Introduction: Relevance of updates for Redmi Note 9S in 2026
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S, released in April 2020, remains one of the companyβs most popular budget smartphones. Despite the fact that the model is no longer the flagship, it continues to receive security updates and, sometimes, new versions of MIUI. However, with the release of MIUI 14 and the transition of Xiaomi to HyperOS, users have many questions: whether to wait for new firmware, how to install them correctly and what to do if the update βhangsβ.
In this article, weβll look at when to expect the next update for the Redmi Note 9S, how to check its availability manually, and what to do if your smartphone βcanβt seeβ fresh firmware, and weβll analyze Xiaomiβs policy on supporting older devices and give recommendations on alternative upgrades, from official betas to custom firmware.
It is important to understand that Redmi Note 9S (codename curtana) refers to a series of devices that Xiaomi is gradually moving to advanced security support β which means that global MIUI updates may stop, but security patches will be released for another 1-2 years.
Xiaomi: How Long Will Support for the Redmi Note 9S Last?
Xiaomi has a clear update policy that depends on the series of devices and the region of sales. 9S The following rules apply:
- π Main updates MIUI: The model has received the latest stable version. MIUI 13 (based on Android 12) and will not be included in the list of devices for MIUI 14 or HyperOS.This is confirmed by official Xiaomi sources.
- π Security updates: will be released monthly or quarterly until the end of 2026 β mid-2026 (depending on the region.
- π Regional differences: India and China may be getting more updates than the global version (EEA/Russia). For example, Indian firmware sometimes receives patches on the 1β2 month.
To find out which version of MIUI is installed on your device, go to Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version. If you see MIUI version 13.0.15.0 or higher, this is the latest stable firmware for the Redmi Note 9S. All subsequent updates will be security patches only.
β οΈ Note: If your smartphone is running on version MIUI below 13.0.10.0, we recommend manually update via Settings β Update: Older versions may contain vulnerabilities that are not patched.
How to check for updates manually?
Many users complain that updates don't come automatically, often due to regional settings or delays on Xiaomi servers, to force the firmware to check:
- Open Settings β About the phone β System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if there is no such option, tap the download icon in the center of the screen).
- If the update is available, the system will prompt you to download it, and if not, the message "No updates found" will appear.
If the update is not available, try the following steps:
- π Change the region: in the settings SIM-Select India (updates are available there earlier).
- πΆ Use it. VPN: Connect to servers in India or Singapore via an app like ProtonVPN.
- ποΈ Clear the cache: go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Updating the system β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
Backup data | Charge your phone at least 50% | Connect to Wi-Fi |Free 2β3 GB of storage | Disable VPN (if it didnβt help)
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If you haven't had the update after all the manipulations, you may not have received the firmware yet, and you can try installing it manually through Recovery or Fastboot, which we'll talk about in the next section.
Installing updates manually: step-by-step instructions
If the automatic update doesn't work, you can install the firmware yourself.
- π± Smartphone Redmi Note 9S chargeable%.
- π» Computer (for Fastboot method) or enough memory on the phone (for Recovery).
- π Official firmware from the site MIUI Download (select the version for curtana).
Method 1: Recovery (easier, but not always working)
- Download a firmware file with the.zip extension (for example, miui_CURTANAGlobal_V13.0.15.0.SJWMIXM.zip).
- Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the phoneβs root folder.
- Go to Settings β System Update β Three Dots β Select a firmware file.
- Select the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
Method 2: Fastboot (more reliable but requires PC)
- Download Mi Flash Tool and firmware in.tgz format.
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols.
- Turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC, open the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.
β οΈ Attention: Installing firmware via Fastboot will reset all data on your phone! pre-backup through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
What to do if the firmware is not installed?
Alternative Firmware: Should I Move to Caste?
If the official updates for the Redmi Note 9S are no longer coming out, many users are considering installing custom firmware, such as:
- π€ LineageOS β pure Android without MIUI, but with limited camera support.
- β‘ Pixel Experience β Google Pixelβs interface firmware optimized for performance.
- π ArrowOS β Balance between Stability and New Features.
- π± MIUI EU β European MIUI without Bloatware (extra applications).
Advantages of custom firmware:
- β More recent versions of Android (up to Android 13-14).
- β Lack of advertising and unnecessary Xiaomi apps.
- β Ability to fine-tune the interface.
Disadvantages:
- β Loss of the official guarantee if it is still valid).
- β Possible bugs with camera, sensors or mobile communications.
- β The need to unlock the bootloader (will delete all data).
If you decide to use custom firmware, we recommend using OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP for installation. Detailed instructions can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums (look for curtana themes).
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Before installing custom firmware, check user reviews on thematic forums. Pay attention to the work of the main camera (Samsung GW1 48 MP module) - it often breaks on unofficial builds.
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
Even official updates sometimes cause problems, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone will not turn on after the update | Failure to install firmware | Press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds for a forced reboot. If it doesn't work, reflash through Fastboot. |
| The battery goes down fast. | Optimizing MIUI after the update | Go to Settings β Battery β Battery settings β Reset statistics and restart the phone. |
| The mobile network is not working | Resetting IMEI settings | Check it out. IMEI *#06# If it is missing, restore it through QCN-file (instructions for 4PDA). |
| Apps fly out | Incompatible with the new version of MIUI | Clear the app cache in Settings β Apps β Application Management. |
If the phone starts to slow down after the update, try:
- Clear the system cache through Recovery (Wipe β Cache).
- Disable animation in Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β Stick it. 7 once" β Allow debugging β Insert "Debugging by USB", then enter ADB: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.5
- Reset the settings to factory (last option).
What to do if the updates are no longer available?
If Xiaomi completely stops supporting the Redmi Note 9S, you have a few options:
- π Manual security update: Even after official support ends, enthusiasts often port patches to older devices. 4PDA or XDA.
- π‘οΈ Installing an alternative launcher: for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair can refresh the interface without firmware.
- π± Buying a new smartphone: If you are interested in updates, consider the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12. POCO X5, which will receive support until 2026-2027.
- π§ Optimizing your current system: Disable unnecessary services MIUI through settings β Permits β Autostart and use Greenify to save battery.
If you decide to stay on the Redmi Note 9S, we recommend:
- Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Use an ad blocker (e.g. Blokada) to filter MIUI trackers.
- Regularly check the privacy settings in Settings β Privacy.
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Even without official updates, the Redmi Note 9S remains a workable device for basic tasks, the main thing is to monitor security and not install applications from unverified sources.