When will the update for Xiaomi Mi 9T (Redmi K20) in 2026: official data and forecasts

Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as Redmi K20 in some regions) remains a popular smartphone even 5 years after its release. Device owners often wonder whether it is worth waiting for new MIUI or Android updates, or it is time to switch to custom firmware? In this article, we will analyze Xiaomi’s official policy to support the Mi 9T, analyze the history of firmware outputs and give a forecast for 2026-2026.

It's important to understand that the Mi 9T came out in 2019 with Android 9 Pie on board and has received several major updates over its lifetime. However, with the release of Android 13 and MIUI 14, that's changed. The manufacturer is gradually phasing out support for older models, but there are nuances that many people don't know about. Next, a detailed analysis of dates, instructions and alternative solutions for those who want to extend the life of their gadget.

Xiaomi Official Policy: How Long Does the Mi 9T Support?

Xiaomi has clear rules for updates for its smartphones, and the flagship and sub-flagship models (including the Mi 9T/Redmi K20) are subject to the following deadlines:

• 📅 2 major Android updates (e.g. Android 9 on 10 and 11).
• 🔄 3-4 years of security updates (monthly or quarterly).
• 📱 Support MIUI longer than Android, sometimes up to 5 years.

For the Mi 9T, that meant:

• 🟢 Android 10 (2019-2020) – the first major update.
• 🟢 Android 11 (2021) – Second and Last.
• 🟡 MIUI 12.5 (2021–2022) – Final Stable.
• 🔴 Android 12/13 — officially.

⚠️ Attention: After MIUI 12.5 (based on Android 11) Xiaomi Mi 9T All subsequent updates are only security patches that come out every 3-6 months and do not add new features.

But there are exceptions. 2023 In the past year, some users from India and China have received MIUI 13 Android-based 11 — But it was more of an exception than a rule (EEA/Russia) There were no updates.

The latest official updates for the Mi 9T: chronology

To see if there are any new firmware to look at, let’s take a look at the history of the Mi 9T updates (codenamed davinci):

The last official update for the global version of the Mi 9T came out in July 2023 (MIUI 12.5.8.0.RFKEUXM). Since then, there have been no new firmware, which means that the smartphone no longer receives monthly security patches, and all subsequent updates (if they appear) will be released every six months or less.

In 2026, Xiaomi has not announced any plans to release Android 12/13 or MIUI 14 for the Mi 9T. Moreover, even in the list of devices for beta testing of the new firmware of this model, this confirms that official support is completed.

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Check the current version of MIUI on your Mi 9T: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If it says version older than 12.5.8, chances are you have custom firmware.

2026-2026: What to expect from Mi 9T owners?

Based on Xiaomi’s policy and current updates, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. Android 12/13/14 - officially not coming out. Mi 9T got the best it could (2 major Android updates).
2. MIUI 13/14 is unlikely. Even if it does, it will only be for limited regions (like China) and without new Android features.
3. Security patches - perhaps, but not more than 1 time in 6-12 months. The last was released in July 2023, the next (if there is) is expected not earlier than the summer of 2026.
4. Custom firmware is the only way to get Android 13/14, more on that in the next section.

⚠️ Note: If you see news of the exit MIUI 14 for Mi 9T Some of the sites that are questionable are probably fake (MIUI Downloads, XiaomiUI do not confirm this information.

If you're critically interested in new Android features or regular security patches, no. If your smartphone is stable and is good for performance, you can continue to use the current version, but with caution (for example, do not install applications from unverified sources).

💡

Xiaomi Mi 9T is no longer getting major updates.The last official update was released in July 2023, new firmware is not expected in 2026.

How to Update Mi 9T Manually: Step-by-step Instructions

If you still want to check if you missed the latest update, or are trying to install the firmware yourself, follow this instruction. Importantly, before you start, make sure that the battery is at least 60% and the device has enough free space (at least 3 GB).

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

Charge your phone to 60% or more

Check the free space (at least 3 GB)

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Method 1: Update through Settings (OTA)

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Stick to System Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If an update is available, download it and follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 2: Installation with Recovery (if OTA does not work)

1. Download the official firmware for your model from MIUI Downloads (select the version for davinci).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root folder of the phone.
3. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
4. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file.
5. Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.

⚠️ Note: If you install through Recovery, "Can't verify update" error appears, it means that the firmware is not intended for your region).

How to get Android 13/14 on Mi 9T?

If the official updates are no longer coming out, but you want new features, there is one option left: custom firmware. The following popular solutions are available for the Mi 9T:

• 🤖 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - stable firmware with a minimalist interface.
• 🔥 Pixel Experience (Android 14) – firmware with pure Android and features from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS (Android 13/14) — Optimized firmware with advanced settings.
• 📱 MIUI EU (informal MIUI 14) — modified version MIUI without Chinese services.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🆕 Support for new Android versions (up to 14).
• 🚀 Improved performance (through code optimization).
• 🔒 Regular security updates (monthly).
• 🎨 More opportunities for customization.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔧 The need to unlock the bootloader (the process takes up to 720 hours of waiting time!).
• 📵 Possible bugs (not all functions can work perfectly).
• 🔋 Faster battery discharge on some firmware.

If you decide to install custom firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery (Davinci version)
3. Make a full backup of the current firmware through TWRP.
4. Sweep through custom firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
5. Run Wipe Dalvik/Cache and restart.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware can lead to data loss, a broken camera (due to closed Xiaomi drivers) or problems with the mobile network. Before you start, check the reviews about a particular firmware on the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

Frequent problems after updating and their solution

Even if the upgrade is successful, Mi 9T users often encounter bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn’t turn on or freezes on the boot after the upgrade, try the following steps:

1. Hold Power + Volume up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If it doesn’t work, go to Recovery and select Wipe Data (this will delete all data!).
3. If this does not work, then run the firmware again through Fastboot (the instructions are on XiaomiUI).

Important: If you upgraded through Fastboot and received an “anti-rollback” error, it means you’re trying to install an older version. MIUI, And then you can use the firmware that's already there. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

Should I wait for the updates or should I change my phone?

To sum up, the Xiaomi Mi 9T in 2026 is in the “risk zone”:

• ✅ Pros: Good screen AMOLED, Producer Snapdragon 730 processor, retractable front camera (no bangs").
• ❌ Cons: No Android updates, outdated iron (4/64 GB in the basic version, weak support 5G.

When should I stay on the Mi 9T?

• 💰 You are not ready to spend money on a new smartphone.
• 🎮 You have enough performance for everyday tasks (social networks, videos, easy games).
• 🔧 You are ready to install custom firmware to extend the life of the device.

When it's time to change:

• 🔋 The battery holds a charge of less than 4-5 hours.
• 📱 You need new Android features (like Material You or improved privacy).
• 🎥 The camera stopped working (Mi's) 9T No support for new photo processing algorithms).
• 🔒 Regular security updates (for example, for mobile banking) are important to you).

If you decide to upgrade, consider the following models from the Xiaomi lineup, which will become a logical upgrade:

• 📱 Xiaomi 11T — similar to the camera retractable module, but with Snapdragon 888 and support 5G.
• 📱 Redmi K50 Pro – top-end Dimensity 9000 processor, 120Hz screen.
• 📱 POCO F5 Pro – Optimal Price/Quality Rate, Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.

⚠️ Note: If you are selling Mi 9T, Before transferring to the new owner, be sure to perform a Factory reset in Settings → Additionally. → Reset settings and untie your Xiaomi account (otherwise, the new user will not be able to activate the device!).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Mi 9T Updates