Update MIUI 13 for Xiaomi Redmi 9: official dates, installation methods and alternatives

Xiaomi Redmi 9

MIUI 13

Xiaomi

Redmi 9

It should be noted immediately that Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) was released in June 2020 with a pre-installed MIUI 11 based on Android 10.During its existence, the smartphone has received two major updates - to MIUI 12 and MIUI 12.5, but the situation with MIUI 13 remains ambiguous. Next, we will analyze all the nuances, including regional features, ways to force check updates and alternative options for those who do not want to wait.

If you're looking for a specific answer, MIUI 13 for Redmi 9 (global version) is not officially out and is unlikely to be out, but there are exceptions for specific regions and modifications (for example, Redmi 9T or the Indian version of Redmi 9 Power). To avoid wasting time, we recommend that you immediately go to the section "What to do if MIUI 13 does not come", where we describe working workarounds.

Xiaomi: Why Redmi 9 may not get MIUI 13

Xiaomi has traditionally supported its smartphones for 2-3 years from the moment of release, but for budget models this period is often shortened. Redmi 9 refers to the Redmi Number series, which is positioned as the most affordable – which means that priority is given to more expensive devices (for example, Redmi Note or POCO).

Here are the key reasons why MIUI 13 might bypass the Redmi 9:

  • πŸ“… Support expired: the smartphone was released in 2020, and MIUI 13 began to be actively distributed in 2021-2022. for budget models Xiaomi is usually limited to one major update (in this case, up to the current one). MIUI 12.5).
  • πŸ”§ Redmi 9 is equipped with a processor MediaTek Helio G80 and 2-4 GB of RAM. MIUI 13 requires more resources, especially with new features like Memory Extension or Liquid Storage.
  • 🌍 Regional differences: Global version (Redmi) 9) and Indian (Redmi) 9 Prime/9 Power may receive updates at different times or not at all.
  • πŸ“¦ Priority for new models: Xiaomi is focused on promoting Redmi 10, Note 11 and other fresh lines, so older devices are often left unattended.

However, there are nuances: For example, some users in India and Indonesia reported getting a MIUI 13 on the Redmi 9 Power (which is technically a modification of the Redmi 9T), which means that the odds depend on the specific firmware and region.

⚠️ If your Redmi 9 is purchased in Russia, Europe or China, the probability of getting a Redmi 9 is high. MIUI 13 through OTA It's going to zero. Check the model in the settings along the Settings path. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” if it is specified V12.5.x.x, Further official updates are unlikely.

Redmi 9 updates: what has already been released and when

To see if MIUI 13 is worth waiting for, let’s look at what updates Redmi 9 has received and how often it has been updated.

MIUI versionAndroid versionRelease dateKey developments
MIUI 11Android 10June 2020 (preset)Basic firmware with minimal features, no optimization for the Helio G80.
MIUI 12Android 10October 2020 – January 2021New design, Super Wallpapers, improved multitasking.
MIUI 12.5Android 11May - August 2021Optimization of performance, reduction of RAM consumption, new gestures.
MIUI 12.5 EnhancedAndroid 11November 2021 – March 2022Bug fix, improve autonomy, Atomic Memory.

As you can see from the chart, Redmi 9 received updates at intervals of about 6-9 months, and the last major update (MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) came out more than two years ago - a serious signal that support for the device is over.

Interestingly, some users in Turkey and Brazil claimed to have seen MIUI 13 on the list of available updates, but after the installation, the system was unstable (for example, there were problems with Google Play Services), which may indicate test builds that accidentally leaked to the public.

πŸ“Š Your Redmi 9 region of purchase?
Russia/CIS
Europe
India
China
South-East Asia
Other

How to Check for a MIUI 13 Update Manually

Before you draw conclusions, make sure that the update is indeed unavailable. Here is a step-by-step guide to force-checking updates:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Slip on the item System Update (or MIUI version in global firmware).
  3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (or Download latest package).
  4. If there is a notification No updates, then MIUI 13 is not officially released for your model.

If the system offers to download a package, check its version carefully! Sometimes Xiaomi disguises small patches as "major updates." For example, instead of MIUI 13, you may be offered MIUI 12.5.8.0 with security fixes.

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%|Connect to Wi-Fi (updates weigh 1.5-2.5 GB)|Free up 3-4 GB of memory|Shut down. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->

⚠️ Note: Some users try to trick the system by changing the region of the device through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ This won't work for getting MIUI 13, but may cause a disruption to Google or Mi Account services.

If you see a message after checking for updates that says your version is up to date but you are sure that MIUI 13 should be available for your region, try the following steps:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and check for updates again.
  • πŸ“Ά Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block Xiaomi servers).
  • πŸ•’ Try checking the update at other times of the day (Xiaomi servers sometimes restrict traffic during peak hours).

What to do if MIUI 13 does not come: 4 working options

If there is no official update, don’t despair – there are several ways to get fresh firmware or improve the current one:

1. Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience)

This is the most radical, but also the most effective way. Castom firmware not only updates the Android version, but also removes unnecessary bloatware from Xiaomi.

  • πŸ“± LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - stable firmware with a minimalist interface.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 13) – a simulation of pure Android from Google Pixel.
  • ⚑ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and functionality.

⚠️ Important: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and can result in loss of warranty. Detailed instructions for Redmi 9 can be found on the forum XDA Developers or in our guide "How to flash Redmi 9 through the TWRP».

2.Switch to MIUI 13 via ported firmware

Some enthusiasts are adapting official MIUI 13 firmware for unsupported devices, for example, the firmware from Redmi 9T (which received MIUI 13) can run on Redmi 9 with minimal bugs.

Where to look:

  • πŸ”— Forum 4PDA (Xiaomi Redmi 9 section).
  • πŸ”— Telegram channels, like, @miuiru or @xiaomifirmware.

⚠️ Note: Ported firmware often contains bugs with camera, sensors or mobile communications.Be sure to check other users' reviews before installing!

3. Optimization of current MIUI 12.5

If you are not principled version of the firmware, and important speed, try the following tricks:

  • 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • 🚫 Disable unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) via Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management.
  • πŸ”‹ Activate Battery Mode and Performance β†’ Ultraeconomic regime.

4.Buying a new smartphone

If Redmi 9 is no longer up to date, it may be time to consider upgrading Budget alternatives with MIUI 14 support:

  • πŸ“± Redmi 12, from 15,000 β‚½) β€” Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, MIUI 14 out of the box.
  • πŸ“± POCO M6 Pro (from 18,000) β‚½) β€” Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, 120Hz screen.
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 12 (from 20,000) β‚½) β€” Amoled screen, Android 13.

πŸ’‘

Before buying a new smartphone, check the Xiaomi website for devices with guaranteed support for MIUI 14/15. For example, the Redmi Note 13 has already been confirmed for Android 15 upgrade.

The Risks of Forced Upgrade: What Could Go Wrong

Many users are trying to install MIUI 13 without waiting for the official update, which can cause the following problems:

  • πŸ”΄ Brick of the device: Incorrectly stitched boot.img Or a vendor can make a phone a brickΒ».
  • πŸ“΅ Loss of loss IMEI: When installing firmware from another model (for example, Redmi). 9T) fly off IMEI, What's taking away your mobile phone.
  • πŸ”’ Blocking Mi Account: Xiaomi can block the account for using unofficial software.
  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption: Ported firmware often not optimized for Helio G80, heat-producing.

Example of the case: user with a nickname @Alex_9T forum 4PDA fixed MIUI 13 from Redmi 9 Power to your Redmi 9. As a result, they stopped working:

  • πŸ“· Main camera (camera app gave an error) 0xA00F4244).
  • 🎧 3.5mm connector (sound only went through Bluetooth).
  • πŸ“‘ Mobile Internet (LTE netless).

The only way to restore the service was to reset the entire system and return to MIUI 12.5.

How to avoid losing IMEI when you are running a firmware?
1. Write down your IMEI before the firmware (type *#06# in your phone). 2. Only use firmware compatible with your model (lancelot for Redmi 9). 3. Don't erase the nvram or nvdata partition in TWRP - it stores the IMEI data. 4. If the IMEI flew, restore it via Maui META or SN Write Tool (requires PC and cable).

Redmi 9: Should we wait for MIUI 14 or Android 13?

Given that MIUI 13 never came out for most versions of Redmi 9, the odds of MIUI 14 or Android 13 are all but zero.

  • πŸ“‰ End of Support: Xiaomi doesn’t usually release more than two major updates for budget models.
  • πŸ”§ Resource shortage: Android 13 requires a minimum of 3 GB of RAM for stable operation, and Redmi 9 in the base version has only 2 GB.
  • πŸ“¦ Focus on new devices: Xiaomi has already announced HyperOS (successor) MIUI), So the old firmware is no longer evolving.

The only real chance is unofficial ports from the community.For example, XDA Developers already has Android 13 test builds for Redmi 9, but they are only suitable for power users.

If you are critically interested in getting a fresh version of Android, consider the following options:

  1. Buying a supported smartphone (e.g. Redmi Note 12)
  2. Installation of Generic System Image (GSI) via Project Treble.
  3. Use MIUI Mix - modified firmware with functions from new versions.

πŸ’‘

If your Redmi 9 is working on MIUI 12.5 and suits the speed, there is no point in risking firmware, it is better to wait for the promotion and buy a new smartphone with official support MIUI 14+.

Frequent questions about MIUI 13 for Redmi 9

❓ My Redmi 9 is showing an update to the MIUI 13, but nothing changes after installation?
You may have received a false update (called a β€œfake update”). Xiaomi sometimes sends out small patches disguised as major versions. Check the real version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About Phone. If it’s still MIUI 12.5.x.x, then the update was cosmetic. To avoid this in the future, compare the build number before and after installation. For example, switching from V12.5.4.0.RJCMIXM to V12.5.6.0.RJCMIXM is not MIUI 13, but just a security patch.
❓ Can we determine MIUI 13 via Fastboot?
Technically, yes, but only if there's an official firmware for your model. 9 (There is no such firmware, so try to flash MIUI 13 from another model (e.g. Redmi) 9T) lead to: πŸ”΄ Loss of communication (will not work) LTE/3G). πŸ“· A broken cell. πŸ”‹ If you want to try it, download the firmware from Xiaomi’s official website and check its compatibility using the Mi Flash Tool.
❓ Why India MIUI 13 out, but not in Russia?
This is due to Xiaomi’s regional policy: In India and some Asian countries, the Redmi 9 was sold under different names (Redmi 9 Prime, Redmi 9 Power), and for these models, the MIUI 13 did come out. The global version (Redmi 9 with the lancelot code) received only MIUI 12.5. In addition, in India, Xiaomi competes with Realme and Samsung, so it more often releases updates for the local market. In Russia and Europe, the Redmi Note and POCO models are given priority.
❓ Should we wait? MIUI 14 on Redmi 9?
No, MIUI 14 will not officially be released for Redmi 9. This model is not on the list of supported devices on the Xiaomi website, MIUI 14 requires Android 12+, Redmi 9 got Android 11 at the most if you need features from MIUI 14 (like Large Folders or Pet & Plant Widgets), consider: πŸ“² Launcher installation MIUI 14 Launcher (available on APKMirror). πŸ”„ Switching to custom firmware with similar features (for example, Flyme) OS or ColorOS ports).
❓ How to roll back with MIUI 13 back to MIUI 12.5 if the firmware is not operating smoothly?
To roll back, follow the following steps: Download the official firmware MIUI 12.5 for Redmi 9 From Xiaomi (select the Stable version for your region). Unclick the file and put it in a folder downloaded_rom Go to Settings on your phone. β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system β†’ Three points. β†’ Select the service pack. Select the downloaded file and wait until the process is complete. If the system does not allow you to roll back (produces a Can't downgrade error), you will have to use Fastboot: fastboot flash boot. boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot reboot ⚠️ Before rolling back, make a data backup through TWRP Mi Mover!