Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 9: official and custom methods

Why do you want to replay Redmi 9 and what are the risks?

Xiaomi Redmi 9 flashing is a procedure that can both bring a smartphone back to life and turn it into a “brick” if you approach it without preparation. The main reasons why users decide to do this step are: exiting due to reboot cycles (bootloop), removing pre-installed software (bloatware), installing a fresh version of MIUI or switching to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, it is important to understand that informal firmware deprives of warranties, and errors when unlocking the bootloader can lock the device forever.

The Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) was released with different modifications: the standard version, Redmi 9 Prime, Redmi 9C and Redmi 9A. The firmware for them is not interchangeable - installing incompatible software will lead to the inoperability of the communication module or camera. Before you start, check the exact name of the model in Settings → About Phone → Model.

In this article, we will discuss three main methods of flashing: through MIUI Updater (without loss of data), Recovery (with partial reset) and Fastboot (complete reinstallation of the system), and also touch on unlocking the bootloader - a mandatory step for custom firmware - and typical errors like Anti-Rollback or Invalid Image.

Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting

Regardless of the method chosen, preparing the device reduces the risks to a minimum. Start with a backup: copy photos, contacts and files to a PC or cloud. Even an update via MIUI Updater sometimes resets settings. Use Mi Mover or Titanium Backup (requires root) to back up applications.

Make sure your phone has enough charge, at least 60 percent, and if the flashing is interrupted by a discharge, it's harder to restore the device.

• 🔌 Cable USB: Use an original or certified Type-C cable. Cheap analogues can interrupt data transmission.
• 💻 Computer: Fastboot and Recovery require Windows PC 7/10/11 (for the Mi Flash Tool or Linux/macOS (for ADB).
• 📥 Drivers: Install Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot Android SDK Platform Tools.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader: if you plan custom firmware, unlock the bootloader in advance (more on this below).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (market version) CN), firmware MIUI It can lock the device due to regional restrictions. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (without loss of data)

The safest way is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official updates without unlocking the bootloader and does not require a PC connection, but this method will not allow you to roll back to the old version due to the protection of Anti-Rollback.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon «⋮» (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, the name should contain lancelot).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Download official MIUI versions for Redmi 9 from the sites:

• 🌍 Global MIUI (international versions).
• 🇨🇳 China MIUI (Only for Chinese models).
• 🔧 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (archive of all versions).

⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Wait 20 to 30 minutes. If things don't change, go to the Recovery method.

Download the correct firmware version for the lancelot | Check battery power (>60%) | Connect to Wi-Fi (file weighs 1.5-2.5 GB) | Close background applications

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Method 2: Install firmware via Recovery (TWRP or Stock)

If the standard update doesn’t work (for example, due to corrupted system files), use Recovery. There are two options: official Stock Recovery (limited features) and customized. TWRP (It allows you to install unofficial firmware. 9 current-age TWRP — 3.7.0_12-0.

Steps for Stock Recovery:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and rename it to update.zip.
2. Put the file at the root of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
4. Select Install update.zip to System and confirm.

Steps for TWRP:

1. Install TWRP via Fastboot (instruction below).
2. Download firmware (.zip) and Magisk (if root is needed) to place on the SD-card.
3. In TWRP, click Wipe → Format Data (if you go from another firmware), then Install and select the firmware file.
4. After installing the firmware, immediately flash Magisk (if necessary), then restart.

Method 3: Complete Fastboot Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

Fastboot is the most reliable way to bring a phone back to life if it doesn't turn on or bootloop, and it erases data completely and installs clean firmware. Redmi 9 requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and installed Mi drivers USB Driver.
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\rom\lancelot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter the Fastboot (a screen with a rabbit in a hat-eared).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have been firmware).
6. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). the phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool is an Anti-Rollback error, you are trying to install the version. MIUI Solution: Download a newer firmware or use the Anti-Rollback Bypass Tool (risky!).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try pressing Power + Volume up for 20 seconds for a forced reboot. If that doesn't help, repeat the procedure with another version of firmware.

Unlocking the bootloader for custom firmware

Installing TWRP, LineageOS or obtaining root rights requires unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process takes up to 72 hours (waiting for approval).

• 📱 Mi Account Account Linked to Phone.
• 🔑 Unlock permission (as requested via Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🖥️ Windows computer and Mi Unlock Tool installed.

Instructions:

1. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers (activated by 7 single clicks on the MIUI version).
2. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your account.
5. Click Unlock. If you see a wait message, wait until the time is specified (usually 168 hours for new accounts).

Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be deleted, and Widevine protection will be removed. L1 (viewable HD-content from Netflix, Disney+) drop down L3. Restore L1 It can only be re-examined by the official MIUI lock-down.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If your IMEI is missing or your mobile network is not working, restore it via Engineering Mode:

1. Click ##4636## and select Phone Information.
2. Check the current IMEI. If it's Null, use the Maui META or SN Write Tool for recovery (requires NV-data backup).

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If after the phone has stopped seeing SIM-The card was most likely installed firmware for another modification (e.g. Redmi 9 Prime instead of Redmi 9).Solution: Sweat the correct version through Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 flashing