When will the update Xiaomi Mi 9T: situation analysis

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Mi 9T smartphone often wonder when the manufacturer will release the next major update of the operating system. This device, also known as the Redmi K20 in the Chinese market, has long been considered one of the best in the mid-range segment due to the outbound camera and powerful processor. However, time goes by, and the life cycle of any gadget comes to its logical conclusion, which directly affects the schedule of release of security patches and Android versions.

The software situation for this model is ambiguous and requires detailed analysis, as official support channels are no longer active in the previous mode. If you expect to get fresh Android 11 or newer versions through the standard settings menu, then you will find disappointing news. Electronics manufacturers clearly regulate the terms of support for their flagship and sub-flagship devices, and the Mi 9T was no exception to the rule.

However, the smartphone doesn't end with the last official patch, and there are many ways to keep the device up to date, which we'll talk about below. OTA-updates and third-party solutions so as not to harm your gadget in the pursuit of novelty.

Official Support Status of Xiaomi Mi 9T

Xiaomi has officially stopped releasing major operating system updates for the Mi 9T. The last stable firmware version that users received was the MIUI 12 shell, based on Android 10. This means that you can not expect Android 11, 12 or more new versions through official channels.

The company's policy is to support flagship devices for about two years from launch, after which the focus shifts to new models.For the Mi 9T, launched in 2019, this cycle is already complete. Security patches have also stopped coming regularly, although minor bug fixes may sporadically appear in some regions.

Owners should be aware that the absence of new versions of Android does not mean that the phone is completely inoperable.Most apps on Google Play still support Android 10 and the system is functioning stable.However, the lack of fresh security patches can become a vulnerability when using mobile banking or storing sensitive data.

The latest version of MIUI and its features

The final official development point for the Xiaomi Mi 9T was the MIUI 12, which brought significant changes to the interface design, improved privacy management and added new multitasking features, and for many users, this version became the most balanced and stable in the life of the device.

This firmware version redesigned the control center, added new animations and improved notifications. While some users complained about increased resource consumption compared to MIUI 11, the optimization for the Snapdragon 730 processor was done with good quality.

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MIUI 12 based on Android 10 is the final official development point for the Mi 9T, no further updates from the manufacturer are planned.

It is worth noting that the version numbering may have varied from region to region: the Global ROM and China ROM were updated on different schedules; the Chinese version often received updates earlier, but sometimes stayed on the earlier version of Android longer than the global version.

Why Android 11 and higher will no longer be available

The main reason for the lack of Android 11 and newer versions is Qualcomm's policy and Xiaomi's strategy.The Snapdragon 730 processor installed in the Mi 9T, while powerful for its time, belongs to the mid-range.

When Qualcomm stops supporting the chipset, Xiaomi cannot technically release a stable update without the colossal cost of self-driving drivers, which is not economically feasible for a device that has been on the market for several years.

Certification of Google Mobile Services (GMS) for newer versions of Android on old hardware can be difficult or impossible without going through expensive testing procedures that the manufacturer no longer plans to conduct for this model.

• 📉 Chipset Limits: Snapdragon 730 Drivers Not Optimized for New Android 12 Features+.
• 💰 Cost-effectiveness: Development costs exceed potential returns on user loyalty.
• 📜 Licensing: Difficulties with Google Certification for Older Devices.

Alternatives: Castom firmware and unlocking

For enthusiasts who still want to get a fresh Android on their Mi 9T, custom firmware is the only option. The XDA Developers community is very active in supporting this model, releasing Android ports 11, 12, 13 and even 14.

The first step to install third-party software is to unlock the bootloader, an official procedure from Xiaomi that requires waiting for a while. 7 days (168 hours) after submitting the application through the Mi Unlock tool_recovery_ And firmware is impossible.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware will void the warranty (if it was still in effect) and may cause the device to fail if you do not do the right thing.

Popular custom firmware options include LineageOS, Pixel Experience (the project is closed but forks are available) and Xiaomi.eu (based on the Chinese version of MIUI with translations and improvements), which often run faster and more stable than stock, as they lack unnecessary pre-installed software.

Comparison of software versions for Xiaomi Mi 9T

To better understand the evolution of your device’s software, consider a comparison table of the major firmware versions that came out for the Mi 9T. This will help determine which version you have installed now and how far you are behind the last possible stage of development.

As you can see from the table, the official path ended with MIUI 12 and Android 10. Everything above requires user intervention. The transition to custom firmware can give a second life to the device, but it will take time to set up and find a stable build.

Instructions for checking and installing updates

If you are still on the official firmware and want to make sure you haven't missed the latest patches available, a manual check is required.Occasionally, an automatic notification may not arrive due to a bug in the update service or region features.

To do this, go to your smartphone’s settings menu. The path usually looks like: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. By clicking on the logo or check button, you initiate a request to the update server.

Settings → About Phone → (MIUI icon) → Check for updates

If the server says there are no updates, but you want to try to update manually, you can download the firmware file from the official website and install it through the file selection menu. However, as mentioned earlier, the newer MIUI 12 you will not find anything in official sources.

⚠️ Note: When you manually install firmware (through three dots in the update menu), make sure you download the file specifically for your version (Global or China). Installing global firmware on a Chinese phone (and vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader is impossible and can lead to an error.

Optimizing the Mi 9T on the latest version of the software

Since no new OS versions are expected, it makes sense to optimize the current system for maximum performance.The Xiaomi Mi 9T is still able to handle most tasks if you set up the system correctly.

First of all, it is recommended to disable or remove uninstalled applications. MIUI has a lot of pre-installed software that consumes resources in the background. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management and do an audit.

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Use the built-in Security app to clear the cache and speed up the system, but don’t install third-party cleaners from the Play Market – they often do more harm than help.

You should also pay attention to the animation settings. If the interface starts to slow down, reducing the scale of animation in the developer menu (items "Window animation", "Jump animation") will visually speed up the interface. To turn on this menu, you need to 7 times click on the build number in the "About phone".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)