How to Install Clean Android on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: A Complete Guide from Unlock to Firmware

Tired of intrusive advertising in MIUI, unnecessary apps and constant updates that only slow down your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9? Installing pure Android (or custom firmware based on it) is the best solution for those who appreciate performance, privacy and minimalist interface. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the best firmware and installing it through TWRP.

But before you get started, consider that the process requires care. Errors at any stage can lead to a device "brick" (inoperability) We will describe each step in detail, provide current links to tools (2026) and point out critical points that are often missed in other guides - for example, why you can not use the old versions of the Fastboot for the Redmi Note 9 with a Mediatek Helio G85 processor.

1.Why should you switch to pure Android?

The main complaint users have about MIUI is not only advertising, but also system restrictions, for example, in standard firmware Xiaomi blocks:

• 🔒 Background execution of applications (even after disabling "battery optimization").
• 📱 Installation of APK from unknown sources without warning.
• 🔄 Full access to the file system (e.g., to modify build.prop).
• 📡 Flexible network setting (e.g. priority 4G/5G or disabling bands LTE).

Pure Android (or firmware based on it, like LineageOS, Pixel Experience) solves these problems.

• ⚡ Faster work due to the lack of unnecessary Xiaomi services.
• 🔄 Timely security updates (as opposed to MIUI, where patches are delayed).
• 🎨 Minimalist interface without duplicate applications (e.g., two browsers, two file managers).
• 🔓 Full root access (if necessary) without manufacturer restrictions.

However, there are downsides: some Xiaomi features (such as the IR- pulp or read mode) may not work correctly or not at all. You also have to manually adjust the camera – stock Google Camera is often inferior to the MIUI Camera in photo processing.

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Before you run the firmware, check the compatibility of the models! Redmi Note 9 has several modifications: merlin (global version), merlin_in (India), merlin_eea (Europe).

Preparation: What will be required for installation

Before you start, gather everything you need.

Also download:

• 📱 Firmware: for example, LineageOS 20 (Android 13) or Pixel Experience 13 for merlin.
• 🔑 Magisk (if root access is required) is the latest stable version from GitHub.
• 📋 Data Backup: Use Titanium Backup or Adb Backup (in MIUI Backup via Settings → Memory → Backup doesn’t save all data!).

Download ADB/Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers|Install TWRP forecast (merlin/merlin_in)|Download the firmware (check the Android version!)|Create a backup data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Charge your phone at least to 70%|Disable screen lock (PIN/graphical)-->

3. Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9

Without bootloader unlocking, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process can take up to 7 days (due to account verification).

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on: 🔧 Debugging on USB 🔓 Unlock OEM (important item!)

Link your Mi Account to your device:

Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in. Without this, unlocking is impossible!

Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version 2026) and launch it on PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume down).

In Mi Unlock Tool, log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone. Click "Unlock." If a waiting message appears (e.g., "Wait 168 hours"), wait until the deadline is set.

⚠️ Warning: If you previously blocked the bootloader through fastboot oem lock, it can take up to 30 days to unlock! Also note that once unlocked, all data on the phone (including internal memory) will be reset.

4. Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that will allow you to flash clean Android. For Redmi Note 9 (merlin), use informal builds, as official support is terminated. Download the current version from XDA Developers.

Installation instructions:

1. Copy twrp-3.7.0-merlin.img file to ADB/Fastboot folder.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in step 3) and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-merlin.img
3. Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume up. If you miss this step, MIUI will reset TWRP on the first download!
4. In TWRP, reset to factory settings (Wipe → Format Data), then reboot to recovery again.

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After installing TWRP, DO NOT boot into MIUI!, the system will automatically overwrite custom recovery.

5. Selection and installation of clean firmware

For Redmi Note 9, there are several firmware options based on pure Android:

We recommend the Pixel Experience 13 for most users, as it offers the best balance between stability and functionality. Download the firmware from the official website (Pixel Experience) or XDA.

Installation instructions:

1. Copy a firmware file (e.g., PixelExperience_merlin-13.0-20260310.zip) and Magisk (if root is needed) onto a phone or flash drive.
2. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Complete reset: Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache.
4. Install → Select ZIP- file → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. If you need GApps (like Google Play), run them right after you have firmware (download NikGApps or MindTheGapps for Android 13).
6. If you wish, you can use Magisk for root rights.
7. Reboot → System: The first boot can take up to 10 minutes!

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has been stuck on the Google logo or Pixel Experience for longer than 15 minutes after firmware is installed, then the firmware is not compatible with your model. Repeat the process with another build by pre-executing Format Data in TWRP.

6. Set up a clean Android after installation

After the first download, you will need to:

1. Go through the initial setting (select language, connect to Wi-Fi, log in to your Google account).
2. Check the basic functions: 📶 Mobile Network (Settings APN may reset). 📷 Camera (Install Google Camera with settings for Helio G85). 🔊 Sound (in some firmware, quiet speaker - fixed via Magisk modules).

Recover data from the backup (use Swift Backup or Adb Recover).

Configure gestures and interface in Settings → System → Gestures.

To improve productivity:

• ⚡ Turn off animations: in Settings → About Phone → Build Number (7 taps), then in For Developers, set Windows Animation = 0.5x.
• 🔋 Activate the performance mode in the battery settings.
• 🗑️ Clear the cache through Settings → Memory → Cache data.

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If the mobile network does not work after firmware, check the APN settings: go to Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile Network → Additional → Access Points (APN) and add your operator’s settings manually.

7. Solving common problems

Even with the right installation, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

If you encounter a “bootloop” (cyclical reboot):

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Delete /data/dalvik-cache and /cache files.
3. Refuse the firmware without resetting the data.
4. If it doesn’t work, run Format Data and run the firmware again.

8.Return to MIUI: How to roll back

If pure Android didn’t live up to expectations, you can return MIUI.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose Fastboot ROM, not Recovery ROM).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash all (or use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option).
4. Wait until it's finished (the process will take 5-10 minutes) and the phone will automatically reboot to MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: When you return to MIUI, the bootloader will automatically lock! If you plan to install custom firmware again, do not block the bootloader with fastboot oem lock.

If the phone does not turn on after MIUI firmware, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the process with another firmware version (e.g., an older one).
• 📥 Switch only boot and recovery through Fastboot:
• 🔧 Use EDL- Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions