The Xiaomi Redmi K20 (codename davinci) and its global sibling, the Mi 9T, are two of the most popular mid-range smartphones released in 2019. They are known for their striking, full-screen **AMOLED display without any notches**, thanks to a sleek **pop-up selfie camera**. Powered by the **Qualcomm Snapdragon 730** chipset, a 48 MP triple-camera system, and a 4000 mAh battery, these devices offered a premium experience at a very competitive price.
While these phones are known for their reliability, software issues can still occur. Users may need to flash new firmware to resolve problems such as a device stuck in a boot loop, system performance degradation, or the need to switch between different regional firmwares (e.g., from the China ROM to the Global ROM for Google services). This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary firmware files, tools, and step-by-step instructions to help you flash a new ROM and get your device running smoothly again.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi K20 / Mi 9T
Flashing firmware is an effective solution for many device issues:
Quick Device Overview (Codename: davinci)
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, stuck in a boot loop, or you need to change firmware regions.
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 Redmi K20 and Mi 9T firmware?
Both devices share the same firmware files under the codename davinci. The difference lies in the pre-installed regional ROMs. The K20 comes with China ROM, while the Mi 9T comes with Global, EEA, or India ROMs.
Q2: Will flashing the Global ROM on my Redmi K20 affect the pop-up camera?
No, the camera hardware is identical. Flashing the Global ROM will not affect the pop-up mechanism and may even provide a more stable camera app.
Q3: Why did my phone not get Android 12 or 13?
The Redmi K20 / Mi 9T officially received its final major update to Android 11. Any further Android versions would require a custom ROM.
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
While these phones are known for their reliability, software issues can still occur. Users may need to flash new firmware to resolve problems such as a device stuck in a boot loop, system performance degradation, or the need to switch between different regional firmwares (e.g., from the China ROM to the Global ROM for Google services). This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary firmware files, tools, and step-by-step instructions to help you flash a new ROM and get your device running smoothly again.
This article serves as a complete reference guide:
- ✔ Official stock ROM download links (China, Global, India, Russia, EEA)
- ✔ 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 Redmi K20 / Mi 9T
Flashing firmware is an effective solution for many device issues:
- Unbrick / Recover from bootloop → Restore your device to a working state if it fails to boot after a failed update or flash.
- Fix performance issues → A clean firmware install can resolve system lag, app crashes, and other software glitches.
- Change regional firmware → Flash the Global ROM to enable Google services and multiple languages on a China-version phone.
- Downgrade firmware → Revert to a previous Android version if a newer update is causing bugs or instability.
- Install a custom ROM → Prepare your device for a custom ROM like Xiaomi.eu, which offers a debloated and enhanced user experience.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: davinci)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi K20 / Mi 9T
- Release Year: 2019
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
- Display: 6.39” FHD+ AMOLED (2340 x 1080)
- Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable
- OS at Launch: MIUI 10 on Android 9.0 Pie
- Latest Official OS: MIUI 12.5 on Android 11
- Codename: davinci
Always verify your device codename is davinci 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 ROMs | Stock firmware for unbrick/restore | |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Debloated, Google Play preinstalled, multi-language | V12.5.2.0 EU Build |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing Stock ROM (Fastboot Mode)
Use this method if your device is bricked, stuck in a boot loop, or you need to change firmware regions.
- 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 9T (davinci).
- 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 Redmi K20 and Mi 9T firmware?
Both devices share the same firmware files under the codename davinci. The difference lies in the pre-installed regional ROMs. The K20 comes with China ROM, while the Mi 9T comes with Global, EEA, or India ROMs.
Q2: Will flashing the Global ROM on my Redmi K20 affect the pop-up camera?
No, the camera hardware is identical. Flashing the Global ROM will not affect the pop-up mechanism and may even provide a more stable camera app.
Q3: Why did my phone not get Android 12 or 13?
The Redmi K20 / Mi 9T officially received its final major update to Android 11. Any further Android versions would require a custom ROM.
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 9T 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 (davinci) and the firmware file.
- Stuck in Fastboot mode → Force reboot the device by holding the Power button for about 10 seconds.