How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 9 on pure Android: the complete guide

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners, especially those in the low-end segment, are tempted to get a more responsive system without preinstalled garbage. The Redmi 9 is based on a Helio G80 processor that has ample potential, but the MIUI’s proprietary shell often limits speed and personalization. The transition to a clean Android (called “Stock Android”) allows you to unlock hidden reserves of the device.

The process of software replacement requires careful adherence to the algorithm of actions. Errors during the preparation stage can lead to the failure of the device, so you need to study all the nuances of the procedure in advance. We will consider a method that will turn your smartphone into an analogue of Google Pixel, removing unnecessary processes and advertising.

The main purpose of this operation is to replace the standard bootloader and system partition with modified versions, which gives the user full administrator rights and the ability to install any version of the operating system, even those that are not officially supported by the manufacturer.

Tool preparation and backup

Before any manipulation of system files begins, it is critical to save all personal data. The firmware process involves full formatting of internal memory, so photos, contacts and documents must be transferred to a computer or to the cloud, without which it will be impossible to restore information.

You will need a computer running Windows or Linux, which is serviceable. USB-cable and a charged smartphone, you also need to download specialized software: ADB And Fastboot drivers, and the firmware images you plan to install, and the absence of drivers is the most common reason why a PC doesn't see a device in bootloader mode.

For Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot), there are different options: LineageOS for maximum stability or Pixel Experience for complete similarity with Google devices. Make sure you download the file for your model, as the versions for Redmi 9T or Note 9 are not compatible.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty. If your phone is in warranty service, think twice before starting the procedure.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

The foundation for installing any custom firmware is the unlocked Bootloader, which is closed by default by the manufacturer to protect the system from unauthorized changes. For Xiaomi, this process is officially allowed, but it takes time and account binding.

First step, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number MIUI. After the notification appears, return to the menu Additional → For developers, you need to include "Factory Unlocking" and "Debugging by" USB".

Next, you'll need the Mi Unlock Tool. Run it on your PC, log in to your Mi Account and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (clamping down the volume and power buttons). If done correctly, the program will show the status of the device and prompt you to unlock it. Remember that after unlocking all data on the phone will be deleted automatically.

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

The standard recovery menu cannot install third-party operating systems. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a framework that allows you to create full partition backups and install them. ZIP-firmware.

The installation process is done via console commands. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB. Enter a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If you get a serial number on the device, you've got a link, you've got to flash the image of the backup, and I'm going to say, on devices that have A/B encryption or a specific partition markup like Redmi 9, the command may be different, and it's usually this:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

💡

Immediately after you have TWRP firmware, don't let the phone boot into the system in the usual way. Press the power and volume buttons up to force you to enter Recovery mode. If you run Android, it will overwrite the TWRP back to the stock bootloader.

Once you've recorded successfully, you'll see the TWRP interface. First, the system may require you to unlock the screen, enter it. If the password doesn't fit or you changed it before, you'll have to do a Wipe Data formatting that will delete all the files, but it's necessary for the new file system to work.

The process of installing firmware and GApps

Pure Android doesn’t have Google’s default services in some builds, so it often requires separate installation of GApps. However, modern firmware like Pixel Experience already includes them. SD-map.

From the TWRP menu, select Install, search for the firmware archive, and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take a few minutes, during which time new system files are written to the System, Vendor, and Boot partition.

If you install firmware without built-in services, immediately after the main firmware, without restarting, install the GApps package. Sequence disruption can lead to a cyclic reboot. After all operations are completed, press Reboot System.

⚠️ Note: When you first download pure Android, the process can last up to 10-15 Don't try to manually restart the device if you see the Android logo, the system is customizable.

System setup and optimization

Once launched successfully, you'll see an interface that's almost identical to the Google Pixel. The lack of extra software is pleasantly surprising, but requires manual adjustment of some of the features that MIUI had out of the box, such as gesture management or design themes.

To expand functionality, it is recommended to install a root rights manager if it is not built-in. Magisk is an industry standard that allows you to obtain superuser rights without changing the system partition, and this is important for banking applications that can be blocked if root rights are available.

Battery optimization on pure Android is often automatic, as there are no background MIUI processes. However, it is worth checking the energy saving settings in the Settings → Battery section. Make sure that adaptive brightness and saving mode work correctly.

💡

Pure Android on Redmi 9 runs much smoother than MIUI, but can consume more power in the first 2-3 days of use until the system learns your app usage patterns.

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you follow the instructions strictly, you can get errors, and the most common problem is the black screen after installation, in which case you have to go back to TWRP and do a full Format Data reset by typing the word "yes," which eliminates encryption conflicts.

If the camera or sound isn’t working, chances are you’ve installed firmware that’s not intended for your particular device version (Global, China or India) and check the device’s codename in Fastboot mode, which should match the firmware requirement.

If you have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues, you may need to flash the modem, which is a more complex procedure that requires you to extract stock files from the original MIUI firmware and install them via Fastboot. Without the original drivers, the wireless modules may not be activated.