Why Redmi 9T users choose pure Android
Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9T (codename lime from the box runs on the corporate shell MIUI, It offers a lot of features, but not everyone is happy with its performance and intrusive advertising. AOSP-Firmware solves these problems: it's devoid of unnecessary applications, consumes less resources and updates directly from Google. But switching to stock firmware is not an easy process: you need to unlock the bootloader, choose a compatible build and avoid common errors.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to the Redmi 9T features (including the NFC versions), current links to tools and tips for solving typical problems. We won’t convince you to switch, just show you how to do it right if you’ve already made a decision.
What is “Pure Android” and how is it different from MIUI?
Under pure Android usually understand firmware based on source code. AOSP (Android Open Source Project, without significant modifications from the manufacturer 9T multiple options:
- 📱 LineageOS – the most stable and time-tested firmware with minimal improvements.
- 🔄 Pixel Experience — AOSP with Google Pixel signature chips (e.g., live wallpaper and Call Screen).
- ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between cleanliness and additional settings (e.g. navigation gestures).
- 🛠️ HaventOS – Experimental firmware with a focus on privacy (without Google services by default).
The main differences are MIUI:
| Parameter | MIUI (stock) | Pure Android (AOSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Productivity | Slowdowns due to background processes | More smooth work on the same iron |
| Updates | Depends on Xiaomi (often delayed) | Monthly security patches from Google |
| Advertising | Built into system applications | Absent completely. |
| Customization | Themes but limited settings | Flexible interface configuration (Launchers, icons) |
| Compatibility | Optimized for iron Xiaomi | Possible bugs with camera or sensors |
Important: On Redmi 9T with a Snapdragon 662 processor, some of which are AOSP-Firmware may not support hardware video acceleration (e.g. Netflix in the video) HD). Before installing, check the compatibility list on the forum XDA Developers.
Preparation for installation: unlocking the loader
The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can not install custom firmware. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process requires a Mi Account account and wait (usually 7 days).
What you'll need:
- 📱 Redmi Smartphone 9T chargeable%.
- 💻 Computer with Windows/Linux and USB-cable (original cable!).
- 🔑 Mi Account linked to the device (mandatory confirmation by email/phone).
- 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool (download from the official website).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
- Return to Settings → More → For developers and activate: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
Mi Unlock Tool
Mi Account
After sending a request, wait for the confirmation SMS (usually comes in 3-7 days).
⚠️ Note: If you previously blocked the bootloader via fastboot oem lock, unlocking can take up to 30 days. Xiaomi limits the unlock frequency for a single account.
Created and confirmed by Mi Account|Developer mode is on|Unlocking activated OEM|Download the latest Mi Unlock Tool version|Phone's 60-charged%+-->
Select and download firmware for Redmi 9T
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to select a compatible firmware. Redmi 9T (codename lime) only fits the builds explicitly specified for that device. Below are proven options for 2026:
| Firmware | Android version | Download link | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS 20 | Android 13 | Official website | Stable, without GAPPS (should be installed separately) |
| Pixel Experience 13 | Android 13 | Official website | Pixel Launcher Preinstalled by GAPPS |
| ArrowOS 13.1 | Android 13 | Official website | Additional interface settings |
Before downloading, check:
- 🔍 Compatible with lime (not to be confused with limein – this is the Redmi 9 Power for India!).
- 📅 Assembly date (up-to-date firmware updates every 1-2 months).
- 📦 Presence GAPPS (If there are no Google Apps, download NikGapps or MindTheGapps separately.
Where to look for updates? Follow the theme on XDA Developers, where they publish fresh builds and fixes for bugs.
💡
If you want to save time, download firmware and GAPPS in advance on your PC, not via phone – it is faster and more reliable.
Installation of firmware through TWRP Recovery
Custom firmware requires custom recavers, usually TWRP. The official version for Redmi 9T is available on the TWRP website, but there are nuances:
Step-by-step:
- Download the image twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lime.img (Or newer) and put it in a folder from fastboot to PC.
- Transfer the phone to fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader Or turn off the phone and pinch Power + Volume down.
- Please. TWRP Temporary (no entry in recovery): fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lime.img
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!). Enter yes to confirm.
- Transfer firmware and GAPPS to your phone via MTP (in TWRP: Mount → Enable MTP).
- Install firmware, then GAPPS (order is important!): Install → Select ZIP → Swipe to Confirm Flash
- Once installed, run Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache and restart.
⚠️ Warning: If your phone hangs on the logo after the reboot, it means that the firmware is not compatible with your version of Redmi. 9T. Try a different build or check if you missed a step with Format Data.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
First setup and elimination of typical problems
After you successfully install a clean Android, you'll have to set up your initial setup, which is not much different than setting up a new phone, but there are a few custom firmware-specific features:
- 🔧 Absent. MIUI-Account: No longer need to link your device to your Mi Account, this is a plus for privacy.
- 📶 Mobile network problems: If the network is not catching, check your settings APN In Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Additionally. → Access points (APN).
- 🎥 The camera is not working properly: AOSP-Firmware often lacks support for 48 MP – the camera will shoot in 12 MP with binning pixels.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: The first 2-3 days the system calibrates the battery - this is normal. If the problem persists, check the background processes in Settings → Battery.
To eliminate the bugs:
- Update your firmware to the latest version (via Settings → System → System Update).
- Install the FrancoKernel kernel (if available for your firmware) – it improves performance and autonomy.
- For Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems, try changing the region in your network settings.
💡
If after installing pure Android, navigation gestures stopped working, activate them in Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
Return to MIUI: How to Reverse the Way
If pure Android didn’t live up to expectations, you can go back to MIUI.
- Download the official firmware for Redmi 9T from Xiaomi (choose Global or EEA).
- Unblock the file and find it. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Transfer the phone to fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
- Run the script. flash_all.bat — It will automatically sew all the sections.
- After rebooting, reset via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Reset settings.
Important: When you return to MIUI, the bootloader will automatically lock, and if you want to install custom firmware again, you will have to repeat the unlock procedure.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use script flash_all_lock.bat — It will block the bootloader and can lead to a hard brick if the firmware is not suitable for your model.