Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones even years after its release β thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 720G processor, long battery life and regular updates to MIUI. However, many users face problems when trying to update the firmware, from the hanging boot process to errors like Couldnβt verify update or Error 7. In this article, current ways to update for 2026, including official and alternative methods, as well as solving typical bugs.
Itβs important to understand that Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse) supports upgrades to MIUI 14 based on Android 12, but further updates from Xiaomi are unlikely.This means that new versions of Android (13+) will require custom firmware β but weβll talk about this separately.
1.Renewal Preparation: What to Do Before You Start
Before you click Update, follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, system failure, or even a smartphone failure.
- π Battery charge - at least 60%. Optimally β 80-100%. With a low charge, the smartphone can turn off during the update, which is fraught with partition damage. /system.
- π‘ Stable Internet connection. To load firmware with weight 2-3 Avoid mobile internet β use Wi-Fi at speeds from 10 Mbit/s.
- π± Backup: Save contacts, photos and apps through Settings β Google β Backup or manually on PC.
- π§ Free space. Internal storage should have at least 5GB free β temporary update files take up a lot of space.
Pay special attention to the current firmware version. To find out, go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI version. If your version is older than MIUI 12.5, you will have to update in stages - you can not immediately switch to MIUI 14.
β οΈ Note: If your Redmi Note 9 Pro is unlocked (installed) TWRP or custom Recovery, an official update through settings can result in a logo getting stuck MI. In this case, use the methods via Fastboot or Recovery (sections 3 and 4).
Make sure battery power > 60% | Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Backup data | Check free space (minimum 5 GB) | Write down the current version of MIUI-->
2. Method 1: Update through settings (the easiest method)
This is the official and recommended way Xiaomi can use, and it's suitable for 90% of users, and it doesn't require a computer and it stores all the data, but it only works if:
- π² The smartphone is not rooted and does not have custom Recovery.
- π Current firmware - official MIUI (European, Chinese or European).
- π The firmware region coincides with the region of the device (for example, EEA Europe).
Instructions:
- Open Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if the update is already downloaded) or Download the latest version.
- Wait for the updates to be checked. If it's available, click Download.
- After downloading, tap Reboot and update.
The process will take 10-20 The smartphone will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen stays black for a long time.
β οΈ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stuck on the logo MI longer than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset (clip the power supply) + Volume up for 10 seconds. This won't delete the data, but it will help you get out of the hanging state.
π‘
If the update is not available, try changing the firmware region through the Mi Flash app or manually download the package from the Xiaomi MIUI Downloads website (select the version for the Redmi Note 9 Pro/joyeuse).
3. Method 2: Update via Recovery (if settings don't work)
This method will be useful if:
- π Update via settings gives an error Couldn't verify update.
- π¦ You already have a firmware file (.zip) downloaded and you need to install it manually.
- π§ Smartphone doesnβt boot into system, but Recovery is available.
To start, download the correct firmware from the official Xiaomi website:
- Go to the MIUI download page.
- Select the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse code).
- Download a stable version for your region (e.g. Global or EEA).
- The file must have a name of the type miui_JOYEUSEGlobal_V14.0.2.0.SJZMIXM_... (where V14.0.2.0 β version MIUI).
Next:
- Copy the downloaded.zip file into the root folder of the smartphoneβs internal memory (not into the folder!).
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Power + Volume Up to Enter Recovery.
- Select the language (if required), then Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion.
| Type of firmware | File size | Time of installation | Is the data preserved? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stable MIUI | 2.1-2.8 GB | 15-25 minutes | Yes. |
| Beta version of MIUI | 2.3β3.0 GB | 20-30 minutes | Yes (but bugs are possible) |
| Castomic (AOSP) | 1.5β2.5 GB | 10-20 minutes | No (wipe required) |
If the smartphone loads into Recovery with a No command error after the upgrade, it means that the firmware file is corrupted or does not fit your model. Try to download it again or check the compliance of the device code (joyeuse for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
Through Settings | Through Recovery | Through Fastboot |Castom firmware |No update-->
Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for power users)
This method requires a computer and is suitable in cases where:
- π§ The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo.
- π¦ You need to flash the full package (for example, when switching from Android 10 to Android 12).
- π Device unlocked (access to Fastboot).
You'll need:
- π» Windows computer (or Linux/macOS fixed ADB/Fastboot).
- π Cable USB Type-C (original or quality).
- π¦ Firmware in.tgz format (downloaded from the official website).
- π οΈ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz) in the folder on the computer.
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Xiaomi drivers.
- Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware.
- Select Clean All mode (delete all data!) or Save user data (save files).
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
β οΈ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then your device is locked. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 72 hours).
What if the Mi Flash Tool canβt see the device?
5. Solving errors in the update
Even if you follow instructions, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't verify update | A damaged firmware file or region mismatch. | Download the firmware again from the official website, check the region (Global/EEA/China). |
| Error 7 | Incompatibility with the device (for example, trying to flash the Redmi Note 9S on the Note 9 Pro). | Check the model code (joyeuse for Note 9 Pro) and download the correct firmware. |
| This package is for "joyeuse" devices; this is a "curtana" | The firmware is designed for another model (Redmi Note 9S has the curtana code). | Download the firmware specifically for joyeuse. |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Failed update or module conflict. | Run Wipe Cache in Recovery or run the firmware again through Fastboot. |
If the smartphone starts to slow down or discharge quickly after the update, reset to factory settings (Settings β Additional β Resetting). This will delete all data, but return stability to work.
certutil -hashfile name file.md56. Alternative firmware: should we switch to custom?
Official updates for the Redmi Note 9 Pro have been discontinued, but enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware based on Android 13/14.
- π± LineageOS β pure Android without unnecessary applications.
- π Pixel Experience β firmware with the corporate interface Google Pixel.
- π§ ArrowOS β Balance between productivity and customization.
- π― MIUI EU β modified MIUI without Chinese services.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- β Newer versions of Android (up to 14).
- β Lack of advertising and unnecessary applications.
- β Improved productivity and battery life.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
- β Risk of "bricking" if installed incorrectly.
- β Possible bugs with camera, sensors or mobile network.
If you decide to use custom firmware, follow the instructions on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Be sure to unlock the bootloader and install TWRP Recovery before you run the firmware.
7 How to roll back an update if something goes wrong
If after the update, the smartphone began to work worse (heats, quickly sits down, brakes), you can return the previous version of MIUI.
- Download the old firmware from the Xiaomi website (choose the version on 1-2 issues back).
- Move the.zip file to the root of the internal memory.
- Enter the Recovery (Food + Volume Up).
- Select Install update.zip to System and confirm the rollback.
Important: rollbacks are only possible within one major Android version, for example, with MIUI 14 (Android 12) you can return to MIUI 13 (Android 12), but not to MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) - this will lead to an Error 7 error.
β οΈ Note: When rolling back on the old firmware, a complete data reset (Wipe Data in Recovery) may be required, otherwise the system will be unstable.