Introduction: the relevance of updates for Xiaomi Mi 9T
Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) remains a popular smartphone even 5 years after its release. Owners of this device often wonder: when will the next update for their gadget? in 2026, the situation with support for the Mi 9T became ambiguous — on the one hand, official updates from Xiaomi almost stopped, on the other — there are alternative ways to extend the life of the device.
In this article, we will discuss the official support status, possible unofficial firmware, and give practical recommendations for installing updates. 9T.
Official support status for Xiaomi Mi 9T in 2026
The last official version of Android for Xiaomi Mi 9T remains Android 11 with the shell MIUI 12.5. According to Xiaomi policy, mid-range devices receive a maximum of 3 major Android updates (including the pre-installed version). For the Mi 9T, released with Android 9, this means that support ended after Android 11.
But there are nuances:
- 📅 Secure patches: Xiaomi can release monthly security updates even after the main firmware is stopped. 9T The last such patch was released in March 2023.
- 🌍 Regional differences: In some countries (e.g. India) updates may take longer to come due to local requirements.
- 🔄 Bat testing: Sometimes older devices get experimental builds MIUI programmatically MIUI Pilot.
⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware on Mi 9T With the unlocked bootloader, the warranty will be cancelled (if it is still valid) and may lead to problems with the work of banking applications due to the lack of Google certification.
Unofficial ways of updating: custom firmware
If the official updates are no longer available, Mi 9T owners may consider alternatives.
| Firmware | Android version | Features | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | 12/13 | Clean Android, High Stability | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | 13 | Google Pixel interface, good optimization | Medium |
| crDroid | 13 | Balance between performance and functionality | Tall. |
| MIUI EU | 11 (MIUI 14) | Unofficial MIUI without Chinese services | Low. |
To install any custom firmware will require:
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
- Install the custom TWRP recavator.
- Make a full backup of the current system.
- Switch new firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
Charge your phone at least to 70%|Download firmware for a specific model (davinci/davinciin)|Save important data on the PC|Prepare. OTG-brik"-->
How to check the available updates on Xiaomi Mi 9T
Before looking for alternative firmware, make sure you don't miss the official update.
1. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Package (if there is a downloaded update file).
3. For compulsory verification, a command can be used:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.SYSTEM_UPDATE_SETTINGSIf the system says “No Updates” but you suspect there should be an update, try:
- 🔄 Change region in your phone settings (e.g. India or Europe).
- 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
- 🔧 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.
💡
If your Mi 9T is stuck checking for updates, try clearing the System Update app cache in the application settings. This often helps with boot errors.
Problems after update and their solutions
Even official updates sometimes cause crashes, typical issues after the Mi 9T update and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fast battery discharge | MIUI Background Optimization Has Failed | Disable AutoRun for Unnecessary Applications in Settings → Apps → Permissions |
| Overheating of the device | Incorrect operation of processor cores | Reset the settings to the factory or roll back to the previous version |
| The mobile network is not working | Failure in the modem module | Reflash modem.img via Fastboot or reset your network settings |
| Interface freezes | Lack of RAM | Clear the cache in the recavator or disable animations in the Developer Settings |
⚠️ Note: If you have updated the Mi 9T stopped turning on or downloaded only in Fastboot, don't try to flash random files! First check the integrity of the downloaded firmware (the file should weigh) ~2-3 GB and model compliance (davinci for global version, davinciin for India).
Alternatives to the update: how to extend the life of Xiaomi Mi 9T
If new versions of Android are not available, you can optimize the current system:
- 🔧 Cleaning the system: Delete cache and unnecessary files through Settings → Memory. → Clean up. Use applications like this. SD Maid for deep cleaning.
- ⚡ Replacement of battery: Battery on 4000 mach 4-5 loses 30% The original battery for the Mi. 9T articulate MBJ4067.
- 🛠️ Thermopaste replacement: Overheating on the Snapdragon 730 is often associated with dried thermopaste.The procedure requires disassembling the device.
- 📱 Light firmware: Projects like DerpFest or HaventOS offer lightweight versions of Android 12/13 especially for old devices.
How to check the wear of the Mi 9T battery?
Xiaomi Mi 9T Support Prospects: What to Expect in the Future
In terms of official support, the Xiaomi Mi 9T will not receive any major updates, but there are several scenarios:
1.Extended Support Programs: Xiaomi sometimes launches security patch initiatives for popular models even after the end of mainstream support, for example, in 2023, several 2019 devices received updates through the MIUI Extended Support program.
2. Unofficial firmware port: The development community is actively porting new versions of Android to older devices. There are already working builds of Android 14 for the Snapdragon 730, but they may contain bugs (for example, broken NFC or camera problems).
3. Alternative OS: Projects like Ubuntu Touch or PostmarketOS offer a Linux environment for smartphones. Experimental builds are available for the Mi 9T, but they are only suitable for enthusiasts.
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If security updates are critical to you, consider buying a new smartphone. Xiaomi typically supports devices for no longer than 4 years, and vulnerabilities in Android 11 can pose a risk when using mobile banking.