How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S: the full guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are very productive, but over time, the software may require intervention. Redmi Note 9S flashing becomes necessary if the device stopped booting, there are critical system errors or you just want to change the firmware region from Chinese to global. This process requires care, but if you follow the algorithm of actions, it is safe even for beginners.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand which recovery or upgrade method is right for you. There are several ways: update through the menu of the smartphone itself, use the Recovery utility or deep flash through Fastboot mode from your computer, the choice of method depends on the current state of the gadget and your final goals.

In this guide, we will go into detail every step from preparing the necessary files to the final setup. It is important to know that the Redmi Note 9S model has the code name "curtana", which is often required to indicate when searching for compatible firmware files. Incorrectly selected software can lead to the failure of the device, so follow the instructions carefully.

Preparation for flashing: tools and backup

Any interference with the system partition of the device carries the risk of data loss, so the first and most important step is to create a full copy of important information, save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud storage of the Mi Cloud or to the computer, after the firmware memory of the device will be completely cleared.

You will need quality. USB-Cheap cables often don't provide stable connection, which can interrupt the recording process and lead to errors. Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.

To work with Fastboot mode, you need a Windows computer, which requires special ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as the Mi Flash Tool for official flashing, without these components, the computer will not be able to properly interact with the bootloader of the smartphone.

Don't ignore the driver check step. If an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark appears in the device manager when you connect your smartphone in boot mode, then the drivers are incorrectly installed. This is a common reason why the utility doesn't see the phone.

Selecting the type of firmware: Recovery or Fastboot

Users are often confused about the types of updates available. There are two main package formats for the Redmi Note 9S. The first is Recovery ROM, which is a file with the.zip extension. It is designed to update the system through the built-in restore menu or language selection menu.

The second type is Fastboot ROM, a more complex.tgz system image that requires unpacking and using a computer, which allows not only to update the system but also to completely clear all memory partitions, which is useful when switching between regions (for example, from China to the Global version).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware with unlocked bootloader allows you to change the region, but with the bootloader blocked, change the region (China) ↔ Globalization is impossible without unlocking.

If your goal is to simply upgrade to a newer version of MIUI without losing data (although a backup is still desirable), the Recovery version is enough. If the phone is hanging on logos or you want to install the system completely, choose the Fastboot method.

Method 1: Update via Recovery Menu

This method is the most secure and suitable for scheduled updates. You need to download the.zip firmware file for your model and put it in the root of internal memory or on the back of the computer. SD-Don't put the file in folders, or the system won't find it.

Once you download the file, go to your smartphone settings. Find About Phone and click on MIUI. In the window that opens, click three dots in the corner and select Select firmware. The system will suggest finding the archive — specify the path to the downloaded file.

Once confirmed, the file will be checked and then installed, and the phone will automatically restart and start updating, which can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, and at that time, the screen can go out and turn on — that's normal behavior.

• 📱 Download the current Recovery ROM for curtana.
• 💾 Place the.zip file in the root memory folder.
• ⚙️ Start the installation via the menu "About the phone".
• ⏳ Wait for the automatic reboot and completion.

If the automatic menu setting does not start, you can use Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the phone and press the volume button along with the power button. In the menu that appears, select the language (usually English or Chinese) and press Install Update (or similar), then select the firmware file.

Method 2: Complete Fastboot and Mi Flash flash flash flash

For deep squashing, you'll need the Mi Flash Tool. Download and unpack the.tgz firmware archive on your computer. The path to the folder must not contain Cyrillic or space, or the program will give you an error. It's best to place it at the root of the disk, for example, C:\ROM\.

Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Connect the device to your computer by pressing the volume button. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android and the inscription FASTBOOT. If the phone is identified in the Device Manager as Android Bootloader Interface, you can run the program.

In the Mi Flash Tool, click the "Refresh" button, select the device and specify the path to the firmware folder.


Select the Clean All mode for clean installation or the Clean All and Lock mode for full cleaning and locking of the bootloader.

Press Flash. You start writing partitions. The progress bar window displays status. When success appears in status, the phone automatically reboots. The first download after firmware can last up to 10 minutes.

Unlocking the bootloader: when it is necessary

Many users want to reflash the Redmi Note 9S on custom firmware or install the rights of the Root superuser. This requires unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this through the Mi Unlock Tool utility, but the process requires linking the account to the phone.

After submitting an application in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – 7 times), you need to wait from 7 to 168 hours. Only after this period, the unlock utility will give a positive result.

An unlocked bootloader gives you freedom of action, but reduces the security of the device. Bank applications can stop working without additional manipulations with the concealment of root rights. In addition, with the unlocked uploader, the quality of the photo in some scenarios can be reduced due to altered processing algorithms.

⚠️ Note: When you unlock the bootloader, all data on the device will be permanently deleted. Make sure you have an up-to-date backup.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

Error 1 code in the Mi Flash Tool often indicates a problem with drivers or USB-Try reconnecting the cable to the port. USB 2.0 (black connector) on the back of the computer, bypassing the hubs and front ports of the case.

A Flash All and Lock error on the global firmware for a Chinese device (or vice versa) will result in a "brick." Security will prevent the process from being completed, or the phone will go into EDL mode (requires soldering or an authorized service to restore). Always check the firmware region before starting.

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If the phone is gone into an endless bootloop, try pressing the power and volume button up for 15 seconds to force it to restart. If it doesn't work, you'll need to flash it over the Fastboot.

Sometimes Mi Flash just doesn't see the device. In this case, check Windows Device Manager. If there's an exclamation point device, update the driver manually, pointing the way to the folder with Xiaomi or Qualcomm drivers. Also helps disabling the driver signature check in Windows.

Primary setting after flashing

Once the new system is successfully installed, the phone will turn on as a new one, and you will go through the initial setup phase: selecting a language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and logging into your Google and Mi Account account. Don't rush to restore all apps from backup at once.

First, update your system applications through GetApps or Play Market. Then check the main modules: the camera, speaker, microphone and fingerprint sensor. Make sure the screen refresh rate is set at 60 Hz or 90 Hz (depending on the software version) in the display settings.

To optimize battery life, give the system 1-2 days to calibrate. In the early days, the energy consumption may be higher than usual, as file indexing and background data loading are underway. Don't panic if the phone warms slightly when you set it up actively.

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Successful flashing is not only software installation, but also checking the operability of all iron modules in the first hours of use.