Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (also known as Redmi K20 Pro) is still one of the most popular flagships thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 855 processor. However, over time, the software stops being updated officially, and users face the need to manually install new versions of Android or change the firmware region.
The process of software replacement requires carefulness and a clear follow-up to the algorithm of actions. Incorrectly following the steps can lead to the fact that the phone will stop loading or lose access to banking applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to prepare the Mi 9T Pro for the update, what tools will be needed, and how to avoid typical errors when working with Fastboot and Recovery modes.
Before you take action, you need to understand the risks, and any interference with the software code of the device is at your own risk. We'll look at safe methods that have been tested over time, but you can't guarantee 100% of the result without taking into account the state of a particular instance of hardware. USB-cable and charge the gadget to at least 60%.
The first step will be to assemble the workplace and check for all components.For successful reflashing of Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro you will need a computer running Windows (with Windows 7 and above), original or high-quality USB-Type-C cable and stable Internet connection. Make sure that the system drive has at least 10 GB of free space to unpack archives with firmware.
The critical thing is to back up your data. In the firmware process, your internal memory will be completely cleaned, including photos, contacts and instant messaging, use Mi Cloud or Google Drive cloud services, or transfer files to an external hard drive. Don't ignore this step, as it's almost impossible to recover data after formatting the data partition.
⚠️ Note: Use of unoriginal or damaged USB-cables often cause communication to break down at a critical point in data recording, which can turn the phone into a brick".
You also need to check the status of your Mi Account. If the device is on the theft protection, after firmware, the phone will require you to enter the username and password to which it was previously associated. Make sure you remember the login details or untie the device in advance in the account settings on the manufacturer's website. This is especially true for models with Chinese firmware, where the protection can work more aggressively.
📊 What kind of firmware you have on Mi right now 9T Pro?
Global (Global)
Chinese (CN)
European (EU)
Custom ROM (Custom ROM)
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Official flashing from one region to another (e.g. China to Global) is impossible without an unlocked bootloader. Bootloader is a program that starts when a smartphone is turned on and checks the digital signature by the operating system. By default, Xiaomi blocks the installation of informal or regional software.
The unlocking process takes time. You will need to apply through the app. MIUI Unlock Tool on your linked account. Upon submitting your application, the system will ask you to wait from 7 to 168 hours (usually 168 hours for new accounts). SIM-map.
When the wait is over, do the following:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To activate the menu for developers.
- 🔧 Open the Settings. → Advanced settings → For developers and include the item "Factory unlocking".
- 💻 Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on PC, log in to the same akkaMi and follow the instructions on the screen.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and clear the data. The boot screen will display an open padlock icon. Now the bootloader is ready to install any compatible system images. Remember that unlocking reduces the security of the device and makes it impossible to use some banking applications without additional manipulation (for example, Magisk).
What if Mi Unlock Tool says "Couldn't verify device"?
If the program does not see the device or gives a verification error, try using another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), reinstall drivers ADB wait 24 Also make sure that the date and time settings on the PC are automatically synchronized."> Selecting firmware type: Recovery or Fastboot There are two main types of firmware for Mi 9T Pro: Recovery (OTA/Recovery ROM) Understanding the difference between the two is critical to choosing the right installation method. Recovery firmware has the.zip extension and is designed to be updated via the recovery menu or built-in updater. Fastboot firmware comes in the form of archive.tgz and contains a complete system image, including boot partitions, modem and recovery. This type is required to change the region (Chinese to global), roll back to an older version of Android or recover from serious crashes. Fastboot always performs a complete data cleanup, even if you did not choose the appropriate item. ROM (.zip) Fastboot ROM (.Tgz Version Update, Type Change (China) ↔ Global prohibited) Region change, recovery, complete cleanup Data saving Possible (with an in-region update) Only with full cleanup Tool Built-in Updater / TWRP Mi Flash Tool Difficulty Low Medium/High When choosing a version, note the encoding. Global versions are labeled MIUI Global, European — MIUI Europe, and the Russians — MIUI For Mi. 9T Pro is also popular custom builds based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which require unlocked bootloader and custom recavator installation. TWRP. ☑️ Check before firmware Is Bootloader unlocked?Downloaded the correct type of firmware (Fastboot/Recovery)Data backup made Battery charge higher 60%Completed: 0 / 4 Install firmware through Mi Flash Tool The most reliable way to reflash Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is the official Mi Flash Tool, which requires you to switch your smartphone to Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the device, then press the volume down button and plug in. USB-You'll see a picture of a hare repairing an android, or a Fastboot, run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator, unpack the firmware archive (.tgz) in the root of the C disk so that the path doesn't contain Cyrillic symbols or spaces (e.g., the Mi Flash Tool, C:/mi9tpro_global). Click the Refresh button in the utility – if the drivers are installed correctly, you will see the serial number of the device. adb devices fastboot devices These commands in the command line will help check the connection if the Mi Flash Tool can't see the phone. At the bottom of the Mi Flash Tool window, select Cleanup Mode. For a clean installation, it is recommended to choose Clean All. Avoid “clean all and lock” if you are flashing a global version on a device that was originally Chinese, or if you change region, this can block a bootloop with incompatible firmware, which will lead to bootloop. The green bar that says "success" signals success. The phone automatically reboots. 5-10 minutes as the system optimizes applications and recreates the dalvik-cache partition. ⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the recording process or disconnect the cable until the progress bar in the Mi Flash Tool reaches 100% and the green indicator lights up. Interruption during the writing phase of the boot or system partitions is fatal. Solving problems and errors during firmware During the flashing process Mi 9T Pro users often experience Flash error or freeze at a certain percentage, most often the problem lies in the drivers of Qualcomm or the driver. ADB. The solution is to completely reinstall drivers through Windows Device Manager, removing unknown devices with yellow exclamation marks. Another common problem is the hash check error. This means that the firmware file has not been fully downloaded or damaged when unpacked. Always check the integrity of the archive and use the archiver. 7-Zip WinRAR of the latest versions. Antivirus software can also block file writing to system partitions, so it is better to suspend protection during the procedure. If after firmware the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop), try resetting through Recovery: 🔄 Press the power and volume button before the Mi logo appears. 🗑 Select the language and go to the Wipe Data menu. → Wipe All Data. ✅ Confirm the action and wait until the cleanup is complete, then select Reboot.In rare cases, especially when switching between widely different versions of Android (for example, from Android 9 to Android 12), you may need to manually clean the partitions through fastboot commands. 9T The “Clean All” Pro in the Mi Flash Tool is usually enough to resolve file conflicts. 💡If the Mi Flash Tool is running a Missmatching image and device error, make sure you don’t try to flash the firmware for Redmi. K20 Pro on Mi. 9T Pro (or vice versa) without checking codename compatibility. Codename should be "davinci." System setup after upgrade After successful installation of the new OS and initial setup, it is important to check the operation of the main modules. GPS They're functioning correctly. 9T Pro is characterized by a retractable camera, the mechanism of which is controlled programmatically, so after deep flashing it is worth testing its work several times. If you have used custom recavators or unlocked a bootloader, some banking applications may fail due to a system integrity breach.To solve this problem, you will need to install Magisk and root rights concealment modules such as MagiskHide or Zygisk. This will return the possibility of payment through NFC Remember to update all system applications through the Google Play Store and Mi GetApps. Often, after changing the region or firmware version, the old versions of Google services may not work correctly. MIUI Energy saving algorithms can aggressively "kill" the background processes of messengers. Is it safe to sew global firmware on the Chinese Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro? Yes, it's standard procedure, but it requires you to unlock the bootloader. ROM It's impossible to use a Chinese device, and when it's firmware, it'll get Russian frequency support. LTE (Band 7 and Band 20) and Google services out of the box. Will the warranty disappear after flashing? Technically, unlocking the bootloader and installing unofficial software voids the manufacturer's warranty. However, if you return the original firmware and lock the bootloader back (if the region matches), it will be difficult to determine the intervention at the service center during a visual inspection, although the digital tag (fuse) may remain. 10 straight-on 12/13? Officially Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro received an update to Android 11 (MIUI 12.5). Direct transition to Android 12/13 It is possible only through the installation of custom firmware (Custom). ROM). Official global updates above Android 11 This model is not available.