MIUI 13 on Redmi Note 9: How to upgrade without errors in 2026

Why? MIUI 13 should be installed on the Redmi Note 9 and when not to

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) was released in 2020 with the release of the new model. MIUI 11 based on Android 10, and later received an official update to MIUI 12.5 However, many users want to install MIUI 13 is the latest version of the shell, which brings noticeable performance improvements, new gesture features and optimized power consumption. But there are nuances: Redmi Note 9 has not received official support. MIUI 13 from Xiaomi, so installation is only possible through unofficial firmware or ported builds.

Before you start, answer two key questions: Why do you want to do this? MIUI 13 and are you prepared for the possible risks? New shell offers:

• 🚀 Accelerated animation and smooth interface thanks to Liquid Storage technology (data storage optimization).
• 🔋 Improved background management, which extends battery life by 10-15%.
• 🎨 New widgets, dynamic wallpaper and themes with support for Android 12.
• 🛡️ Enhanced privacy protection (e.g. watermarks in geolocated screenshots).

But there are pitfalls: unofficial firmware can contain bugs, and improper installation will lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) device. If your Redmi Note 9 is used for work or critical tasks, it is better to stay stable. MIUI 12.5 If you are willing to experiment, read on.

Device requirements before installation of MIUI 13

Before you upgrade, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets the minimum requirements, which will save you from most problems during the installation process.

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions: to unlock you need to link your Mi Account to the device and wait 7 days (sometimes longer). If you haven't already done this, start the process beforehand. Also check that your device does not activate the Find Device function, otherwise it will not be possible to unlock.

⚠️ Note: If you are updating with MIUI 11 or earlier versions, install first MIUI 12.5 official way, direct transition to MIUI 13 with outdated versions often leads to errors in the operation of sensors or communication modules.

Official vs informal MIUI 13: Which to choose

At the time of 2026, Xiaomi has not officially released MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 9. That means that all available builds are custom (unofficial:

• 🔄 Ported firmware - adapted versions MIUI 13 from other devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10) often contain bugs but are as close to the original.
• 🛠️ Castomy ROM base MIUI 13 – community builds (e.g., community builds, MIUI EU or Stable MIUI). Usually more stable, with corrected errors.
• 🧪 Beta versions – test builds with new features but high risk of unstable operation.

Which option to choose? It all depends on your goals.

• If you want maximum stability, take the builds from MIUI EU (They're going to be tested further.
• If you want the latest features, try ported versions, but be prepared for bugs (e.g., broken ones). NFC or camera problems).
• If you are a developer or tester, take beta versions, but don’t use them on your main device.

Where do I download firmware? Official sources:

• Xiaomi.eu – European builds without Chinese software.
• XDA Developers – Ported and Customized ROM.
• Telegram channel MIUI Updates – current news and links.

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from unknown sites or torrent trackers. In 2023, there were cases when under the guise of a fake MIUI 13 spread firmware with built-in cryptocurrency mining or spyware.

Step-by-step instruction: installation MIUI 13 through TWRP

This is the most common way to install custom firmware, and it's good if you already have a bootloader unlocked and a custom Recovery installed. TWRP Or OrangeFox.

Download firmware MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9 (merlin)|Check file integrity (MD5-hash)|Download Gapps (if you need Google services)|Make a backup of the current firmware|Charge the phone to 100%|Connect to the PC (in case of errors)-->

Step 1: Download the firmware and additional files

Download the appropriate version MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9 (search for merlin code:

• 📦 Fastboot-ROM – installed via Mi Flash Tool (full firmware).
• 📱 Recovery-ROM – installed through TWRP (Upgrade over the existing system).

For installation through TWRP You need a file in.zip format:

• Gapps (if firmware is not Google-based) – for example, NikGapps or OpenGapps.
• Magisk (optional, for root rights) is the latest version from GitHub.

Step 2: Going to Recovery Mode

Turn off the phone. Press the button combination: Power. + Loudness up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears TWRP.

Step 3: Cleaning the sections (required!)

In TWRP, do the following:

1. Press Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
2. Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache.
3. Swipe for confirmation (don’t touch Internal Storage!).

Step 4: Install firmware and Gapps

Back to the main menu TWRP and:

1. Press Install. → Select the downloaded firmware file MIUI_13_merlin.zip.
2. Add to the queue Gapps.zip (if necessary).
3. Swipe for installation.

It takes 5-15 minutes, and in no case do not interrupt the installation or turn off the phone, even if the screen does not respond for a long time.

Step 5: First start and setup

After installation:

1. Press Reboot System.
2. The first launch can take up to 20 minutes, which is normal.
3. Go through the initial setting (select language, connect to Wi-Fi).
4. Check the main functions: calls, Internet, camera.

1. Repeat the installation with complete cleaning of the sections.

2. Install another firmware version (for example, instead of ported take MIUI EU).

3. Return to the official firmware via Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.-->

Solving common errors after installation

Even with the right installation MIUI 13 Redmi Note 9 may have problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
2. Install another version MIUI 13 (for example, instead of Stable take Weekly).
3. Return to the official firmware and repeat the process from scratch.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation MIUI 13 the phone stopped turning on and does not respond to charging, this can be a sign of damage to the boot partition. In this case, only firmware through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).

How to get back to the official firmware if something goes wrong

If MIUI 13 is unstable or you don't like the changes, you can always go back to the official firmware:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📁 Official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (download from the official website).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (last version).

Step 1: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

Turn off the phone. + Volume down and connect to PC via USB. On the screen will appear a hare in a hat-eared – this is a sign that the device is in Fastboot mode.

Step 2: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool

Unpack the downloaded official firmware (file with.tgz extension) in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\miui_merlin). Then:

1. Open the Mi Flash Tool (launch on behalf of the administrator).
2. Click Select and point the way to the firmware folder.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. Choose clean all (complete cleaning) at the bottom.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

Step 3. First launch

After the firmware is installed, the phone will automatically restart. The first start can take up to 10 minutes. If the device has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, repeat the firmware by selecting the clean all and lock option in the Mi Flash Tool (this will block the bootloader back).

💡

You can return to the official firmware at any time, but remember: this will lead to a complete data cleanup. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted if you do not backup!

Alternative methods of installing MIUI 13

If the installation is TWRP For some reason, it doesn't work, there are other methods.

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (without the TWRP)

This is a good way to do this if you have a bootloader unlocked, but you don't have a custom recaveri.

• Firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot.
• The Mi Flash Tool.
• Xiaomi drivers for PC.

Algorithm of action:

1. Unpack the firmware in the folder.
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (the device should appear).
4. Select clean all and press Flash.

Method 2: Update through OTA (if available)

Some custom firmware (for example, MIUI EU) Supports air-to-air renewal (OTA). For that:

1. Install the firmware MIUI EU through TWRP (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. If an update is available before MIUI 13 - Download and install it.

The advantage of this method is the minimal risk of errors, as the upgrade is carried out on top of the existing system without a complete cleanup.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About MIUI 13 on Redmi Note 9