How much does the reflashing Xiaomi Redmi 9 in 2026: a full guide to prices and nuances

Why Redmi 9 owners decide to reflash and how much it costs

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 9, released 2020 This is still a popular budget device, but over time, its standard firmware MIUI It starts to slow down, and updates from the manufacturer stop coming out. 30-40% after 2-3 years of operation, even if hardware (Helio) G80 and 4 GB RAM is still capable of carrying on modern tasks, and flashing it becomes a logical solution in such cases, but how much it costs and what pitfalls it hides?

The price of the service varies from free self-renewal to 3000-5000 It's not just the complexity of the hardware, but the firmware type: official (via Fastboot or Recovery), custom (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), or even pure Android without a shell. MIUI. Each option has its pros, cons and – critically – risks to the warranty or performance of the device.

In this article, we will examine:

• 📊 Current prices for flashing services and independently (taking into account regional features).
• ⚠️ Hidden risks that are not warned in salons (Blocking Mi Account, loss) IMEI).
• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions for those who want to save and do everything themselves.
• 🛠️ What to do if the firmware failed (brick, bootloop, lack of network).

Spoiler: If your Redmi 9 is still warranty-free, any unofficial firmware will cancel it — even if you return to the stock version later. And in 2026, Xiaomi tightened its bootloader lock policy, making the procedure more complicated than a year ago.

Official vs custom firmware: what is cheaper and safer

Before you look for a wizard or download firmware files, decide on the type of software. This depends not only on the price, but also the stability of the phone after the update.

Official firmware MIUI (Stock) will cost the cheapest - often it can be installed for free through Settings → The phone. → Update the system, but there are nuances:

• 🔄 The latest official version for Redmi 9 — MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (released in 2023) No new updates from Xiaomi.
• 📉 Even after flashing on the stock version of the "brake" can remain — MIUI Over time, it is “busted” with background processes.
• 🔓 If the phone is locked (for example, after buying from hand), you will need to unlock the Mi Account - this is a separate service (~1000-1500 ruble).

Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, ArrowOS, Pixel Experience) are more expensive, but they give:

• 🚀 More recent versions of Android (to Android) 13-14 for Redmi 9).
• 🧹 Lack of “extra” software from Xiaomi (no advertising, unnecessary services).
• ⚡ Improved performance through kernel optimization.

However, there are critical risks:

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware on Redmi 9 requires unlocking the bootloader. Since 2023, Xiaomi has introduced mandatory binding of the Mi Account to the device - if you forget the username / password, the phone will turn into a "brick" after resetting.

If you're a beginner, start with the official firmware. Experimenting with custom versions will require:

Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)

The Mi Flash Tool or TWRP Recovery

Firmware file (correct version for Redmi 9!)

Backup of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Battery charge of at least 70%-->

How much is reflashing in service centers: a comparison of prices in Russia

Prices depend on the region, the type of firmware and the reputation of the service. 20-30% More expensive than in small towns. Below are the current tariffs for 2026 year (market average):

Official Xiaomi Service Centers (authorized):

• 🔧 Reflashing to the latest version MIUI: 1000-1500 rubles.
• 🔓 Unlocking the loader + firmware: 2500-3500 rubles.
• 🛡️ Recovery after a failed firmware: 3000-5000 rubles.

Informal services and workshops:

• 📱 Firmware custom software (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): 2000-3500 rubles.
• 🔄 Return to stock firmware after custom: 1500-2500 rubles.
• 🚨 Unlocking Mi-account (if you forgot your password): 1500-2500 rubles.

Private masters (Avito, Yula, Telegram channels):

• 💰 Prices are lower on 30-50%, but the risks are higher: there are no guarantees, there are possible “jambs” (for example, a broken module). NFC camera).
• 📌 Average cost: 1200-2000 rubles. for official firmware, 2500-3000 rubles. for custom.

When choosing a service, pay attention to:

⚠️ Attention: In 2026, fraud cases have increased when the phone is locked after firmware is required to pay for “unlocking” check the reviews of the master and demand a check (even if the work is “on acquaintance»).

💡

Before contacting the service, ask to show a license for repairing electronics - this will reduce the risk of running into "garage" masters without experience.

How to reflash Redmi 9 yourself: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to save money and do it yourself, follow this algorithm, and we warn you that any error can lead to a brick, so carefully check each step.

Step 1: Preparation

• 📱 Make sure your phone model is accurate with Redmi 9 (check in Settings) → The phone. → Redmi's firmware. 9A or Redmi 9C won't fit!
• 🔋 Battery charge - at least 70%.
• 💾 Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, SMS) through settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud backup.
• 🖥️ Install Mi Phone Manager drivers and Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware) on your PC or TWRP (custom-made).

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader (for custom firmware only)

This step is a must if you want to install LineageOS or other unofficial firmware. Xiaomi blocks the default bootloader, so:

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock and download the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (the same as on your phone!).
3. Connect Redmi 9 to PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with the phone turned off).
4. Start the utility and follow the instructions. Attention: you will have to wait 72-168 hours (3-7 days) before unlocking!

Step 3: Installation of firmware

For official firmware:

1. Download the latest version MIUI Redmi 9 (codenamed Lancelot) from Xiaomi Firmware.
2. Unpack the archive and place the folder in the root of the C:\ disk.
3. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean all mode and press Flash.

For custom firmware:

1. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot (TWRP: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img).
2. Download the phone to Recovery Mode (Loudness Up). + Nutrition).
3. Do Wipe (clean) partitions Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install. ZIP-Firmware file via Install in TWRP.

Step 4: First download

After successful firmware, the phone will restart. The first run can take 10-15 minutes - don't turn it off or panic! If the Redmi logo is on the screen for longer than 20 minutes, something went wrong (see "What to do if the firmware failed").

💡

If the phone does not turn on after firmware or freezes on the logo, do not try to repeat the procedure - first study the section "Recovery after brick".

What to do if the firmware failed: Redmi 9 recovery

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you run the risk of getting a brick, a phone that doesn't turn on or is fixated on booting.

Symptom 1: The phone is not turning on at all (black screen)

• 🔌 Connect Redmi 9 to charge for 30 minutes – the battery may have run out during firmware.
• 🔧 Try to boot into Fastboot mode (Loudness down). + If you can, run your phone again through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 💀 If there is no reaction at all, the problem may be in the “burnt” eMMC chip (repair will cost 3000-6000 rubles.).

Symptoms. 2: Hanging on the logo MI/Redmi (bootloop)

• 🔄 Try resetting the settings through Recovery (Loudness up). + Nutrition → Wipe Data).
• 📥 If it doesn’t work, run your phone through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean all and lock mode).
• ⚠️ If bootloop appeared after custom firmware, go back to the stock version MIUI.

Symptom 3: No network (IMEI slipped or disappeared)

This is a common problem after a bad firmware.

1. Check it out. IMEI In Settings → The phone. → General information. If you're going to replace numbers with Null or Unknown, you're going to need to restore it.
2. Download the utility. SN Write Tool or Maui META (for MediaTek processors).
3. Enter the original IMEI (it is listed on the box or under the battery).
4. Reboot the phone.

Symptom 4: The touchscreen or display is not working

If after firmware screen does not respond to touch or displays artifacts:

• 🔧 Try flashing your phone again by selecting a different firmware version (e.g. Global instead of the phone). EEA).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and see if it's detected in Device Manager. If so, it's in the software, if not, it's in the hardware.
• 💸 In the service for the replacement of the display will take 3000-5000 rubles, but first make sure that the fault is not firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you are using your phone TWRP If you forgot to make Wipe before you install it, it might not boot, and then you can only do a full flashing through Fastboot.

Where to download firmware for Redmi 9: official and verified sources

One of the key things is where to get the firmware files, and a bad or fake file can permanently shut down your phone, and here are some reliable sources.

Official MIUI firmware:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website - choose the version for Redmi 9 (lancelot).
• 📥 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – Archive of All Versions MIUI directly-referred.
• 🔗 XDA Developers – Redmi 9 section with instructions and discussions.

Castom firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS 20 (Android 13) is the most stable custom firmware for Redmi 9.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – firmware with an interface, like on Google Pixel.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Optimized for performance version of Android.

What to check before downloading:

• 🔍 The file name must contain lancelot (codename Redmi 9).
• 📅 Release date – no older than 2023-2026 (obsolete firmware may contain vulnerabilities).
• 🔒 Hash sum (MD5) — Check it with the site to avoid fakes.

Never download the firmware from:

• 🚫 Unknown file sharing services (e.g., MediaFire or Yandex.Disk from random users).
• 🚫 Sites with suspicious domains (for example, xiaomi-proshivka-ru.ru).
• 🚫 Forums where firmware is posted without verification (risk of viruses or spyware).

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check the reviews about its stability on XDA For example, LineageOS 20 for Redmi 9 may not have navigation gestures or NFC — It's okay.

How to save on firmware: life hacks and hidden costs

Redmi 9 flashing can be cheaper if you know a few nuances. Here's how to save money without risking your phone:

1. Self-contained firmware

• 💻 If you are confident in your abilities, do everything yourself – it is free (except unlocking the bootloader, which costs you a lot). ~1000 rubles, waiting for 7 days).
• 📚 Use official guides from firmware developers.

2. Purchase of firmware "turnkey" from proven masters

• 🤝 Look for masters on 4PDA or in thematic telegram chats (for example, @miuiru). Prices are lower than in the salons.
• 💬 Agree on a fixed price in advance - some masters "drawn" 500-1000 rubles. for "difficulties».

Exchange of services

• 🔧 If you have skills (e.g., repairing machinery, designing, programming), offer a barter to the master.
• 📱 On Avito or Yula, sometimes there are ads like “I will ask your Xiaomi for a review / repost».

4. Buying a used phone with an already unlocked bootloader

• 🔓 On Avito you can find Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader – such phones are cheaper by 1000-1500 rubles.
• ⚠️ Check if it's on the blacklist. IMEI (via SNDdeep).

Hidden expenses that are not discussed:

• 🔋 If the battery dies during firmware, it may need to be replaced (~1500 rubles.).
• 📶 If it does. IMEI, Recovery will cost 500-1000 rubles.
• 🔐 If you block the Mi Account, unlocking costs 1500-2500 rubles.

Example of savings calculation:

💡

If you're a beginner, start with the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which is the safest and cheapest option. Leave the strawberry firmware for later when you're stuffed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Redmi 9 firmware