Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, despite the release of new models, owners of this device often face the question: which Android is installed on the Redmi Note 9 and can it be upgraded to the current version?
In this article, we’ll look at which versions of Android and MIUI support Redmi Note 9, how to check the current firmware, what updates are available and how to install them, and learn about the key differences between Global ROM, China ROM and custom firmware to choose the best option for your device.
Which Android version is on the Redmi Note 9 out of the box?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) was released in May 2020 with a pre-installed version of Android 10 and a shell MIUI 11. However, depending on the region of sale and modification of the device, the original firmware may have differed:
- 🌍 Global Version (EEA/Global ROM) — Android 10 + MIUI 11 (for Europe and the international market).
- 🇨🇳 China Version (China ROM) — Android 10 + MIUI 12 (Chinese firmware without Google services).
- 🇷🇺 Russian Version — Android 10 + MIUI 11 with pre-installed local services (Yandex, Mail.ru).
- 🇮🇳 India Version (IN ROM) — Android 10 + MIUI 11 with local market adaptation.
It’s important to understand that even if the smartphone was purchased with Android 10, it could get updates to Android 11 or Android 12 via OTA (over the air).However, official support for updates for the Redmi Note 9 ended in 2023, which means that new versions of Android (13+) from Xiaomi will not be released.
How to check the current version of Android and MIUI?
To find out which version of Android and MIUI is installed on your Redmi Note 9, follow the following steps:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select About Phone.
- Click on the MIUI version – the current shell will be indicated here (e.g. MIUI 12.5.4).
- Then tap on the Android version - the OS number will appear (for example, Android 11 RKQ1.200826.002).
- For detailed information, click on the kernel version several times – this will open up advanced firmware information.
If you see the "Stable Version" section of the About Phone, you have official firmware from Xiaomi, and the "Developer" or "Beta" sign indicates a test build that may contain bugs.
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If the settings do not include the “About Phone” item, try to enter the “version” or “MIUI” request in the search settings.
What version of Android can I update Redmi Note 9?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 received two major Android updates during its support period:
| Android version | MIUI version | Release date | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | MIUI 11 → MIUI 12 | May 2020 | The original firmware out of the box |
| Android 11 | MIUI 12.5 | 2021 | New gestures added, improved productivity |
| Android 12 | MIUI 13 | 2022 | The latest official update for the model |
Xiaomi is no longer releasing official Android updates for the Redmi Note 9 after MIUI 13 based on Android 12.
- ✅ Android 12 + MIUI 13 - the last stable firmware from the manufacturer.
- ❌ Android 13/14 It will not be officially released, but you can install it through custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- ⚠️ Security updates stopped coming out after July 2023.
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If your Redmi Note 9 is still on Android 10 or 11, it is recommended to upgrade to MIUI 13 (Android 12) through settings – this is the latest stable version with support for all features.
How to upgrade Redmi Note 9 to the latest version of Android?
There are two official ways to update the firmware on the Redmi Note 9:
1. Air Update (OTA)
The easiest and safest method:
- Connect to Wi-Fi (update can weigh >2 GB).
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version is available, click Download and wait until it is completed.
- After downloading, select Install Now or Install at night.
Battery stock. ≥50%|Wi-Fi connection|Release. ≥3 GB memory|Close background annexes|Shut down. VPN/proxy-->
Manual installation via Recovery
If the OTA is not working or you need to reflash the device:
- Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (merlin) from Xiaomi Firmware (select Stable or Recovery ROM).
- Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root of internal memory.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
- Please specify the path to update.zip and confirm the installation.
What to do if the update is suspended?
Differences between Global ROM, China ROM and custom firmware
Depending on the region, the Redmi Note 9 can run on different firmware versions, and here are the key features:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global ROM | Google services support, many languages, stable operation | Rare updates to older models | Users from Europe, Russia, Asia |
| China ROM | More frequent updates, optimization for iron | No Google services, only Chinese/English | Enthusiasts ready to install GApps manually |
| EEA ROM | GDPR Compliance, No Chinese Services | Maybe there is no Russian language. | Users from EU countries |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Android 13/14, no bloatware, flexible configuration | No official support, possible bugs | Advanced users |
⚠️ Attention: Installation of China ROM The global version of the device can lead to problems with Google Play, banking applications and LTE-Networks (due to lack of certification for some regions).
If you want to move from China ROM to Global ROM, you'll need a full Fastboot flashback to unlock the bootloader.
Can I install Android 13 or 14 on the Redmi Note 9?
Officially, no. But there are a few ways to get a newer version of Android:
- 🛠️ Castom firmware: LineageOS 20 (Android 13) Pixel Experience 13/14 (Pure Android with Google Pixel chips) ArrowOS (optimized build)
- 🔧 Ported MIUI: Informal assemblies MIUI 14 based on Android 12 (with bugs).
- ⚙️ GSI (Generic System Image: Universal Android Images 13/14, without optimizing for iron.
⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware requires:
- Unlock the bootloader (bootloader unlock).
- Installations of custom recavery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
- Backup of data (all data will be erased!)
Before installing, check firmware compatibility with the merlin model (codenamed Redmi Note 9) on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
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To unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi, you need to link the Mi Account to the device and wait 7-15 days (Xiaomi policy).
Frequent problems after updating and their solution
Updating firmware doesn't always go smoothly. Here are the problems and ways to solve them:
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge after upgrade: Reset cache to recavery (Wipe) → Cache) or calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, charge to 100% without interruption).
- 📶 Mobile Internet Missing: Check the Settings APN (Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)) or reset the network settings.
- 🔊 Disappear in the speaker: Clear the data of the com.android.bluetooth app (if Bluetooth is a problem) or check the settings of Sound and vibration.
- 🛑 The device hung on the logo. MI: Reboot to Recovery (Power buttons) + Volume up) and select Wipe Data (deletes all data!).
If after the update, the smartphone began to slow down much, try:
- Clear the app cache (Settings → Storage → Clear the cache).
- Disable animation in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times to activate the developer mode).
- Perform a reset to factory settings (save data!).