How to Upgrade Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 Proven Ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even it requires regular updates to work steadily. Updating the firmware solves bug problems, improves performance and adds new features. However, the wrong process can lead to a device “brick” or data loss. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating, including official and alternative methods, as well as typical errors that users encounter.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 (codename Lancelot has several modifications: standard version, Redmi 9 Prime, Redmi 9C redmi 9A. The firmware is not interchangeable for them! 9 (MT6765/Helio G80), But the principles apply to other versions as well, with version correction. MIUI.

If you've never upgraded your smartphone yourself, don't worry. It's easier than it sounds if you follow clear instructions, and for power users, we've added a section on manual updates through Fastboot and crash recovery.

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

Before you start updating, follow a few critical steps that neglect can lead to data loss or even a smartphone failure.

First rule: Check the current version MIUI. To do this, go to the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Take a note of this information or take a picture of it, and you'll need it to choose the right firmware. MIUI 12.5.3 Stable, do not immediately switch to MIUI 14 – better to update in stages.

Second, back up. Update rarely causes data loss, but there's always a risk. Use built-in backup (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset) or third-party applications like Swift Backup:

• 📱 Contacts (export to) VCF-file)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords and application data (use Google Smart Lock or Bitwarden)
• 📱 System settings (can be reset via Local Backup to MIUI)

The third step is to check the battery charge. Make sure the charge level is at least 60%. If the upgrade is interrupted due to discharge, the smartphone can hang on the Xiaomi logo (so-called "bootloop"). Also connect the device to charge during the process - this will eliminate the risk of sudden shutdown.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a custom recavator (TWRP) or rooted smartphone, the official update may cause a failure, in which case it is recommended to return the stock Recovery through Fastboot first.

And finally, make sure you have enough space on your internal drive, and the firmware weighs between 1.5GB and 3GB, and it takes another 500 to 800MB of free space to unpack it. Check this in Settings. → Warehouse.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Create a backup of contacts and files

Charge the battery to 60% or higher

Free at least 3 GB on internal storage

Connect a stable Wi-Fi connection (if you upgrade over the air)-->

2. Method 1: Air Update (OTA) is the easiest method

This is the official and recommended method, which does not require a PC connection, and is suitable for most users, unless there are critical system failures.

To update the Redmi 9 through OTA:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (updating via mobile internet can lead to additional costs).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, a Download button will appear.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

It's going to take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the upgrade and the speed of the Internet, and the smartphone will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process!

If the update isn't there, your model may not have received it yet, in which case you can try:

• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi regional servers will issue latency updates).
• 📡 Manually download the firmware from the official site (about this in the next section).

⚠️ Note: If, after updating, through OTA smartphone began to warm or quickly discharge, reset the cache in the recavery (Power) + Vol Up → Wipe Cache. This often solves performance issues.

Once a month, when a new version comes out.

Only if critical bugs appear

Never update – everything works.

I update every six months.-->

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through Recovery

If OTA-Update is unavailable or gives you an error, you can manually install the firmware through the stock Recovery, which is safer than Fastboot, but requires you to follow the instructions exactly.

Step 1: Download the correct firmware

Go to the official website MIUI Downloads (or use the Xiaomi Firmware Updater mirror:

• 📱 Model: Redmi 9 (lancelot)
• 🌍 Region: Russia, Global or EEA (depending on your firmware)
• 🔄 Type: Recovery ROM (not Fastboot!)
• 📅 Version: last stable (e.g., stable, V14.0.2.0.SJCRUXM)

Step 2: Transfer the file to your smartphone

The downloaded file will have a name like miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V14.0.2.0.SJCRUXM_xxxxxxxxxx_12.0.zip. Don't unpack it! Move the archive to the root directory of internal memory (not to the folder!).

Step 3: Install firmware through Recovery

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power button. + Volume up to enter the Recovery.
3. Choose your language (if required).
4. Go to Install update.zip to System (or similar).
5. Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
6. After you complete the process, select Reboot to System.

If it's a success, the phone will reboot with a new firmware, and if you get a "Couldn't verify update" error, you've downloaded the firmware for another model or region, check the file name and try again.

Method 3: Update via Fastboot (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 The smartphone does not turn on or hovers on the logo.
• 🔄 We need to downgrade the version. MIUI (downgrade).
• 🛠️ Restore the device after a failed update.

Attention: Fastboot firmware completely erases data! If your smartphone is still working, back up.

Step 1: Install the necessary tools

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS with adb and fastboot installed).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM (Download from the official website).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step 2: Prepare your smartphone

1. Turn off Redmi 9.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC. Make sure the drivers are installed (if not, use Mi). PC Suite).

Step 3: Sweep through the device

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware into a folder without spaces (for example, C:\MIUI\lancelot).
2. Open the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.
3. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
4. At the bottom, choose Clean all (full clean) or Clean all and lock (if you want to lock the bootloader).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

Once the firmware is successful, the smartphone will automatically restart. The first launch 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", then you have blocked the bootloader. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (it requires a tied Mi Account and waiting 72-360 hours).

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If after firmware through Fastboot smartphone does not turn on, try to pinch the Power + Vol Up for 20 seconds for forced reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware with the Clean all and lock option option option

5.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow instructions, you can get into trouble, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

Error "Can't verify the update" (OTA)

Reasons:

• 🔌 Unstable Internet connection.
• 🕒 Xiaomi servers are overloaded (especially on the day of the update release).
• 📱 Modified firmware (castom recaveri, rut).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
• ⏳ Wait a few hours and check again.
• 📥 Download the firmware manually and install through Recovery.

2. Hanging on the logo MIUI post-refresh

It's because of:

• 🔧 Module conflict (if Magisk or Xposed is used).
• 📦 A damaged firmware file.
• 🔄 Incomplete installation (interrupted process).

Decisions:

1. Hold the Power. + Vol Up for 10-15 seconds to enter the Recovery.
2. Select Wipe Cache and reboot.
3. If it doesn’t help, run your smartphone through Fastboot.

Error "This package is for lancelot devices only"

It means you're trying to install firmware for another model.

• 📱 The exact name of your model (Redmi) 9, Not Redmi. 9A/9C).
• 🔤 Firmware file name (must contain lancelot).
• 🌍 Region (e.g. Global is not suitable for Russia and vice versa).

4.The smartphone does not turn on after flashing through Fastboot

Possible causes:

• 🔌 Interrupted firmware process.
• 📡 Wrongly selected version MIUI (for example, an attempt to establish MIUI 14 on a smartphone with Android 9).
• 🔧 Incompatible firmware (e.g, EEA Global instead).

Solution: Repeat the Clear all firmware or use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option.

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If it is missing after the update IMEI If the network is not working, then the firmware was incompatible with your region. IMEI Use the engineering menu (#4636##) or run the correct version.

6. How to verify the success of the update and optimize the work

After the upgrade, it is important to make sure everything goes smoothly and optimize the system if necessary.

Verification of the MIUI version

Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Compare it to the one you installed. If the versions match, the update was successful.

System stability check

Follow the following steps:

• 🔋 Check battery power: if the discharge is too fast, reset the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Battery settings → Reset).
• 📱 Test the basic functions: calls, mobile Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Run a resource-intensive app (like a game) to check heating and performance.
• 🔊 Check the sound and vibration.

Optimization after Updating

New versions MIUI Sometimes they're slower because of the background optimization:

1. Turn off animation: go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and install Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Duration of Animation on 0.5x or off.
2. Clear the cache: Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Turn off unnecessary background processes: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
4. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings (helps with Internet problems).

If there are bugs after the update (for example, spontaneous reboots or application crashes), try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings to factory (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Resetting settings).
• 📥 Reverse to the previous version MIUI (via Fastboot).
• 📢 Report the bug to the feedback center Xiaomi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

8.Conclusion: Which mode of updating to choose?

The choice of method depends on your situation:

• 🔄 OTA-Update – if everything is stable and a new version is available.
• 📥 Recovery - if OTA Does not find an update or makes an error.
• 🖥️ Fastboot – if the smartphone does not turn on or needs to be restored after a crash.

For most users, the first two are enough. Fastboot requires experience and is used in extreme cases. If you are not sure about yourself, contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven wizard.

Remember: regular updates extend the life of your Redmi 9, fix security vulnerabilities and add new features. MIUI It doesn't bring any critical improvements, you can wait. The main thing is not to update for the sake of updating, but to do it consciously.

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Before updating, always check reviews about the new version. MIUI in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA If users complain about bugs in large numbers, it is better to wait for the next patch.