Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners have long been accustomed to regular interface updates, but the release of the new version of the MIUI 13 shell for the popular Redmi Note 9S model has caused a lot of interest and a lot of questions in the community. This device, released in 2020, became a real hit sales thanks to the balanced characteristics and the Snapdragon 720G processor, which still provides decent performance in everyday tasks. Users rightly expect that their devices will receive not only security fixes, but also functional improvements characteristic of newer versions of Android.
Updating situation to MIUI 13 Android 12 based on Redmi Note 9S This is a controversial issue, as Xiaomi has changed its policy of supporting some mid-range devices. Unlike flagship lines, which are guaranteed to receive two or three major system updates, Note series models sometimes face delays or a limited list of regions where firmware becomes available (EEA) They may receive update packs at different times, which often causes confusion among users.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current status of the update, the technical nuances of the transition to the new shell, and alternative solutions for those who want to get a fresh interface right now. We will analyze the official data, user reviews and technical requirements so that you can make an informed decision about your device.
Official status and schedule of updates
Xiaomi has officially announced the list of devices vying for MIUI 13 and Redmi Note 9S (also known as Redmi Note 9 Pro in India) to be included, but the presence in the list does not guarantee an instant notification of the download. The exit schedule depends on many factors, including certification of carriers in different countries and the stability of the basic modules of the system after migrating to Android 12.
The initial updates were coming to devices in China, followed by a global adoption. The Redmi Note 9S was a turbulent process, with a closed beta for a limited number of users, then a public beta, and finally a stable build. The stable version of MIUI 13 is now available for many regions, but if you haven't received a notification, it could mean that your region or a particular device modification is still in line for a package.
β οΈ Note: The official update schedule is approximate and the Company reserves the right to suspend the distribution for a particular model if it detects critical errors affecting the system's stability.
You can manually check firmware relevance through the settings menu. Go to Settings β About the phone and click on the MIUI version logo. The system will contact the update server itself and check for a new version for your device. If the server responds that there are no updates but the news reports about the exit, you may have to wait or change the region in the settings (although the latter method is not always effective and may lead to incorrect operation of some services).
Technical requirements and compatibility of iron
The move to MIUI 13 is based on the newer version of the Android 12 operating system, which imposes certain requirements on the hardware of the smartphone. Redmi Note 9S is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor and various RAM configurations (4, 6 or 8 GB). Although the chipset is powerful enough, optimizing the code of the new shell requires a careful approach to avoid overheating and rapid battery discharge.
One of the key features of the new system is a redesigned memory management mechanism. MIUI 13 introduced algorithms that more aggressively unload background applications to save resources. For owners of versions with 4 GB of RAM, this can mean more frequent reboot of applications than in the previous versions of MIUI 12. Owners of modifications with 6 and 8 GB of RAM can notice smoother interface and animations.
Also worth considering is the amount of internal memory. Newer versions of firmware often take up more space due to advanced functionality and updated system applications. Before installing the update, it is strongly recommended to free up at least 5-7 GB of free space, which is necessary not only for unpacking archives, but also for creating temporary files during the data migration.
π‘
Before installing a major update, make a full backup of important data to the cloud or computer. Even with a regular update, the risk of losing contacts or photos is always there.
Below is a table of compatibility of various modifications of the Redmi Note 9S with the new shell:
| Model of the device | Processor | RAM | MIUI 13 status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 9S (Global) | Snapdragon 720G | 4/6 GB | Stable version |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro (India) | Snapdragon 720G | 4/6 GB | Stable version |
| Redmi Note 9 Pro Max | Snapdragon 720G | 6/8 GB | Stable version |
| Poco M2 Pro | Snapdragon 720G | 4/6 GB | Stable version |
Changes and innovations in the MIUI 13 interface
The upgrade to MIUI 13 brings not just cosmetic changes, but also a deep reworking of the user experience, and one of the major innovations is Focus Lock, which allows you to create workspaces with only the necessary applications, which is especially useful for students and people working remotely, as it helps to keep their attention focused.
The visuals have also changed, new widgets that can be combined and scaled on the home screen have emerged, and animations have become smoother and more responsive, although the Redmi Note 9S with its 60Hz screen may not be as noticeable as on high-refrequency devices, and the control center has been updated to make it more informative and user-friendly for Xiaomiβs smart home management.
- π Fraud protection: The built-in system now automatically checks incoming calls and messages for signs of phishing, marking suspicious numbers in red.
- π¨ Super wallpaper: New dynamic wallpapers that respond to touch and time of day are added, however they can consume extra battery power.
- π± Control Panel: Improved ergonomics of the notification curtain, added the ability to quickly switch between the cards of smart home devices.
The focus of the new artwork is on optimizing your photos, and the gallery has new editing tools and the ability to quickly search text in images, which work locally on the device using the power of the Snapdragon 720G neural processor, which guarantees speed even without an Internet connection.
Hidden features of MIUI 13
Problems and bugs known at the moment
Like any major update, MIUI 13 Not without flaws, especially on previous-generation devices.Redmi Note users 9S They're reporting massively increased energy consumption in the first few days after installation, and this is due to the process of indexing files and optimizing the database in the background. 3-5 days of active use of the smartphone.
Another common problem is the unstable operation of the NFC module and contactless payment. In some regions, banking applications may require re-assignment of the card or issue security errors. This is due to the update of security certificates in the new version of Android, and the solution often comes with updating the banking applications themselves.
β οΈ Warning: If you experience a constant bootloop after the update, donβt panic. Try booting up in Recovery mode and resetting to factory settings, saving the data beforehand.
There have also been periodic twitches when scrolling through contact lists or messages, a rendering optimization software error that Xiaomi promises to fix in security patches, and users are advised not to overload the widget and reduce the number of live wallpapers.
βοΈ Checklist before update
Instructions for manual installation of firmware
If automatic updates don't come, you can use the manual installation method. This requires more care, but allows you to get the latest version of the system before others. First, you need to download the current firmware file (Recovery ROM) from the official website or a proven resource. Make sure that the file is designed for your model (Redmi Note 9S, codename curtana).
Once you download a file with the.zip extension, place it in the root directory of internal memory or on a memory card. Next, go to the Settings menu β About your phone and click on the MIUI version. In the window that appears, click on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select a firmware file." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the installation.
Path to the update menu:
Settings β About Phone β (tape by MIUI logo) β Menu (3 points) β Select a firmware fileThe smartphone will restart and the installation process will begin, which can take from 5 to 15 minutes, during which time the device will show the Xiaomi logo and progress indicator, it is strictly forbidden to interrupt this process or turn off the phone, as this can damage the system partition and need to flash through the computer.
π‘
Manual installation via the update menu is a secure method that does not require unlocking the bootloader and does not erase user data if the firmware versions are compatible.
Alternatives: custom firmware and waiting for MIUI 14
For those who are not happy with the optimization of the official MIUI 13 on the Redmi Note 9S, there is always a way of custom firmware. The XDA community actively supports this model. firmware based on pure Android (AOSP) such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, run on this device much faster and smoother, although devoid of some of the branded features of Xiaomi.
Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially allowed by the company, but erases all data from the device. It can also affect the camera and some banking applications that donβt like the changed security system. However, for power users, it is a way to breathe new life into the smartphone and get the latest versions of Android.
On the other hand, many users prefer to wait for MIUI 14 or even HyperOS to come out, hoping that by then optimization for older devices will get better.The Redmi Note 9S' official support for major Android updates will likely end up on Android 12 (MIUI 13/14), so the current moment is critical for the decision to switch.
- π Productivity: Castom firmware often gives an increase in the 15-20% speed of the interface.
- π Autonomy: Pure Android typically uses less power in standby mode.
- π‘οΈ Security: Security patches in custom builds may come irregularly.