Owners of the Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) have been waiting for an official update to Android 13 or even Android 14 for several years. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2019 and officially supported only until MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11, enthusiasts continue to look for ways to extend the life of the device.
Xiaomi’s official statement on support for the Mi 9T in 2026 (spoiler: none, but there are nuances).
Alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid), which allows you to upgrade to current versions of Android.
Step-by-step instructions for installing custom firmware, taking into account risks and preparation.
Frequent issues after an update and how to solve them (from freezes to loss of IMEI).
If you are still using the Xiaomi Mi 9T as your main smartphone or are planning to revive it, this article will help you make an informed decision about the feasibility of the upgrade.
Xiaomi Mi 9T Update: What the Company Says
According to Xiaomi’s support policy, the Mi 9 series (including the Mi 9T) received 2 major Android updates:
- 📱 Android 10 (MIUI 11) - released in 2020.
- 📱 Android 11 (MIUI 12.5) – the last official update released in 2021 Q3.
The model was removed from the list of supported devices, and only V12.5.8.0.RFJMIXM (Android 11) is available on the official MIUI website for the Mi 9T (codenamed davinci).
⚠️ Warning: Any reports of "soon release of Android" 12/13 for Mi 9T" Xiaomi has not commented on the possibility of expanding support for older models, even despite active user petitions.
Alternative firmware: what options are available Mi 9T in 2026
If there are no official updates, custom firmware remains. For Xiaomi Mi 9T (codename davinci) are actively developed:
| Firmware | Android version | Status (2026) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | 13, 14 (informal) | 🟢 Stable. | Minimalist interface, frequent security updates |
| Pixel Experience | 13, 14 | 🟡 Beta versions | Pure Android with chips from Google Pixel |
| crDroid | 13 | 🟢 Stable. | Balance between productivity and customization |
| ArrowOS | 13 | 🟡 Irregular updates | Maximum proximity to Android stock |
🔹 Important: All custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader and installing through TWRP. This cancels the warranty (if it was still in effect) and carries the risk of “bricking” the device.
What is "bricking"?
Before installation, check:
Is the bootloader unlocked (unlocked status in Fastboot) |
Is the firmware downloaded for your model (davinci for Mi 9T, raphael for K20 Pro) |
Is a backup made (including the EFS folder with IMEI) |
Is the battery charged at least 60 times%|
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Step-by-step: how to upgrade Xiaomi Mi 9T to Android 13/14
The process of installing custom firmware consists of 5 key steps. If you have never flashed a smartphone before, we recommend contacting experienced users or service centers.
🔹 Step 1: Unlocking the loader
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock status.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect to your PC and follow the program instructions (it may take 72 to 168 hours to unlock).
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device, including internal memory, will be reset, as will some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine). L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.
🔹 Step 2: Installation TWRP
For Mi. 9T recommended TWRP 3.7.0_9-0-davinci (Download an.img file and run through the Fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img🔹 Step 3: Custom software firmware
In TWRP, do:
- Wipe → Advanced Wipe (mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Install firmware (e.g. lineage-20.0-20260315-UNOFFICIAL-davinci.zip).
- Sweep through GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root rights).
- Reboot (Reboot → System)
💡
If you've had your smartphone hang on the logo for more than 10 minutes after you've done it, don't panic. Try squeezing Power + Volume up for 15 seconds for a forced reboot. If that doesn't work, repeat the firmware with a full wipe.
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
Even with a successful custom firmware installation, Mi 9T users are faced with typical bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 📶 No network (IMEI missing: Restore the folder EFS from the backup or flash the original modem through Fastboot (fastboot flash modem) NON-HLOS.bin).
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off AOD (Always On Display and check the background processes in Settings → Battery.
- 🎵 No speaker sound: Install the Audio Fix for Davinci patch (available on the forum) XDA Developers).
- 📸 Camera Error: Sweat the correct vendor or use alternative applications (e.g. GCam).
🔹 Critical error: If after firmware the smartphone stopped turning on and does not react to the Fastboot, the bootloader may be damaged. EDL-Regime (requires an authorized Mi Authorized Account).
💡
Before installing any custom firmware, check reviews on XDA Developers or 4PDA for the past 2-3 months. Even stable builds can contain critical bugs for specific regions (for example, LTE problems in Russia).
Should you update Xiaomi Mi 9T in 2026: pros and cons
Before you spend time on firmware, evaluate the feasibility:
| The benefits of updating | Cons of updating |
|---|---|
| ✅ New features of Android 13/14 (App Pairs, improved notifications) | ❌ The risk of loss of warranty (if it is still in effect) |
| ✅ More recent security fixes (relevant for banking applications) | ❌ Possible iron bugs (camera, speakers, sensors) |
| ✅ Improved performance (optimization in new versions of Android) | ❌ Difficulty rolling back MIUI (requires a full wipe) |
| ✅ Support for new apps (some games/services require Android 12)+) | ❌ Loss of some Xiaomi features (such as Game Turbo) |
🔹 Alternative: If you only need some of the new Android features (like Digital Wellbeing or Dark Mode), consider installing a launcher (like Nova Launcher) or Magisk modules without full firmware.
Where to download firmware and tools for Xiaomi Mi 9T
Official and verified sources:
- 🌐 Official firmware MIUI: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload (Choose Davinci for Mi 9T).
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: XDA Developers or 4PDA (dermi K20 / Mi 9T).
- 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool: https://en.miui.com/unlock (Xiaomi account required).
- 📥 TWRP davinci: https://twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomimi9t.html.
⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from torrent trackers or unknown sites. there is a high risk of getting malware or firmware with backdoors preinstalled.