How to Install Pixel Experience on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S: A Complete Guide with Nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (codename curtana) is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its standard MIUI firmware is not everyone’s favorite. If you dream of a clean Android with the performance of Google Pixel, the Pixel Experience is the perfect choice. This custom firmware offers not only the current version of the OS, but all the features of the Pixel: from animations to monthly security updates.

But installing the Pixel Experience on the Redmi Note 9S is not an easy process. Everything from unlocking the bootloader correctly to choosing a compatible build is important. In this article, we’ll break down the unique nuances of firmware specifically for the curtana model, including bypassing common bugs (like hanging on the Mi logo or problems with the NFC module). If you’re a beginner, don’t worry: we’ll explain every step from preparation to final setup in detail.

1. Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before the firmware

Before installing the Pixel Experience, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken: neglecting them can lead to a device being “bricked” or data loss, starting with the most important thing: unlocking the bootloader.

Xiaomi has a feature: the bootloader is locked by default, and it requires official permission through the Mi Account. This process can take up to 7 days (sometimes longer), so start ahead of time.

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi Note 9S chargeable%
• 🖥️ Windows computer (or Linux/macOS fastboot-enabled)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
• 🔑 Mi Account linked to the device (required!
• 📁 Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest version from the official website)

Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased. Backup photos, contacts and apps in advance via Settings → Google → Backup or manually.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 9S In the secondary market, make sure that the previous owner unblocks his Mi Account! otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without his data.

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

The unlock process on the Redmi Note 9S consists of two steps: linking the Mi Account to the device and directly unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at this stage can block the ability to unlock for several months.

Step 1: Activate Developer Mode and Enable OEM-unlock:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Turn on the switches. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Step 2: Link your Mi Account to your device:

• In the same menu for developers, find the Mi Unlock Status item.
• Click Add Account and Device and log in.
• Wait for the message of successful binding (can take up to 24 hours!).

Step 3: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool:

Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to log in to Fastboot

Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool

Sign in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.

Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually) 10-15 minute)-->

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing a custom recaveri.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error with the code 86006 or 86012, then you haven't waited long enough for the account to be linked. Wait another 3-7 days and try again.

3. Installing TWRP Recovery: Why it's necessary

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery that allows you to install informal firmware, make backups and restore the system. For the Redmi Note 9S, there is a special version of TWRP adapted for curtana.

Download the current version of TWRP for curtana from the official website: twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomiredminote9s.html.

Note: files with the extension.img - for temporary download,.zip - for permanent installation.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the twrp-3.x.x-x-curtana.img file and rename it to recovery.img and put it in the folder from fastboot.
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol Down to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Once completed, type: fastboot boot recovery.img This will temporarily boot TWRP without permanent installation (in case of errors).

In TWRP, you'll be asked to allow changes to the system -- swipe to Allow Modifications. Now the Recovery is ready to install the Pixel Experience.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI For the Redmi Note 9S autorecord TWRP Reloading the standard recaps, so to avoid that, right after installation. TWRP Go to Advanced. → Flash Current TWRP.

Pixel Experience: Which is Best for the Redmi Note 9S?

The Pixel Experience project offers multiple firmware branches, and not all of them work equally well on curtana. Here are the current options for 2026:

For the Redmi Note 9S We recommend Pixel Experience Plus based on Android 14 — It offers the best balance between performance and functionality: download.pixelexperience.org/curtana.

Look for files marked curtana and the.zip extension.

Before downloading, check the build date – current versions are released every 1-2 months. Avoid “unofficial” builds from third parties: they may contain malicious code or be unstable.

5. Install Pixel Experience via TWRP

Now, to the most critical stage, installing the firmware, follow the instructions carefully, as errors here can lead to a "soft breeze" (cyclic reboot).

Step 1: Preparing for TWRP:

• Downloaded firmware file (PixelExperience_plus_curtana-14.x.x-xxxx-OFFICIAL.zip) Put it on a microSD card or in the phone’s internal memory.
• In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
• Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Cache.
• Swipe to Wipe (Swipe to Wipe) with your finger.

Step 2: Install the firmware:

• Go back to the main TWRP menu and select Install.
• Find the firmware file and confirm the installation (Swipe to Confirm Flash).
• Wait until the end (usually 5-10 minutes).
• 🔄 Important! Immediately after installing the firmware, go back to Install and select the file. PixelExperience_plus_curtana-14.x.x-xxxx-OFFICIAL.zip This is necessary for the proper installation of vendor modules.

Step 3: First download:

• After completion, press Reboot System.
• The first run can take up to 15 minutes – don’t interrupt the process!
• If the phone has been stuck on the Google logo for more than 20 minutes, it means that there has been an error (see the "Problem Solving" section).

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After installing Pixel Experience, do not update your firmware through OTA! This can cause data loss. All updates are installed only through TWRP.

6. Set up Pixel Experience and Solve Typical Problems

Once you have successfully downloaded, you will be met by a Google Pixel-like initial setup wizard, where you can set up your Google account, fingerprint and other settings immediately, but there are a few nuances specific to the Redmi Note 9S:

• 📶 Mobile network: If there is no signal after firmware, check the settings APN In Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Additionally. → Access points (APN). Often helps reset network settings.
• 🔋 Battery: In the first 2-3 There may be an increased charge consumption during the day, which is normal because the system calibrates the battery, and after a week, the battery will return to normal.
• 🎧 Sound: If the speaker is quiet, check the settings → Sound. → Sound quality and turn off Adaptive sound.
• 📱 NFC: On some assemblies. NFC The solution is to patch it. NFC Fix for curtana via Magisk (see below).

If you are experiencing a cyclic bootloop, try the following steps:

1. Download to TWRP (Power + Vol Up)
2. Run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
3. Re-install the Pixel Experience firmware.

To install Magisk (required for root rights and modules):

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
2. In TWRP, install Magisk-vxx.x.zip as a regular zip file.
3. Reboot. You can then install modules (like NFC Fix).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 9S Pixel Experience may not work with Widevine L1 (You need to watch Netflix in Full HD). To return L1, Install the Widevine module L1 Fix via Magisk.

7.Update Pixel Experience and return to MIUI

One of the benefits of the Pixel Experience is that it's a regular security update, but you have to update it properly so you don't lose data.

• 🔄 Through OTA: If an update notification comes, don't install it directly! download the update file, reboot to TWRP and install the zip file manually.
• 📥 Through site: Periodically check the download page for new builds. Update only to official versions!
• 🔙 Retracement MIUI: If you want to go back to standard firmware, download Fastboot-ROM for curtana from Xiaomi and run through the Mi Flash Tool (clean all mode).

Always backup your data in TWRP (Backup → Select Partitions → System/Data/Boot) before upgrading.

If the phone doesn’t boot after the update, try:

• Delete /data/system/gesture.key file via TWRP File Manager (helps when you hang on the screensaver).
• Install an older firmware version (if the new one is “raw”).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Pixel Experience on Redmi Note 9S