Installing TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) remains one of the most popular models in the budget segment, and many owners are eager to unleash its full potential. Installing a custom TWRP recap is the first and most important step to gain super-user rights or install alternative operating systems, a process that requires care, but opens up access to deep modifications of the device.

Before taking action, you need to be clear about the risks: any interference with the software code of a smartphone can lead to the loss of warranty or, in the worst case, turn the gadget into a brick.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step, from tool preparation to first downloading to a modified recovery environment, and learn how to properly unlock the bootloader and what files are needed for your particular version of the device.

Preparation of equipment and software

Start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and software environment, you will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, and the use of a damaged cord often causes a connection to be interrupted at a critical moment.

You need to install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, without which the system will not be able to recognize the smartphone in bootloader mode, and you will also need to download the image of the recovery itself, which must strictly correspond to the code name of your device.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with a battery charge of at least 60%.
• 💻 PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and platform tools.
• 🔌 Original or certified USB-cable.
• 📄 Image file twrp-3.x.x-merlin.img, downloaded from the official website of the developer.

It is important to check the version of Android and MIUI installed on the device. Different versions of firmware may require different versions of TWRP, so ignoring this item can lead to a cyclical reboot.

⚠️ Before you start all manipulations, be sure to create a full backup of important data on an external medium or in the cloud, as during the operation the phone memory will be completely cleared.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default, which prevents changes to the system partition. To remove restrictions, you must apply through the official Mi Unlock Tool. This is a mandatory procedure, without which installing TWRP is physically impossible.

The process of linking a Mi Account to a device can take anywhere from 7 to 168 hours (weeks to three days) depending on the manufacturer’s current security policy, during which time the phone must regularly connect to the Internet via a mobile network or Wi-Fi.

Once you get permission, you need to enter Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off your smartphone completely and press the power and volume buttons at the same time, connect the device to your PC and launch the unlock utility, following the instructions on the screen.

• 🔓 Activate the item For developers in the settings by clicking 7 times on the build number.
• 🌐 Turn on the option. OEM-Unlocking and “Factory Unlocking” in the Developer Menu.
• ⏳ Wait for the waiting timer set by Xiaomi servers to expire.
• 🖥️ Perform the unlock procedure through the Mi Unlock program interface on your computer.

It is worth noting that once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be permanently deleted, a security measure implemented by the manufacturer to protect user information from unauthorized access.

Download to Fastboot mode and check the connection

When the bootloader is unlocked, it's time to check the connection between the computer and the smartphone. Put the Redmi Note 9 in Fastboot mode (press the power + volume down when the device is off). The Fastboot logo should appear on the screen with the image of a hare repairing the android.

Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder ADB. Type in the command fastboot devices. If you see the serial number of the device, the drivers are installed correctly and the connection is established. If the list is empty, try replacing it. USB-cable.

fastboot devices


0123456789ABCDEF	fastboot

Make sure the status of the bootloader is indeed changed. At the top of the screen in Fastboot mode, it should be UNLOCKED in orange. If it says LOCKED, you will have to repeat the unlock procedure.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the cable USB During communication verification and execution of commands, this may interrupt data transmission and cause protocol error.

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Use USB 2.0 ports on the back of the motherboard, as they provide a more stable connection for low-level operations than USB 3.0 ports or hubs.

Instructions for firmware image TWRP

Now, we're going to go to the direct installation. Place the downloaded image file (e.g, twrp-3.7.0-merlin.img) file ADB-Rename it as instruments. recovery.img for convenience, so as not to enter a long file name into the console.

So, you run the firmware command. It's critical to understand that once you've run the recovery, you can't just reboot your phone to normal mode, or the regular recovery will override the TWRP you've installed, so we use the command to immediately enter recovery mode.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

After the second command, the smartphone should vibrate and start the TWRP interface. If you see the menu with the Install, Wipe, Backup buttons, congratulations, the installation was successful. Now you can move on to the setup.

In some cases, if the device goes into reboot, you can try holding the volume button right after the vibration, which will force the device to recapture, preventing the system from booting.

TWRP setting up and obtaining Root rights

The first run can take longer than usual. When you first log in to TWRP, the system can request a screen unlock password, enter your pin or pattern lock, and if the password is not accepted, you will have to clean up the data (Wipe Data).

The Recovery interface allows you to do full partition backups, which is an invaluable feature before installing any modifications, and you can format partitions into the F2FS file system to speed up work, although the Redmi Note 9 standard ext4 also works stably.

To get super-user rights, download the Magisk archive (zip format) and put it on a memory card or internal storage. From the TWRP menu, select Install, find the archive and flash it. Once you reboot, you will have full access to the system.

Possible errors and methods of their elimination

In the process of modification Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Users often face typical problems, such as a device that may go to a bootloop, in which case you need to log in again. TWRP (clamping the power and volume upwards and making Wipe Dalvik/Cache.

Another common problem is a broken sensor in TWRP. This is solved by running a special patch script firmware or using another recover build compatible with your Android version. Always check the comments on the firmware file before downloading.

If your fingerprint is no longer working after installing TWRP, you may be using an incompatible version of the kernel or recovery, in which case it is recommended to roll back to the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool and repeat the procedure with another image file.

⚠️ Note: If you have flashed the wrong recovery file (for example, for the Redmi Note 9 Pro instead of the Note 9), the device may stop responding to the buttons. EDL-Authorized account mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Successful installation of TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 opens the door to full customization, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions and the use of files designed specifically for your model.