I need a ROM for my Redmi Note 9s

Understanding the Need for Custom ROMs on the Redmi Note 9s

We understand the driving force behind your inquiry. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9s, while a formidable device in its price bracket upon release, often falls victim to the dreaded software stagnation and performance degradation known as “software bloat.” The stock MIUI interface, despite its feature richness, can become sluggish over time, burdened by unnecessary background processes and aggressive battery management that hampers the user experience. This is the primary catalyst that drives discerning users like yourself to seek a custom Android ROM. The desire for a “smooth” experience for both everyday use and gaming is a direct response to the limitations of the stock firmware.

Your requirement for a ROM with Google services or a robust app store is non-negotiable for the modern smartphone user. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) itself does not include Google Mobile Services (GMS) due to licensing restrictions. Therefore, any custom ROM that aims to provide a complete, out-of-the-box experience must either come pre-packaged with a certified GApps package (like OpenGApps or MindTheGApps) or provide clear instructions for their installation. This ensures access to the entire Google ecosystem, including the Play Store, Google Play Services for location and authentication, and a vast library of applications. Your mention of an “entertainment and music platform” further solidifies the need for GMS compatibility, as most major platforms like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Netflix rely heavily on Google’s framework for functionality and DRM (Digital Rights Management). We will explore the best options that cater to these precise needs.

Prerequisites: Unlocking Bootloader and Essential Preparations

Before we delve into specific ROM recommendations, we must outline the foundational steps required to modify your device’s software. This process is critical and carries inherent risks, including the potential to void your warranty and cause data loss or even brick your device if performed incorrectly. We strongly advise creating a complete backup of all your important data before proceeding.

The first and most crucial step is unlocking the bootloader. The bootloader is the first program that runs when your device powers on, and it is responsible for verifying the integrity of the system software before loading it. Xiaomi, like many manufacturers, locks the bootloader by default to prevent unauthorized software modifications. To unlock it, you must use Xiaomi’s official unlocking tool. This typically requires you to bind your Mi Account to the device and wait for a specific period (which can range from 72 hours to several days, depending on Xiaomi’s policy at the time). This process will completely wipe all data from your phone, so it is imperative to back everything up beforehand.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you will need to install a custom recovery. The recovery mode is a separate partition on your device used for system maintenance tasks, such as factory resets and applying official software updates. The stock recovery is limited and prevents the installation of custom software. We highly recommend TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) or, if unavailable, OrangeFox Recovery. These custom recoveries provide a user-friendly interface (often with touchscreen support) and the ability to flash custom ROMs, kernels, mods, and GApps packages from a ZIP file stored on your device’s internal storage or a microSD card. The installation is done via Fastboot mode, a protocol used to flash new firmware images onto Android devices from a computer using the Android SDK Platform-Tools.

Top Custom ROM Recommendations for the Redmi Note 9s (Curtana)

The Redmi Note 9s shares its codename, “curtana,” with several other models in the Redmi Note 9 series, including the Note 9 Pro, Note 9 Pro Max, and Note 10 Lite. This shared platform is a significant advantage, as it ensures a large and active developer community, leading to a rich selection of high-quality custom ROMs. Based on your requirements for smoothness, gaming performance, and a complete Google experience, we have curated a list of the most reliable and popular options available for your device.

PixelOS: The Gold Standard for AOSP Performance and Stability

We consistently recommend PixelOS as a top-tier choice for users seeking a bloat-free, Pixel-like experience with exceptional performance. This ROM is built from the ground up with a singular focus: to provide a clean, fast, and highly stable Android experience. It is an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) based ROM, meaning it strips away all the manufacturer overlays and unnecessary modifications found in stock MIUI. The result is an incredibly lightweight and responsive operating system.

For gaming, PixelOS often includes a custom kernel optimized for performance and battery efficiency. It generally ships with Pixel Features pre-installed, such as the iconic Pixel Launcher, Live Wallpapers, and advanced camera functionalities powered by Google’s HDR+ technology. Crucially for your needs, PixelOS typically requires you to flash a GApps package separately, giving you the flexibility to choose the exact variant you want (e.g., Pico, Nano, Stock). However, some builds may come with GApps included for convenience. We verify the official threads on platforms like XDA Developers for the “curtana” device to confirm the latest Android version availability (e.g., Android 13 or 14) and the stability of the build. Its reputation for being one of the smoothest ROMs available is well-earned, making it a fantastic choice for everyday use and demanding games alike.

LineageOS: The Community-Driven Powerhouse

LineageOS is arguably the most famous and enduring custom ROM in the Android development scene. As the successor to the beloved CyanogenMod, it has a long history of providing reliable, community-driven software for a vast array of devices. For the Redmi Note 9s, LineageOS offers a pure AOSP experience, similar to PixelOS, but with its own set of unique features and a robust development cycle.

LineageOS is renowned for its stability and security. It is maintained by a dedicated team of volunteer developers who ensure that devices receive timely Android version updates and monthly security patches. The performance is excellent, as the ROM is optimized for speed and efficiency. Like PixelOS, LineageOS does not typically include GApps in its official builds. This is a deliberate choice to adhere to the principles of open-source purity and to allow users to choose their preferred GApps package. We recommend flashing the recommended MindTheGApps package for a seamless integration that feels close to a stock Pixel device. LineageOS is a perfect match for your requirement of an everyday driver, as its rock-solid stability ensures you will have a reliable phone experience, while its performance optimizations provide the necessary horsepower for gaming.

Pixel Experience: For the Genuine Pixel Enthusiast

If your primary goal is to replicate the experience of a genuine Google Pixel device as closely as possible, then Pixel Experience is the ROM you have been looking for. This ROM’s philosophy is simple: to deliver the exact same look, feel, and functionality of a Pixel phone on your Redmi Note 9s. It includes all the official Pixel goodies right out of the box. This means the Pixel Launcher, the live wallpapers, the specific boot animation, the iconic Google Sans font, and all the exclusive camera features like Night Sight, Astrophotography mode, and the revamped Portrait Mode.

A key advantage of Pixel Experience is that it often comes pre-installed with Google Mobile Services (GApps). This directly addresses your need for a ROM with Google services and an app store, eliminating the extra step of having to flash GApps separately. The developers focus on maintaining feature parity with the latest Pixel releases, ensuring you get the newest Android features as soon as they are available for your device. In terms of performance, Pixel Experience is highly optimized and generally provides a very smooth and fluid experience suitable for both daily tasks and gaming, leveraging the same performance profiles found on official Pixel hardware.

Deep Dive: Key Factors for Your ROM Decision

Choosing the right ROM is a personal decision that depends on your specific priorities. While all the options listed above are excellent, we can break down the decision-making process by focusing on the attributes you highlighted: smoothness, gaming, and the Google ecosystem.

Prioritizing Gaming Performance and Efficiency

For a superior gaming experience, the underlying kernel and hardware acceleration are paramount. A kernel is the bridge between your hardware and the software. Custom ROMs often include custom kernels that allow for fine-tuned control over the CPU and GPU frequencies, enabling you to push the hardware for maximum performance during intensive gaming sessions or dial it back for better battery life during light use. Both PixelOS and Pixel Experience are known for their gaming-friendly optimizations. However, the single biggest performance booster you can apply to any custom ROM is replacing the standard system surface flinger with a performance-optimized variant. Many popular ROMs have community-developed mods that enable Hardware-Accelerated Encryption (HAE) and tweak the Graphics Interface (GLES/Vulkan) for lower latency and higher frame rates. When researching your chosen ROM, look for threads and user feedback specifically mentioning “gaming performance” or “FPS stability” for the “curtana” device.

Ensuring a Flawless Google Services and App Store Integration

Your requirement for an entertainment and music platform hinges entirely on proper GApps integration. A faulty GApps installation can lead to crashes in the Play Store, failure of app updates, and non-functional location services. We must stress the importance of following the GApps installation procedure precisely. The general rule is to flash the GApps package immediately after flashing the ROM and before the first reboot. The order is critical. For most AOSP-based ROMs like LineageOS and PixelOS, you will need to download the correct GApps variant for your Android version (e.g., Android 13) from a trusted source like OpenGApps or MindTheGApps. For Pixel Experience, this step is often already handled. A successful GApps installation will grant you full access to the Play Store, allowing you to download Spotify, YouTube Music, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and any other entertainment application that relies on Google’s certified environment. We have seen countless user reports of apps failing to launch or crashing on boot due to improper GApps flashing, so this step cannot be overlooked.

Step-by-Step Flashing Procedure

We will now provide a generalized, high-level overview of the flashing process. Note that exact steps may vary slightly between ROMs, so it is imperative to consult the specific thread on XDA Developers or the developer’s official website for the most accurate instructions.

Essential Downloads

Before you begin, you must download all necessary files to your computer or directly to your phone’s internal storage. You will need:

1. The Custom ROM ZIP file of your choice (e.g., PixelOS, LineageOS).
2. The GApps ZIP file, if required by your chosen ROM. Ensure it matches the Android version of the ROM.
3. A GApps removal script, such as the one provided by OpenGApps, is sometimes necessary if you are “dirty flashing” (updating without wiping data).
4. The latest Magisk ZIP if you intend to root your device for modules and advanced customization.

The Flashing Process

1. Reboot into Recovery: Power off your device, then boot into Fastboot mode by holding the Power + Volume Down buttons. From Fastboot, you can select “Recovery Mode” to enter TWRP or OrangeFox.
2. Wipe Data: In the custom recovery, go to “Wipe” and perform a “Format Data” or “Factory Reset.” This is crucial to prevent conflicts from the old MIUI system. Be warned: this will erase all data on your phone’s internal storage.
3. Flash the ROM: Navigate to the “Install” menu in your recovery. Select the ROM ZIP file you downloaded. Swipe the slider to confirm the flash. Wait for the process to complete.
4. Flash GApps (If Necessary): Without rebooting, immediately go back to the “Install” menu and select the GApps ZIP file. Swipe to flash it. If you are using a ROM that includes GApps, skip this step.
5. Flash Magisk (Optional): If you want root access, now is the time to flash the Magisk ZIP file.
6. Reboot System: Once all desired files are flashed, go to the “Reboot” menu and select “System.” The first boot will take significantly longer than usual as the new system sets itself up.

Post-Installation: Optimization and Safety

Once your new ROM is up and running, there are a few final steps to ensure a smooth and secure experience.

Managing System Updates

Custom ROMs are updated regularly to bring new features and security patches. You will typically be notified of these updates if the ROM has an built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) updater. The recommended method for updating is to download the update, reboot into recovery, flash the new ROM zip, and then immediately flash your GApps and Magisk again, but without wiping data. This is known as a “dirty flash” and preserves all your settings and apps. Always check the developer’s instructions before updating.

SafetyNet and Banking Apps

A common issue with custom ROMs is that they fail the SafetyNet Attestation, a security check used by many apps, including banking apps and Google Pay. This can be a significant roadblock. The fix for this is usually straightforward and involves hiding the fact that your device is rooted or running a custom ROM. The most effective solution is to install the Magisk root framework and then use the “MagiskHide” or “Zygisk” feature to cloak your modifications from SafetyNet. You may also need to flash a custom “SafetyNet fix” module from within the Magisk Manager app. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of a custom ROM without sacrificing access to critical applications.