The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G (codename crux), released in late 2019, was a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that pushed the boundaries of mobile technology. As an upgraded version of the standard Mi 9, it introduced significant improvements such as **5G connectivity**, a larger **4000 mAh battery**, and incredibly fast charging with **40W wired, 30W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless charging**. Powered by the flagship **Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+** chipset, it offered top-tier performance for its time.
Since the Mi 9 Pro 5G was a China-exclusive model, many users outside of China rely on custom firmware to access essential services and languages. Flashing new firmware is a common necessity to unbrick the device, resolve system issues, or to install a custom ROM that includes Google Mobile Services (GMS). This guide provides a complete resource for flashing the official stock ROM and the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 9 Pro 5G
Users often need to flash new firmware for specific reasons tied to the Mi 9 Pro 5G's software ecosystem:
Quick Device Overview (Codename: crux)
Required Tools & Downloads
Before flashing, make sure you have the following:
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked or stuck in a boot loop.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users who want a **global-like experience with fewer apps and more features**.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between the Mi 9 and Mi 9 Pro 5G?
The Mi 9 Pro 5G has a more powerful Snapdragon 855+ chipset, 5G support, a larger 4000 mAh battery, and significantly faster charging technology (40W wired, 30W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless).
Q2: Why did my phone not get Android 12 or 13?
The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G officially received its final major update to Android 11 with MIUI 13. Any further Android versions would require a custom ROM.
Q3: Does flashing the stock firmware relock the bootloader?
Yes, if you choose the "clean all and lock" option in the Mi Flash Tool. It's recommended to use this option only when flashing the original firmware for your device's region to avoid bricking.
Q4: My device is stuck in a boot loop after flashing. What should I do?
Re-enter Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware using the Mi Flash Tool. Ensure you selected the "clean all" option.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
Since the Mi 9 Pro 5G was a China-exclusive model, many users outside of China rely on custom firmware to access essential services and languages. Flashing new firmware is a common necessity to unbrick the device, resolve system issues, or to install a custom ROM that includes Google Mobile Services (GMS). This guide provides a complete resource for flashing the official stock ROM and the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
- ✔ Official stock ROM download links (China)
- ✔ Xiaomi.eu ROM for a debloated, global-like experience
- ✔ Required tools, drivers, and preparations
- ✔ Step-by-step flashing tutorials (Fastboot & Recovery)
- ✔ Common FAQs and troubleshooting solutions
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi 9 Pro 5G
Users often need to flash new firmware for specific reasons tied to the Mi 9 Pro 5G's software ecosystem:
- Install Google Services → As a China-exclusive phone, the stock firmware lacks Google Mobile Services (GMS), including Google Play Store. Flashing a custom ROM like Xiaomi.eu is the only way to get these essential services.
- Fix Boot Loops or Bricks → A failed firmware update or a bad custom flash can leave your device stuck on the MI logo. Flashing the official Fastboot ROM is the primary method to unbrick the device.
- Resolve Bugs & Performance Issues → Some users reported system instability on certain MIUI versions. A clean install of the latest stable firmware or a community-driven ROM can resolve these software glitches and improve overall performance.
- Upgrade to Latest Firmware → While the phone is officially discontinued, new community-based updates may become available. Flashing a newer version can bring the latest security patches and features not available through official OTA updates.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: crux)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G
- Release Year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+
- Display: 6.39” FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)
- Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable
- OS at Launch: MIUI 11 on Android 10
- Latest Official OS: MIUI 13 on Android 11
- Codename: crux
Always verify your device codename is crux before flashing. Installing the wrong firmware will permanently brick the device.
Required Tools & Downloads
Before flashing, make sure you have the following:
| Tool / File | Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | Used for flashing official Fastboot ROMs | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC detects the device in Fastboot mode | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Needed to unlock bootloader | Official Unlock Tool |
| Official Fastboot ROM | Stock firmware for unbrick/restore | V13.0.1.0 China (CN) |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Debloated, Google Play preinstalled, multi-language | V13.0.1.0 EU Build |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked or stuck in a boot loop.
- Unlock Bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (mandatory).
- Boot into Fastboot Mode → Hold Power + Volume Down.
- Extract the TGZ file of the stock firmware on your PC.
- Open Mi Flash Tool, click Select, and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect your device to your PC → Click Refresh to detect it.
- Choose the “clean all” option at the bottom. This will wipe all data.
- Click Flash. Wait until the tool displays a success message.
Method 2: Installing Xiaomi.eu ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users who want a **global-like experience with fewer apps and more features**.
- Unlock Bootloader (mandatory).
- Flash a **TWRP Recovery** compatible with the Mi 9 Pro 5G (crux).
- Boot into TWRP → Power + Volume Up.
- Perform a **factory reset** (wipe Dalvik/Cache/Data).
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu ROM .zip to internal storage.
- In TWRP → Tap Install, select the ROM, and swipe to flash.
- Reboot → The first boot may take up to 10 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between the Mi 9 and Mi 9 Pro 5G?
The Mi 9 Pro 5G has a more powerful Snapdragon 855+ chipset, 5G support, a larger 4000 mAh battery, and significantly faster charging technology (40W wired, 30W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless).
Q2: Why did my phone not get Android 12 or 13?
The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G officially received its final major update to Android 11 with MIUI 13. Any further Android versions would require a custom ROM.
Q3: Does flashing the stock firmware relock the bootloader?
Yes, if you choose the "clean all and lock" option in the Mi Flash Tool. It's recommended to use this option only when flashing the original firmware for your device's region to avoid bricking.
Q4: My device is stuck in a boot loop after flashing. What should I do?
Re-enter Fastboot mode and re-flash the stock firmware using the Mi Flash Tool. Ensure you selected the "clean all" option.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Anti-rollback error → The Mi 9 Pro 5G has anti-rollback protection. You cannot flash a ROM with an older anti-rollback index than your current one. Check the firmware version and ensure it is not a downgrade.
- Mi Flash Tool "cannot read from port" → Ensure you have correctly installed the Xiaomi USB drivers on your PC. Try a different USB cable or port.
- Flash fails with "Missmatching images and device" → This error indicates you are trying to flash a ROM for a different device. Double-check your device codename (crux) and the firmware file.
- Stuck in Fastboot mode → Force reboot the device by holding the Power button for about 10 seconds.