Owners of budget but productive smartphones like the Redmi 9 often face the limitations of the standard MIUI shell. The system blocks the removal of preinstalled software, prevents full backups and restricts access to system files.
Obtaining administrator rights based on the MediaTek Helio G80 processor requires strict adherence to the algorithm of actions. An error at any stage can lead to a software failure, so before starting the procedure, you need to carefully study the theoretical part. In this article, we will discuss the proven method using Magisk and unlocked bootloader, which is currently the most stable solution.
It's important to understand that the process of obtaining superuser privileges is not just installing an app from the Play Market, it's a profound modification of the boot.img system partition that requires interaction with the computer and executing commands in Fastboot mode.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before we start modifying the firmware, we need to create a reliable environment for work. USB-The connection between the computer and the smartphone will be unstable, which can interrupt the firmware process at the most inopportune time. Use the original cable or certified analogue with data support, not just charging.
A Windows computer will need to install specialized ADB and Fastboot drivers, and you will need an archiver to unpack firmware files and the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader, all of which can be found on official resources or trusted forums.
Make sure to complete a full backup of all important data. In the process of unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone will be completely reset to factory settings. Photos, contacts and documents will be deleted without the possibility of recovery through standard means.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, Avoid sudden shutdown during critical operations.
- 💾 Free up space on the internal drive and prepare a microSD memory card to store backups.
- 🔐 Create a strong password for your Mi Account and make sure you remember the login details.
- 💻 Install MediaTek Preloader drivers and VCOM on the computer for the correct determination of the device in firmware mode.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Android security will consider the device to be changed. Some banking applications and services (Google Pay, Mir Pay) may stop working without additional manipulations to hide root rights.
Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9
The foundation for root access is an unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi has strict restrictions, so you can't just flash a modified image. The first step is to link your account to your device through the settings menu.
Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, look for “Truckloader Status” and click “Add Account.” Make sure that you use mobile internet, not Wi-Fi, as the binding often does not pass through wireless networks.
After a successful link, you have to wait a certain period of time. Usually it is 7 days (168 hours), but in some cases the timer can be increased to 30 days. During this period, you can not log out of the Mi Account on the device, otherwise the countdown will start again.
☑️ Checking before unlocking
To enter Fastboot mode, press down volume and power at the same time. Connect your phone to your computer and press the Unlock button in the program. The process will take a few minutes and end with a complete data reset.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Recovery Recovery menu does not allow you to install modified files. To implement superuser rights, we will need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which has a graphical interface and supports the installation of zip archives and img images.
First, download the current version of the twrp.img image, which was made specifically for the Redmi 9 model (codenamed lancelot), and use the image from another model to create a "brick" of the device, and download the archive with the encryption patch if it is required for your Android version.
Upload your phone to Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and type in the command to run the recovery firmware:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_lancelot.imgOnce you've done the command, while the phone is still connected, you need to do a combination of buttons to log in to the menu, press up the volume and power. If the phone boots into the normal system, then the standard recap has overwritten TWRP. In this case, you need to repeat the procedure, but immediately after the firmware, quickly go to recovery mode.
- 📂 Copy the downloaded Magisk zip file into your phone’s memory before entering the phone. TWRP.
- 🔒 On the menu. TWRP You may need to enter a screen unlock password if the data is encrypted.
- ⚙️ Before installing mods, it is recommended to make a full backup of the Boot section through the Backup menu.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP You can not boot into the system, try the Recovery menu to execute the command Wipe → Format Data and enter yes. This will remove encryption, but it will also erase all data.
Getting Root Rights through Magisk Manager
The current standard for superuser rights management is Magisk. Unlike the old (SuperSU) methods, Magisk is systemless, which allows you to bypass many security checks. To install, you will need the manager's apk file and boot.img image.
There are two main ways to install it: One is through the TWRP menu, just by installing the Magisk zip archive as a regular application; the second, more reliable method for Redmi 9 is to patch the boot image; download the official firmware corresponding to your version, and extract the boot.img file.
Pass this file to your phone, install the Magisk app and select "Install" → "Select and flash the file. Show the path to boot.img. The program will create a modified file magisk_patched.img bootloader.
What if Magisk can't see a boot image?
Return the modified image to your computer and revert to Fastboot mode.
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgOnce you reboot, you'll see an active status Magisk app, and if you have a number in the "Version" line and "Magisk" in the "Installed" line, you'll have a successful procedure.
Setup and Hiding Root Access
Once the superuser rights have been successfully established, the user is challenged to make their use invisible to the system and applications. Zygisk is a new implementation of Magisk that is embedded in the Zygote process, allowing modules to work more efficiently.
In Magisk, you need to activate "Zygisk" and "Accept the Exclusion List." Once Zygisk is enabled, you need to reboot your phone. Then you'll see "DenyList Exclusion List," and you'll add Google Play Services, Google Play Store, and banking apps that don't work.
It is also recommended to install Universal SafetyNet Fix (if it is relevant for your version of Android) or use built-in concealment features, which will allow you to pass SafetyNet checks and run applications with strict security requirements.
| Parameter | Value to the root | Value after adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| SafetyNet Basic Integrity | ✅ Passes. | ✅ Passes (with concealment) |
| CTS Profile Match | ✅ Passes. | ✅ Passes (with Zygisk) |
| Access to /system | ❌ Prohibited. | ✅ Permitted (Read/Write) |
| Banking Apps Work | ✅ Work. | ✅ Works (after setting up) |
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Without the right setup, DenyList and Zygisk banking apps will see root rights and block startups, even if Magisk itself is hidden.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
The process of modifying the Xiaomi smartphone rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. Often there are problems with drivers when the computer simply does not see the phone in Fastboot mode or ADB. In this case, it helps to reinstall drivers or replace USB-port.
Another common problem is bootloop.If the phone is stuck on the logo after boot.img, don't panic.Put the power and volume button to go to Fastboot, and swipe through the original boot.img image from your firmware version, which will return the phone to working condition without losing data if the bootloader hasn't been finally unlocked.
Errors when installing TWRP are often associated with data encryption. If you can’t go to the recovery menu or it requests a password you didn’t enter, you might want to try a version of TWRP that supports your encryption level or do data formatting.
- 🔄 If the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI, Try to press the volume button up and power on 10-15 second-on-seconds.
- 💻 The “Waiting for Device” error in Mi Unlock is often solved by using the device. USB 2.0 port instead of USB 3.0.
- 📉 Once rooted, autonomy may temporarily decline until the system optimizes background processes.
⚠️ Note: Never try to show an image. vbmeta.img It can cause a complete failure of the device, which can only be fixed through paid service mode. EDL.
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If you plan to use your phone for important calls and payments daily, consider installing custom firmware (Custom ROM) with root already built in and configured, instead of modifying stock MIUI.