Install Android 9 on Xiaomi Mi Max 2: official and custom methods

Xiaomi Mi Max 2, codenamed oxygen, came out in 2017 with Android 7.1 Nougat on board, but many users still want to upgrade to Android 9 Pie, the latest stable version supported by the device. Official updates from Xiaomi have long been discontinued, but thanks to enthusiasts and custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), this is still possible.

In this article, you will find 3 working ways to install Android 9: TWRP (for power users), via Fastboot (the official method with bootloader unlocking) and through MIUI-We will also analyze common errors (e.g. Error 7 in the TWRP or hanging on the Mi logo, we will dwell in detail on the preparation of the device and choosing the right firmware version for your region.

⚠️ Important: The process of installing Android 9 on the Mi Max 2 requires unlocking the bootloader, which will result in a complete data reset and cancellation of the warranty (if it is still valid). L1 for Netflix HD) They may not work properly on custom firmware.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi Mi Max 2 to install Android 9

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, skipping any of them can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device or data loss.

First, check the current version. MIUI And if the bootloader is unlocked:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Press 7 times on the kernel version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers, find Mi Unlock Status, and if it says Locked, the bootloader will have to unlock.

Second, make a full backup of all the data. Use Xiaomi Cloud, Google Photos for media files, or TWRP Note: Backup via Mi Account does not save apps and their data – only contacts, notes and some settings.

Save IMEI (Dial *#06#)

Download the drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-based

Check the battery power (minimum 60%)

Disable antivirus on your computer

Prepare. OTG-cable (in case of errors)

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Third, download the necessary files:

• 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility for unlocking the bootloader.
• 📱 Android firmware 9 for oxygen: Official MIUI 10/11 Android-based 9 (if you have it for your region.Castom firmware: LineageOS 16, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS.
• 🔄 TWRP Recovery for Mi Max 2 (version 3.3.1 or later.
• 🖥️ ADB Fastboot (part of Google’s Platform Tools.

💡

If you are downloading custom firmware, be sure to check it for GApps (Google services).Some builds require a separate installation of the Open GApps package for Android 9 (architecture). arm64, nano-option).

2 Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Without an unlocked bootloader, Android 9 cannot be installed. Xiaomi allows unlocking, but the process requires a Mi Account and waiting (usually 72-168 hours).

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Install the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Transform Mi Max 2 to Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume down + Nutrition.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB And in the utility, press Unlock.
4. If a Couldn't unlock error appears, it means that it has not been 7 days since the account was linked.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Xiaomi Mi Max 2 will perform a full reset (wipe).All data, including photos, messages and applications, will be deleted. NFC (if it has been activated previously).

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can start installing Android 9. Next, we will consider two main methods: TWRP (for custom firmware) and through Fastboot (for official assemblies) MIUI).

Through TWRP (custom-fix)

via Fastboot (official) MIUI)

I don't know, I'll pick it by the instructions.

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3. Install Android 9 through TWRP (custom-fix)

This method is suitable for installing LineageOS 16, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware based on Android 9 Pie.

• 🚀 A more recent version of Android with support for new features.
• 🔒 No extra bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi apps).
• 🔄 Regular updates from the community.

Disadvantages: possible bugs with the camera or sensors (depending on the build).

Step-by-step:

1. Install. TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.3.1-oxygen.img fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-oxygen.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
2. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Don't touch it.

Internal Storage

MicroSD

Install

lineage-16.0-oxygen.zip

GApps

Open GApps

arm64 → 9.0 → nano

Reboot → System

10-15 minutes

⚠️ Note: If after installing Android 9, the phone is stuck on startup the logo or reboots in a loop, then the firmware is incompatible with your version of the bootloader:

• Check that you have firmware installed for the oxygen model (not for the model). oxygen_global, If you have a Chinese version).
• Try to install vendor and firmware from MIUI 10 before installing custom firmware.

💡

Always check. MD5-This will prevent the installation of corrupted files. Compare the hash with what is listed on the developer's website (for example, on the website). XDA Developers).

4. Install Android 9 via Fastboot (official) MIUI)

If you prefer to stay on the official MIUI, But with an updated Android 9, Xiaomi made Pie-based firmware for the Mi Max. 2 within MIUI 10 and MIUI 11, But not for all regions. oxygen_global last — MIUI 12 Android 7, Android is available for oxygen (Chinese version) 9.

How to sew official MIUI Android 9:

1. Download the Fastboot firmware for your model from miuirom.xiaomi.com (select the version marked Pie or 9.0).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Fastboot (where fastboot.exe is located).
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
4. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows, or type manually: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If you are using Chinese firmware (for example, oxygen_images_9.6.13) The Mi Max model is a global model. 2, You'll stop using Google services, and the default language will be Chinese. To avoid this, install GApps through the firmware. TWRP Or run a global version. MIUI On top of it (if it exists for Android) 9).

5. Solving Common Errors When Installing Android 9

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

7-in error TWRP (Error 7: This package is for "oxygen" devices; this is a ""):

• 🔹 The firmware is not suitable for your model. Download the version specifically for oxygen (not helium or hydrogen).
• 🔹 Open up. ZIP-Firmware archive and delete the updater-script file in the folder META-INF/com/google/android, Then repackage the archive.

Hanging on the logo Mi/Xiaomi:

• 🔹 It is likely that the vendor and firmware are incompatible. MIUI 10 Fastboot (even if you don’t plan to use it), then re-install custom firmware.
• 🔹 V TWRP run the Wipe → Format Data (this will delete everything, including internal memory!).

No network (IMEI missing):

• 🔹 This happens if you don't save persist or nvram before you run the firmware. TWRP or use the tool SN Write Tool (requires authorization on Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Check the modem (modem.img) original.

The camera or sensors are not working:

• 🔹 Install Google Camera with settings for Mi Max 2 (look for config on the 4PDA or XDA).
• 🔹 Sweat the magic modules for sensor fixing (e.g. Mi Max 2 Fix).

6.Optimize Android 9 on Xiaomi Mi Max 2 after installation

After successful firmware Android 9, it is recommended to follow several steps to improve performance and stability:

Performance adjustment:

• 🔧 Turn off animation: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then in For Developers → Select the scale of animation without animation.
• 🔧 Activate Force. GPU Rendering and Disable HW Overlays in the Developer Settings.

2. Magisk installation for root rights:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub).
2. V TWRP plough ZIP-magisk.
3. Install Magisk Manager and check the root rights status.

3. Optimization of autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off background activity of unnecessary apps in Settings → Battery → Application power management.
• 🔋 Use Greenify (requires root) to “freeze” background processes.
• 🔋 Install FrancoKernel or ElementalX kernel for Mi Max 2 (improves processor frequency management).

💡

If the battery is quickly running out after Android 9 firmware, check the consumption statistics in Settings → Battery → Battery use. Google Play services are often to blame - disable auto-update them or install MicroG instead of GApps.

4. Re-establishment of functions MIUI (if necessary):

• 📱 Install. MIUI Camera (APK can be found 4PDA) for the original camera interface.
• 📱 For Second Space or Children's Mode, run the MIUIify module through Magisk.

7. Pushback to Android 7/8 or MIUI

If it's Android 9 It works unstable or you don’t like custom firmware, you can return the original MIUI Android-based 7/8. For that:

Method 1: Through Fastboot (full rollback)

1. Download the Fastboot firmware of the desired version (for example, MIUI 9 on Android 7).
2. In Fastboot mode, run the command: fastboot flash all [file name].tgz (or run it). flash_all.bat).
3. After the reboot, the phone will be in factory condition.

Method 2: Through TWRP (preservation)

1. Download. MIUI-firmware ZIP (for example, miui_MIMAX2Global_V9.6.3.0.NCDMIFA_7.1.zip).
2. In TWRP, run Wipe → System, Data, Cache.
3. Please. ZIP-file and reload.

⚠️ Note: When rolling back on Android 7 after Android 9, there may be problems with modem (no network) or encryption (the phone asks for a password after reset:

• Please. persist.img original.
• Execute Format Data in TWRP (Deletes everything, including encryption).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)