Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its owners have been waiting for a few years for an official update to MIUI 13. Unlike flagship models, budget devices often get new versions of the firmware with a delay - or do not get at all. This article will examine whether to expect MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026, what alternatives exist and how to safely upgrade if official support is terminated.
Note: Xiaomi officially ended support for the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2022, releasing the latest stable version of MIUI 12.5. However, this does not mean that the owners of the device were left without options. In this article, you will find up-to-date information about custom firmware, unofficial ports of MIUI 13, as well as step-by-step instructions for those who are willing to take risks for new features.
Why Redmi Note 9 Pro won’t get MIUI 13
Xiaomi has a clear policy of updates: budget models (Redmi Note series) receive 2 major MIUI updates since release. Redmi Note 9 Pro debuted in 2020 with MIUI 11 based on Android 10, then updated to MIUI 12.5 (Android 11) - and this official support ended.
- 📅 Support Term: 2 Years of Major Updates – Standard for Xiaomi Budget Smartphones.
- 🔧 Hardware Restrictions: Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor 720G 4GB of RAM not optimized for new features MIUI 13 (e.g. Liquid Storage or Atomized Memory).
- 📱 Previous articleFlagship priority: Xiaomi focuses on updating Mi models 11/12, Redmi K50 newer.
- 🔄 The transition to HyperOS: from 2026, Xiaomi replaces MIUI HyperOS, which makes it unlikely to release MIUI 13 even for older devices.
The table below is the update chronology for the Redmi Note 9 Pro:
| MIUI version | Android version | Release date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 11 | Android 10 | March 2020 | The original firmware |
| MIUI 12 | Android 10 | August 2020 | First major update |
| MIUI 12.5 | Android 11 | June 2021 | Last official update |
| MIUI 13 | Android 12 | — | Not released. |
⚠️ Attention: On forums and in Telegram channels periodically appear "leaks" firmware MIUI 13 for the Redmi Note 9 Pro. These are usually fake builds or unstable ports from other devices.Installation of such firmware can lead to bootloop ( looped boot) or loss of IMEI.
Alternatives to MIUI 13: custom firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro
If you are looking to upgrade your Redmi Note 9 Pro, look at the tried-and-tested custom firmware. They offer not only a fresh interface, but also advanced features that are not available in the standard. MIUI. Here's the top.-3 variant:
- 🔄 LineageOS 20 (Android 13): Minimalist firmware without bloatware, with regular security updates. Supports VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling.
- ⚡ Pixel Experience (Android 13): Google Pixel-free interface with Now Playing feature and monthly patches.
- 🛡️ ArrowOS (Android 13): Balance between performance and customization, with MicroG support for users without Google services.
Before installing custom firmware, make sure that:
Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)|Data backup (photos, contacts, SMS)|Battery charged at least for 70%|Downloaded the correct version of the firmware for the model joyeuse|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->
The installation process requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi Mi Unlock tool. Please note that after unlocking, all data will be reset and the warranty will be canceled. You can find detailed instructions on unlocking and firmware on the XDA Developers forum (section Redmi Note 9 Pro).
How to check the current version of MIUI and available updates
Before you search for MIUI 13, make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro has the latest official firmware available.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Slip the MIUI version several times until the words “You’re a developer!” appear.
- Return to the main Settings menu and select Advanced Settings → System Update.
- Click Check for updates.
If the system offers an upgrade to MIUI 12.5.XX (where XX is a regional code, for example, RU for Russia), install it. This is the last stable version for your device. If there are no updates, but you see a notification about MIUI 13, most likely it is:
- 📱 Server error: sometimes Xiaomi tests firmware on a limited number of devices.
- 🔄 Unofficial patch: Some enthusiasts are swapping update servers (risky!).
- 🤖 Fake Notification: Viruses or Fraudulent Apps Can Simulate Updates.
⚠️ Note: If the system update section has a suggestion to download MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 9 Pro, do not agree if: File size is less than 1.5 GB (full update weighs 2-3 GB). Link leads to a third-party site (official updates are downloaded via settings.
Risks and consequences of installing an unofficial MIUI 13
Despite the temptation to get new features, installing an unofficial MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro carries serious risks, and here are the most common problems users face:
| Problem. | Reason. | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Constant reboots (bootloop) | Incompatibility of the firmware core with the hardware part | Use only firmware tested on joyeuse |
| Lack of mobile network | Damaged Modules Modem or IMEI | Create a backup NVRAM before firmware |
| Overheating and fast battery discharge | Unoptimized processes in the background | Calibrate the battery after installation |
| Google services are not working | Lack of Google Mobile Services Certification | Install GApps separately (Pico version) |
If you do decide to experiment, here are the minimum requirements for a relatively safe installation:
Requirements for unofficial firmware MIUI 13
Even if all conditions are met, be prepared to:
- 📉 Decreased performance in games (due to lack of optimization for Adreno 618).
- 🔊 Sound problems (e.g., a broken microphone in calls).
- 📷 Incorrect camera operation (especially in 48 mode) MP).
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check it on hashtag forums #joyeuse_MIUI13. Pay attention to user reviews with the same device revision (e.g. Redmi Note) 9 Pro Global vs. Indian variant).
MIUI 12.5 Optimization: How to Improve the Redmi Note 9 Pro without Updating
If the risks of installing MIUI 13 are scary, but the current firmware is not working perfectly, try optimizing MIUI 12.5.
- Disable unnecessary services: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Sort by System and disable (disable) unnecessary (for example, Mi Video, Mi Music, Game Turbo).
Activate the productivity mode
Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode → “Extreme Performance”Limit background activity
Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management → Limit background activityAdd to the list energy-intensive applications (for example, Facebook, Instagram).
For advanced users, there are a few more tricks:
Hidden settings for experienced users
These measures will not replace MIUI 13, but will make the smartphone more comfortable, for example, after the MIUI Optimization is turned off, many users report a 15-20% increase in performance in benchmarks.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after the upgrade
If you risk installing unofficial MIUI 13 and Redmi Note 9 Pro stopped booting, act on the algorithm:
- Hard reboot: Press the Power Button + Volume Up for 15-20 seconds. If the Redmi logo appears, release the buttons.
- Recovery Mode: Press Power Button + Volume Up until the Recovery menu appears. Select Wipe Data → Reboot.
- Fastboot Firmware: If your phone doesn’t boot even in Recovery, connect it to your PC and run the official firmware through Mi Flash Tool: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot
⚠️ Note: If after a failed firmware Redmi Note 9 Pro does not respond to buttons and is not detected by the PC, it may be damaged EDL-In this case, you will need specialized equipment (for example, Qualcomm). HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and firmware via QFil. Contact the service center - self-repair can permanently bring the device down.
The cost of recovery in the service center Xiaomi starts from 3 000 rubles (if the problem is software). If memory is damaged (eMMC), repair can cost 8 000-12,000 rubles - in this case, it is more advisable to consider buying a new smartphone.