How to Reflash Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC: A Complete Guide to Unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 9 with NFC is a popular budget smartphone that, even a few years after its release, remains relevant due to the ability to install custom firmware. Flashing allows you to upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or Android, remove unnecessary applications, improve performance or even install alternative firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process requires caution: wrong actions can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will look at all the steps of flashing, from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to installing the firmware through Fastboot or Recovery. We will pay special attention to the nuances of the NFC model, since it has specific drivers that may not work correctly on some custom builds. If you are a beginner, we recommend you to carefully study each section and not miss the warnings.

1. Preparation for flashing: what you need to know before starting

Flashing is not just a system update through the settings menu, it is a complete software replacement that can affect warranty, sensor performance (including NFC), and even the physical health of the device. Before you start, answer three key questions:

• 🔹 Why do you need it? If the goal is just to update. MIUI, Check for official updates in Settings → The phone. → System Update: Castom firmware is justified if you want to remove bloatware, get a clean Android or fix bugs from an older version.
• 🔹 Are you prepared for the risks? Wrong firmware can lead to data loss, a broken module NFC or complete inoperability of the phone.
• 🔹 Is there a backup? Without a backup of important data (contacts, photos, messages), you can't start the procedure.

Please note that after the re-reading:

• 📱 All settings will be dropped to the factory.
• 🔒 The bootloader is unlocked (if it has been blocked), which may violate the warranty.
• 🛡️ Some features, such as Google Pay, may stop working due to lack of Widevine certification. L1 custom-made).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with model NFC It's called lancelot, and make sure you download the firmware for this modification, and it's firmware for Redmi 9 without it. NFC (Juice will not work and will lead to errors.

2 Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default. This is a security measure that prevents unofficial software from being installed. To flash the phone, it must be unlocked. The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi's policy, so start in advance.

Unlocking will require:

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi 9 with NFC battery-charged%.
• 💻 Windows computer (recommended) 7/10/11) and USB-cable (original!).
• 🔑 Mi Account linked to phone (required with a confirmed number and email!).
• 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool (you can download it on the official Xiaomi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the phone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point!)

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission on the smartphone screen.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Fastboot

"Couldn’t unlock"

Linked to Mi Account by phone | USB | Debugging enabled Activated OEM | Battery unlock >60% | Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool-->

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will perform a full reset (wipe). All data will be deleted! Also, Widevine may stop working on some firmware. L1, What will reduce the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney+ before 480p.

3. firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds

For Redmi 9 with NFC (lancelot), two types of firmware are available:

1. Official (MIUI) - stable and weekly versions from Xiaomi, suitable for returning to the runoff state or updating to the latest version.
2. Custom builds (AOSPs) are built on pure Android (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HaventOS) and give more freedom, but can have bugs, especially with NFC and camera.

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder from fastboot.exe (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. For official purposes MIUI run the firmware script: flash_all.bat For custom firmware, use manual commands (example for LineageOS): fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot reboot

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If the process is stuck at the sending 'system' stage, check it out. USB-often helps to reconnect to another port (preferably) USB 2.0).

⚠️ Note: When installing custom firmware through Fastboot, be sure to file separately the vendor and firmware, otherwise the modules may not work. NFC, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

5. Installation via Recovery (TWRP) for custom firmware

If you choose custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), it’s more convenient to install it through TWRP Recovery, an alternative restore that allows you to flash.zip files and make backups.

For Redmi 9 NFC (lancelot), TWRP 3.7.0+ is suitable.

Installation instructions:

1. Download TWRP.img and firmware (.zip) to your phone.
2. Reboot to Fastboot and Sweeve TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-lancelot.img fastboot reboot recovery
3. V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🧹 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📁 Data 🔄 Cache

Install → Select ZIP

Magisk

Disable Force Encryption

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Without disabling forced encryption (FBE) custom firmware may not boot or work with errors. ZIP-file Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt And then you run it after the main firmware.

The first run after the firmware can take 5-10 minutes.

6. Performance check and problem solving

After flashing, you need to check the key features of Redmi 9 NFC:

• 📶 Network and Calls: Make sure it is determined SIM-map and mobile Internet.
• 📶 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Connect to the network and check file transfer.
• 💳 NFC: Try paying through Google Pay or reading the tag (if it doesn’t work, stitch the vendor or kernel separately).
• 📷 Camera: Take a test shot (there may be artifacts on custom firmware).

Typical problems and solutions:

7. Return to stock firmware (if something went wrong)

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can roll back to the official MIUI.

1. Download the stable version of MIUI for lancelot from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. flash_all.bat (Like the Fastboot section).
3. After firmware, the phone will automatically restart and perform the initial setup.

To return the guarantee, it is necessary:

• 🔒 Block the bootloader back (via fastboot oem lock, but it is risky!).
• 📱 Reset the unlock counter in the Mi Unlock Tool (possible only after blocking the bootloader).

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader on custom firmware will result in a phone blink (completely inoperable)! MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 9 NFC flashing