How to put global firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a safe way to 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) is still a popular smartphone, but many users face problems of regional firmware: lack of Google services, limited functionality or unstable work. MIUI It solves these problems, but it requires precision, unlike the standard one. OTA-Updates, manual firmware implies unlocking the bootloader, working with fastboot and the risk of turning the phone into a “brick” if you miss critical steps.

This guide will be suitable for Redmi Note 9 models (not to be confused with Note 9 Pro or Note 9S!) released for the markets of China (CN), India (IN) or Russia (RU). We will look at two proven methods: through Mi Flash Tool (for full flashing) and through TWRP receptacles (for power users).

Why you should switch to global firmware

Regional versions of MIUI are often stripped down in functionality, such as Chinese firmware (CN) lacks Google services, and Indian (IN) may not work with NFC or support for some languages. The global version (Global or EEA for Europe) suggests:

• 📱 Full support for Google Play Services and all apps from the Play Market without workarounds.
• 🌍 Many localizations, including Russian with correct system messaging translations.
• 🔄 Regular security updates (monthly patches from Xiaomi).
• 🚀 Optimized energy consumption and stability of operation (compared to custom firmware).
• 🔓 The ability to unlock the bootloader without additional manipulation (unlike the Chinese versions).

However, there are disadvantages: global firmware may contain more pre-installed applications (bloatware), and some functions (for example, IR-The remote blaster may work differently than in the regional versions, and it is also worth considering that after flashing all the data will be reset - be sure to make a backup copy!

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before you start installing, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed. Missing at least one item can lead to data loss or the inability to turn on the phone.

Download official global firmware for merlin| Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock| Charge phone at least 60% | Backup data | Disable Mi Account protection (if phone is tied)

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Special attention is paid to unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi requires you to link your Mi Account to the device and wait 168 hours (7 days) after the first link. This step is mandatory - you can not install global firmware without the unlocked bootloader. If you have already unlocked the bootloader before, check the status of the command:

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for Device unlocked: true. If it's false, you'll have to repeat the unlock procedure. Also make sure that your PC has ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, without which your computer won't recognize your phone in firmware mode, and you can download them from Xiaomi's official website or through the Mi PC Suite.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 9 was purchased in China and runs on firmware CN, When you unlock the bootloader, the Anti-Rollback protection may work, which means you won't be able to return to the old version. MIUI. Check the current version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Compare with the supported versions on the forum XDA Developers.

Selecting a firmware: which version of MIUI to download

Xiaomi offers several types of global firmware for the Redmi Note 9:

For most users, the best choice is Global Stable or EEA Stable. These firmware are tested by Xiaomi and contain all the necessary certificates for banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff).

Critically, the firmware version must match your device’s code (merlin) and installing firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse) or Note 9S (curtana) will cause your phone to fail!

Method 1: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (recommended)

This is a method that's suitable for completely flashing your phone, and it's considered the most reliable one.

• 🖥️ Windows computer (7/10/11).
• 📋 Mi Flash Tool (last version).
• 🔌 Cable USB (Preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📄 Download firmware in.tgz format (unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power buttons to go to fastboot mode. Connect it to your PC.
2. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware folder.
3. At the bottom of the program, select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Clean + Lock bootloader After Firmware).
4. Press Refresh – your Redmi Note 9 should appear in the list of devices.
5. Click Flash and wait until the process is complete (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool gives you a bug can't find fastboot, check the drivers or try another one. USB-An anti-rollback error means you’re trying to install an older version. MIUI — download a newer firmware.

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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after you've been firmwareed, press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware in clean all mode.

Method 2: Installation via TWRP (for power users)

This is a good way to save data or install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), but it requires pre-installing a TWRP receptacle, which is risky.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Unofficial versions TWRP They may not support data encryption.
• ⚠️ Incorrect installation will result in loss IMEI or a broken chamber.

Instructions:

1. Download TWRP for merlin and firmware in.zip format.
2. Transfer your phone to fastboot and pass TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-merlin.img
3. Press Volume Up + Power to boot into TWRP.
4. In the recovery, select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!), then Install and specify the firmware file.
5. After installation, reboot to the system.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone doesn't load, it goes back to the recovery, so the firmware is not compatible with your version of Anti-Rollback, so you'll have to go back to the Mi Flash Tool.

What to do after the firmware: setup and verification

After the first download (it can take up to 15 minutes), follow the following steps:

1. Language and Region Customization: Select Russian and Region Russia (or your country).
2. IMEI check: Enter *#06# in the dialer - if IMEI is missing, swipe the phone again with a clean all and lock mark.
3. Update MIUI: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check the version’s relevance.
4. Data recovery: Connect to a Google or Xiaomi account to get your contacts and apps back.

If after firmware does not work mobile networks or Wi-Fi, check the settings APN (for mobile internet) or reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

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After successful firmware, it is recommended to disable automatic MIUI update in the settings to avoid accidental rollback to the regional version.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these solutions worked, check out the XDA Developers forum, which has separate themes for the Redmi Note 9 with detailed bug discussions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note firmware 9