How to Sweeten Xiaomi Redmi 9: Official and Unofficial Methods

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but over time its performance can be reduced due to outdated software. The firmware of the device helps not only to update the system to the current version, but also to eliminate bugs, improve autonomy or even install custom firmware with advanced features.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways of firmware Redmi 9 (codename lancelot), including official methods through MIUI Updater and Fastboot, as well as installing custom firmware such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. Separately, we will focus on unlocking the bootloader - a mandatory step for most software manipulations. If you are a beginner, start with official instructions; experienced users will find here the nuances of working with ADB, TWRP and Magisk patches.

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting

Xiaomi Redmi 9 firmware is not a complicated process, but it requires preparation. First and foremost, unlocking the bootloader is mandatory for any manipulation, except for updating through MIUI Updater. Without this step, you will not be able to install custom Recovery or flash your phone through Fastboot. Note that unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device!

The second is firmware choice. The official MIUI versions come in two types:

• 📦 Stable – stable builds with minimal bugs, but no new features.
• 🧪 Developer (Beta) – weekly updates with fresh features, but errors are possible.

Custom firmware (like LineageOS or HavocOS) gives you more freedom, but can take away some MIUI features like themes or built-in Xiaomi services.

The third thing is backup. Even if you upgrade through MIUI Updater, save important data to your PC or the cloud. For complete security, use TWRP to create a backup of the data and system partition. Don't forget IMEI, because losing it when you fail to run your firmware can make your phone unusable for calls.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (market version) CN), firmware MIUI It can block the network. Check the model in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Official ways of firmware: MIUI Updater and Fastboot

The safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater, which is suitable for installing official builds without unlocking the bootloader and does not require a connection to a PC, but this method will not allow you to downgrade the MIUI version or install custom firmware.

To update with MIUI Updater:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

The firmware file must match your model (Lancelot for Redmi 9) and region (Global, EEA, India, China) and download them only from the official Xiaomi website.

If the update is “hanging” during the verification phase, try:

• 🔄 Rename the firmware file to update.zip And put it in the root of the internal memory.
• 📵 Shut down. SIM-Map and Wi-Fi before installation.
• 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 60%.

For more in-depth control, use the firmware via Fastboot.This method requires an unlocked bootloader and PC with the Mi Flash Tool installed and Xiaomi drivers.

1. Download the firmware for Fastboot (.tgz file) from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Turn off your phone and press Power + Vol− to log into Fastboot.
4. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.

⚠️ Note: In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All mode only if you want to erase all data. Use Clean All and Lock to save user files).

Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

Without bootloader unlocking, you won’t be able to install TWRP or custom firmware. Xiaomi officially lets you unlock the bootloader, but the process requires a Mi Account and a wait (usually 7-15 days).

Steps to unlock:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Enable USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and run it on behalf of the administrator.
4. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
5. Turn off the phone, press Power + Vol− to log into Fastboot and connect to your PC.
6. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions:

• 🔒 Couldn't unlock - account is not tied to phone or wait is not completed. → Additionally. → Special facilities → Status of release.
• ⏳ Waiting for 168 hours is the standard waiting time.
• 🔌 USB Not Recognized – Install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable/port.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased, including photos, messages and apps.

Install custom Recovery (TWRP) on Redmi 9

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative Recovery that allows custom firmware installation, backups and root rights. Redmi 9 has an informal TWRP build, as there is no official support.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the current version of TWRP for lancelot from twrp.me (.img file).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Turn on USB debugging and connect the phone to the PC.
4. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot recovery

If after the reboot, TWRP is replaced with stock Recovery, follow the additional command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot

And immediately after the reboot, press Power + Vol+ to log into TWRP.

TWRP recommends that you create a backup of the data and boot section immediately.

• 📁 Choose Backup.
• 🔘 Check the boxes for Boot, Data, System.
• 💾 Press Swipe to Back Up.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions TWRP Redmi 9 may not work properly with data encryption. If after firmware the phone asks for a password, but does not accept it, you will have to format the data (loss of all data!).

Firmware custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

Custom firmware opens up new possibilities: pure Android without a MIUI shell, regular security updates and additional features. Redmi 9 popular:

• 🤖 LineageOS – as close as possible to Android stock.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with Google Pixel features.
• ⚡ HavocOS – firmware with an abundance of customizations.

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. Unlocked bootloader.
2. Installed TWRP.
3. Downloaded firmware files (.zip) and, if necessary, Gapps (Google services).

Step-by-step:

1. Download firmware and Gapps (like NikGapps for Android 11/12).
2. Move the files to your phone or flash drive.
3. Download to TWRP (Power + Vol+).
4. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Install, then swipe through the firmware first, then Gapps.
6. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

The first run can take 10-15 minutes. If the system does not load for more than 20 minutes, go back to TWRP and check the error logs.

💡

If after firmware custom firmware does not work mobile network, check the settings APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Often helps manually enter operator parameters.

Solving common errors in firmware

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. Anti-rollback error (Anti 3/4/5)

This error appears when you try to flash an older version of MIUI than the one installed today. Xiaomi blocks the rollback of the firmware to protect data.

• 🔄 Scroll down a newer version. MIUI (For example, if you have Anti 4, look for firmware with the Anti 4 tag.+).
• 🔧 Use Fastboot with Clean All and Lock option, but this will block the bootloader.

2. the phone does not turn on after firmware (brick)

If the device does not respond to the buttons, try:

• 🔋 Connect to charging for 30 minutes - maybe the battery has gone down.
• 🖥️ Hold the Power. + Vol− 20-30 seconds for forced login to Fastboot.
• 🔄 Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

If the phone is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 will be required. EDL-Mode and authorized Xiaomi account for firmware.

Error 3: Footers are wrong in TWRP

This error occurs when you try to flash a corrupted or incompatible file.

• 🔍 Check the checksum (MD5) downloaded.
• 🗑️ Move the firmware file to the phone’s internal memory (not to the phone’s internal memory) SD-map).
• 🔄 Try another version. TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: If the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) stop working after custom firmware firmware has been installed, check if your build supports lancelot. Some firmware requires additional patches for Redmi 9 iron.

💡

If the phone does not turn on after a failed firmware, do not panic: in 90% of cases it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to interrupt the firmware process and use official tools.

Root rights to Redmi 9: pros and cons

Getting root rights gives you complete control over the system: you can delete embedded applications, modify system files, and use Magisk modules for advanced customization.

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware.
• 📵 Some apps (banking, Netflix, Netflix, Pokémon GO) stop working.

To get root, use Magisk, which is the most reliable method.

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip) from GitHub.
2. Move the file to the phone.
3. Download to TWRP and run Magisk like regular firmware.
4. Restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

To hide root from banking applications:

• 🔍 In Magisk, turn on MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions).
• 📱 Add the app to the list of hidden in Magisk settings.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

Important: Once the MIUI update is over, OTA root will disappear. To return it, re-sweep Magisk through TWRP or boot.img patch.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi firmware 9