Why do you want to re-watch the Xiaomi Mi 9C?
Xiaomi Mi 9C (also known as Mi CC9e in China) launched in 2019 with MIUI 10 powered by Android 9 Pie. Since then, official updates have stopped, with users facing slowdowns, lack of support for new apps and security vulnerabilities.
✅ Update Android to the current version (for example, Android 12 through custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
✅ Remove built-in bloatware (pre-installed Chinese apps that slow down the system).
✅ Improve performance through optimized cores and modified settings.
But there are risks, from a breeze (turning a phone into a brick) to a loss of warranty, and this article provides detailed instructions tailored to the specifics of the Mi 9C (codename laurus), including unlocking the bootloader, selecting firmware, and solving common errors.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Before you start, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and neglect of preparation is the main cause of firmware failure.
First, check the device model. Xiaomi Mi 9C has two options:
- 📱 Global (firmware with global suffix) - for the international market.
- 🇨🇳 China (firmware with cn suffix) – Chinese version with restrictions (for example, without Google services).
You can find out your model in Settings → About Phone → Model or through the command fastboot getvar product.
Second, save important data. The firmware erases the internal memory (/data).
- ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
- 💾 Local backup via adb backup or TWRP (if already established).
- 📱 Transfer to a memory card or PC (photos, contacts, SMS via Mi Mover).
Make a backup of data | Check the battery (minimum 60%) | Download the correct firmware for the model laurus | Install ADB/Fastboot drivers | Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)
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Third, unlock the bootloader (if not done before). Xiaomi locks it by default.
- Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Activate Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in About Phone).
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → More → For Developers.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (download from Xiaomi website).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. After the procedure, you will have to wait 72-168 hours (depending on the account) before you can sew custom recovery or software.
Choosing firmware for Xiaomi Mi 9C: official vs custom
The type of firmware depends on the capabilities of the phone after the update. Let's consider the main options:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Where to download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Global/China) | Stability, OTG support, no risk of bric | An outdated version of Android, Bloatware | Official website |
| MIUI EU (unofficial) | No Ads, Weekly Updates, Optimized | It may contain bugs, no. OTA-update | Xiaomi.eu |
| LineageOS | Clean Android, Long-Term Support | The camera or NFC may not work | LineageOS |
| Pixel Experience | Google Pixel interface, quick updates | Less optimization for Xiaomi iron | Pixel Experience |
For beginners, we recommend starting with the official MIUI Global or MIUI EU. Power users can try LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but consider:
- 🔧 The scaling needs installation TWRP (custom recovery).
- 📱 Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster NFC) They may not work properly.
- 🔒 Netflix or banking apps will require Magisk to pass SafetyNet.
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Before choosing firmware, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers forums – some builds may have critical bugs (e.g., a broken camera module).
Step-by-step: Firmware via Fastboot
Fastboot is the most reliable way to flash the Xiaomi Mi 9C, especially if the phone is not turning on or needs recovery.
- 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
- 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
- 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked in a folder).
Steps:
- Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Power to enter the Fastboot (there will be a hare in a hat-eared hat on the screen).
- Connect the phone to a PC. Check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- For official firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool: Select the firmware folder. Specify Clean all or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader after you have firmware). Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
fastboot
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot reboot⚠️ Warning: If the firmware is interrupted during flashing vbmeta, don't panic - this is normal for some builds. Just restart the phone manually (fastboot reboot).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "can't find device" error?
Firmware through TWRP: installing custom software
If you choose LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you will need TWRP — custom recovery. For the Mi 9C version 3.6.2 or later is suitable.
Instructions for installing TWRP:
- Download the image twrp-3.6.2_9-0-laurus.img official website.
- Reboot your phone in Fastboot and Switch Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-laurus.img
- Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite recovery).
Install custom firmware through TWRP:
- Copy firmware (.zip) and Gapps (if you need Google services) to your phone or memory card.
- V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache 📁 System 🗑️ Data 📱 Cache
Install
Gapps
Magisk
Reboot → System
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If the phone has been stuck on the Xiaomi logo for more than 10 minutes after firmware, go back to TWRP and repeat the steps of Wipe → Format Data (enter yes manually).
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') | The bootloader is not unlocked | Use the Mi Unlock Tool (see Preparation section) |
| The phone does not turn on after firmware (black screen) | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a full clean (clean all) |
| E: Unknown command [log] in TWRP | An outdated version of TWRP | Update recovery to 3.6.2+ |
| No network after firmware | Not stitched with modem or vendor | Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Flash all except storage tick |
If your phone has turned into a hard brick, try:
- 🔌 Test Point method: disassemble the phone, close contacts on the board and run through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL.
- 🛠️ Contact the service center (if you are not sure about your rationing skills).
💡
If the camera doesn’t work after LineageOS firmware, download a separate GCam module with a configured configuration for laurus (look for 4PDA).
After Firmware: Setup and Optimization
After successful firmware, follow a few steps to work stably:
Initial setting:
- 🔄 Restart your phone 2-3 times (this helps the system to settle down").
- 📶 Set up the network manually if the automatic search doesn’t work.
- 🔒 Enable Developer Options and turn off animations to speed up the interface (Settings) → System system → For developers → Speed of animation ×0.5).
2. Optimization of productivity:
- 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔋 Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption).
- 🛡️ Install Magisk to manage root rights and modules (e.g, ViPER4Android sound-wise).
Verification of functionality:
- 📸 Test the camera (take a photo on the main and front).
- 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth are working, GPS.
- 💳 Check Google Pay or SberPay (if contactless payments are needed, you will need to hide the root via Magisk).
⚠️ Note: If the Pixel Experience is not working after the firmware IR-blaster (DU remote), install the Mi Remote application from APKMirror - it will restore functionality.