How to Sweat Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: Official and Unofficial Methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones even years after its release. Its performance, camera and price-performance ratio attract users, but over time there is a desire to update the firmware — whether it is switching to a new version of MIUI, installing custom firmware like LineageOS or recovering from a crash. However, the process of firmware on Xiaomi devices has nuances, from the mandatory unlock of the bootloader to the risk of “bricking” if errors occur.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all the current Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware methods, including official and informal methods. We will discuss how to prepare a phone, where to download the correct firmware files, how to avoid typical errors (for example, Invalid image or Anti-rollback), and what to do if the device stops turning on.

Important: the firmware procedure is always fraught with risks. Even official updates through MIUI Updater sometimes lead to data loss, and experiments with custom firmware can void the warranty. If you're a beginner, start with the safest methods and make sure to back up.

1. Preparing the phone for firmware: what to do before you start

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps: neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device or even building it (turning into a brick), especially for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which operates an Anti-Rollback system.

Here is the minimum checklist for preparation:

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Check the version of the current firmware in Settings → About the phone → MIUI version

Charge your phone at least 60% (optimally 80-100%)

Download the correct firmware version for your model (see section 2)

Install Xiaomi drivers and tools (Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot)

Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to run through Fastboot or custom Recovery)-->

Pay special attention to the firmware version. The Redmi Note 9 Pro has several modifications:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed Joyeuse;
• 📱 Redmi Note 9S (codename curtana – international version with a different processor;
• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (codenamed excalibur) – Indian version.

Installation of firmware from another model is guaranteed to lead to the inoperability of the device!

Also check if you have a bootloader unlocked. To do this, turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: true in the answer, the bootloader is unlocked. If false, it must be unlocked (instruction in section 3).

💡

If you are flashing your phone for the first time, start with an official update via MIUI Updater (Section 4).This is the most secure method that does not require unlocking the bootloader.

2.Where to download firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro: official and custom sources

Choosing the right firmware is half the success. There are several firmware types available for the Redmi Note 9 Pro:

For most users, the best choice is the official stable firmware from Xiaomi. It is tested and contains all the necessary drivers. However, if you need additional features (such as Google Camera or root access), it is worth considering custom firmware.

When downloading the firmware, pay attention to:

• 🔹 Device code name (joyeuse for Redmi Note 9 Pro);
• 🔹 Region (Global, EEA, India, China – Firmware incompatible!);
• 🔹 Android version (such as Android 11 or Android 12);
• 🔹 File type:.zip (for Recovery) or.tgz (for Fastboot).

Official MIUI (Stable)

Official MIUI (Beta/weekly)

Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know, I need help choosing.-->

3. Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9 Pro: a step-by-step guide

Bootloader unlocking is a must-have step for Fastboot or custom Recovery installation. Xiaomi blocks the default bootloader to protect against unauthorized changes, but provides an official way to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the phone, including photos, apps and settings. It can also void the warranty (in some regions).

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account; 📱 Enable synchronization and confirm the device’s link to the account; 📱 B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool: 🖥️ Official page: en.miui.com/unlock; 🖥️ Install the program on PC (Windows is required) 7/10/11).

Launch unlock.

• 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with the phone turned off);
• 🖥️ In Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone;
• 🖥️ Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes a lot of time). 5-10 minute).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader;
• ✅ Stores user data (unless otherwise stated);
• ✅ Minimum risk of error.

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ Only official firmware can be installed;
• ❌ It does not work if the current firmware is damaged;
• ❌ Sometimes it requires waiting (if the update is not available in your area).
• 🖥️ Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually) 5-15 minute).

If the process is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt it.

- Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0);

- Disable antivirus on the PC;

- Reinstall Xiaomi drivers manually through Device Manager.-->

6. Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) via TWRP

Custom firmware, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, allows you to get a “pure” Android without a shell MIUI, As well as additional features (for example, Google Camera with full support for all modules of the camera Redmi Note 9 Pro (TWRP).

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may have bugs, for example:

• 📸 A non-functioning camera (especially a wide-angle module);
• 🔋 Problems charging or displaying battery level;
• 📶 Unstable mobile network operation (depending on region).

Before installing, be sure to check out the reviews on the XDA Developers forum for your model.

Installation instructions:

1. 📱 Unlock the bootloader (see Section 3);
2. 🖥️ Download. TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse;
3. 🖥️ Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_joyeuse.img fastboot reboot recovery
4. 📱 V TWRP Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup) → Select the Boot, System, Data sections);
5. 📱 Transfer the custom firmware file (.zip) to your phone via MTP or ADB Sideload;
6. 📱 V TWRP Choose Install → specify the firmware file → corroborate;
7. 📱 After installing the firmware, be sure to flash Magisk (if root is needed) or Disable Force Encryption (if the firmware does not support encryption).

The first download of custom firmware can take up to 15 minutes, and if the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, something has gone wrong (possibly incompatible or no vendor section).

7. Typical errors in the firmware Redmi Note 9 Pro and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to instructions, errors can occur, and the following are the most common problems and ways to solve them.

If your error is not listed in the table, try the following universal steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot and repeat the firmware;
• 🔌 Use another one. USB-cable or port (preferably) USB 2.0);
• 🖥️ Reinstall Xiaomi drivers on PC;
• 📥 Download firmware from another source (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions