Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones from Xiaomi even years after release - thanks to balanced characteristics, reliable hardware and active support from enthusiasts. However, over time, the standard firmware MIUI starts to slow down, and updates from the manufacturer stop. This is where the community comes in to help. 4PDA, where both official and custom firmware with optimizations, new functions and a deleted block are collected.

In this article we will analyze all firmware methods Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse): from unlocking the bootloader to installation LineageOS or Pixel Experience. We will focus on unique bugs of the 2020 model (for example, problems with the module NFS after the firmware) and give checklists for a safe process. The material is relevant for versions MIUI 12/13/14 And Android 10/11/12.

1. Preparing for firmware: what you need to know before you start

Before downloading the firmware from 4PDA, make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro ready for manipulation. The main risks are related to:

  • 🔓 By locking the bootloader — on new devices it is locked by default, and unlocking requires linking to an account Mi.
  • 📉 Data loss — the firmware erases the internal memory (except for the card microSD).
  • 🚨 Brik — incorrect firmware can turn a smartphone into a “brick” (especially if the process is interrupted).

First check current firmware version and device model:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
  2. Make a note of the build number (for example, V12.5.3.0.RJWMIXM).
  3. Make sure the model is correct Redmi Note 9 Pro (not Note 9S or Note 9 Pro Max), since the firmware is incompatible!
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was purchased in China (version CN), global firmware will require additional unlocking of regional restrictions via EDL mode. This is more complicated and riskier than the standard process.
📊 What firmware are you planning to install?
  • Official MIUI (stable)
  • Official MIUI (weekly)
  • Custom (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
  • Another

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

Without unlocked bootloader (bootloader) installation of any unofficial firmware is impossible. Xiaomi has complicated the process in 2021, so keep an eye on the latest requirements:

Link your Mi account to your phone|Enable USB debugging in the developer settings|Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool|Prepare a USB cable (preferably the original one)|Disable all antiviruses on your PC

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Unlock algorithm:

  1. Download official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower 5.5.224.24).
  2. Log in to the tool using the same account Mi, as on the phone.
  3. Put your smartphone into mode Fastboot: turn it off, then hold it down Volume Down + Power.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and start unlocking Mi Unlock Tool. Expect 72–168 hours (the so-called “waiting timer” from Xiaomi).

After successful unlocking, the message will appear on the screen Unlocked. Now you can start flashing the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears when unlocking "Couldn't unlock", check:
  • 🔌 USB cable (must support data transfer, not just charging).
  • 🖥️ Version Mi Unlock Tool (old versions do not work with new devices).
  • 📱 Account linking (the phone must be linked to the account for at least 7 days).

3. Selecting firmware on w3bsit3-dns.com: official vs custom

On the forum 4PDA hundreds of firmware for Redmi Note 9 Pro, but they are all divided into 3 categories:

Firmware type Benefits Disadvantages Link to w3bsit3-dns.com
Official MIUI (stable/weekly) Maximum stability, OTG support, all camera functions work. Advertising, bloatware, slow updates. MIUI thread
Custom (AOSP) (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) Pure Android, no ads, fast updates. NFC and Widevine L1 (Netflix in HD) may not work. Custom firmware thread
Ported MIUI (for example, from Redmi Note 10 Pro) New MIUI features on old hardware. High risk of bugs, possible performance problems. Port thread

For most users, the optimal choice is official global MIUI (if stability is needed) or Pixel Experience (if you want pure Android). Please note Android version:

  • 📱 Android 10 - the most stable, but outdated.
  • 📱 Android 11 — balance between new features and stability.
  • 📱 Android 12/13 — there may be bugs with the camera or sensors.
💡

Before downloading the firmware, check the reviews in the 4PDA thread for the last 2-3 weeks. Often, fresh builds contain critical bugs that the author does not have time to warn about.

4. Installing firmware via TWRP: detailed guide

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required for installing unofficial firmware. For Redmi Note 9 Pro use the version 3.6.2_10-0 or newer (older versions do not support Android 11+).

Installation steps:

  1. Download TWRP for joyeuse and firmware (for example, PixelExperience_joyeuse-12.1-20230610.zip).
  2. Move the firmware file to the root of the phone's internal memory.
  3. Put your phone in mode Fastboot and flash TWRP with the command: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_10-0-joyeuse.img
  4. Then immediately go to TWRP (don't boot into the system!) by holding down Volume Up + Power.
  5. In TWRP do Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!) then install the firmware via Install.
⚠️ Attention: If after installing the firmware the phone is stuck on the logo Xiaomi longer than 10 minutes, don't panic - the first turn on may take up to 20 minutes. If the screen goes dark and does not respond, try pressing Food for 20 seconds to force a reboot.
What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?

If TWRP does not display files on the internal memory, there is most likely an encryption problem. Solution:

1. Reflash TWRP with decryption support (for example, version from OrangeFox).

2. Connect your phone to PC via MTP into TWRP and copy the firmware directly.

3. Or use ADB Sideload:

adb sideload прошивка.zip

5. Solving common errors after flashing

Even if the firmware is installed correctly, problems may arise. Here TOP-5 errors for Redmi Note 9 Pro and their solutions:

  • 📵 No network (IMEI disappeared)

    Reason: partition damaged modem when flashing. Solution: sew separately modem And EFS through Mi Flash Tool (files can be found in the firmware thread on 4PDA).

  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain

    The culprit is incorrect battery calibration. Reset battery stats in TWRP (Wipe → Battery Stats) or perform a full charge cycle (0–100%).

  • 📷 The main camera does not work

    Custom firmware often lacks drivers for Samsung GW1 (main sensor Note 9 Pro). Install the patch ANX_Camera or return to MIUI.

If after flashing the phone doesn't turn on at all (brick), try to recover through EDL mode:

  1. Download Mi Flash Tool And official fastboot rom for your model.
  2. Connect the switched off phone to the PC by pressing Volume up + Volume down (must be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
  3. B Mi Flash Tool select mode Clean All and stitch the rum.
💡

If the phone is not detected in EDL mode, check the drivers Qualcomm on PC. Installing the driver manually through Device Manager often helps.

6. Firmware optimization after installation

Installing the firmware is half the battle. To Redmi Note 9 Pro worked quickly and stably, follow a few steps:

  • ⚡ Disable unnecessary services:

    B Settings → Applications disable autorun for Mi Video, Mi Music, Browser and other pre-installed applications.

  • 🔄 Set up the task scheduler:

    In custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) activate Settings → Battery → Adaptive Battery to optimize the background.

  • 🎮 Improve your performance:

    For gamers: in Settings → Advanced → Developer turn on GPU rendering and turn off Window animation.

For MIUI We recommend installing the module Magisk with patch MIUI Optimization — it removes ads and speeds up the interface. You can download it at 4PDA.

💡

If it disappeared after the firmware Google Pay, check the status SafetyNet via the app SafetyNet Test. To fix this, install Magisk + module Universal SafetyNet Fix.

7. Alternative flashing methods: without TWRP and unlocking

Not everyone is comfortable with unlocking the bootloader or using TWRP. Let's consider 3 legal ways update the firmware without the risk of bricking:

  • 🌐 OTA update

    Safest method: Settings → About phone → System update. However Xiaomi often pauses updates for older models.

  • 💻 Mi Flash Tool (official fastboot rom)

    Suitable for returning to stock firmware. Download official rum for your model and flash through Mi Flash in mode Clean All.

  • 🔄 Local update via Recovery

    Download the file .zip with firmware, rename it to update.zip and install via stock recovery (Volume Up + Power).

For custom firmware without TWRP you can use the app OrangeFox Updater (available on 4PDA). It allows you to install firmware directly from the system, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware

❓ How to return official MIUI after custom firmware?

Download fastboot-rom for your model with official website, then stitch it through Mi Flash Tool in mode Clean All. After this, the bootloader will be blocked again!

❓ Why does NFC not work after the firmware?

In most custom firmwares (except MIUI) module NFC disabled at the kernel level. Solutions:

  • Install the firmware marked NFC-fix (search on 4PDA).
  • Or go back to the official MIUI.

❓ Is it possible to flash Redmi Note 9 Pro without losing data?

Technically yes, if you install the firmware via OTA or local update (no formatting data). However We recommend making a backup through TWRP or Mi Mover, since even OTA can reset the settings.

❓ How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Turn off the phone, then turn it on while holding down the button Volume down. If the message appears at the bottom of the screen Unlocked - bootloader is unlocked. If Locked - An unlocking procedure will be required.

❓ Which firmware is better for games?

Optimal for gaming official MIUI with backgrounds turned off or Corvus OS (custom firmware with optimizations for performance). Avoid Pixel Experience - it often limits the processor clock speed to save battery.