Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9T (He's a Redmi. K20 For the global market, it is still a popular device thanks to the retractable front camera, AMOLED-The Snapdragon 730 chipset and screen, however, many users are facing a problem: the phone has stopped receiving updates. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Update: In some cases, the system does not find new versions at all, in others, the boot is interrupted by 0% or 99%.
In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons why Mi 9T It doesn't update, from the trivial (memory deficit) to the technical (damaged recovery partition), and you'll find step-by-step manual updates through Fastboot and Recovery, tips for brik recovery, and answers to frequent questions. MIUI 12.5 → 13, which is relevant for 30% of Mi users 9T 2026.
1. Official Mi 9T support: completed or not?
The first thing to check is whether Xiaomi has stopped releasing updates for your model. Mi 9T (codename davinci) was released in 2019, and its support depends on the region:
- 🌍 Global version (Mi) 9T): last stable release — MIUI 14.0.4 (Android 12) March 2023 Further security updates are released every 3 months, but new versions are available. MIUI will not.
To find out my version:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Check out the MIUI version and the Android version.
- Compare this with the latest releases on Xiaomi’s official website.
⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours 9T on MIUI 12.5 or older and the system says "no updates" - that's OK. Xiaomi no longer releases new versions MIUI This model, but can provide security patches.
2. Typical update errors: codes and their value
If the update starts but is interrupted with an error, note the code in the notification.
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't verify update | Damaged firmware file or region mismatch | Download the firmware again from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com |
| Error 7 or Error 20 | Incompatibility with the current version of recovery | Update recovery via Fastboot or use TWRP |
| Insufficient storage | Less than 2 GB of free space in /data | Clear cache or transfer files to SD-map |
| Network error | Blocking Xiaomi servers by the provider | Use a VPN or download firmware manually |
The most insidious mistake is when the process is 99 percent frozen, which usually means that the system can't complete the installation because of:
- 🔋 Discharged battery (less than 50%).
- 🛠️ Damaged partition system (requires flashing through Fastboot).
- 📱 Unofficial firmware (for example, customized firmware) ROM).
💡
If the update is 99% longer than 30 minutes, don’t turn off the phone — wait 1-2 hours. If the screen is out, try pressing the power button for 15 seconds to force the restart.
3. How to check the vacant space before upgrading
The MIUI update requires a minimum of 1.5 to 2 GB of internal memory space, and if it's not enough, the system will either fail to find the update or interrupt the installation.
- Open the Settings → Storage.
- Check out the memory usage schedule.
- If less than 2 GB is free, clear the app cache or delete unnecessary files.
Pay particular attention to:
- 📸 Photos/videos in the Gallery: transfer them to the gallery SD-map.
- 🎮 Cash games: clear in Settings → Annexes → [Game] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🗑️ Garbage files: use the built-in Cleanup app.
Clear the app cache|Transfer the photo/video to SD-map|Charge the phone before 60%+|Connect to Wi-Fi|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->
4 Manual update via Recovery: step-by-step instruction
If the automatic update doesn't work, you can manually install the firmware through stock Recovery. This method is safe and doesn't require unlocking the bootloader.
What you need:
- 📱 Charged phone ≥50%.
- 💻 Computer (for downloading firmware).
- 🔗 Firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website (choose Recovery) ROM).
Instructions:
- Download the firmware (file with.zip extension) and rename it to update.zip.
- Move the file to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not to folders!).
- Turn off the phone.
- Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
- Select the language, then Install update.zip to System.
- Confirm the installation and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the phone stayed on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes after the update, it means that the firmware was incompatible).
What if Recovery doesn’t see update.zip?
5. Firmware through Fastboot: when you can not do without a PC
If the Recovery update didn’t work or the phone turned into a brick, the firmware on Fastboot remains, a method that requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer.
Warning: Mistakes can permanently shut your phone down. If you're not sure, contact your service center.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB (original!).
- 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (Download).
- 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM for your model (file.tgz).
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (if not unlocked – instructions below).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware.tgz in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi9T_fastboot).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers and run the utility.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear).
- Connect your phone to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
- Select the firmware folder and click Flash. At the bottom, select clean all or save user data.
- Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.
💡
Fastboot firmware is the only way to recover the brick, but it completely erases data. Always back up before you start!
6.Server problems with Xiaomi: how to bypass the locks
Sometimes updates don’t come due to problems on the Xiaomi side:
- 🌐 Geo-blocking: Servers may not be available in your area.
- 🔒 ISP restrictions: some operators block traffic to Xiaomi servers.
- 🛡️ Antivirus/Firewall: Antivirus on your phone or PC can block the download of firmware.
Decisions:
- Use a VPN: Connect to a server in Hong Kong or Singapore (for example, via ProtonVPN or Warp).
- Change DNS: In the Wi-Fi settings, select DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
- Download firmware manually: Use sites like Xiaomi Firmware Updater, where all official firmware is collected.
- Disable the antivirus: temporarily deactivate the protection on your phone and PC.
If the update is not available after these steps, check:
- 🕒 Time and date on the phone (incorrect settings can block access to servers).
- 📶 Internet connection stability (switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi).
7. Custom firmware and unlocking of the loader
If you’ve ever installed custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience), the official MIUI updates won’t work.
- Return to stock firmware via Fastboot (see Section 5).
- Update custom firmware manually through TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
How to unlock the bootloader (if not already unlocked):
Unlock the bootloader for the Mi 9T
After unlocking, you will be able to:
- 🔄 Install custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox).
- 📦 Use unofficial firmware (for example, MIUI EU publicity).
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will cancel the warranty and increase the risk of the phone bricking, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.