How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 in Russian: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

merlin

MIUI

Xiaomi

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to change the language in the settings, but on the Chinese versions (China ROM) Russian is often not even in the list of available languages. Another problem is the locking of the bootloader, which does not allow you to install custom firmware without official permission. We will analyze both scenarios: update via Recovery (for global versions) and complete flashing through Fastboot (for Chinese devices).

⚠️ Warning: Flashing over will void the warranty and could lead to irreversible data loss if you don't back up.On the Chinese versions of the Redmi Note 9, all data, including photos in internal memory, is reset once the bootloader is unlocked.

1. Check the current firmware and model

Before you start the process, you need to accurately determine the firmware version and model of your Redmi Note 9. This depends on the choice of file for flashing and the installation method.

To find out current information:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version, device model and build number.
3. Write down or take a picture of this data – it will be necessary to download the correct firmware.

Pay attention to the first letters in the assembly number:

• 🌍 Global (GL) — for example, MIUI Global 14.0.2.0(SJUMIXM). Russian may already be installed, but sometimes an update is required.
• 🇨🇳 China (CN) — for example, MIUI 14.0.1.0(SJUCNXM). There is no Russian language, we need a complete reflashing.
• 🇪🇺 EEA (Europe – similar to the global one, but with some limitations.

If your firmware is Chinese, you can only reflash it to global via Fastboot after unlocking the bootloader. For global versions, sometimes an update through Recovery is enough.

2. Preparation for flashing: backup and tools

Flashing is a process that can erase all data on your device, and even if you plan to upgrade through Recovery, backup is a must.

What to keep:

• 📱 Contacts – sync with Google Account or export to.vcf file.
• 📷 Photos and videos – copy to your PC or cloud (e.g. Google Photos).
• 🔑 Passwords and accounts – write down logins from social networks, banking applications.
• 🎮 Application Data – Use account saves for games (e.g. Google Play Games).

In addition to backup, prepare:

• 🖥️ Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for Fastboot).
• 🔌 Cable USB (original, undamaged).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (better than 100%).
• 🛠️ Tools: Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock the bootloader), Mi Flash Tool (for firmware via Fastboot), Xiaomi Flash Tool (alternative).

💡

If you have Chinese firmware, link your Mi Account to your device before unlocking the bootloader. Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool won't work!

3. Unlock the bootloader (only for Chinese firmware)

On Chinese firmware (CN) devices, the bootloader is locked, and must be unlocked through Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool, which takes up to 72 hours to verify your account.

Steps to unlock:

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Put it on your phone: 🔓 Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on Developer Mode). 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: Debugging by USB, Unlocking OEM.

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

"Wait 72 hours"

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Redmi Note 9 will automatically reset to factory settings!

4. Selection of firmware: official vs custom

There are two types of firmware available for Redmi Note 9 (merlin):

1. Official (stock) – from Xiaomi, with support OTA-There are updates: 🌍 Global Stable - stable version with Russian language. 🇪🇺 EEA Stable - European version (similar to the global version). 🔄 Global/EEA Recovery – installed via Recovery (without data loss). 🔧 Global/EEA Fastboot – for installation via Fastboot (full reset).

Customs (customs)

LineageOS

Pixel Experience

Where to download the official firmware:

• 🔗 Xiaomi official website (select Redmi Note 9) → merlin).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source).

📌 How to Choose the Right Version?

💡

For most users, the best choice is the Global Stable Fastboot, as it includes Russian and all Google features (unlike the Chinese version).

5. Install firmware via Fastboot (full firmware reflashing)

This method is suitable for Chinese firmware or if you want to completely change the region of the device. The process erases all data, so make a backup beforehand.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Fastboot firmware (for example, merlin_global_images_...tgz) And unpack it in a folder on a PC.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to enter Fastboot mode.
4. Connect the phone to the PC.
5. Open the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and select the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom, select clean all and click Flash.
7. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an error called “Can’t find fastboot”, check it out:

• Have Xiaomi drivers been installed?
• Is the firmware properly unpacked (there should be files with the.img extension).
• Is the original used? USB-cable.

Make a backup copy|Download the correct version of the firmware|Unpack the archive into a separate folder|Install the Mi Flash Tool|Unlock the loader (for the purpose of CN-firmware)|Charge the phone to 100%-->

6. Install firmware via Recovery (update without loss of data)

If you already have global firmware, but you need to upgrade to a new version with Russian, you can use Recovery, which saves user data.

Instructions:

1. Download Recovery firmware (file with.zip extension).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.
6. After the reboot, Russian will be available in the settings.

If the update through the menu does not work, you can install the firmware manually through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Vol Up to enter Recovery.
3. Select Install update.zip to System (control – volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
4. After completion, select Reboot.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo after the Recovery update, wait 10-15 minutes. If it doesn't work, repeat the process or run through Fastboot.

7. Solving typical errors after flashing

Even if you install firmware properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The phone does not turn on after the firmware

• 🔄 Try to clamp down the Power + Vol Up for 20 seconds for forced reboot.
• 🔌 If it doesn’t work, plug it into charging for 30 minutes – the battery may have run out.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, repeat the firmware through Fastboot with the choice of clean all and lock (block the bootloader back).

Problem 2: No Russian language in the settings

• 🔍 Make sure you have installed a Global or EEA Firmware version (Chinese does not support Russian).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the language appears after a reboot.
• 📱 If the language is available but some inscriptions do not appear, install the update via Settings. → Updating the system.

Problem 3: Google Services Are Not Working

• 🤖 Install Google Play Services manually.
• 🔧 Reset settings through Settings → Additionally. → Resetting settings (data not affected).

Problem 4: Constant reboots (bootloop)

• 🔄 Try flashing another firmware version (for example, an older one).
• 🛠️ If the firmware is custom, go back to the official via Fastboot.

8. Alternative ways to add Russian language

If flashing seems complicated, there are alternative methods to add Russian:

• 🌐 Installation of the language package: Download APK-a file with Russian language (for example, MoreLocale 2 from APKPure). → Annexes → Installation of unknown applications.
• 🔄 Change region in settings: Go to Settings → Additionally. → Language and region: Select Russia or Ukraine, sometimes it adds Russian.
• 📱 Use Launcher with Russian support: Install Microsoft Launcher or Nova Launcher. Configure the launcher interface language in Russian.

⚠️ Note: Language packages and launchers do not translate system menus (for example, Settings or Calls.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Note 9 flashing