Many Xiaomi smartphone users dream of the clean Android interface that Google Pixel devices offer. The standard MIUI shell is rich in features but often overloaded with advertising and unnecessary services, prompting enthusiasts to look for alternatives. Installing custom firmware such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS with Pixel themes allows you to radically change the look and performance of your Redmi Note 9 Pro.
The process of replacing the operating system requires careful and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions. You get access to the latest versions of Android even on devices that have officially stopped receiving updates from the manufacturer. However, it is worthwhile to understand that interference with system partitions always carries certain risks associated with the warranty and stability of the gadget.
Before you start a modification, you need to be aware of your responsibility for your actions. Incorrect firmware can make it impossible to boot the system, although in most cases the device can be restored. This article will provide comprehensive information about the preparation, tools and step-by-step installation process to minimize possible errors and get the desired result.
Risk analysis and device preparation
The first step is to fully understand the consequences of unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi’s official warranty in most regions is cancelled immediately after unlocking the Bootloader.This means that in the event of a hardware breakdown, the service center can refuse free repairs, citing software interference.
In addition, some banking applications and services, such as Google Pay (now Google Wallet), may stop working on devices with an unlocked bootloader or a modified system partition.Although there are methods to circumvent these restrictions (for example, through Magisk and root-rights concealment modules), this requires additional technical knowledge and constant support for the relevance of methods.
⚠️ Warning: All data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted when you unlock the bootloader. Be sure to back up your contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on your computer before you start any manipulations.
Make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro has a battery charge of at least 60-70%.The firmware process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, and a sudden power outage at a critical point in system file writing can cause the device to "brickle."Use the original cable and USB 3.0 port on your computer to ensure a stable connection.
Required tools and drivers
To install the firmware successfully, you'll need to build a set of software. Without the right drivers, your computer won't see your smartphone in firmware or debugging mode. The main tool will be Google's Platform Tools package, which contains ADB and Fastboot utilities.
You will also need a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery tailored specifically for your device’s code name (curtana for the global version or curtanain for the Indian version).
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro with unlocked bootloader.
- 💻 Computer running Windows, macOS or Linux with serviceable USB-port.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable or quality analogue with data transmission support.
- 📂 Downloaded firmware file (ZIP-archive) and GApps (if not included in firmware).
Installing Qualcomm and ADB drivers often causes difficulties in the Windows operating system. If the Device Manager does not display the phone correctly, try manually updating the driver by pointing the way to the folder with drivers from the Platform Tools. For macOS and Linux, it is usually enough to simply connect the device, since the necessary drivers are built into the system.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a third-party recovery is impossible. For Xiaomi, this is an official but time-consuming process. You will need a Mi Account tied to the device and the Mi Unlock Tool utility on your computer.
Once you apply for unlock in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → 7 times on the build number → Settings for developers → Mi Unlock status), you’ll have to wait 7 to 168 hours. This is a security restriction imposed by the manufacturer, and it’s almost impossible to circumvent it legally.
When the waiting time expires, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamping the power and volume buttons when the device is turned off) and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. The utility will check the account status and, if a positive result, unlock the device, performing a data reset.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
Installation of TWRP Recovery
Once unlocked, the standard recovery is replaced with TWRP. This is a critical step, as this is the menu that will install the new operating system. Download the current twrp.img image file for your model.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer. Open the command line in the ADB/Fastboot folder and type a command to temporarily load the recovery. It's important not to reboot the phone in the usual way after that command, otherwise the standard recovery will overwrite TWRP.
fastboot boot twrp_curtna.imgIf you have a TWRP menu on your smartphone, you have a successful download. Now you need to fix it by installing it in permanent memory. In the TWRP menu itself, select Install Image at the bottom of the screen, select the recovery firmware file (if you have a zip-installer), or simply confirm the installation if you use the fastboot flash command.
A more reliable way to anchor TWRP is to use the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_curtna.imgAfter completing the command, immediately press the power and volume buttons to enter the installed Recovery. If you just reboot the system, MIUI can replace the TWRP back with the stock one.
The Pixel firmware installation process
Now, to the main stage, copy a firmware file (e.g., Pixel Experience) and, if necessary, the Google Apps package to the phone’s internal memory or to the phone’s internal memory. SD-On the menu. TWRP Go to the Wipe section and format the Dalvik partitions / ART Cache, System, Vendor and Data.
⚠️ Note: When formatting a Data partition, you will need to enter the word "yes" to confirm it.
Go back to the main menu and select Install. Find an archive with firmware and swipe, confirm the installation. It takes a few minutes. If your firmware doesn't have Google services built in, install the GApps archive immediately after, without restarting it.
| Type of firmware | Presence of GApps | Size | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Experience (Plus) | Built-in | ~1.5 GB | Tall. |
| LineageOS | No (needs a separate one) | ~800MB | Very high. |
| Evolution X | Built-in | ~1.8 GB | Medium |
| RisingOS | Built-in | ~1.6 GB | Medium |
After installing all the necessary components, press Reboot System.The first run can last up to 5-10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
Setup and initial optimization
Once you have successfully downloaded, you will see a clean Android welcome screen. Go through the standard setup procedure. Immediately check the main modules: the camera, microphone, speakers and fingerprint sensor. On custom firmware, camera drivers may work differently than in the drain.
To improve autonomy and performance, it is recommended to disable unnecessary animations in the developer menu. It is also worth installing the Magisk root access manager if you need one, but do this only after you make sure that the underlying system is stable.
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If the camera shoots worse than MIUI, try installing the Google Camera (GCam) version specially built for the Snapdragon 720G processor.
Update firmware in the future will be through the built-in System Update app (if supported by the developer) or manually through TWRP. Follow the developer channel on Telegram to stay abreast of critical security updates.
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Custom firmware gives new life to older devices, but requires regular maintenance and attention to security updates.