How to put pure Android on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with unlock and firmware

Installing pure Android on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that attracts many users tired of MIUI with its advertising, duplicate services and specific design. Google’s stock firmware offers a minimalist interface, fast work and no redundant software. However, the process requires care, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing a compatible version of Android.

In this article, you will find the current 2026 manual tailored to the features of the Redmi 9 (the lancelot model), including avoidance of typical errors, backup recommendations and comparisons of popular custom firmware. We will not convince you to switch, just give clear steps and warn about the risks.

Why users want to remove MIUI with Redmi 9

The main complaint against MIUI on Redmi 9 is over-optimization for the Chinese market.

• 📢 Intrusive advertising in system applications (for example, in the Browser or Music).
• 🔄 Duplicate services (two file managers, two app stores).
• 🐢 Slowdowns due to Xiaomi background processes that can’t be turned off without root.
• 🔒 Restrictions on changing system settings (for example, blocking the ability to disable flashing notification indicator).

Pure Android solves these problems, but it also has disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Lack of support for some Redmi 9 features (e.g, IR-The port may not work in custom firmware).
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge due to lack of aggressive optimization MIUI.
• 📱 Loss of warranty (if the device is still warranty).

Preparation for installation: what to do before the firmware

Before you start installing a pure Android, follow the mandatory steps:

⚠️ Note: Failure to comply with these points may result in a device blinking (total inoperability) for example without a backup. IMEI You risk losing your network after you have been firmware.

• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 70% – the process can take 1-2 hours.
• 📱 Make sure you have a Redmi 9 model codenamed Lancelot (check in Settings). → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
• 💾 Make a full backup through the Mi PC suite TWRP (if already established).
• 🔐 Save it. IMEI, MAC-addresses and data modemst1/st2 (guideline).

To preserve the IMEI:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app from the Play Market.
2. Go to MTK Settings → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
3. Select Phone 1 (or Phone 2 for the second slot) SIM), copy AT+EGMR=1,7.
4. Save both IMEIs to a text file.

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9

Without unlocking the bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the lancelot, but the process requires waiting.

Steps to unlock:

1. Link the device to Mi Account (required!): Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate Developer Options: Tip 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone.
3. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Download the official unlock tool (Mi Unlock Tool).
5. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off, then press Power + Vol−).
6. Start the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions.

⏳ Waiting time: usually 7-14 days (depending on Xiaomi policy).If the tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" error, try again after 24 hours.

Selecting the firmware: which version of Android to install

There are several types of firmware available for Redmi 9 (lancelot):

For beginners, we recommend LineageOS, which is the most stable and has an active community. If you want a Pixel interface, take the Pixel Experience, but be prepared for possible lags.

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Before downloading the firmware, check its compatibility with your version of Redmi. 9. For example, the Lancelot (Redmi) model 9/9 Prime is not suitable for firmware for lancelot_in (Indian).

Installation of TWRP and firmware of pure Android

Custom firmware installation requires TWRP, a custom recovery, and the official version for Redmi 9 is available at twrp.me.

Step-by-step:

1. Download. TWRP for lancelot (e.g. for lancelot, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img).
2. Move the firmware (.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) to the memory card.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img
4. Boot to TWRP: Hold Power + Vol+ after the reboot.
5. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Internal Storage (if the firmware is on the memory card).

Install → Select ZIP

GApps

Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware, the phone is stuck on the Xiaomi or Google logo for longer than 10 minutes, then the firmware is incompatible with your model. MIUI via Fastboot.

Solving typical problems after installation

Even with the right installation, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

• 📶 No network (IMEI missing: Restore IMEI through MTK Engineering Mode or Maui Tool META (spoiler).
• 🔊 No sound: Check the AudioFX settings in the firmware or reflash the vendor from the original MIUI.
• 📷 The camera emits an error: Install ANX Camera or GCam with MediaTek Helio support G80.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off AOD (Always on Display and background activity of Google Services.

If the problem is not solved, check the error logs in TWRP (Advanced → Copy Log) and refer to the XDA-Developers forum.

Return to MIUI: How to Reverse the Way

If pure Android didn’t live up to expectations, you can return MIUI.

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9 (Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device must be determined).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: After returning to the MIUI The bootloader will automatically lock. To re-install the custom firmware, you'll have to re-unlock.

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Before rolling back to MIUI, make a backup of data in TWRP – when you run through Fastboot, all user files will be erased.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing clean Android on Redmi 9