Introduction: Why do you need to flash through Fastboot?
Reflashing Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro through Fastboot mode is a radical but effective way to bring the smartphone back to life, update it to the current version. MIUI Or install custom firmware, unlike standard firmware. OTA-Updating, this method allows you to completely replace system files, which is especially useful in case of critical crashes, hanging on the logo or after unsuccessful experiments with root rights.
But the process requires care: a mistake at any stage can turn a phone into a brick. In this article, we will take a step-by-step instruction with all the nuances in mind, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right firmware version for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse), and you will learn how to avoid typical problems and what to do if something goes wrong.
Before you start, ask yourself, do you really need a firmware reflash? Maybe you can fix it by resetting it to factory settings or installing an update through Recovery. If you're determined to go with Fastboot, you can start preparing.
Preparation for firmware: what will be needed?
To stream the Redmi Note 9 Pro via Fastboot, you will need to:
- π± Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro with a battery charge of at least 50% (better than 70%).
- π» Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
- π Cable USB Type-C (preferably original or high-quality).
- π Firmware in.tgz or.zip format for your model (download only from official sources!).
- π Tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers.
For Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse), only files marked Fastboot (not Recovery!) are suitable.
- π Official website MIUI (Choose a Global Region, EEA Russia).
- π Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative source with current versions).
β οΈ Note: Firmware from an unverified source may contain malware or be incompatible with your model. Always check the device codename (joyeuse) with the firmware file name.
Also check if the bootloader is unlocked on your phone. If not, you will have to do this before the firmware (instructions in the next section), you can find out the lock status by putting the phone in Fastboot mode and following the command:
fastboot oem device-infoIf you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked.
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Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages) before the firmware.Fastboot-firmware completely erases user data!
Unlocking Bootloader on Redmi Note 9 Pro
The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default. To flash the phone through Fastboot, it must be unlocked. The process takes 7 days (from the moment the Mi Account is linked to the device) and requires several steps to be taken.
Step-by-step:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings β Mi Account β Sync. Enable Find Device and Sync.
- Activate USB debugging: In Settings β About Phone, click 7 times on the MIUI Version to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings β Additional β For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
Request unlocking via Mi Unlock:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the phone is off).
- Start Mi Unlock, log in to Mi and follow the instructions, and the program will show the remaining latency (usually 168 hours).
β οΈ Warning: If you try to unlock a bootloader on a phone with a Mi Account tied from the previous owner, the process will end in error.
After successful unlocking, you can start the firmware. Make sure that the phone is still detected in Fastboot mode (there should be a hare in a hat-outfit with the inscription Fastboot on the screen).
What if Mi Unlock canβt see the device?
Installation of drivers and setting up Mi Flash Tool
To run through Fastboot, you need to install special drivers and the Mi Flash Tool program on your PC. Without them, your computer will not be able to "see" the phone in the desired mode.
Step 1: Installation of drivers:
- π₯ Download Qualcomm drivers for Xiaomi.
- π§ Install them by following the installation wizard's instructions.
- π Restart the computer.
Step 2: Set up the Mi Flash Tool:
- π₯ Download the Mi Flash Tool (version 2020 or later).
- π Unpack the archive with the program in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiFlash).
- π Launch XiaoMiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Step 3: Preparation of firmware:
- π Unpack the downloaded firmware file (.tgz or.zip format) into a folder without spaces and Cyrillic.
- π There should be a folder with.img files inside (for example, a file file, images\boot.img, system.img etc.).
In Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware. Make sure that Device connected is displayed at the bottom of the program (the phone must be connected in Fastboot mode).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash can't see the phone | Drivers not installed | Reinstall Qualcomm drivers, try another USB-port |
| The error can't find fastboot | Phone is not in Fastboot mode | Reboot your phone in Fastboot (clamp Power + Volume down) |
| Flash not done error | Incorrect firmware or blocked bootloader | Check the firmware model and bootloader status |
| Hanging on Waiting for Device | Problems with cable or port | Use the original cable, try the USB 2.0 port |
βοΈ Preparation of Mi Flash Tool
Firmware process: step-by-step instructions
Now, the most important step is to get the Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware through Fastboot. Follow the instructions carefully, without missing steps.
Step 1. Selecting a firmware mode:
The Mi Flash Tool at the bottom has three options:
- Clean all β complete cleaning (recommended for clean installation)
- Clean all and lock β clean + lock bootloader (use if you want to return the phone to stock state).
- Save user data β saving user data (not always working correctly)
For most cases, clean all is appropriate.
Step 2. Start the firmware:
- Press the Refresh button in the Mi Flash Tool β the program must detect the device.
- Make sure that the Device field is displayed COM-port, COM3).
- Press Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).
Step 3. Completion:
After a successful firmware, the logo will say Flash Done. The phone will automatically restart. The first start can take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process! If the screen remains black for a long time, but the charging indicator is on, wait another 5-10 minutes.
β οΈ Note: If the firmware ended with an anti-rollback error, it means you are trying to install an older version. MIUI, It's better than the one on the phone before, so you can download the new firmware or reset the anti-rollback through the phone. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
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Always check the firmware version before installing it. Installing an older version on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with the anti-rollback enabled will lead to a βbrickingβ of the phone!
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1. Critical partition flashing is not allowed:
Reason: The bootloader is locked or not fully unlocked (for example, after resetting settings).
Solution: Repeat the unlock process through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Error of invalid image format:
Reason: damaged firmware file or incorrect unpacking.
Solution: Download the firmware again and unpack it with WinRAR or 7-Zip.
3. the telephone shall not be switched on after the firmware:
- π Check the battery charge (plug in to charge for 30 minutes).
- π Try flashing your phone again by selecting a different mode (Clean all and lock).
- π If the phone vibrates but the screen is black, the display connector may have been damaged (diagnosis required).
Miui anti version down error:
Reason: Trying to install firmware with a lower version of anti-rollback.
Solution: Download firmware with the same or higher version of anti. You can find out the current version in the file. anti_info.txt inside the firmware archive.
If none of these methods worked, try putting your phone in. EDL-Requires an authorized Xiaomi account or help from a service center).
How to enter EDL-Mode on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?
What do I do after the firmware?
After successful firmware Redmi Note 9 Pro via Fastboot, follow a few important steps:
- First setup: Select a language, connect to Wi-Fi. Sign in to your Mi Account (if previously tied) and set up your fingerprint/face (if required).
- System check: Go to Settings β About phone and make sure the MIUI version matches the stitched version. Check the camera, sound, sensors.
- Security Update: Go to Settings β System Update and install current patches.
Data recovery:
- If you have backed up through Mi Cloud, restore it.
- Transfer files from a PC or other device.
If you have lags or overheating after the firmware, reset to factory settings (Settings β Additional β Recovery and Reset) this will help clear the cache and eliminate possible conflicts.
It is also recommended to disable unnecessary background processes:
- π« Settings β Annexes β Auto-Run (turn off auto-Run for unnecessary applications).
- π Settings β Battery β Performance mode (select Balanced mode).