All updates to Xiaomi Mi 9T (Redmi K20): from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14

Introduction: Why it is important to keep up with Mi 9T updates

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in India and China) remains one of the brand’s most popular smartphones even years after its release. Launched in 2019 on the basis of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 and a retractable front camera, the device has received long support from the manufacturer — up to MIUI 14 based on Android 13. However, not all updates are equally useful: some bring new features, others — critical security fixes, and still others may even worsen performance.

In this article, we will discuss all official updates for Mi. 9T, Including the global (davinci) and Chinese (davinciin) versions, explain how to install them correctly, and warn about possible problems. MIUI 14 – the last available firmware for the model that radically changed the interface and optimization.

If you’re still on MIUI 10 or 11, you’re missing out on not only new chips, but important security patches, and custom firmware owners (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will find it helpful to compare them to the original Xiaomi software.

Chronology of updates: from MIUI 10 to MIUI 14

Xiaomi Mi 9T has received support for 4 years – a record for a mid-range smartphone. Below is a full chronology of official firmware with key changes. Note: Chinese and global versions were updated asynchronously – some features appeared first in the Redmi K20 for China, and then ported to the Mi 9T for the rest of the world.

⚠️ Attention: After MIUI 14 Official Mi Support 9T All subsequent updates (e.g., via Xiaomi Community) are either bug betas or custom firmware from third-party developers, and are not recommended to be installed without fastboot or fastboot experience. TWRP.

How to check the current version of the firmware

Before you look for updates, make sure you know the current version of the software, which will help you avoid installation errors and understand what changes are waiting for you.

1. Open the settings on your Mi 9T.
2. Scroll down and select About Phone.
3. Click on the MIUI version and the current firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.2.0(SKWMIXM)) will be displayed here.
4. For more information, tap several times on the kernel version line – this will open a menu with Android data and security patches.

The firmware code is decrypted as follows:

• 📱 Davinci is the code name for Mi 9T (global).
• 🌍 SKW — regional code (e.g, SKWMIXM — stable-string).
• 🔢 14.0.2.0 - version MIUI (major.minor.patch).

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If the About Phone section doesn't have System Update, your firmware is very outdated (probably MIUI 10), and you'll have to manually update it via Recovery or Fastboot.

Renewal methods: from automatic to manual

There are three official ways to upgrade the Xiaomi Mi 9T: by air (OTA), through Recovery, and with the Mi Flash Tool. Each has its pros and cons. Let's go through them in detail.

1. Air Update (OTA)

The easiest and safest method, but only for transitions between close versions (e.g. MIUI 12.5 to 13.0).If your firmware is very outdated (e.g. MIUI 10), OTA may not work.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, download it (wifi or mobile internet required).
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot.

2.Update via Recovery

Suitable for installing firmware that does not come via OTA (e.g., switching from MIUI 11 to 12.5) requires downloading the full service pack (.zip) from Xiaomi's official website.

Steps:

Download firmware from [the official Xiaomi website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)

Check the integrity of the file (the size must match the size indicated on the site)

Rename the file to update.zip (required!)

Copy the file into the root directory of internal memory

Disable password/fingerprint protection (at the time of the update)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

⚠️ Note: If you install firmware for another region (e.g. Chinese on global Mi) 9T), The phone can turn into a brick. Check compatibility with the device code (davinci for the global version).

Update via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

The most radical method used to recover a phone from crashes or install custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and PC with Qualcomm drivers installed.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and.tgz firmware for your model.
2. Unclose the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
5. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.

Problems after update and their solutions

Even official firmware from Xiaomi sometimes causes crashes, and here are the most common problems after the Mi 9T update and how to fix them:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: After upgrading to MIUI 12+ Many users complain about increased charge consumption. Solution: Turn off Auto Brightness and set the value manually. → Power saving mode. Remove the cache in Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📶 Network problems (4G/Wi-Fi): Especially relevant for MIUI 13/14, where the connection control algorithms have been changed. Reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset settings. Turn off Wi-Fi Assistant in Wi-Fi settings. 4G, check APN: Settings → SIM-map → Access points (APN).
• 🎵 Sound distortions in headphones: A common problem after upgrading to Android 12+ Due to changes in Qualcomm drivers APTX. Disable Developer Settings → Turn off absolute volume. Try other headphones (the problem may be in a particular model). ViPER4Android manually tune.

Critical information: If the phone gets too hot or turned off after upgrading to MIUI 14, it may be due to battery wear, the firmware is optimized for new batteries, and on older batteries (capacity < 70%) it is unstable. The solution is to replace the battery.

Reverse to previous MIUI: When it is needed

For example, many Mi 9T users complain that MIUI 14 is slower than MIUI 12.5 due to increased hardware requirements, which may require a rollback to the previous firmware.

⚠️ Note: Retreat to an earlier version MIUI erases all data from your phone (including photos and apps). Be sure to back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (e.g. MIUI 12.5) from the official website.
2. Unclose the file and place it in a folder with the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Log in to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power buttons).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option.
5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).

After the rollback:

• 🔄 The phone will reboot to the initial setting (like after purchase).
• 🔒 You may need to re-unblock the bootloader.
• 📱 Some apps (like Google Pay) may stop working because of a change in Android version.

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A rollback to MIUI 12.5 or lower after MIUI 14 may block access to some features, such as new gestures or widgets. weigh the pros and cons before the procedure.

Custom firmware for Mi 9T: an alternative to official software

If you are not satisfied with MIUI (for example, due to advertising or lack of updates), you can install custom firmware. Xiaomi Mi 9T supports:

• 🤖 LineageOS (Pure Android without unnecessary apps).
• 📱 Pixel Experience (like the Google Pixel interface).
• ⚡ ArrowOS (optimized performance).
• 🔧 Havoc-OS (maximum customization).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🚀 Higher productivity (by removing the Bloatware).
• 🆕 Regular security updates (as opposed to official security updates) MIUI).
• 🎨 Ability to fine-tune the interface.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📱 Some functions may not work, for example, IR-blaster NFC).
• 🔋 Possible problems with autonomy.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Davinci version)
3. Make a full backup of the current firmware.
4. Switch a.zip file through TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Mi updates 9T