Obtaining super-user rights on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 device opens up limitless possibilities for the owner to customize the operating system. The standard shell MIUI, despite its functionality, has a number of limitations that prevent advanced users from fully unlocking the potential of the Snapdragon hardware platform. Root access allows you to remove system debris, change the CPU frequencies, block ads at the host level and install specialized modules.
However, this process requires care and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, since incorrect interference with the bootloader can lead to software failure. You will need not only the smartphone itself, but also a personal computer with ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. It is critical to understand that unlocking the bootloader automatically and irrevocably erases all user data from the internal memory of the device.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the preparatory stage, the procedure for unlocking Bootloader and the final installation of administrator rights through the Magisk utility. Don’t rush to start actions without first preparing a backup of important photos and documents. Let’s look at what tools and software will be needed to successfully complete the procedure.
Preparation of the device and assembly of necessary tools
The first step is to ensure a stable connection between the smartphone and the computer. USB-cable, preferably original, which came with the Redmi Note 9, as cheap analogues often do not provide data transfer, working only in charging mode. ADB Fastboot and Fastboot, which can be found in Android SDK Platform Tools or download separately verified packages.
Then you should activate the hidden features of the operating system. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and click seven times in a row on the field version of MIUI. After you appear the label "You became a developer" go back to the main settings menu and find the section Advanced settings → For developers. Here you need to activate the debugging switch over USB and enable the option "Factory unlock".
Remember to back up all the important data, as the next step will entail a complete reset. Also make sure that the battery is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune time.
- 📱 Original. USB-cable.
- 💻 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
- 🔋 Battery charge above 60% for uninterrupted process.
- ☁️ Mi Account with a linked phone number.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your Mi Account does not enable two-factor authorization through SMS, if the SIM card is retrieved, as this can block the account login when resetting settings.
The procedure for unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory gateway, without which installing a modified Recovery or obtaining Root rights is impossible. Xiaomi has implemented a temporary delay for new devices, so you may not be able to unlock the phone immediately after you link your account. You need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the developer's website and log in to it under the same account that is used on your smartphone.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, holding the volume down button and the power button when the device is off at the same time. Connect the phone to your computer and press the Unlock button in the utility. If the system tells you to wait, you will have to wait for the specified number of hours (usually 168 hours) without leaving your account on the device and without changing the user’s account. SIM-map.
After the waiting time has expired, repeat the connection procedure in Fastboot mode. The utility will warn you about erasing the data - confirm the action. The unlock process will take a few minutes, after which the device will restart to the clean system. Now the Bootloader of your Redmi Note 9 is open for changes.
Importantly, once unlocked, some security features, such as the Widevine L1, may stop working, which will limit the quality of streaming on Netflix to HD. Also, banking applications will stop working without additional manipulations with the masking of Root rights.
Installation of custom Recovery TWRP
For the implementation of superuser rights, standard recovery mode is not enough, since it has a digital signature of the manufacturer and does not allow changes to the system partition. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project, specially assembled for the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) can be found on the official forum. XDA Developers or twrp.me.
Copy the downloaded image file (usually with the.img extension) to the root folder on your computer where you installed it. ADB-Rename the file for convenience, for example, in twrp.img. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (volume button down) + Power) and connect it to your PC. Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder.
Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, you're getting the connection right, and you need to flash the temporary Recovery with the command:
fastboot boot twrp.imgThis command will run TWRP without having to install it permanently, which allows you to safely check the health. If the phone loads in the TWRP touch-controlled menu, you can move on to the next step. For permanent installation, you will need to flash the image to the recovery section, but in the case of modern devices, Xiaomi often uses the boot image patch method.
- 📥 Download. TWRP It's for the codename merlin.
- 💾 Rename the file to twrp.img simple-to-use.
- 🔌 Make sure the device is displayed in the command line.
- 🚀 Fastboot boot team launches Recovery temporarily.
⚠️ Attention: Don't try to sew TWRP command "fastboot flash recovery" if you are not sure about the partition structure of your device, as this can overwrite the recovery partition from the other side A/B, Which will lead to a cyclical reset.
Magisk firmware to obtain Root rights
The current standard for obtaining administrator rights is the use of Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the fact that Root is from banking applications and games. APK-Magisk file from the GitHub repository and rename its extension to.zip (although newer versions often require just installation) APK file-retrieval).
The algorithm is this: install the Magisk app on your phone, launch it, and select "Install." As a method, select "Select and Switch File" and specify the path to the stock boot image (boot.img), which must be removed in advance from the official firmware, the corresponding version MIUI Magisk will patch this image on your phone.
The resulting patched file (usually called magisk_patched_[random].img) copy to your computer. Reset the phone to Fastboot mode and paste it to boot:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgOnce you have a successful firmware, type in the fastboot reboot command. When you boot up, you'll see a Magisk screensaver that notifies you of a successful installation. When you open the app, you'll see the green tick and the version of the installed program.
☑️ Verification of successful installation
Now, your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 has full superuser rights, you can install system-changing modules, make full data backups of applications, and customize the kernel, but remember that with more rights comes a lot of responsibility for system stability.
Comparison of methods for obtaining administrator rights
The table below compares different approaches to modifying the system so you understand why the choice fell on the bundle of TWRP and Magisk. Old methods, such as KingRoot or OneClickRoot, on modern versions of Android 10/11 and the shell MIUI 12/13/14, almost do not work and may contain malicious code.
| Method | Security | Hiding from banks | Difficulty | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (Systemless) | Tall. | Yes (via Zygisk) | Medium | Tall. |
| SuperSU | Low. | No. | Low. | Weird. |
| KingRoot / Kingo | Dangerous. | No. | Low. | It's not working. |
| KernelSU | Very high. | Yes. | Tall. | New standard |
As the table shows, Magisk remains the gold standard for most users due to the balance between functionality and security. However, for the newest versions of Android, KernelSU is starting to gain popularity, which works at the kernel level but requires compiling its own kernel or having ready-made modules, which is still a bit difficult for the average Redmi Note 9 user.
Using questionable "Root" (One Click Root) programs can lead to the installation of advertising software on a system level that can not be eliminated without flashing.
What is Zygisk?
Security settings and hiding Root access
After successfully installing superuser rights, many users face a problem: banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) and Google Pay refuse to work, because DetectAPI sees changes in the system partition. To get around this restriction, you need to properly configure Magisk itself.
Open the Magisk app and go to the settings (cog at the top). Activate the Zygisk switch and, if you have an option, Enforce DenyList. Then go to Set up DenyList and tick all banking apps, Google Play Services and Google Play Store. Then turn on the Hide Magisk app (formerly called MagiskHide) by renaming the package to something neutral, such as Network Settings.
It is also recommended to install the Shamiko module through the module menu in Magisk, which greatly improves the concealment, but requires disabling the "Enforce DenyList" switch in the settings of Magisk itself (although the denial list should be configured).
⚠️ Warning: After any changes to the concealment or module installation settings, be sure to perform a full device restart, not just logging out or restarting the interface.
Remember to update Magisk and modules regularly, as root-right detection methods are constantly improving. If the application still doesn't work, try to clear its data and cache after all the manipulations. In rare cases, reinstallation of a problematic application helps.
💡
Use the "Universal SafetyNet Fix" module from kdrag0n if Google Play services show a device error in the SafetyNet check, although on the new Android 14+, this may require more complex solutions.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 can be modified with various errors, one of the most common being the Bootloop, which is when the phone is endlessly rebooted. If this happened after Magisk firmware, try booting in Recovery mode (if the TWRP is installed) and removing the installed module or restoring the original boot image via Fastboot.
Another problem is a broken touch screen in TWRP. This often happens when using the wrong version of the back cover. For Redmi Note 9 (Merlin), there are different versions of TWRP depending on the version of Android and the type of screen, in which case you need to look for the current build on the 4PDA or XDA forum, specific to your revision of the device.
Users may also experience a loss of a wide-angle camera or unstable Bluetooth operation after unlocking the bootloader, most of which is solved by flashing the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in "Clean All" mode, followed by a re-installation attempt of Root.
- 🔄 Bootloop is treated with a resetting of settings or firmware drain.
- 📱 Non-working touchscreen in TWRP It requires a different version of the Recovery.
- 📡 Communication problems are often solved by resetting network settings.
- 🔒 Password Error When Logging in Mi Account Requires Reset FRP.
Always have the original firmware on hand for your regional version. This is your best bet in case of any critical error. Don't be afraid to experiment, but always know the way to retreat.
💡
Having a full stock firmware on your computer is the only guarantee that you will be able to restore your phone in case of a failed system modification.