Transition from Chinese firmware to global MIUI for Xiaomi Redmi 9A 4/64: the full guide

Xiaomi Redmi 9A (dandelion model) with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of memory often comes with the Chinese version of MIUI, which limits functionality: there is no Google Play, there is no Russian language in the system, and some services work unstable. The transition to global firmware solves these problems, but requires accuracy - wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a "brick".

In this article, we'll take a proven manual for Redmi 9A 4/64, taking into account all the nuances from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version. We'll break down the official method through Mi Unlock Tool and alternative methods if the standard one doesn't work. You'll also learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as Anti-Rollback or blocking your Mi Account after you've firmware.

Why you should switch to global firmware

The Chinese version of MIUI for Redmi 9A is optimized for the local market, which creates inconvenience for users from other regions:

• 🚫 No Google Services: You Can't Install Play Market, Gmail, or YouTube Without a Workaround.
• 🌍 Limited localization: Russian is not in the system menu (Chinese and English only).
• 🔒 Blocking functions: some settings (for example, ADB or USB-debugging) hidden.
• 📵 Network problems: There may be no ranges 4G, relevant to your operator.

Global firmware (MIUI Global) solves these problems, but has its drawbacks:

• ⚠️ Updates are less common than for the Chinese version.
• 📦 Embedded apps (such as Mi Browser or Mi Music) cannot be removed without superuser rights.
• 🔄 Returning to Chinese firmware after the transition will be more difficult due to Xiaomi’s policy.

Preparation for firmware: what to do in advance

Before starting the process, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, which minimizes the risks and makes it easier to install:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages) |

Check the battery charge (minimum 60%) |

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|

Download firmware only for your model (dandelion) |

Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network|

Disable antivirus on your computer (can block tools)|

Access to Mi Account (linked to your phone)-->

Pay special attention to backup. The firmware erases all data from internal memory, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders).
• 📞 Call log and SMS.
• 🎮 Game saving (if not synced to your account).
• 📁 Application settings (such as WhatsApp or Telegram).

For backup, use:

• 🖥️ Mi PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Apps like Swift Backup (require root).

⚠️ Note: If the Find Device function is enabled on the smartphone, it must be disabled in the Mi Account settings. Otherwise, after firmware, the phone may be blocked with the requirement to enter a password from the old account.

Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 9A

The bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 9A is blocked by default. To install global firmware, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. The process takes a minimum of 7 days of waiting (this is Xiaomi’s security requirement).

Step-by-step:

1. Attach Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account. Sign in or create a new account. Enable data sync.
2. Connect your phone to your PC: Use the original USB Type-C cable. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP).

After the waiting period expires, repeat the process in the Mi Unlock Tool - the bootloader will be unlocked. Make sure that the Unlocked status is displayed in the program.

⚠️ Warning: If a Couldn't unlock error occurs when unlocking, check: Internet connection (required via mobile network, not Wi-Fi); Mi Unlock Tool version (should be the last); No phone binding to another Mi Account.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t identify the device, try reinstalling the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Mi Flash Pro or Android ADB Interface).

Selecting the Right Firmware for Redmi 9A 4/64

For Redmi. 9A (codename dandelion) only firmware marked dandelion_global. Use of files for other models (for example, dandelion_cn or dandelion_in) This will cause errors or block the device.

Where to download the official firmware:

• 🌐 Xiaomi official website: the world portal MIUI (Choose the Redmi section 9A).

Types of firmware for Redmi 9A:

Before downloading, check:

• 🔢 Android Version: For Redmi 9A Builds based on Android 10 (MIUI 12) or Android 11 (MIUI 12.5).
• 📅 Release Date: Fresh firmware contains security fixes.
• 📥 File size: Fastboot firmware weighs ~2–3 GB, Recovery — ~1.5–2 GB.

Installation of global firmware through Fastboot

The most reliable way to flash Redmi 9A is to use the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode, which completely overwrites the system, minimizing the risk of errors.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack the firmware: The file must have the.tgz or.zip extension. Unpack the archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, unpack the archive in a folder, C:\dandelion_global).
2. Install Mi Flash Tool: Download the latest version from the official source. Run the program on behalf of the administrator.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Once installed successfully, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is an error flash_all_lock.bat failed, check: Correct firmware selected (should be global) No gaps in the path to the firmware folder. Unlocked bootloader (Unlocked status in Fastboot).

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Use ONLY Clean all mode in the Mi Flash Tool. Save user data or Clean all and lock modes can lead to errors when switching from Chinese to global firmware.

Alternative firmware methods

If the Fastboot method didn’t work or you prefer other methods, consider these options:

1.Through Custom Recovery (TWRP)

For this method, you need to install TWRP Recovery, an informal firmware recovery that is suitable for advanced users.

• ✅ Pros: you can make backups, install modified firmware.
• ❌ Cons: error risk, requires unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for dandelion from the official website.
2. Install via Fastboot command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (required!).
4. Copy the firmware (.zip) on your phone and install it via Install.

2. Through the utility XiaomiTool V2

This program automates the firmware process, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

• ✅ Pros: simple interface, support for multiple models.
• ❌ Cons: It doesn’t always work with fresh firmware.

3. Through OTA-Update (if available)

Sometimes Xiaomi allows you to upgrade to global firmware through a regular update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (three-point) → Select a Service Package.
3. Please specify the downloaded firmware file (.zip).

⚠️ This method is rarely used and can cause an error This package is for other devices.

What to do after the firmware

After installing global firmware, follow these steps to ensure that the device works correctly:

• 🔒 Sign in to Mi Account: This will unlock some features (such as themes).
• 📱 Set up Google Services: When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to add a Google account. If the Play Market is not available, install it manually through the Google account. APK.

If there are problems after the firmware, check:

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If the vibration is lost or the buttons are not working after the firmware, check the integrity of the firmware (the file may not have been completely downloaded).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 9A