The modern Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S smartphone is a powerful device that can cope with any task, but even the most reliable operating system sometimes fails. Users may encounter software errors, endless reboots or just want to change the firmware region for new features. Proper installation of software can not only correct errors, but also significantly extend the life of the gadget, returning it to factory speed.
The flashing process requires careful and strict follow-up to the instructions, as interference with system files carries certain risks. USB-In this article, we will discuss all the steps, from preparation to final setup, so that you can complete the procedure as safely and efficiently as possible.
There are several ways to restore and update software: through the built-in menu, using the computer and the Mi Flash utility, and through Recovery mode. The choice of the specific method depends on the current state of your smartphone and the goals you are pursuing. If the device is turned on and running steadily, simple methods will suit, and for the bricks you will need deeper tools.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Quality preparation is the foundation of a successful operation, and ignoring this stage often leads to errors in the recording process. 9S, Windows computer and original or quality USB-Also remember to make a full backup of all important data, as in most cases the internal memory will be completely cleared.
Make sure the battery is at least 60% to avoid a sudden power outage at a critical moment.The computer must have ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as specialized software to work with Xiaomi devices. Lack of necessary drivers is the most common reason why the computer does not see the phone in bootloader mode.
⚠️ Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up contacts and photos, as all data on the internal drive will be irretrievably deleted during the partition cleaning process.
To work, you will need to download the current firmware image for your model. It is important not to confuse the versions, since the firmware from the regular Redmi Note 9 will not be suitable for the 9S or 9 Pro version due to differences in hardware.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
Determination of firmware type and device version
Before you start downloading files, you need to know exactly which version of the operating system is installed on your device now. This is critical, since there are two main types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. The first has the extension.zip and is installed through the recovery menu or built-in bootloader, the second is in the format.tgz and requires a connection to a PC.
Regional features should also be considered: Global (for the world), China (Chinese version), EEA (for Europe) or Russia. Installing Chinese firmware on the global version can lead to notification problems and the absence of Russian in some system applications. Always check the model code on the back cover or in the Settings → About phone menu.
The differences between versions can be significant, especially in terms of pre-installed software and supported communication frequencies. For example, the Chinese version may not support some of the 4G bands used by Russian operators, which will lead to poor communication quality.
What is the difference between Recovery and Fastboot?
If you plan to change a region from China to Global, for example, you will definitely need an unlocked bootloader. Without this procedure, installing another regional version will not be possible, and the installer will give an error of compatibility. The unlock process takes from 7 to 168 hours and requires an association of the Mi Account.
Firmware methods through the Recovery menu
Recovery is the easiest and most secure method for ordinary users, not requiring the use of a computer, which is suitable if the phone is turned on but is unstable, or if you want to upgrade to a newer version within the same region, you will need to download the firmware file in.zip format and throw it into the root of internal memory.
Once you download the file, you need to go to the recovery menu, press the volume button and the power button at the same time. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep the volume until the menu appears, and in this menu, the navigation is done with the volume buttons, and the choice is made with the power button.
- 📱 Select the interface language (usually available in English and Chinese).
- 🗑️ Click on Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data for a complete cleanup.
- 📂 Go back to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant or use the built-in file manager to select a zip archive.
- ✅ Confirm the installation and wait until the process is over, then select Reboot.
If you skip this step, the system may not work properly, there will be errors in the application and constant restarts, and after the first boot, the system will be re-formed, which can take up to 10-15 minutes.
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Use only the original cable when connecting your phone to your computer, as cheap cables are often only designed to charge and don’t transmit data, leading to a connection error.
Install firmware via Fastboot and Mi Flash
For more advanced users, and when you want to completely re-mark partitions or change the region, use Fastboot mode. This method requires the Mi Flash Tool program on your computer and unlocked bootloader. The process begins with putting the smartphone in fast boot mode: turn off the device and press the power button and the volume button at the same time.
When an image of a hare repairing an android appears on the screen, connect the phone to your computer. In Windows Device Manager, the Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Devices XIAOMI section. If the Unknown device is displayed instead, you must manually update the drivers through Device Manager.
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator and press the Refresh button. If the drivers are installed correctly, the list will display your device's serial number. Next, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware (the path should not contain Cyrillic or spaces).
| Firmware mode | Data retention | Requirements | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean All | Everything's gone. | Unlocked BL | Medium. |
| Save User Data | Preserve. | Unlocked BL | High (mistakes) |
| Clean All + Lock | Everything's gone. | Original firmware | Tall (brick) |
⚠️ Warning: When choosing the Clean All and Lock method, make sure the firmware matches the region of the device. If you fill up Chinese firmware and lock the bootloader, the phone will turn into a brick and require paid repair through the box.
After selecting the firmware mode at the bottom of the window (usually Clean All), press the Flash button. The process will take 200 to 500 seconds. The phone will automatically restart at the end. Do not turn off the cable until the "Success" label appears in the program.
Solving problems and errors in firmware
There can be various bugs that stop the process during the flashing process. One of the most common problems is the "Missmatching image and device" error, which means that the firmware chosen is not suitable for the device, which is often the case when trying to flash the Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware from 9S, because they are identical on the outside, but the insides are different.
If the process hangs on a certain percentage or gives a connection error, try changing the process. USB-port (better to use port) USB 2.0 at the back of the system unit and cable. Also helps to reinstall the drivers and run the program on behalf of the administrator. Sometimes the antivirus can block the recording of system files, so it should be temporarily disabled.
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop after firmware, you need to perform a full reset (Wipe All Data) through the Recovery menu. If this does not help, the persist or modem partition may be damaged, which requires recovery through engineering mode or specialized software.
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Most of the errors in Xiaomi firmware are not related to the process itself, but to the wrong choice of firmware file or faulty one. USB-cable.
The first steps after successful installation
After successfully installing the new operating system and first booting, you will be greeted by a welcome screen. The initial setup will take some time, as the system optimizes applications. Don't panic if the phone runs slowly in the first 15-20 minutes - this is a normal Android adaptation process.
It is recommended to check the version of the software in the settings immediately and update all system applications through Google Play and GetApps. It is also worth checking the main modules: the camera, microphone, speakers and fingerprint sensor. If everything works correctly, you can start restoring data from the backup.
For maximum security and stability in the future, remember to set up automatic backups, which will allow you to quickly restore the device to work in the event of future failures without losing important information.