Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range smartphones even years after its release. However, over time, users face the need to reflash the device: someone wants to update an outdated version of MIUI, someone wants to install custom firmware for advanced features, and someone needs to restore the phone after a crash. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse), including official and informal methods, as well as the nuances of unlocking the bootloader and solving typical errors.
It's important to understand that firmware isn't just an update through the settings menu. Depending on the purpose, you may need to unlock the bootloader, install it via Fastboot or Recovery, and work with tools like the Mi Flash Tool or the Mi Flash Tool. TWRP. We'll go through each step in detail so that even a beginner can cope without the risk of "bricking" the device. EDL-The only way to restore the phone if it is not turned on or booted to bootloop.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Before you start firmware, there are a few critical steps that need to be taken: neglecting them can lead to data loss, locking the device, or even a complete failure of the device, starting with the most obvious but often ignored item: backup.
Back up all your important data: contacts, photos, messages and apps.
- 📱 Mi Cloud – Xiaomi’s built-in cloud storage (check that sync is enabled in Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud).
- 💾 Local backup via Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset (saves system settings and some applications).
- 🖥️ Third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup for deep storage of application data.
Check the MIUI version and the device model, which is critical, as the firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (Global) will not be suitable for the Redmi Note 9S or the Indian version.
- 📄 B Settings → The phone. → Model (should be) M2003J6A1G global version).
- 🔍 Quickboot Getvar Product (if the phone is detected in Fastboot mode).
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 9 Pro is purchased in China (the C-suffix version in the model), the global firmware version may block the network.
It is equally important to charge the phone at least 60% and prepare a high-quality USB Type-C cable (cheap cables can interrupt the connection during firmware).
- 📥 Official firmware from en.miui.com (select the version for your model!).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot firmware) or OrangeFox/TWRP (custom-fix).
- 🔓 Unlock Tool (if the bootloader is blocked).
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step for custom firmware
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro. This means that without unlocking, you will not be able to:
- 🔄 Install custom Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox).
- 📦 Switch informal firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk.
The unlocking process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has several nuances:
- Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable Developer Options (7 times click on the MIUI version in the About Phone section).
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Developer Menu.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in to the program.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down) and follow the instructions in the utility.
Pay attention to the waiting time: Xiaomi may require you to wait from 72 hours to 7 days after the first account is linked.This is a security measure, and it is impossible to bypass it. Also note that unlocking will reset all data on the phone!
⚠️ Warning: If you bought the phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account. otherwise unlocking will be impossible without his data.
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, you can start the firmware, but remember: this is an irreversible process – re-blocking is possible only through the official Xiaomi service.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking the loader
Redmi Note 9 Pro: Which one to choose?
There are several methods for the Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware, and the choice depends on your goal:
| Method | What's the point? | Do you need unlocking? | Risk of "bricking" |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Updater | Official updates without data loss | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Minimum |
| Fastboot (Mi Flash) | System recovery, reset to factory settings | ✅ Yes (if the firmware is unofficial) | ⚠️⚠️ Medium. |
| Recovery (TWRP) | Installation of custom firmware and mods | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitched |
| EDL (9008) | Restore the bricks if the phone is not turned on | ✅ Yes (sometimes authorization is required) | ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ critical |
Let’s look at each method in more detail.
1. Firmware via MIUI Updater (the safest way)
If your goal is to simply upgrade to the latest version of MIUI without risk, use the built-in updater:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the icon "⋮" in the upper right corner and select Select firmware file.
- Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format).
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
This method does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all the data, but it only works with official firmware in recovery-ROM format.
2. Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)
This method is suitable for:
- 🔄 System Recovery After Failure.
- 📉 Downgrade on an older version MIUI.
- 🔧 Resolving software-related errors.
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the archive with firmware (fastboot-ROM).
- Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start MiFlash.exe.
- In the program, click Select, specify the folder with the firmware, then Refresh (the device should appear).
- Select Clean All or Clean All and Lock and press Flash.
⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader back, only use it if you are sure you will no longer install custom firmware.
It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots.
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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try installing the drivers manually through Device Manager (select Android Bootloader Interface).
3. firmware via TWRP (for custom firmware)
LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware will require TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery, a more complex process but opens up more possibilities:
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
- Download the current version of TWRP for joyeuse (for example, from twrp.me).
- Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where the fastboot is located).
- Turn off the phone, press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot.
- In the command line, run: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
Step 2: Installation of firmware
- In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- Return to the main menu, click Install and select the firmware file (.zip).
- After installing the firmware, repeat the step for Magisk (if root is needed).
- Reboot to the system.
The first download after installing custom firmware can take 10-15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Firmware through EDL (9008): Restore the bricks
If your Redmi Note 9 Pro is:
- 🔴 Not turned on at all (black screen, no vibration).
- 🔄 Hangs on the logo. MI or downloaded to bootloop.
- 🚫 Not defined in Fastboot or Recovery.
— The only way to bring it back to life is through the EDL-Emergency Download Mode (also known as 9008).
This will require:
- 🖥️ PC with Windows and Qualcomm driver HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📂 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (special version for the EDL).
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Instructions:
- Turn off the phone (if it doesn’t respond, let the battery run out completely).
- Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to the PC.
- In Device Manager, check that the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device has appeared.
- Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL You may need to log in to your Xiaomi account (if the bootloader has been blocked) and in some cases, you may need an official unlock file. auth_file, which can only be obtained through a service center.
If the Mi Flash Tool is an SLA or Anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one on your phone, and only the firmware through testpoint, a procedure for power users or service centers, will help.
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EDL-The mode is the last chance to save the phone, but requires strict adherence to instructions.
Common Firmware Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with strict follow-up, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: unknown command | The Wrong Way to Quickboot or the Older Version | Download the latest platform-tools from the Android Developers website |
| Anti-rollback check fail | Trying to install firmware older than the current one | Use firmware with a newer date or contact the service |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible firmware or interrupted process | Repeat the firmware via Fastboot or EDL |
| Mi Flash: Flash is not done | Problems with drivers or cable | Check the connection, try another one. USB-port |
If the phone boots up after firmware, but there are bugs (for example, the network or the camera is not working), chances are you have installed firmware for another modification of the device.
- Check out the exact phone model (M2003J6A1G for global version).
- Download the firmware just for your modification.
- Repeat the firmware through Fastboot with a complete clean (Clean all).
Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after firmware, which is caused by damage to the modem partition. You can restore IMEI through the engineering menu (#4636##) or the SN Write Tool (requires a nvram backup).
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Before you run the firmware, save the persist partition backup via the adb backup persist command, which will help restore IMEI and other critical data.
Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds
Before you flash the Redmi Note 9 Pro, decide which firmware you need. Each option has pros and cons:
Official MIUI (Global/EEA/China)
- ✅ Stable work, support OTG all functions of the camera.
- ✅ Regular security updates.
- ❌ Many pre-installed applications (bloatware).
- ❌ System-level restrictions (e.g. no Google Camera without mods).
Castom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid):
- ✅ Clean Android without unnecessary apps.
- ✅ Advanced settings and the possibility of fine customization.
- ❌ Camera bugs are possible, NFC sensory.
- ❌ No official support (updates depend on community).
If you choose custom firmware, pay attention to:
- 📅 Assembly date – current firmware is updated every 1-2 months.
- 🔒 Type of bootloader Unlocking – Some Firmware Requires Critical Unlock.
- 📸 Camera Support – Check if GCam or Stock App is Working.
For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the most stable are:
- Pixel Experience is a pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
- LineageOS is a minimalist firmware with long-term support.
- Xiaomi.eu is an optimized MIUI without bloatware (but requires weekly updates).
Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check reviews on forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) - some builds may have critical bugs, such as a broken VoLTE or fast battery discharge.