous stable firmware for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the memory.
- Log in to Recovery and select Install update.zip to System.
- After restarting, reset your settings (Wipe data) if the phone is unstable.
⚠️ Note: A rollback to a version older than 2-3 months may cause problems with Google services (the error "Device is not certified by Google.