Xiaomi Redmi 9A: What version of Android is installed and how to update it?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones from the Chinese giant, which is still a hot choice for users who value value value for money. However, many owners of this device are faced with the question: which version of Android is installed on the Redmi 9A out of the box, can it be upgraded to a newer, and how to do it without the risk of “bricking” the phone?

In this article, we will analyze not only the current firmware Redmi. 9A, But also the nuances of updates, the limitations of the manufacturer, and practical recommendations for optimizing the system (MIUI Global) and Chinese (MIUI China) software versions, as this directly affects the available features and stability of the work.

If you’re planning to buy the Redmi 9A handheld or already own it, but aren’t sure if it’s up to date, this guide will help you get to the bottom of the box.We’ll also uncover myths about “eternal” upgrades for budget smartphones and explain why Xiaomi officially ended support for the Redmi 9A in 2023, despite its popularity.

Which Android version is installed on Xiaomi Redmi 9A out of the box?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A was released in July 2020 and originally shipped with Android 10 (Q) running the proprietary shell MIUI 11. This was the standard configuration for most regions, including Russia, Europe and Asia.

• 🌍 Global version (MIUI Global) — Android 10 + MIUI 11/12, Supported by Google Mobile Services (GMS).
• 🇨🇳 Chinese version (MIUI China – Android 10 without Google services but with local Chinese apps.
• 📦 Special editions, for example, for India (MIUI India or Russia (MIUI Russia, with adapted settings.

Later, in 2021, Xiaomi released an update to Android 11 (R) with the MIUI 12 shell, but this was the last major update for the model. It is important to note that the Redmi 9A is a budget segment, and the manufacturer did not initially plan long-term support — unlike flagship lines like the Mi 11 or Redmi K40.

To know exactly which version of Android is installed on your device, go to Settings → About Phone → Android Version. There you will see the current firmware. If it says Android 10 or Android 11 is a state of the art. Any other versions (such as Android 12) are likely to be installed unofficially and may cause compatibility issues.

Why Xiaomi is not updating Redmi 9A to Android 12 and newer?

Many users are outraged that the Redmi 9A is not getting updates to Android 12 or Android 13, despite the fact that the smartphone is still sold in some regions, the reasons for this decision lie in several factors:

1. Hardware limitations. The Redmi 9A features a MediaTek Helio G25 processor and only 2/3GB of RAM in the base version. These specs barely pull MIUI 12 on Android 11, and newer versions of the shell require more resources.
2. Xiaomi policy: the company traditionally supports budget models no longer than 2 years from the moment of release. For comparison, flagship devices receive updates up to 3-4 years.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Developing and testing firmware for older models requires resources that Xiaomi prefers to invest in new devices.

Moreover, even if the Redmi 9A had Android 12, it wouldn’t guarantee better performance, and many Redmi 8A users complained about slowing down after upgrading to MIUI 12, so the lack of updates could be seen as a way to keep things stable.

⚠️ Note: If you see any suggestions to upgrade Redmi 9A Before Android 12 or Android 13 via third-party firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), remember: this can lead to loss of warranty, problems with the camera, sensors or mobile communications".

How to check and update Android Redmi 9A in the official way

If your Redmi 9A is still running Android 10, you can try upgrading to Android 11 (if the update is available for your region).

Battery charge ≥ 50% | Wi-Fi connection (air update weighs ~1.5-2 GB) |Free ≥ 3 GB of storage | Backup important data-->

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on System Update (or MIUI version in some firmware).
3. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, download it.
4. After download, click Set and wait for the reboot (it will take ~10-15 minutes).

If the system says "Updates are not available", it means that your firmware is already relevant, or Xiaomi has stopped supporting your region.

• 🔄 Change the firmware region through Settings → Additionally. → Region (risky, can lead to disruptions!).
• 📥 Install the update manually through MIUI bootloader or en.miui.com (select firmware strictly for Redmi) 9A model code, for example, dandelion).

Important: When you manually install firmware, don’t interrupt the process or turn off the phone until you fully boot, otherwise the device may go into Fastboot mode and require a PC flash.

Table: Android and MIUI versions for Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Below are all the official firmware that has ever been released for Redmi 9A. Pay attention to the compatibility of the version of MIUI and Android:

As you can see from the table, Redmi 9A has never received Android 12 or newer officially, all claims of support for Android 13 are either fraud or unofficial builds.

Can I install Android 12/13 on Redmi 9A unofficially?

Technically, yes, but with a few caveats, enthusiasts are developing custom firmware for Redmi 9A, such as:

• 🤖 LineageOS 19/20 (Android 12/13) — Minimalist firmware without extra software.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – Emulation of pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
• ⚡ Havoc-OS or ArrowOS – firmware with advanced settings.

However, before installation, consider:

⚠️ Note: Unofficial firmware for Redmi 9A Often have critical bugs: 📸 The wide-angle camera does not work (if you have one in your modification). 🔋 Fast battery discharge due to unoptimized core. 📶 Problems with VoLTE (calls on the phone) 4G) If you're not willing to put up with these shortcomings, you'd better stay on the official firmware.

To install custom firmware will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery (special version for dandelion).
3. Sweep ZIP-Firmware file and GApps (Google services, if not enabled).

Detailed instructions can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, but remember: this is a risky procedure that can lead to data loss or a device blink.

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Before you run your firmware, save persist and modem partitions via TWRP to help restore IMEI and mobile network in the event of a crash.

How to optimize Android 11 on Redmi 9A

If your Redmi 9A runs on Android 11 but you notice lags or slow work, try the following tips:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: go to Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache (not to be confused with Resetting settings!).
• ❄️ Turn off animation: in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 5 times according to the version, then to the Developer → Select the scale of animation without animation.
• 🚫 Remove unnecessary apps: Many pre-installed programs (Mi Browser, Mi Music) can be disabled via Settings → Annexes.
• 🔋 Activate Performance Mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

It is also recommended to use lightweight alternatives to standard applications:

If even after optimizing the smartphone is slowing down, consider resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!). To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.

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Resetting to factory settings deletes all data, but returns a “clean” system without debris, which often helps to return the previous speed, especially if the smartphone has been used for a long time.

What to do if Redmi 9A is not updated?

If your Redmi 9A doesn’t find updates, although logically they should be available, check out the following points:

1. The correct firmware region. For example, if you have MIUI Global and you're trying to install an update for MIUI China, the system won't see it. Check the region in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Blocking updates by the operator: some mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block OTA-Updates for firmware, the solution is to manually flash the global version.
3. Damaged system files. If the previous update was interrupted, it could have disrupted Updater. Try resetting or flashing firmware through Fastboot.

If nothing helps, you can try updating via PC:

1. Download the latest firmware for Redmi 9A from en.miui.com (select Recovery ROM or Fastboot ROM).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use the Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot) or manually download ZIP via Recovery.

For Fastboot firmware, you will need:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware through Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI If you're not sure what you're doing, you can call a service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 9A