What firmware can be installed on Xiaomi Redmi 9: official and custom options

Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codenamed Lancelot) remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release. MIUI It's not always good for users: some want to get rid of advertising, some lack features, and some just like experiments. In this article, we will analyze all available firmware for Redmi 9 - from official to custom, their features, pros and cons, as well as the nuances of installation.

It is important to understand: changing the firmware is not just an update through Settings → It's a deep-seated system intervention that can both unlock the new potential of a device and turn it into a brick if you do something wrong. So before any manipulation, be sure to read the section on risk and preparation.

We'll look at this.

📱 Official firmware from Xiaomi (stable, beta, global and Chinese versions)
🔧 Android-based cadastral firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS and others)
⚙️ Firmware with alternative shells (Flyme, ColorOS, EMUI)
⚠️ Risks and Preparation Before Installation (Backup, Unlocking the bootloader)
🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for beginners and experienced users

1. Official firmware MIUI Redmi 9: What are the best and where to download

Xiaomi offers several types of official firmware for Redmi 9, and all of them are based on the same name. MIUI — The main differences are in the region, stability and availability of additional functions.

All official firmware is divided into:

🌍 Global (Global) – for the international market, with support for Google services and without Chinese restrictions.
🇨🇳 Chinese (China) – without Google, but with additional features (e.g., advanced gestures).
🧪 Beta – Test builds for enthusiasts, updated weekly.
📦 EEA (Europe – similar to the global, but taking into account European standards.

Where do I download?

🔗 Official website: MIUI Downloads (select Redmi 9 or Lancelot codename).
🔗 The Xiaomi Community: XDA Developers (there often put firmware earlier than on the official website).
🔗 Telegram channels, for example, @miuifirmware or @xiaomifirmwareupdater.

⚠️ Warning: Installing Chinese firmware on a global version of the phone (and vice versa) can lead to loss IMEI Check compatibility before changing region!

How to distinguish global firmware from Chinese? In the phone settings go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If there is a name at the end MI (for example, V12.5.1.0.RJCMIXM), It's a global version. CN — Chinese.

📊 What official firmware do you prefer?

A stable global

Chinese with additional functions

Bat version for testing

I don't care.

2. Android-based castom firmware: pros and cons

If you're not happy with it. MIUI, You can install custom firmware, a modified version of Android that was created by enthusiasts:

🚀 Greater productivity (no extra software and advertising).
🆕 Fresh Android Versions (Even if Xiaomi no longer supports the device).
🔓 Advanced settings (e.g. management) CPU, change DPI screen).
🔄 Pure Android (without add-ons from Xiaomi).

But there are downsides:

🔋 Battery problems (some firmware is less optimized).
📶 Unstable mobile network or Wi-Fi (depending on build).
🔊 Lack of certain functions (e.g, IR-The blaster may not work).
🛠️ Installation difficulty (you need to unlock the loader, install) TWRP).

The most popular custom firmware for Redmi 9:

Firmware	Basis	Pluses	Cons	Reference
LineageOS	Pure Android (AOSP)	Stability, minimalism, long-term support	Minimum out-of-the-box functionality	lineageos.org
Pixel Experience	Android with the corporate style of Google Pixel	Pixel (Now Playing, Call Screen) features, current updates	Sometimes bugs with camera or sensors	pixelexperience.org
HavocOS	AOSP customized	Flexible interface settings, themes, gestures	Can brake on weak devices	havoc-os.com
ArrowOS	AOSP Pixel-like	Balance between performance and functionality	Fewer customizations than in HavocOS	arrowos.net

Important: To install any custom firmware on Redmi 9, you need an unlocked bootloader and custom recaveri (TWRP). Without this, you will not be able to flash the phone!

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports Project Treble and Dynamic Partitions.This ensures compatibility with the latest versions of Android and makes it easier to update.

3. Alternative shells: Flyme, ColorOS, EMUI others

If you don't like it. MIUI, But even with pure Android, you can't really inspire, you can try shell firmware from other manufacturers:

🎨 Flyme OS (Meizu – Minimalist design, handy gestures, One Mind feature for performance optimization.
🌈 ColorOS (from Oppo) – a bright interface, many themes and animations, good optimization for games.
🔄 EMUI (Huawei – Strict design, features for productivity (e.g. Multi-Screen Collaboration).
🤖 One UI (Samsung – responsive interface, good integration with Google services.

Where do you get these firmware? They're built by port build enthusiasts.

🔗 Telegram channels, for example, @PortedROMs or @MIUIPorts.
🔗 Forum 4PDA (Firmware section for Redmi 9).
🔗 Community XDA Developers (Look for themes with a tagline) [PORT]).

Warning: Port firmware often contains bugs, especially in the work:

📷 Cameras (may not work) HDR night-time).
🔋 Charging (incorrect percentage display or slow charging).
🎵 Sound (distortions in the dynamics or headphones).
📡 Mobile network (problems with 4G VoLTE).

⚠️ Note: Port firmware often requires patches to work properly. OS Redmi 9 may need to install vendor and firmware separately. MIUI. Without it, the phone won't boot!

4.Preparation for installation: unlocking the bootloader and backup

Before installing any unofficial firmware, three key steps must be taken:

Unlock the bootloader (bootloader).
Install a custom recap (TWRP)
Make a full backup of the current system.

Let's examine each stage in detail.

Unlocking of the loader

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices, and to unlock it, you need to:

Get permission from Xiaomi through the official website (linking the account to the device).
Download the Mi Unlock Tool utility and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
Wait 7-15 days (waiting time depends on Xiaomi policy).

Once unlocked, all the data on the phone will be erased, which is a security requirement.

Installation TWRP

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that allows you to install firmware, make backups and restore the system. Redmi 9 has two versions:

🔧 Official (from the team) TWRP) — Stable, but may not support the latest Android versions.
🛠️ Unofficial (from the community) – with support for new features, but possible bugs.

Download TWRP For lancelot can be on the official website or in the topic on the XDA. Installation is performed via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lancelot.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lancelot.img

Backup of the current system

Before any manipulations, make sure to make a backup copy. TWRP It's done this way:

Come on in to Backup.
Select the sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
Indicate the place of preservation (better on the SD-map OTG-accumulator).
You're starting the process.

The backup takes 10 to 30 minutes and saves all settings, apps and data, and if you fail to get the firmware, you can get the phone back to its original state.

Backup important data on PC|Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock|Download the necessary firmware and TWRP|Check the battery charge (minimum 60%)|Prepare. OTG-storage SD-map-->

5. Step-by-step instructions: how to flash Redmi 9

The firmware installation depends on the type of firmware. Let's look at two scenarios: official. MIUI custom-made.

5.1 Installation of official firmware via Fastboot

If you downloaded the firmware from the official website (file with the extension.tgz or.zip), then:

Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

This method completely erases data, but guarantees stable operation.

5.2 Installation of custom firmware via TWRP

For custom firmware, the procedure is different:

Download firmware (such as LineageOS) and GApps (if you need Google services).
Reboot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power).
Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
Install → Select a file → Swipe to Confirm.
Install GApps (if necessary).
Reboot (Reboot → System)

The first download can take 10-20 minutes – that’s normal.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone has been stuck on the Xiaomi or Android logo for more than 30 minutes after firmware, something has gone wrong.

What to do if the firmware does not stand up?

If the phone does not boot after installing the firmware, try: 1. Repeat the process with a full wip (Format Data in the Firmware). TWRP). 2. Check the firmware version (it should be compatible with your Redmi 9 model). 3. Install another version TWRP (Sometimes old builds don't work with new firmware. 4. Recover from the backup and try another firmware. If nothing helps, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., damaged memory).

6. Frequent problems after firmware and their solution

Even if you did everything right, you might have problems after you installed a new firmware, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The mobile network is not working	There is no modem or incorrect settings APN	Switch firmware from MIUI or manually add APN customized
The battery goes down fast.	Unoptimized kernel or background processes	Install the kernel with optimization or calibrate the battery through TWRP
The camera's not working.	There are no libcamera drivers or libraries	Switching a vendor from MIUI or install a patch for the camera
Phone overheats	Wrong settings CPU/GPU	Use a frequency management application (e.g. Kernel Adiutor)
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is not working.	Problems with firmware or the kernel	Switch the correct version of firmware or change firmware

If it's gone after the firmware. IMEI You can recover them using an engineering menu (#4636##) or specialized utilities (for example, a specialty utilities, SN Write Tool, but it requires skill.

Tip: If you’re a beginner, start with official firmware or stable builds of LineageOS. Experiment with port or bat versions leave it for later.

💡

Before installing any firmware, check it is compatible with your Redmi 9 model (codenamed lancelot). 9A or Redmi 9C won't fit!

7 How to return a standard firmware if something went wrong

If the phone gets worse or doesn't turn on after the experiments, you can always return the stock firmware from Xiaomi.

🔧 Fastboot firmware for your model (download on the official website).
🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
🔋 Battery charge of at least 50%.

Recovery process:

Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder on the PC.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
Wait until the phone is finished (the phone will reboot automatically).

If the phone is not identified in Fastboot, try:

Install drivers manually through Device Manager.
Use the other USB-cable.
Run the fastboot device command in the terminal to check the connection.

After the restoration of the stock firmware, the phone will be like new - with all standard settings and no root rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I install the firmware without unlocking the bootloader?

No, any unofficial firmware must be installed by unlocking the bootloader, except for official updates via Settings. → Update of the PO.

What is the best firmware for Redmi 9?

For everyday use, it is best suited: 📱 Official. MIUI Global Stable (maximum stability). 🔧 LineageOS (if you need a clean Android). 🎨 Pixel Experience (if you want an interface like Google Pixel). port firmware (Flyme, ColorOS) is often bugged, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re not bug-ready.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot. If there's Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked. If Locked isn't.

Can I use Redmi 9 without a computer?

Yes, but only official updates through Settings → Update or custom firmware through TWRP (If it is already installed, to unlock the bootloader and install TWRP computer is mandatory.

What if there is no network after the firmware?

The problem is usually the absence of modem or incorrect settings APN. Try: Switch firmware from the latest official MIUI. Manually add APN In Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN). Install a patch for the modem (if there is a firmware topic on the forum).