Reflashing recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: from unlock to installation TWRP

Installing a custom recavator on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro (model number joyeuse) gives you access to advanced smartphone management capabilities, from creating full backups to installing unofficial firmware. However, the process requires care — an error at any stage can lead to a “brick” of the device when the phone stops loading. In this article, we will analyze all the steps of reflashing the recavour, starting from unlocking the bootloader to solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that Redmi Note 9 The Pro has two modifications – global (joyeuse_global) The methods of installing the recovery are identical, but the versions of the firmware and the recovery may differ. Also note that once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be reset - back up in advance through the Mi Cloud or locally on the PC.

The process consists of several key steps: obtaining permission to unlock, installing drivers, running a fastboot backup and checking your health, and if you are a beginner, we recommend that you follow the instructions carefully and not skip the items. For experienced users, we will present alternative methods (for example, through the use of ADB Sideload).

1.Preparation: What to do before reflashing the recaveri

Before you start manipulating the bootloader, make sure you have everything you need. Here is the minimum set of tools and data:

• 📱 Redmi Note 9 Pro with at least 70% battery charge (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C original or high-quality (cheap cables can cause data transmission errors).
• 🔧 Utilities: Mi Unlock Tool (to unlock), ADB & Fastboot, archive with TWRP for your model.
• 📄 Backup data (photos, contacts, messages) – unlocking the bootloader erases internal memory.

Pay special attention to the firmware version. If your Redmi Note 9 Pro is installed MIUI 12.5 or later, additional waiting may be required after applying for an unlock (up to 72 hours). → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is purchased in China (the version of joyeuse without global software), unlocking the bootloader may void the warranty. In some regions (for example, India), Xiaomi blocks the ability to unlock for devices purchased less than 30 days ago.

Also check if Find My Device is activated (in Settings). → Xiaomi Account → Find Device. You need to disable it before unlocking it, otherwise it will end up in error. If you forget the password from your Mi Account, restore it in advance, without it, you can not unlock it.

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step before installing a custom recavator, the process consists of two parts: linking the account to the device and actually unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

First, do the following on your phone:

1. Go to Settings. → About the phone and tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
3. Activate the switches. OEM Unlock and Debugging by USB.
4. Connect your phone to your Mi Account in the Settings menu → Accounts. → Xiaomi (unless previously done).
5. In the same menu for developers, find the Mi Unlock Status item and link your account to your device.

Once you have your account tied, you may notice that you have to wait (usually 24 to 72 hours) and that’s fine — Xiaomi checks the authenticity of the request. If the wait hasn’t started, try rebooting your phone.

We're working on PC next:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your OS).
2. Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot (for example, via Minimal) ADB and Fastboot or Xiaomi USB Drivers).
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
4. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then pinch the power + Reduce the volume before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.
5. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives a "Couldn't unlock" error with the code 86006 or 86012, this means that 72 hours have not passed since the account was attached.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't worry, that's okay. Now you can start installing a custom recaveri.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Find My Device is disabled|Developer mode activated|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Battery charge > 70%-->

3.The choice of the Recovery: TWRP alternatively

The most popular custom recavator for the Redmi Note 9 Pro — TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. It supports touch input, backups, installation. ZIP-It's firmware and it's open source, but there are alternatives:

For the Redmi Note 9 Pro Pro Pro recommended TWRP 3.7.0 Download the image only for your model (joyeuse or joyeuse). joyeuse_global). Installation of a recovery from another model will lead to errors or "brick".

Before downloading, check the hash amount of the file (usually indicated on the download page) to avoid installing a corrupt image. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-joyeuse.img correct SHA256 It looks like it:

a1b2c3d4e5f6... (full hash)

If you plan to install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), check on the forum. XDA Developers, what kind of recavers do developers recommend. Some firmware requires specific versions. TWRP.

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Before installing the recavator, check if it supports dynamic partitions. MIUI 12+ It's critical for the right job.

4.Installation of the Recovery via Fastboot

The most reliable way to flash a Recovery is through Fastboot mode.

1. Downloaded image of the recaveri (e.g, twrp.img) put it in a folder with ADB and Fastboot (e.g, C:\platform-tools\).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with utilities: cd C:\platform-tools\
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Reduce volume when the device is switched off).
4. Connect the phone to your PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed (for example, 1234abcd fastboot, you can continue.
5. Recreation: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img
6. After a successful firmware, don't restart your phone right away! First, do: fastboot boot twrp.img It'll temporarily load. TWRP stockless.

On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 13+ The stock recavator is automatically restored when you first boot into the system. TWRP You need to turn off the recavator check:

1. In TWRP, go to Mount and mark System.
2. Go back to the main menu and select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to the folder. /system/etc and delete the file recovery_from_boot.p (or rename it in recovery_from_boot.bak).

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware TWRP The phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 10 minutes, so the recovery is not compatible with your version. MIUI. Try another version. TWRP Restore the stock recavator with the Mi Flash Tool.

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Always check that the recovery version is compatible with your firmware, TWRP 3.5.2 may not work with MIUI 14, while 3.7.0+ Supports dynamic partitions.

5. Alternative methods of installation of the recaveri

If the firmware through Fastboot is not available for some reason, you can use other methods. ADB Sideload and using the Flashify app (requires root rights).

Method 1: Installation with ADB Sideload

This method is suitable if you already have a temporary rut or other Recovery:

1. Download the image of the recovery (.img) and place it in the platform-tools folder.
2. Upload your phone to your current recavator (such as stock) and select Apply update. → Apply from ADB.
3. On PC, run the command: adb sideload twrp.img
4. After completion, reboot to a new recaverie.

Method 2: Installation via Flashify (requires Root)

If the device already has root rights:

1. Install Flashify from Google Play.
2. Download the image of the Recovery to your phone.
3. Open Flashify, select Recovery image and specify the path to the file.
4. Confirm the installation and restart.

Both methods have limitations. ADB Sideload does not work if the stock Recovery is blocked (as on newer versions). MIUI), Flashify requires a pre-root, which is risky without custom recaveria.

6. Checking the performance and the first steps in TWRP

Once the recaveri is successfully installed, you need to make sure it works correctly.

1. Boot to TWRP: Turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Up.
2. If the screen responds to touch, the recovery is set correctly. Swipe to unlock (if required).
3. Check the basic functions: 📁 Backup – Create a backup of the Data partition. 🔄 Restore - Restore from the backup. 📦 Install - installation ZIP-firmware (for example, Magisk for root). 🔧 Wipe – Clean Partitions (Watch out! This Will Delete Data).

Immediately after installation, we recommend creating a full backup of the current firmware. TWRP:

1. Pick Backup.
2. Check the sections: Boot, Data, System (optional Vendor and EFS).
3. Specify the location of the save (preferably on MicroSD or OTG-accumulator).
4. Start the process and wait until it is completed.

Backup will take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data, and you can store it in a safe place, and it can help you recover your phone if you're going to crash, and if you're planning on installing custom firmware, don't erase the Data partition before you create a backup!

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V TWRP plugged in OTG-It's a storage device or a microSD for carrying backups.

7.Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

After installation TWRP The phone doesn’t boot into the system, but the recaveri works, try it:

1. Install Magisk to work properly with MIUI (Download the latest version Magisk.zip and run through Install in TWRP).
2. Restore the stock boot.img from the backup (if it was made before the firmware of the recaveri).
3. Flash the full stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (choose the clean all option).

⚠️ Note: Install custom firmware on Redmi Note 9 Pro with MIUI 14+ This could cause problems with the Widevine module. L1 (downgrad L3), Netflix and other services will only show content in the 480p. Before the firmware, check whether the selected firmware supports Widevine L1.

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Custom recavers are a powerful tool, but they require a responsible approach: Always have a rollback plan (backup or stock firmware) before making changes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about refashioning