How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 proven ways with detailed instructions

The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a challenge that may seem daunting to beginners, but it really only requires care and the right sequence of actions. This budget device, released in 2020, is still popular due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. However, not everyone knows that even a standard update through MIUI Updater can lead to problems, if you do not take into account the nuances of the dandelion version (codename of the model).

In this article, we will discuss three main methods of firmware: official (via air update), manual (via Recovery) and advanced (via Fastboot). And we will also tell you why the scaling through EDL-redmi 9A Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and how to get around it without losing warranty.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, make sure your Redmi 9A is ready for the procedure. Neglect of preparation is the main reason for the "bricking" of devices.

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60%. firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will cause a failure.
• 📱 Backup all data. Fastboot or Recovery firmware erases user files.
• 🔑 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to Fastboot). 9A This is mandatory for unofficial firmware.
• 💻 Drivers and tools: install the Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot and drivers for Qualcomm 9008.

Pay special attention to the firmware versions. There are several types of builds for the Redmi 9A:

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9A was purchased in China (Dandelion version without suffix), firmware global ROM without unlocking the bootloader will result in permanent locking of the device. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

2. Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (the safest method)

This method is suitable for installing official updates without losing data, it does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable even for beginners.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the icon "..." in the upper right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

If the update is not automatically updated:

• 🌐 Download the firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the dandelion model).
• 📁 Rename the file to update.zip Put it in the root of internal memory.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and repeat the steps above.

⚠️ Note: If after the update the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Hold the power button for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need to run the firmware through Recovery.

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Before upgrading via Updater, disable the VPN and check that the date on the phone is set correctly.Date mismatch often causes the error "Can't check the service pack."

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (to restore the system)

This method is used when the phone is not turning on or a clean MIUI installation is required.

• 📱 Charged phone >50%
• 💾 Firmware in.zip format for Recovery (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater)
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi Recovery logo appears.
3. Select the language (volume buttons) and confirm Power.
4. Go to Install update.zip to System One (or similar).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If the firmware is interrupted:

Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes — that's okay.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

This method allows you to install any version of MIUI, including custom firmware, but requires an unlocked bootloader. On the Redmi 9A, unlocking takes 7 days of waiting (according to Xiaomi rules).

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer (recommended) 64-bit)
• 📦 Fastboot Firmware Archive (.tgz or.zip format)
• 🛠️ Related: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers
• 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\dandelion_fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a rabbit will appear with the inscription Fastboot).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select, specify the firmware folder and select Clean all mode (complete cleaning).
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Flash Tool shows a "Couldn't find fastboot" error, check the drivers and try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB On some PCs, disabling driver signatures in Windows helps.

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will reboot to the clean system, and if the screen stays black for more than 20 minutes, something went wrong.

5. Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 9A: a step-by-step guide

Without unlocking the bootloader, you won’t be able to install custom firmware or flash the device through Fastboot with unofficial builds. Xiaomi has introduced this restriction to protect against scammers, but the process is legal and reversible.

What needs to be done:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the kernel version line to activate the developer mode.
3. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and type in: adb reboot bootloader
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions. Device binding will take 168 hours (7 days).

⚠️ Note: If you sell the phone after unlocking, the new owner will not be able to block the bootloader without your Mi Account.

Once you unlock it, you'll see Unlocked when you boot your phone. Now you can flash custom firmware, but remember:

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Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and cancels the warranty for software malfunctions, but iron breakdowns (screen, battery) remain under warranty.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, there can be errors, and here are the most common problems on the Redmi 9A and how to fix them:

If your problem is not on the list:

• 🔍 Check the error logs in the Mi Flash Tool (Log button).
• 💬 Find a solution in the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers (exact dandelion model).
• 📡 If the phone is not defined by the PC, try another cable or port (avoid the PC). USB-hub).

7. firmware custom ROM: LineageOS, Pixel Experience and others

Installing custom firmware on Redmi 9A opens up new possibilities: pure Android, regular updates and no MIUI ads. However, this process is more risky and requires:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader
• 📦 Compatible firmware (check support for dandelion model)
• 🛡️ Custom recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox)

The following are the Redmi 9A firmware:

• 🤖 LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) is fast and stable
• 📱 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel
• ⚡ Havent OS — weak-optimized
• 🔄 MIUI Pro - modified MIUI publicity

Instructions for installing LineageOS:

1. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services) from the LineageOS website.
2. TWRP Recovery via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery
3. In TWRP, make Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
4. Install firmware, then GApps (if necessary).
5. Reboot. The first one will take 10-20 minute.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs:

Widevine L1 does not work (Netflix is not played in HD)

Possible problems with VoLTE (calls over 4G)

The camera may work worse than the stock MIUI

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Before installing custom firmware, check user reviews on 4PDA Some firmware may not support double-wise SIM-map NFC (If you have it in your Redmi modification 9A).

8.Recovery after failed firmware

If the phone stops turning on, don't panic, 90 percent of the time it can be restored.

1. Try to go to Recovery: Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds.
2. If Recovery is not available: Connect your phone to your PC.Plug Volume up + Loudness down + Food for 20 seconds for forced entry EDL-Mode (screen will remain black) Use the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized account or boxing (UFi, EasyJTAG).

If the PC can't see the phone

• Check Device Manager – Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 should appear.
• Install the drivers manually (download here).

If nothing helps:

⚠️ Attention: Recovery through EDL Without authorization, it can lead to permanent blocking. IMEI. This will make the phone unfit for calls. Use this method only if other options have been exhausted.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions