Xiaomi Redmi 9 originally came with the shell MIUI 11 based on Android 10, but over time got the opportunity to upgrade to more recent versions. Many users are looking to install MIUI 13 to get an improved design, new widgets and optimized system operation. The update process can occur automatically through built-in tools or manually, if the official server has not yet sent a notification.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to upgrade to new firmware, including manually installing an archive. You will learn how to prepare a device, where to look for secure files, and what to do in case of errors. The official stable version of MIUI 13 for Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) is based on Android 12, which provides better compatibility with modern applications.
Before you start any software manipulation, you need to understand the risks and requirements. Installation can lead to data loss or unstable operation of the gadget, so follow each step carefully. We have prepared a checklist and useful tips to help avoid common errors when flashing.
Redmi 9 Preparation for System Update
The first step before starting any firmware work is to carefully prepare the device. Charge the battery of the Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone to at least 60%, and preferably to full charge, as the installation process can take from 10 to 30 minutes. Also make sure you have a stable connection to the Wi-Fi network so that the files download goes quickly and without breaks.
Back up all important data, including contacts, photos and messages. While an over-the-air update usually saves files, manually using Recovery may require a complete memory cleanup. Use the built-in backup feature in the Settings menu → About Phone → Backup, or sync your data to your Google and Mi Cloud account.
☑️ Preparation of Redmi 9 for firmware
Free up space in internal storage. For the correct operation of the system and successful unpacking of the installation package, it is recommended to have at least 5-10 GB freely. Remove unnecessary applications or transfer heavy media files to a memory card or computer.
⚠️ Note: If you plan to switch from global firmware to Chinese (or vice versa), the data will be completely deleted. Within one region (Global to Global), the data is usually stored, but backup is mandatory!
Official way to update through settings
The easiest and safest way to get MIUI 13 is to wait for an official notification. The system itself checks for new versions and suggests installing them. To do this, go to the Settings menu → About the phone and click on the large icon of the version of MIUI.
If the update is available, you will see the Download and Install button. In some cases, the system may not see the update immediately. Try clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file" if you already have a downloaded archive, or just wait until the Xiaomi server sends a push notification.
Sometimes a forced check helps. Click on the MIUI version icon several times in a row (about 10 times) until the message "Additional features are enabled" appears. Then the option "Select firmware file" may appear in the three-dot menu, which confirms the menu's readiness for manual intervention, but for the automatic method, just click "Check updates".
The download speed depends on your Internet connection. After downloading, the phone will suggest rebooting. Do not interrupt this process and do not try to use the smartphone until the new system desktop appears.
Manual installation of MIUI 13 via Recovery
If you don't get an automatic update, or if you want to speed things up, you can use the manual method, and you'll need to download the current firmware archive in.zip format for your model. 9 (Global version) you need a file with the end _GLOBAL_ by the name of lancelot.
Copy the downloaded file into the root folder of the smartphone’s internal memory (not the folder, just the main space). Then go to the Settings → About phone menu, click on the MIUI version and select three dots in the corner. Click "Select firmware file" and specify the downloaded archive. The phone will check the file and suggest you upgrade.
The path to the file for example: /storage/emulated/0/miui_LANCELOTGlobal_V14.0.2.0.QCJMIXM.zipThere is also a method through Recovery mode. Turn off the phone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. When the Mi logo appears, release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears. Select the language (English), then press Wipe Data (if you need a full reset) or immediately Install Update (if the file is already in memory, but this item is not available in all versions of the Recovery Recovery without an unlocked bootloader).
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File format | Archive.zip | Original only from miui.com |
| Storage area | Root of memory | Not in Download or DCIM folders |
| File name | No gaps. | It is better not to rename the original |
| Battery charge | At least 60% | Perfect 100% for safety |
What to do if the installation is interrupted?
Where to download the firmware for Redmi 9
Searching for installation files is a critical step: downloading firmware from random forums or file sharing sites can lead to malware infection or installation of a broken file. The only guaranteed secure source is the official Xiaomi Firmware Updater portal or verified aggregators.
When searching, look for the region. The global version is designated as Global (the region code at the end of the file name, for example, MIUIXM or MIXM). The European version may be marked EEU, and the Russian version - RU. For Redmi 9, the most common use is a global stable build.
- 🌐 The official website miui.com – Download section, where you need to choose a model manually.
- 📂 Resource XiaomiFirmwareUpdater.com – a convenient archive of all versions with direct links.
- 📱 Annex MIUI bootloader – available on Google Play, allows you to download firmware directly to your phone.
Check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1) if this information is provided on the download site, ensuring that the file is downloaded and not corrupted during the transfer.
⚠️ Warning: Never install firmware labeled "Beta", "Dev" or "China" unless you know exactly how to convert regions. Installing Chinese firmware on a global device without an unlocked bootloader is impossible, and with unlocking it requires complete data cleanup.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
During the upgrade process, users of Xiaomi Redmi 9 may encounter various problems, one of the most common is the “failed to update” error, which often happens if you are trying to roll back to an older version of MIUI or switch from the Chinese version to the global version without unlocking the bootloader.
Another common problem is endless reboot after installation. If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes, you will need to reset via Recovery. To do this, turn off the phone, go into recovery mode (Loudness Up + Power), and select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. This will delete all files, but bring the device back to life.
💡
If the update is stuck in the File Check phase, try renaming the firmware file to a simple name, like update.zip, and moving it to the memory root, and cleaning the Software Update app cache in the application settings also helps.
Lack of space also causes errors, and the system may require more space than it actually takes, in which case cleaning the app cache, deleting downloaded files from the Download folder, and transferring the photo to the computer will free up the necessary gigabytes.
What's new in MIUI 13 for Redmi 9
The move to MIUI 13 brings not only visual changes, but also major improvements under the hood. For the Redmi 9, which runs on the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, optimizing memory and background processes becomes critical to maintaining performance.
Key innovations include updated widget design, the ability to overlay widgets on top of each other and new unlock animations, and the introduction of Fraud Protection, which warns of suspicious calls and SMS, which is especially relevant in the current environment.
- 🎨 Improved font and icon system with support for finer customization.
- 🔒 Child Safety with enhanced screen time control.
- 🚀 Optimization of RAM (Memory Extension), allowing you to use part of the memory as a virtual memory.
Also worth noting is improved work with notifications and new navigation gestures, the interface has become more holistic, and color schemes adapt to wallpaper, creating a pleasant visual environment.
💡
MIUI 13 on Redmi 9 runs stable but requires memory pre-cleaning and full battery power to successfully install.Manual method via Recovery gives more control over the process.