The Xiaomi Mi 9, launched in 2019, is still a popular device thanks to its powerful Snapdragon 855 processor and high-quality display. However, over time, users face the need to update the software, change the firmware region or restore the system after a crash, and it is in these situations that the question arises how to correctly and safely flash the device.
The process of replacing the operating system requires care, as incorrect actions can lead to the inoperability of the gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, the necessary tools and the sequence of actions for the successful installation of a new version of MIUI or Android.
Whether you want to go from Chinese to global or just make your phone work again after a failed experiment, following proven algorithms minimizes the risks, and it’s important to understand that any firmware reflashing is an interference with system files that requires strict adherence to instructions.
Firmware Preparation: Tools and Backup
Before you start any software manipulation, you need to make sure you have all the components you need. USB-It is absolutely not necessary to start the process with cable and a serviceable computer with Internet access, and you will also need to download the archive with firmware corresponding to your model and the desired region.
The critical step is to preserve personal data: when you move between regions (for example, from CN to Global) or when you change the version of Android, all files on the internal drive will be deleted. For Xiaomi Mi 9, firmware codenamed "cepheus" is relevant, and you should look for them in the archives. Create backups of contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on external media.
You'll need specialized software to work. This is usually the Mi Flash Tool for installation via a computer or the built-in update menu for the PC-free method. Make sure your smartphone battery is at least 60% so that the device doesn't turn off at the most inopportune time.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Check the integrity of the downloaded firmware file. If the archive is damaged during download, the process may interrupt in the middle, leading to errors. Use verified sources such as the official website or authorized community forums.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The official firmware of Xiaomi devices often requires an unlocked bootloader, especially if you change region or install custom software. Without this step, installing a global version on a Chinese device or vice versa will not be possible. The unlocking process takes time and requires an account link.
You need to apply for Mi Unlock on your phone, and after you have your Mi Account tied up, you have to wait 7 to 168 hours (depending on the company’s current regulations), a security measure that prevents device theft.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full data reset (Wipe Data). All photos, applications and settings will be deleted without recovery if there is no backup.
After the waiting time has expired, connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume buttons down) to your computer. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility, log in to your account and press the unlock button. Successful completion of the process will confirm the possibility of further installing third-party system images.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Method 1: Update with Recovery (without a computer)
The easiest way to upgrade or reinstall the system is to use the built-in recovery mode, which is suitable if the phone turns on and you just want to upgrade to the MIUI version or upgrade to another version within the same region. For cross-region flash, this method may not work without additional manipulation.
Download the firmware file in.zip (Recovery) format ROM) And put it in the root of the internal memory. Go to the Settings menu» → «About the phone" and click on the version MIUI. In the menu that opens, select three dots in the corner and click “Select firmware file».
If the system detects the file and it is compatible, the installation process will begin, at which time the screen may go out and the device will restart several times, and do not touch the smartphone until the desktop appears.
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Useful tip: If the file selection button doesn’t appear, try quickly clicking on the MIUI version number in the About Phone menu several times until you see a message to enable additional features.
In some cases, when you try to install firmware in another region, the system will give you an error, which is protection against accidental change of region. To circumvent this limitation, you often need to pre-unlock the bootloader or use the method through Fastboot.
Method 2: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
The most reliable and versatile way is to use Fastboot mode and Mi Flash utility on your PC, which allows you to completely clean the device, change the region and fix deep system errors, you need to download the Fastboot version of the firmware (extension.tgz) and unpack the archive.
Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode by clamping the volume reduction and connection button USB-You'll see a picture of a hare in a hat fixing an android. Run the Mi Flash Tool on your computer, press the Refresh button, and make sure the device is determined.
In the utility, select the path to the unpacked firmware folder. Notice the three options in the lower right corner:
- 🟢 clean all – complete data cleanup and installation of a new system (recommended).
- 🔵 save user data – file-saving installation (may cause errors when changing region).
- 🔴 Clean all and lock – complete cleaning and re-locking of the bootloader (use only for original global firmware).
Once you select the mode, press Flash. The process will take 200 to 600 seconds. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart. If you choose to lock the bootloader, the first download can take up to 10 minutes.
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File format | .zip | .tgz |
| The need for a PC | No. | Yes. |
| Change of region | Hard to do. | Possible. |
| Speed of installation | Slower. | Hurry up. |
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Using Fastboot mode gives maximum control over the device and allows you to correct errors that cannot be eliminated by standard methods.
Installation of custom firmware and TWRP
For users who want to get maximum performance or the latest versions of Android beyond official support, there are custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience). TWRP.
The process begins with the installation of a TWRP image via Fastboot by the fastboot flash recovery team twrp.img. After that, the custom firmware zip archive is loaded in Recovery mode, which opens up access to advanced settings, root rights and system debris removal.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom software will void the warranty (if it is still valid) and increase security risks. Banking applications may stop working without using root-rights concealment modules (Magisk Hide).
Custom solutions are often optimized better than stock ones, removing advertising and unnecessary services, but the stability of the camera and the NFC module can vary depending on the build quality of a particular developer.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
Users often face typical firmware issues, one of the most common being the Mi Flash Mi Flash "Missmatching image and device" error, which means that the firmware is not for the model (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro instead of the regular Mi 9).
Another problem is logo getting stuck (Bootloop). If the phone reboots cyclically, try going to Recovery and doing Wipe Data/Factory Reset. If that doesn't help, it may be damaged system partition, and you'll need to reflash through Fastboot with the clean all option.
If your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, check the Windows Device Manager. The device may appear as “Unknown Device.” In this case, you will need to manually update the driver, indicating the path to the folder with the Xiaomi USB Driver drivers.