The Xiaomi Mi 9T, known in China as the Redmi K20, has gained widespread popularity due to its frameless design and performance Snapdragon 730 processor. However, owners of this device often face the problem of stopping official updates from the manufacturer, which leaves them on older versions of Android. Installing MIUI 13 becomes a logical step for those who want to refresh the interface, improve security and get new features without buying a new gadget.
The process of updating the firmware on this device has its own technical nuances related to the differences between the global and Chinese versions of the device. It is critical to understand that the Mi 9T (Global) and K20 (China) have different memory parts, and firmware from one version to another without prior conversion can lead to data loss or inoperability. In this article, we will discuss in detail the safe methods of transition to the new shell, using both standard tools and advanced recovery methods.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of your responsibility. Any software interference carries potential risks. We'll look not only at the installation process itself, but also at the preparatory steps that are often ignored by beginners, which leads to errors. Careful adherence to the algorithm will help you avoid turning your smartphone into a brick.
Compatibility analysis and device preparation
The first step in the upgrade process is to define exactly the model of your device. Despite the superficial similarity, the Xiaomi Mi 9T and Redmi K20 have differences in software (memory markup). The global version is usually codenamed davinci, while the Chinese version is davinci (but with a different firmware structure).
To check the current version and status of the bootloader, go to the Settings → About menu and click on the MIUI build number several times. This will activate the developer mode. Next, in the advanced settings, look for Mi Unlock Status. If the status says "Locked", you will need to wait from 7 to 168 hours after the account is linked to unlock, which is a prerequisite for manual installation.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will completely remove all data from the internal drive. Be sure to back up important photos and documents in the cloud or on your computer before you start any manipulations.
The battery should also be checked, and the charge level should be at least 60%, since the process of flashing power-intensive, and a sudden shutdown of the device at a critical moment can damage the system partitions. USB port USB 2.0 or 3.0 on the computer motherboard, avoiding front port housing or USB-hubs without additional power.
Necessary tools and software
To successfully implement this plan, you will need specialized software that provides communication between your computer and your smartphone. The main tool for working with devices based on Qualcomm processors is the QFIL program (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) or the Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool. The choice of tool depends on the type of firmware: Fastboot or Recovery.
In addition, the computer must have ADB and Fastboot drivers installed, as well as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader drivers. Without these components, the system will not be able to recognize the phone in deep firmware mode. Often the Windows 10 or 11 operating system does not automatically install them, so it is recommended to download the Minimal ADB and Fastboot package or use universal drivers from Google.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9T battery-charged.
- 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11 disk-free.
- 🔌 Original. USB-Data transmission cable (not just charging).
- 💾 Downloaded firmware image MIUI 13 (format.tgz for Fastboot or.zip for Recovery).
It is important to download the firmware version that corresponds to the region of your device, or use the global version with subsequent flashing of the region. Firmware files are best downloaded from official resources or trusted mirrors, such as xiaomirom.com, to exclude the presence of malicious code or errors in the archive.
Where can I download a secure firmware?
Installation methods: Fastboot vs. Recovery
There are two main ways to install a new shell: through Recovery mode and through Fastboot mode. Recovery is considered more gentle and simple, as it allows you to upgrade on top of the old system while saving data (though cleaning is still recommended), but this method is often blocked by the system if you are trying to roll back to an older version or switch from Chinese firmware to global.
Fastboot mode provides full access to memory partitions and allows you to perform a “clean” installation. This is the most reliable way that eliminates file conflicts and errors in the registry. When using Fastboot firmware, the entire internal drive is fully formatted, which ensures the stable operation of MIUI 13 without “junk” from previous versions of Android.
☑️ Firmware preparation
The choice of method also depends on the availability of the unlocked bootloader. Recovery method often does not require unlocking if you are updating within the same region. For Fastboot method, unlocked bootloader is a requirement. If the bootloader is locked, Mi Flash utility will give an error and refuse to continue the process.
Step-by-step: Installation via Fastboot
This method requires maximum concentration. First, unpack the downloaded firmware archive into the root of the C disk so that the path to the files is short and does not contain Cyrillic: C:\rom_davinci_global. Launch the file. flash_all.bat or use the Mi Flash Tool GUI by selecting the Clean All option for complete data cleanup.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, slamming both power and volume down buttons. Connect your device to your PC. In Windows Device Manager, a device called Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the "USB Devices" section. If "Unknown Device" is displayed, reinstall the drivers.
fastboot devices
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootIf you're using an automatic script, just run it and wait for the process to finish. The screen of the smartphone will display the Mi logo or robot animation. Don't interrupt the cable connection at that point. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first download can take up to 10-15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
⚠️ Note: When you are running through Fastboot, never select the “Clean all and lock” option if you are flashing global firmware onto a device with a Chinese bootloader (or vice versa). This will lead to the locking of the device (Hard Brick), which can only be removed through paid service accounts or soldering.
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Use it. USB-Cheap cables often have high resistance, which causes a voltage drop when actively writing data, causing a failure of the firmware process on the computer. 90-99%.
Solving common mistakes and problems
During the update process, users often encounter error codes, one of the most common is Error: Missmatching image and device, which occurs when trying to flash firmware from one model to another (for example, from Mi 9T Pro to regular Mi 9T), the solution is one: download the correct image corresponding to the code name davinci.
Another common problem is hanging on the MI logo or constantly restarting (bootloop), which may indicate damage to the data partition or conflict of the modified Recovery (TWRP) with the new system, in which case you need to enter Recovery mode (clamping the power and volume up) and reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).
| Mistake. | Probable cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Code: 102 | The Wrong Path to Files or Drivers | Move the firmware to the root of the C disk, reinstall the drivers |
| Code: 202 | Unstable. USB-linkage | Replace the cable, use another cable USB-port |
| Bootloop | Data conflict after update | Run Wipe Data in Recovery Mode |
| Black Screen | Damage to the loader | Trying to run a firmware through EDL mode (requires an account) |
If standard methods don't work, the persist partition or modem that communicates and calibrates sensors may be damaged, and recovering those parts requires backup from your device or engineering backups, which is a challenge for advanced users.
Setup and Optimization after Update
After successful installation of MIUI 13, the system may not work in a stable way in the first hours, due to background file indexing and database optimization processes, let the phone lie on charge with the screen off for about an hour to complete these procedures, and it is also recommended to delete the cache of system applications through the menu recovery.
The new shell offers advanced personalization options such as iOS-style widgets and improved notification management. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special features to configure one-handed control and other convenience features. Pay attention to battery settings, as the new system may otherwise consume charge.
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The first 24 hours after installing a new firmware are critical to stabilizing battery and system performance. Don't make definitive conclusions about build quality until that period has passed.
Be sure to check for security updates and patches during the first week of use. Often, minor updates to fix critical bugs are released immediately after the major version of MIUI. Activate automatic updates in the Settings → About Phone menu to stay up to date with the latest fixes.