The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, is still one of the most popular flagships of the brand among users who appreciate performance and camera. However, every year the issue of support for the device becomes more urgent: owners want to know whether to wait for new versions of MIUI or Android, or it’s time to think about switching to a new model. In this article, we will analyze the official statements of Xiaomi, analysis of the history of updates, and give practical recommendations for installing firmware – from automatic updates to manual firmware via Fastboot.
It is important to understand that the policy of updates Xiaomi has changed several times in recent years. 3-4 Android updates, now the company has reduced the support period to 2-3 For most devices, Mi years. 9 (The code name cepheus is already beyond the standard cycle, but enthusiasts and custom firmware can extend its life. 2026 year.
Xiaomi's official update policy for Mi 9
According to the latest data from Xiaomi, the Mi 9 received its last major MIUI update in 2022, the Android 12 version of MIUI 13.
- 🚫 There will be no more releases of new versions of Android (no Android) 13/14).
- 🛡️ Security patches rarely come (once in a while) 3-6 months) and only for critical vulnerabilities.
- 🔄 Updates MIUI limited to bug fixes, no new features.
There are nuances, however: sometimes Xiaomi returns to older models with unexpected updates. In 2023, for example, some Mi 9 users in China received a security patch for June, although the device has long been withdrawn from support, due to local regulatory requirements, but does not guarantee regular updates.
Important: Even if the update comes out, it may not be available to all regions (MI 9 Global) gets updates later than Chinese (MI 9 China. You can check your version at Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
2026: What to expect for Mi 9 owners
Analyzing the history of Xiaomi and data from insiders (for example, Xiaomiui channel on Telegram), we can distinguish several scenarios:
| Type of update | The probability is 2026. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Android 13/14 | 1% | It's not officially planned, maybe only through custom firmware. |
| MIUI 14/15 | 5% | Theoretically possible for the Chinese version, but unlikely. |
| Security patches | 30% | They can be released every six months, but without new features. |
| Bug fixing | 50% | Local fixes for critical errors (such as Wi-Fi issues) |
The only realistic option for getting new software is to switch to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, which supports the Mi 9 and offers Android 13/14. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away the warranty (if it is still valid).
What is custom firmware?
If you're not ready for experimentation, consider buying a new smartphone.For example, the Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5 offer similar performance but with up-to-date update support.
How to check for available updates on Mi 9
Before looking for new firmware, make sure your device doesn’t miss any updates already released.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Slip on the item System Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
If the system says “No Updates”, but you are sure that the update has been released (for example, according to forums), try:
Reset the update cache to Settings → Applications → System Update → Storage → Clear the cache |
Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates only come via a stable connection)|
Download firmware manually from MIUI Download and install via System Update → Three dots → Select a firmware file|
Check the region version (the update is only available for the Chinese or European version)-->
Warning: If you see an offer to upgrade to MIUI 14 on Mi 9, it could be a fake! officially this version is not supported. Always check the hash amount of the downloaded firmware file on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
Manual installation of firmware: step-by-step instructions
If the automatic update doesn't work, you can install the firmware manually, and it's safe if you follow the instructions and use the official files.
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi 9 with a battery charge of at least 50%.
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers (you can download on the official website).
- 🔗 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 📁 Firmware in.zip format for your model (for example, miui_MI9Global_V13.0.1.0.SFAMIXM_...).
Steps to install through Recovery:
- Download the firmware from the official website and rename the file to update.zip.
- Connect your phone to your PC and copy the file to the root folder of internal memory.
- Turn off the device and go to Recovery: Turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power.
- From the Recovery menu, select Install update.zip and confirm the installation.
- After completion, select Reboot.
Warning: If the firmware is intended for another region (for example, you downloaded the Chinese version for a global device), after installation, Google, NFC or mobile services may stop working. Always check the model (cepheus for Mi 9) and region (Global, EEA, China).
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Before installing firmware, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will save your contacts, messages, and app settings even if something goes wrong.
Castom firmware: pros and cons for Mi 9
If the official updates are no longer coming out, custom firmware is the alternative.
- ✅ Update Android to version 13 or 14.
- ✅ Remove unnecessary software (bloatware) and speed up the system.
- ✅ Get new features (like Material You from Android 12)+).
However, there are risks:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
- ⚠️ Possible bugs in the work of the camera, sensors or wireless modules.
- ⚠️ Manual installation of each update.
Popular firmware for Mi 9:
| Firmware | Android version | Features |
|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | 13/14 | Clean Android, stable work, but without the branded chips Xiaomi. |
| Pixel Experience | 13 | The interface is like Google Pixel, quick updates. |
| crDroid | 13 | Lots of customization settings, good performance. |
To install custom firmware will require:
- Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours).
- Install TWRP Recovery (unofficial version for cepheus).
- Switch firmware and GApps (Google services) through TWRP.
⚠️ Attention: unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the phone! Also, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) may stop working due to the lack of SafetyNet certification.
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
Even official updates sometimes cause crashes, and here are the typical Mi 9 issues and ways to fix them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: reset the cache in Recovery (Wipe) → Wipe Cache) or roll back to the previous firmware version.
- 📶 Mobile network problems: check your settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
- 🎵 No sound in the speaker: clear the data of the com.android.bluetooth application in the settings.
- 📸 The camera does not start: install modified camera software (for example, ANX Camera for custom firmware).
If after the update, the phone is stuck on startup the MI logo or reboots in a cycle, try:
- Clip Volume up + Power to enter Fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and flash the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on xiaomi.eu).
⚠️ Note: If you have been running custom firmware and encountered a problem "Device is corrupted", this means that you did not pass the check. AVB (Android Verified Boot.The solution is to disable command checks in Fastboot: fastboot. --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img But it will reduce the security of the device!
Alternatives to the update: how to extend the life of the Mi 9 without new software
If there are no more updates but you don’t want to part ways with the Mi 9, here are a few ways to improve it:
- 🧹 Cleaning up the system: Remove unnecessary apps and cache through Settings → Warehouse.
- ⚡ Battery Optimization: Turn off background activity for apps in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: Sometimes it solves brake problems (don’t forget to make a backup!).
- 🛡️ Alternative Launcher Installation: Try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair for a smoother experience.
You can also install Magisk for root rights and fine-tuning your system, such as Greenify, which helps you to put down unnecessary processes, and ViPER4Android improves sound, but the root can disrupt some applications (such as banking or Netflix).
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If your Mi 9 is starting to slow down, don't be quick to blame the firmware. Often the problem is clogged storage or application background activity. Start by clearing the cache and turning off autoloading unnecessary programs.