The Xiaomi Mi CC9 Meitu Edition (codename vela) was a unique device released in 2019, resulting from a collaboration with the popular Chinese photo app company, Meitu. This phone distinguished itself with a **customized software experience focused on enhanced portrait and beauty photography**. Aside from its software, it was powered by a **Qualcomm Snapdragon 710** chipset and a large 4030 mAh battery, making it a capable mid-range phone.
The Mi CC9 Meitu Edition was a China-exclusive device, and its firmware is specifically tailored to that market. For users who need a more global experience, flashing new firmware is essential. This can be done to resolve issues like a device stuck in a boot loop, to remove pre-installed Chinese apps, or to install a custom ROM that includes Google Mobile Services (GMS). This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary files and step-by-step instructions to help you flash the stock China ROM or a compatible custom ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi CC9 Meitu Edition
Users often need to flash new firmware for specific reasons tied to the Mi CC9 Meitu Edition's software ecosystem:
Quick Device Overview (Codename: vela)
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 Custom ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users who want to flash a custom ROM with Google Play and fewer Chinese apps.
FAQs
Q1: Can I flash a Global ROM on the Mi CC9 Meitu Edition?
No, due to differences in firmware structure and partitions. You must flash a ROM specifically made for the vela codename, such as the stock China ROM or a custom ROM based on it.
Q2: Will I lose the unique Meitu camera features after flashing a custom ROM?
Yes. The unique camera software is part of the stock Chinese firmware. Flashing a custom ROM will replace it with a standard camera app.
Q3: 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.
Q4: Why can't I downgrade to an older ROM?
Xiaomi's anti-rollback protection may prevent you from flashing a ROM with an older anti-rollback index. This is a common issue when attempting to downgrade firmware.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
The Mi CC9 Meitu Edition was a China-exclusive device, and its firmware is specifically tailored to that market. For users who need a more global experience, flashing new firmware is essential. This can be done to resolve issues like a device stuck in a boot loop, to remove pre-installed Chinese apps, or to install a custom ROM that includes Google Mobile Services (GMS). This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary files and step-by-step instructions to help you flash the stock China ROM or a compatible custom ROM.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
- ✔ Official stock ROM download link (China)
- ✔ Compatible TWRP recovery for flashing
- ✔ 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 CC9 Meitu Edition
Users often need to flash new firmware for specific reasons tied to the Mi CC9 Meitu Edition'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 is the only way to get these essential services.
- Unbrick the Device → If your device gets stuck on the MI logo after a failed update or custom ROM install, flashing the stock Fastboot ROM is the primary method to restore it to a working state.
- Remove Chinese Bloatware → The stock China ROM comes with a variety of pre-installed Chinese apps and services that cannot be uninstalled. Flashing a custom ROM provides a cleaner, bloatware-free experience.
- Bypass MIUI Update Bugs → Some users have reported software instability or issues with the official OTA updates. A clean flash of the stock ROM can help resolve these issues.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: vela)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi CC9 Meitu Edition
- Release Year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
- Display: 6.39” FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)
- Battery: 4030 mAh non-removable
- OS at Launch: MIUI 10 on Android 9.0 Pie
- Latest Official OS: MIUI 12.5 on Android 11
- Codename: vela
Always verify your device codename is vela 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 | V12.5.5.0 China (CN) |
| Compatible TWRP | Custom recovery for flashing .zip ROMs | TWRP-3.3.2B-0302-XIAOMI_CC9-CN-wzsx150-fastboot.zip |
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 Custom ROM (TWRP Recovery)
Best for users who want to flash a custom ROM with Google Play and fewer Chinese apps.
- Unlock Bootloader (mandatory).
- Flash a compatible **TWRP Recovery** to your device.
- Boot into TWRP → Power + Volume Up.
- Perform a **factory reset** (wipe Dalvik/Cache/Data).
- Transfer your custom ROM .zip file 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: Can I flash a Global ROM on the Mi CC9 Meitu Edition?
No, due to differences in firmware structure and partitions. You must flash a ROM specifically made for the vela codename, such as the stock China ROM or a custom ROM based on it.
Q2: Will I lose the unique Meitu camera features after flashing a custom ROM?
Yes. The unique camera software is part of the stock Chinese firmware. Flashing a custom ROM will replace it with a standard camera app.
Q3: 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.
Q4: Why can't I downgrade to an older ROM?
Xiaomi's anti-rollback protection may prevent you from flashing a ROM with an older anti-rollback index. This is a common issue when attempting to downgrade firmware.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Anti-rollback error → The Mi CC9 Meitu Edition 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 (vela) and the firmware file.
- Stuck in Fastboot mode → Force reboot the device by holding the Power button for about 10 seconds.