Many users prefer to buy smartphones of the Chinese version, such as Xiaomi Redmi 9A with memory 4/64 GB, because of their attractive price. However, after buying the owner often meets the surprise: the lack of Google Play Store, Chinese interface language and the presence of unnecessary pre-installed applications. firmware for the global version (Global ROM) becomes the only way to turn the device into a full-fledged tool for work and entertainment.
The process of replacing software requires care, but it is quite feasible at home with a computer and USB-It's important to understand that the Chinese version (CN) has differences in the hardware of radio modules, which can affect the operation of networks 4G Before any manipulations are initiated, you must weigh the risks and make sure you are prepared to take responsibility for your actions.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary tools and pitfalls that can be encountered when flashing Redmi 9A. We will not use questionable methods of "flashing through the cable" without unlocking, as this often leads to the failure of the device.
Preparation of equipment and software
The first step is to build the necessary toolkit. You will need the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone itself. 9A With a charged battery (preferably more than 60%) and a Windows PC, it is also critical to use a high-quality computer. USB-cable capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device.
You need to install specialized software on your computer. The main tool will be the Mi Flash Tool, which is responsible for recording the system image in your phone's memory. Without the ADB and Fastboot drivers installed correctly, your computer simply won't see the device in the right mode.
- 📱 Redmi Smartphone 9A with a discharged battery less than 20% (for safety, it is better to charge).
- 💻 PC with Windows 10 or 11 and at least 10 GB of free disk space.
- 🔌 Original or certified USB-micro-USB cable.
- 📶 Stable Internet connection for downloading firmware and accounts.
Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account. To unlock the bootloader, you will need an account that must be linked to the device in advance. Data synchronization with the cloud before the procedure is mandatory, since all files on the phone will be irretrievably deleted.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The most difficult and longest stage is unlocking Bootloader. Chinese versions of Xiaomi smartphones come with a locked bootloader, which prohibits the installation of third-party software. First, you need to apply for unlocking through the Mi Unlock Status app in the phone settings.
After filing, you’ll have to wait 7 to 168 hours (usually 168 hours for new accounts), during which you can’t log out of your Mi Account on your device and reset your settings, and the company’s wait process is designed to protect against device theft, and it’s officially impossible to get around it.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Android security lowers its security level.Some banking apps may stop working or require additional checks, and the manufacturer's warranty may be cancelled.
When the wait time is up, you need to put the phone in Fastboot mode, and you just press the device that's off at the same time on Volume Down and Power, and you'll see a picture of a hare in a hat and a repairing android, and in this mode, the phone connects to the PC, and the Mi Unlock Status utility presses the unlock button.
What if the timer is off?
Search and download the current firmware
Choosing the right software is a critical point. Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) has different types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. We need Fastboot ROM, as it contains a complete image of the system and allows you to move between regions (for example, from China to Global).
You should only download files from trusted resources, such as the official website miui.com or authoritative portals like xiaomifirmwareupdater. It is important to check the firmware region: the Global version is marked with the letters MI or EU in the file title, and the Chinese version is marked with CN. Also pay attention to the type of memory, although the Redmi 9A with 4/64 GB is usually suitable for the standard image.
| Type of firmware | Appointment | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery | Updating within the region | You can't change the region. |
| Fastboot | Complete reinstallation | You can change CN to Global. |
| Europe (EEA) | For the European market | Google, NFC (if any) |
| Global | International version | Support for all frequencies |
Once you download the archive, you need to unpack it to the root of the C disk so that the path to the folder is short and does not contain Cyrillic: C:\rom\dandelion_global_images.... The presence of Russian letters in the way often causes an error in downloading the image in the Mi Flash Tool.
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Use the 7-Zip program to decompress archives, as the standard Windows archiver sometimes incorrectly processes the structure of Xiaomi firmware folders, which leads to firmware errors.
Installation of software through Mi Flash Tool
Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. Press refresh to let the program detect the connected device. If nothing appears on the list, check the Windows Device Manager — it should be Android QDLoader or Fastboot, you may need to install drivers manually.
Press select and point the path to the unpacked firmware folder. At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode. For a clean installation without saving debris from Chinese firmware, choose the clean all option. The clean all and lock option will lock the bootloader back, but when you switch from CN to Global, this can lead to "bricking", so it is better to leave the bootloader unlocked.
- 🚀 Press the flash button to start the process.
- ⏳ Expect completion status: success (green).
- 🔄 The phone will automatically restart, the process may take 5-10 minute.
When you're running your firmware, don't touch the cable or turn off your computer. The phone screen can go out and light up several times, which is normal for partition re-marking. Breaking the process when you write a userdata partition or system is guaranteed to bring the device down, which without a programmer will be extremely difficult to repair.
Solving typical firmware errors
Often users encounter a Missmatching image and device error, which means that you are trying to flash firmware from another model (for example, Redmi 9C or 9i) to Redmi 9A. You need to double-check the device code name (dandelion) and the matching file.
Another common problem is a connection error or a timeout, which can be caused by a bad one. USB-By cable or port. Try connecting the cable to the port. USB 2.0 (black), not USB 3.0 (blue), and use another cable, and reinstalling Qualcomm drivers or using a different one will also help. ADB.
⚠️ Note: If the phone goes into an endless bootloop after firmware, the wrong version of the software may have been selected or the persist partition damaged. EDL-Mode with an authorized Mi Account.
Sometimes there is a Can't validate auth error, which means that anti-tifling does not allow you to install an older version of Android than it was installed before, in which case you need to look for a firmware with a higher version number.
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90% of errors in the firmware Xiaomi Redmi 9A Is associated with a wrong file selection (wrong model) or a bad one USB-Careful file checking before starting the process saves hours of nerves.
Setup and optimization after installation
Once the Global ROM is successfully installed, the phone will prompt you to go through the initial setup, because you've been changing region, the system may require a Wi-Fi connection to activate, and at this point it's important to log in to your Google account to restore contacts and apps.
Chinese versions often have a stripped-down LTE frequency set. Once the global version is firmware, the supported bands will expand but will not become identical to the original global device. Check 4G performance in network settings by selecting your preferred LTE network type.
To optimize the battery, which on the Redmi 9A is not characterized by a huge capacity, it is recommended:
- 🔋 Enable a dark theme in the screen settings.
- 📉 Disable animation in the menu "For developers".
- 🔒 Limit background activity of unnecessary applications.
Now your Xiaomi Redmi 9A 4/64GB is fully adapted for use in your region, and you have full access to Google services, the Russian language interface and the latest security updates.