Users of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro smartphone are looking forward to a major update that will bring not only a new shell, but also a fresh version of the operating system. The question of when Android 12 will be released on this device has become one of the most discussed in the profile communities.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro (also known as the Redmi Note 9S in some regions) has been updated in several stages, depending on the device’s regional binding. The global firmware version usually receives late updates relative to the Chinese market. The official stable version of MIUI 13 based on Android 12 for the global market began to spread in the first quarter of 2022, but the process is still in waves.
It’s important for device owners to understand the difference between betas that enthusiasts have tested and the final release.If you haven’t received a notification yet, it doesn’t mean your phone is out of support. Xiaomi developers often use a phased mailing method to avoid massive server crashes and identify critical bugs early on.
Official status and schedule of updates
The official release schedule of Android 12 for Redmi Note 9 Pro was announced by Xiaomi as part of the presentation of the shell MIUI The first devices were originally scheduled to receive an update at the end of 2021, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro is in the second wave of updates. 720G new architecture.
The Chinese version of the device received an update well before its global counterparts, with a time difference of two to four months, a policy that allows the company to address critical bugs identified in the domestic market before releasing firmware for the rest of the world, so users of global versions (Global ROM) had to be patient.
The stable version is now available in most regions, but if you own a regional firmware device (e.g. Russia, Europe, or India), the timing may have shifted depending on the certification of carriers and local regulators.
- 📅 China: First Beta Tests Begin in November 2021, Stable Version in December 2021.
- 🌍 Global version (Global): Pilot versions in January 2022, mass distribution - March-April 2022.
- 🇮🇳 India: Separate cycle of updates, start – February 2022.
- 🇷🇺 Russia/CIS: Certificate versions with localized services – March 2022.
⚠️ Note: If your device is unlocked (bootloader unlocked), you may not receive updates over the air (OTA). In this case, you will need to manually install firmware through Recovery.
Android 12 features on the Redmi Note 9 Pro
The move to Android 12 brought the Redmi Note 9 Pro with the Material You design concept. It's not just cosmetic changes, but a deep integration of color schemes into system elements. The MIUI 13 shell, based on the new OS, became lighter and more optimized, which has positively affected the autonomy of the device.
One of the key features is improved privacy, with the Redmi Note 9 Pro adding a Privacy Indicator that signals when a microphone or camera is active, and the ability to send approximate locations to applications that do not need accurate access to GPS, an important step to protect user privacy.
The new version of ART has improved application launch and overall responsiveness. Although the Redmi Note 9 Pro was released in 2020, it does a decent job with the new OS thanks to efficient memory management in MIUI 13.
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Before installing a major update, be sure to back up important data via Mi Cloud or Google Drive, as the process can take considerable time and theoretically could result in data loss if a crash occurs.
Visual changes have also been made to the control panel, which is more informative, with larger switches and quick brightness and volume adjustments, and the animations of the transitions between the windows are smoother, which makes it feel more expensive.
Comparison of MIUI versions: Global, Chinese and Indian
Xiaomi owners often face confusion in firmware versions. There are several build types for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, and it is important to understand their differences so as not to install inappropriate software. The Global version is the most stable for users outside of China.
Chinese version (China) ROM) receives updates first and contains features tailored to the local market, such as specific services and no Google Play default (although these can be installed). ROM) often has optimizations for local networks and pre-installed applications of popular services in the region.
| Parameter | Global ROM | China ROM | India ROM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | Android 12 | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Google Services | Pre-installed | Require installation | Pre-installed |
| Advertising in the system | Minimum. | Present. | Present. |
| Frequency of updates | With a delay. | First. | Medium |
When choosing firmware for manual installation, always check the region of the device. Flashing the global version to Chinese or vice versa without changing the region in the settings (Region) can lead to blocking the update or incorrect operation of certain functions, such as Mi Pay or themes.
Instructions for manual installation of updates
If the automatic update doesn’t come, you can speed up the process by manually checking for the new version. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI logo. However, if it’s empty, you’ll need to use a special menu.
There's a hidden menu for selecting a firmware file, and to get into it, you have to click on the shell version three times in the About menu, and then you'll see a three-dot menu in the top right corner, and you'll click on it and you'll be able to select "Select a firmware file."
The firmware file should have a.zip extension and weigh about 2-3 GB. Do not confuse the version for Recovery and Fastboot - to update through the phone menu, you need Recovery ROM. After selecting the file, the phone will restart and begin the installation process, which can take 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the installation process or turn off the phone until the progress scale reaches 100% and the device restarts on its own.
Typical problems after the update and their solution
Like any major update, the upgrade to Android 12 and MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 9 Pro can be accompanied by a number of issues. Users often report increased battery consumption in the first days after installation. This is normal: the system takes time (usually 2-3 days) to re-index files and optimize background processes.
Another common problem is heating the case while charging or using navigation, which is mostly solved by cleaning the app cache and removing unused software, and checking if any apps are stuck in the background is also recommended.
- 🔋 Fast discharge: Turn off animations and check battery usage statistics.
- 📶 Wi-Fi problems: Reset network settings through Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi reset.
- 📸 Camera Lags: Clear the Camera app data from the app menu.
If the problems persist for a long time, you may need to reset completely to factory settings (Wipe Data).Be sure to save all the important data before that, as it will be deleted.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have collected answers to the most popular questions that arise from owners of Redmi Note 9 Pro in the context of upgrading to Android 12.