How to install Android 11 on Xiaomi Redmi 9: official and unofficial ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9

MIUI 12

Android 10

Android 11

Android 11

never released

In this article, we will discuss all working methods of installing Android 11 on Redmi 9 (codenames lancelot/angelica), including official workarounds, custom firmware and potential risks.

Important: the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets all data and can deprive you of warranties. If you are not ready for technical manipulation, consider buying a new device with the current version of Android.

1. Verification of the current version and compatibility

Before any manipulation, make sure your Redmi 9 is suitable for an upgrade.There are two main variants of this model:

• 📱 M2003J15SC (global version, lancelot – supports most custom firmware
• 📱 M2003J15SS (Indian version, angelica - may require special builds

To find out the exact model:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Model and Device Code Name
3. Write down the data – you will need it to select the firmware

Also check the current version of MIUI and Android. If you have MIUI 12.0.8 or newer based on Android 10, you can proceed with the upgrade. Versions older than MIUI 12.0.5 may require a pre-update via OTA.

💡

If the settings do not include "Device Code Name", enter the dialer code ##4636## and select "Phone Information".

2. Official methods of updating (bypasses)

While Xiaomi didn’t release Android 11 for the Redmi 9, there are two legal ways to get its features:

Method 1: Update with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced

Some regions (e.g. India) received MIUI 12.5 Enhanced with Android 11 elements, although the system base remained Android 10.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ top-right
3. Select Update Service Pack (if available)

Method 2: Participation in beta testing

Sometimes Xiaomi opens closed betas for older models.

• 🌐 Register on the official website MIUI Testers
• 📋 Fill out the questionnaire with the Redmi 9 model and codename
• ⏳ Wait for approval (may take up to 2 weeks)

3. Preparation for the installation of custom firmware

If the official methods do not fit, you can install custom firmware based on Android 11, which requires unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty.

Pre-commencement requirements:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%
• 💾 Backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages)
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use cheap substitutes!)

Tools required:

Download Mi Unlock Tool and unpack to the root of the C:| disk

Install Platform Tools and add paths to environment variables |

Download LineageOS 18.1 for your codename |

Download Gapps (OpenGapps, Pico or Nano)|

Disable the antivirus during the firmware-->

For Russian users:

⚠️ Note: From 2022, access to some Xiaomi servers may be blocked.If the Mi Unlock Tool does not connect, use it VPN with servers in Singapore or Hong Kong. do not use US/European VPN — They're often blocked.

4. Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9

This is the most critical stage - without unlocked bootloader, it is impossible to install custom firmware. The process takes up to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM 🔌 Debugging by USB

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your debugging permission

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi-account

168 hours

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't be alarmed, that's okay.

1. Use another Mi-account (over 30 days)

2. Connect via another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)

3. disable driver verification in Windows (via "Device Installation Options")-->

5. Install custom firmware Android 11

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start firmware. We recommend LineageOS 18.1, the most stable build of Android 11 for Redmi 9.

Installation instructions:

1. Install custom recovery: fastboot flash recovery orangefox_recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
2. In OrangeFox Recovery, run Wipe → Format Data (this will remove everything from internal memory!)
3. Transfer firmware and Gapps files to your phone via MTP (in recovery)
4. Install the firmware first, then Gapps: Install → Select a file lineage-18.1-...-lancelot.zip Add more. ZIP → Choose. open_gapps-arm64-11.0-pico.zip Swipe to confirm
5. After installation, run Wipe → Factory Reset and restart.

The first start can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process! If the system doesn't load for more than 20 minutes, repeat the installation steps.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔄 Logo loop: Repeat installation by pre-formatting System and Vendor
• 📵 No Network: Install a separate firmware package for your model
• 🔋 Fast discharge: Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruptions)

6. Alternative firmware with Android 11

In addition to LineageOS, other firmware based on Android 11 is available for Redmi 9:

To select the firmware, focus on:

• 📸 Camera: Pixel Experience is better at processing photos, but can slow down video shooting
• 🎮 Games: crDroid and ArrowOS optimized for performance
• 🔧 Setting up: Havoc OS It offers customization, but is less stable

Important for Russian users:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) may not support Russian SIM-Check the reviews on the forum before installing the card due to lack of certification. 4PDA model-themed.

7.Optimize Android 11 after installation

After successful firmware, we recommend you to perform several actions to improve the system:

Basic setting:

• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play
• 📡 Switch to LTE-only in network settings (improving communication stability)
• 🔋 Disable Adaptive Battery in Battery Settings (may conflict with custom cores)

Recommended applications for custom firmware:

• 🛠️ Kernel Adiutor – for fine tuning of the core
• 📊 AccuBattery – for calibration of the battery
• 🔒 Island – to isolate the work profiles

Typical problem solving:

• 🔊 No sound in the headphones: Install ViPER4Android from XDA
• 📷 Wide angle of camera not working: Install ANX Camera or GCam with settings for Redmi 9
• 🌡️ Overheating: Limit the maximum CPU frequency to 1.8GHz via Kernel Adiutor

8 Frequently Asked Questions