Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro often wonder about the software that controls their device. This smartphone, released in the midst of a pandemic, became a real hit thanks to the balance of price and performance, but time takes its toll. At the time of the launch in March 2020, the device was running the Android 10 operating system with the proprietary shell MIUI 11. However, since then, several years have passed, and the software ecosystem has changed significantly.
Many users mistakenly believe that the phone is no longer relevant immediately after the release of the new model, but it is not. Official support for the Redmi Note 9 Pro ended with Android 12 (MIUI 14), which is a great indicator for a device of the mid-range segment. Understanding the current version of the software is critical not only for data security, but also for compatibility with modern applications of banks and instant messengers, which annually increase the requirements for the system.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the evolution of firmware for your gadget, look at the upgrade paths and assess the feasibility of switching to custom versions of Android. You will learn whether it is worth spending time on flashing or better to stay on the latest stable version from the manufacturer. Let's dive into the technical details so that you can get the most out of your device.
Evolution of the operating system: from launch to final
The Redmi Note 9 Pro’s software history is a classic example of how Xiaomi works with its bestsellers. Initially, the smartphone received Android 10, which at the time offered advanced privacy management features and a dark theme at the system level. The MIUI 11 shell brought its visual style, which many felt like a fresh solution against the background of competitors.
The first major update brought Android 11 to MIUI 12 and MIUI 12.5, a major leap that changed the notification interface and added widgets to the desktop, but it was a turning point for many users due to the increased load on hardware and the emergence of optimization issues, which we will discuss below.
The final step in official support was the upgrade to Android 12 with the shell MIUI 14.This version brought a lightweight interface, improved memory and new privacy features. Despite the fact that the world has already seen Android 13 and 14, for the Snapdragon 720G processor installed in the Note 9 Pro, the twelfth version became a logical ceiling for stability.
⚠️ Note: Attempts to install firmware designed for newer models (such as the Redmi Note 10 or 11) on the Note 9 Pro will cause the device to fail.
It's important to understand that each new version of Android required more hardware resources, that if the phone flew at the start, it got heavier with each update, that's a normal process of mobile OS development, but it requires the user to pay attention to battery status and free space.
Technical characteristics and impact of software on productivity
The heart of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor, made on an 8-nm process. It pairs up with up to 8 GB of RAM like LPDDR4X. This combination has long been considered the “golden mean” that allows you to run heavy games and multitasking scenarios. However, the transition to new versions of Android imposed its limitations.
With the release of MIUI 12.5 and especially MIUI 13/14, users began to notice micro-freezes in the interface, which is due to the fact that modern graphics effects and background processes of Android 12 consume more CPU and RAM resources than was laid down by the engineers in the design of the chipset, the system has become more demanding on the speed of reading and writing the drive.
The type of UFS 2.1 internal memory also plays a role. Over time, when you actively write and delete data, the speed of the drive can decrease, which in conjunction with the heavy shell gives a tangible effect of "sluggishness." Regular cleaning of the cache and freeing up 10-15% of free space helps to mitigate this effect.
Below is a table showing how system requirements have changed with each major update:
| Android version | MIUI shell | Year out | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | MIUI 11 | 2020 | Optimal (basic) |
| Android 11 | MIUI 12.5 | 2021 | Average (complaints have been made) |
| Android 12 | MIUI 13/14 | 2022-2023 | High (fast discharge) |
It is worth noting that the optimization of background processes in MIUI 14 partially solved the problems with autonomy, but did not return the sharpness of the work that was on Android 10.
Instructions: How to check and update the Android version
Before you decide to upgrade or roll back, you need to know exactly what your device is, and checking the software version is the first thing you should do when you buy a used phone or after you reset. It only takes a couple of minutes.
For information, go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone. At the top of the screen, you will see the MIUI version logo. Clicking on it several times in a row (usually 7-10 quick taps), you will go to the hidden Advanced Settings menu, where the exact version of Android will be specified.
☑️ Check before updating
If a new update is available, the system will prompt you to download it, but sometimes it happens that the update does not come to everyone at the same time due to a phased distribution, in which case you can click the Three Dots button in the upper right corner and select Select a firmware file if you downloaded the current package manually from the official website.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the installation process of the update, even if the phone has stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes.
Automatic updates are the safest way for the average user to do so, ensuring that all drivers and system libraries are installed correctly and verified with the manufacturer’s digital signature.
Official support and end of life cycle
Xiaomi, like most Android makers, has a specific schedule for supporting their devices. For the mid-range Redmi Note series, this cycle is usually 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security updates.
The last major update was the Android 12-based MIUI 14 shell, which has since moved into support with only security patches that have also stopped coming out, meaning the device will no longer receive new operating system features from the manufacturer.
Why does support end so early?
The lack of updates does not mean that the phone will stop working. apps from Google Play continue to be supported for several years after the release of the new version of Android. However, over time, you may find yourself in a situation where new versions of banking applications will no longer be installed on the old OS.
For many users, it's a signal that it's time to consider replacing the device if they want to stay in the current digital field.However, for secondary use or as a second phone, the Note 9 Pro is still quite usable.
Castom firmware: should you switch to Android 13 and 14?
With official support complete, the development community has taken matters into their own hands.There are a lot of custom firmware for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename curtana) based on Android 13 and even Android 14. Popular builds include LineageOS, Pixel Experience and Xiaomi.eu.
The switch to custom firmware has several benefits: First, it’s pure Android without ads and unnecessary pre-installed software; second, it’s the ability to get new features like improved notification management and widgets that are not available in the old MIUI. Third, it’s increased security through fresh patches.
However, there are serious drawbacks: custom firmware installation requires unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader), which is officially allowed by Xiaomi, but requires a wait of 7 days, and after this procedure, some banking applications cease to work due to a violation of system integrity, although workarounds (Magisk) exist, but require technical knowledge.
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Before firmware, be sure to make a full backup of the data to an external medium. The process of unlocking the bootloader completely cleans the internal memory of the smartphone.
The camera is another important aspect: Xiaomi’s native camera often performs better on stock firmware thanks to image processing algorithms. On custom builds, photo quality can fall if you don’t install special Google Camera (GCam) modules specifically sharpened for the Samsung GW1 sensor in the Note 9 Pro.
Compatibility and data security issues
Using an outdated version of Android carries certain risks. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in operating systems, and if the manufacturer stopped issuing security patches, your device becomes vulnerable to attacks, which is especially critical for NFC and mobile banking functions.
Some apps are starting to require a minimal version of the OS. For example, new versions of messengers or enterprise customers may simply refuse to run on Android 10 or 11. Although there has been no mass rejection of support for these versions yet, the trend is clear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not download "updates" from unverified sources in Telegram channels or forums. Fake firmware may contain malicious code that will steal your passwords and card data.
To minimize risks on the old version of the system, it is recommended not to install applications from unknown sources (APK-files from sites), and use only the official Google Play store, you should also regularly check the permissions of applications to the microphone, camera and geolocation.
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The security of your smartphone depends on the relevance of the Android version. If you use the device for financial transactions, the lack of fresh security patches is a serious risk.
Conclusion: Relevance of the Redmi Note 9 Pro in 2026
To sum up, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has come a long way. With Android 12, it remains a functional device for everyday tasks, social media, navigation, video streaming and the light gaming industry are all running smoothly.
If you are satisfied with the current speed and you are not chasing new interface chips, there is no need to rush to replace your phone or reflash complex. However, enthusiasts who want to extend the life of the gadget and get a fresh experience should consider installing custom firmware based on Android 13/14.
Ultimately, the choice is left to the user: stay in their comfort zone with a proven, albeit old, system, or take a risk for the new product, and in any case, this smartphone has proven that it can be relevant even a few years after the release.