Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 was released in 2019 with preinstalled MIUI 10 is based on Android 9 Pie, but many users still want to return the good old MIUI 9 for its minimalist design, speed and lack of late-release features, but installing outdated firmware on a modern device is a non-trivial task, fraught with risks of bricking and loss of warranty. From unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right build and recovery IMEI.
It is important to understand: Redmi Note 7 (The codename Lavender did not officially support the MIUI 9 β This firmware came out for devices. 2016-2017 So you're going to have to use a port (unofficial adaptation) or custom build, which requires a lot of caution. If you're new to firmware, you'd better stop at this. MIUI 11/12 β They are more stable and have official support for this model.
In the article you will find:
- π How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 7 in 2026 (topical ways)
- π₯ Where to download the verified firmware MIUI 9 for Lavender and How to Avoid Viruses
- π§ Step-by-step installation through TWRP Consider the features of Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- β οΈ Common errors (bootloop, loss) IMEI) and how to fix them.
1. Why. MIUI 9 on Redmi Note 7 is a bad idea (and when it's justified)
Before you start to work on the firmware, honestly answer yourself: why do you need to? MIUI 9 on a 2019 device? 90 percent of the time, this solution will cause more problems than good. Here are the key downsides:
- π« No official support: Xiaomi has not released MIUI 9 for the Snapdragon 660 and the notch display. All builds are custom, buggy.
- π Battery problems: Older versions MIUI Not optimized for a 4000 mAh battery, fast discharge is possible.
- π‘ Lack of support for new networks: MIUI 9 can not work with modern standards VoLTE and Wi-Fi 6.
- π οΈ Difficulties with recovery: If you make an error, you will have to return the stock firmware through EDL-Mode that requires an authorized Xiaomi account.
When installation is justified:
- β You need to critically run an outdated application that doesnβt work on the MIUI 11+ (for example, corporate software).
- β You are developing software for older versions of Android and need a test device.
- β Ready to put up with bugs for nostalgia or experimentation.
β οΈ Attention: After installation MIUI 9 You will lose the ability to upgrade by air (OTA). Return to stock firmware can only be through a complete reset and flashing in EDL-mode.
2. Preparation of the device: unlocking the bootloader and backup
The first step is to unlock the bootloader, a requirement for any custom firmware to be installed on the Redmi Note 7, which has been complicated by Xiaomiβs tightening policy in 2026, but the restrictions are still possible.
What you need:
- π± Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 with battery charge β₯ 60%.
- π» Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
- π Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- π Mi Account linked to the device (required to confirm email and phone!).
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and include: π Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code). π Debugging by USB.
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm access for debugging on the smartphone screen.
Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.Caution: it takes 72 hours to link your account to your device (unless you have never unlocked the bootloader on that phone).
Backup all data (photos, contacts, SMS)
Check that your Mi Account is confirmed (email) + phone)
Disable all antiviruses on your PC (they can block the Mi Unlock Tool)
Charge your phone to at least 60%
Prepare original USB-cable-->
Data backup: Unlocking the bootloader and firmware will completely reset your phone.
- π Mi Cloud for Contacts and Notes.
- πΌοΈ Google Photos for Media Files.
- π± Titanium Backup (requires root) for applications.
β οΈ Note: If you have previously blocked a bootloader (for example, after warranty repair), unlocking can take up to 360 hours (15 days.
3. Selection of firmware MIUI 9 for Redmi Note 7 (lavender)
Official firmware MIUI 9 for Redmi Note 7 does not exist. All available builds are ports from other devices (for example, Redmi Note 5 Pro) or custom modifications. Below are proven sources and selection criteria.
Where to download:
| Source | Type of firmware | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| XDA Developers | Castomic ports | Active community, frequent updates | Registration is required, many outdated topics are |
| Telegram channels | Ports and modifications | Quick access, Russian-language chats | Risk of running into viruses or broken assemblies |
| SourceForge | Archival versions | Security (virus testing) | It is difficult to find the latest builds for lavender |
Selection criteria for firmware:
- π Build Date: Look for versions no older than 2020 (they fix critical bugs for the Snapdragon 660).
- π Region: Global or preferred EEA (European version without Chinese services).
- π§ Type: Stable (stable) instead of Developer (may contain bugs).
- π¦ Composition: Check if Google services are enabled or if they need to be installed separately.
Example of the correct file name:
miui_LAVENDERGlobal_V10.2.3.0.PFGMIXM_9.0.zipHere:
- LAVENDER β codename Redmi Note 7.
- Global is the firmware region.
- V10.2.3.0 β version MIUI (in this case, MIUI 10, but similarly for MIUI 9).
- 9.0 - Android version (in MIUI 9 will be 7.1 or 8.1).
π‘
Before downloading, check the hash of the file (MD5) This will help you avoid replacing the firmware with viruses. WinMD5Free.
Installation TWRP firmware MIUI 9
To install custom firmware, you need a custom recaveri β TWRP. The official version for the Redmi Note 7 is available on twrp.me, but it may not support outdated firmware.
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
- Download. TWRP Lavender (version 3.3.1 or later).
- Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with ADB (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
- Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then pinch the Power). + Loudness down).
- Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
Step 2: Firmware MIUI 9
- Copy the downloaded firmware (.zip) to internal memory or SD-phone.
- V TWRP run the Wipe β Advanced Wipe and mark: π§Ή Dalvik / ART Cache ποΈ System π Data π Cache
Do not touch Internal Storage or MicroSD, otherwise you will lose your firmware files.
Return to the main menu, select Install, specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.
Once completed, press Reboot System. the first run may take 10-15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right instructions, you can fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error 7 in TWRP | Incompatibility of the firmware with the device | Download another build or edit updater-script in the firmware archive |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Wrong Wipe or Broken Firmware | Repeat the Advanced Wipe and re-flash. |
| No network (IMEI missing) | Damaged modem or EFS | Restore your IMEI with QCN or SN Write Tool |
| Fastboot mode after rebooting | Boot section damaged | Please. boot.img from stock firmware through fastboot |
The most critical mistake is loss. IMEI. This is due to incorrect Wipe or firmware incompatible modem. IMEI Qualcomm requires an authorized Xiaomi account and special software (for example, QFil or Mi Flash Pro.
π‘
If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI, DO NOT attempt to restore it through unofficial services - this can block the modem forever.
How to avoid mistakes:
- π Always check. MD5 scallop.
- π Do not use Fastboot firmware (.tgz files) to install via TWRP β only.zip.
- π Do not interrupt the firmware process, even if it is stuck on 10+ minute.
6. Optimization MIUI 9 after installation
Once the firmware is successful, the system can run unstable: slow interface, overheating, fast battery drain. Here's how to fix the most common problems:
Acceleration of work:
- π Turn off animation: in Settings β For developers, install:
- ποΈ Clean the cache manually: Settings β Memory. β Clear the cache.
- π Install Greenify for hibernation of background apps.
Battery savings:
- π Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed value (~40%).
- π‘ Switch to the switch. 2G/3G (if not 4G): Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Preferred type of network.
- π Activate Power Saving Mode in Battery Settings.
Correction of bugs:
- π If the calls are not working: check the settings APN from the operator or reflash modem from the stock firmware.
- π΅ No sound in the speaker: clean the 3.5mm connector (if used) or reset the sound settings.
- π· The camera gives you an error: install Google Camera or Open Camera from APKMirror.
π‘
If after firmware no longer working navigation gestures, go to Settings β Additionally. β Buttons and gestures and select 3-button mode. Gestures in MIUI 9 are not stable on new devices.
7. How to get back to stock firmware
If the experiment is MIUI 9 You are disappointed, you can return the original firmware in two ways: via Fastboot or EDL-The first method is simpler, but it doesn't always work.
Method 1: Fastboot (if the phone is turned on)
- Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 7 (select Global or Russia region).
- Unclose the.tgz file to the folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
- Transfer your phone to fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh β Flash.
- Wait until it is completed (Green Success).
Method 2: Through EDL (if the phone doesn't turn on)
This method requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (EDL-cable or circuit contacts on the board).
Instructions for firmware through EDL
β οΈ Warning: Once you return to the stock firmware, unlock the bootloader is saved. To block it back, execute the command in fastboot: fastboot oem lock But remember: this will reset all data again!