How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range smartphones even a few years after its release. However, over time, standard MIUI firmware may start to slow down and official updates stop coming out, in which cases, flashing the device helps to return performance, install a fresh version of Android or even switch to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

But flashing is not as easy as it sounds: errors in unlocking a bootloader, an incorrect firmware version, or an interrupted installation process can turn a smartphone into a brick. In this guide, we will break down three official flashing methods (via MIUI Updater, Recovery, and Fastboot), and tell you how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong.

Important: the instruction is relevant for all versions of the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse), including global (Global), European (EEA) and Indian (India) versions. For models Redmi Note 9S (curtana) and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (excalibur) the process may be different!

1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start

Before you start flashing, there are several critical steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device, or even crashing it.

First, back up all the data. Fastboot or Recovery flashes the device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photo and video (copy to external drive)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (save in the password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (use cloud services like Google Play Games)

Second, check the current firmware version. This will help you avoid downgrade (installing an older version), which can lead to errors. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and record the current build. For example, MIUI 14.0.2.0 (QJOMIXM), where:

• QJO (Reference: Redmi Note 9 Pro Global)
• M is the type of firmware (Stable)
• IXM - Region (Global)

Finally, charge your smartphone to at least 60 percent, and interruption due to a dead battery is one of the most common causes of "bricking" devices.

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified)
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for the Fastboot method)
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool and the Mi Flash Tool ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Xiaomi website)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 9 Pro is purchased in China (China version), you will need to unlock the bootloader through Xiaomi’s official permission to flash it to global firmware!

2. Method 1: Update via MIUI Updater (the safest method)

This method is suitable for installing official MIUI updates without using a computer. It does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all data, but only works for stable firmware versions.

To update the Redmi Note 9 Pro via MIUI Updater:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon. ⋮ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (should have a.zip extension and weigh ~2-3 GB).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-15 minutes).

Where to download the firmware for this method?

• 🌍 Official website MIUI Downloads (select the version for joyeuse).
• 🔗 Telegram channels like Xiaomi Firmware Updater (there they lay out fresh builds faster than on the official website).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require PC and unlock the bootloader.
• ✅ Stores all data and settings.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

⚠️ Note: If after the update, the smartphone stuck on the logo MI, Don't panic! Wait 10-15 minutes - sometimes the first download takes a long time. If nothing has changed, try a hard reboot (clip the power. + Volume up for 10 seconds).

The downloaded firmware is suitable for your model (joyeuse)|Firmware file is not damaged (check checksum) MD5)|Battery charge of at least 50%|Backup of important data is made-->

Method 2: Install firmware through Recovery (for power users)

This method is suitable if you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS) or official MIUI, but through Recovery. Unlike MIUI Updater, it requires an unlocked bootloader and data reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card.
2. Go to Recovery: Turn off your smartphone. Press Power + Volume up before the Mi Recovery logo appears.

Install update.zip to System

Apply update from SD card

Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

Reboot to System

Important nuances:

• 🔓 For custom firmware, be sure to install TWRP Recovery instead of the standard Mi Recovery.
• 🧹 Before installing custom firmware, perform Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).
• 🔄 If the device does not boot after firmware, try repeating the process with another firmware version.

Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (to restore or change region)

The Fastboot method is the most reliable way to flash the Redmi Note 9 Pro if the device is not switched on or requires a change of firmware region (for example, from China to Global), but it requires an unlocked bootloader and complete data erasure.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\joyeuse_global_images_...).
2. Turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press Power + Volume down until the screensaver with a rabbit in the hat appears.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware.
5. Select firmware mode: Clean all – clean (recommended); Clean all and lock – clean + lock bootloader (only for official firmware!); Save user data – data storage (not always stable).

Flash

Once the firmware is successful, the device will automatically restart. The first boot can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Flash Tool gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that you are trying to flash the firmware of another region to the blocked bootloader.Solution: unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (it will require binding Mi Account and waiting 7-30 days).

💡

If your smartphone doesn't turn on after you've run through Fastboot, try flashing it again by selecting the Clean all and lock option in the Mi Flash Tool. Sometimes this helps restore performance.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can make mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: "This package is for 'joyeuse' devices; this is a ''"

The reason: you are trying to install firmware that is not designed for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (for example, for the Redmi Note 9S).

Solution: download the firmware specifically for the joyeuse model (check the device code in Settings → About Phone → Model).

Error 2: "Couldn't verify update package"

Reason: The firmware file is damaged or the checksum mismatch.

Decision:

• Check it out. MD5-hash file (must match the one on the site).
• Download the firmware again (maybe the file has not been downloaded completely).

Error 3: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Reason: Incompatible firmware, interrupted process or lack of Wipe before installation.

Decision:

1. Go to Recovery (Nutrition + Volume Up).
2. Select Wipe Data → Wipe all data.
3. Refuse the device.

Error 4: "Anti-rollback check fail"

Reason: Trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one already installed (Anti-Rollback protection).

Solution: Sweat through a newer version of MIUI or use the XDA-Developers instructions to bypass protection (risky!).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware, don't panic! 90% of the time, it can be restored by re-running through Fastboot or by using a new firmware. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

6. How to unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to flash custom firmware or official MIUI through Fastboot (except for updates via MIUI Updater).The unlocking process takes 7 to 30 days due to Xiaomi’s policy.

Step-by-step:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Activate Settings → Additional → Developer → OEM Unblock Status.

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode

Food + Volume Down

Connect the device to the PC

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Wait for SMS or unblock notifications (usually 7-15 days).

After unlocking the boot loader, you can:

• ✅ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• ✅ Sending the official MIUI via Fastboot.
• ✅ Install TWRP Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device, including internal memory! and some features (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

7.Castom firmware: should I install?

Many Redmi Note 9 Pro users are considering installing custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS. But should you? Consider the pros and cons.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ⚡ Higher performance (lack of excess software from Xiaomi).
• 🆕 Android updates are longer (like LineageOS 20 based on Android 13 for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 🔓 More customization freedom (root access, kernel change).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of official guarantee.
• ❌ Possible bugs (not working) NFC, camera trouble).
• ❌ Lack of official security updates from Xiaomi.
• ❌ Difficulty with banking applications (due to lack of SafetyNet).

If you still decide to install custom firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Section 6).
2. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data → Yes.
4. Install firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Reset the device.

The following are the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse):

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel interface.
• 📱 HavocOS – firmware with maximum customization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 9 Pro