How to Install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 9: A Complete Guide from Unlock to Firmware

Installing custom TWRP recavator on Xiaomi Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) opens up access to advanced features from Nandroid backups to custom ROM firmware. However, the process requires care - a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a "brick." Unlike Xiaomi flagships, budget models like Redmi 9 have nuances: for example, the official version of TWRP may not support data encryption on MIUI 13+, and unlocking the bootloader now requires an account binding Mi and 7-day waiting.

This guide is relevant to all Redmi 9 modifications (including Redmi 9C/9A with other device codes – their process is different!) We will take every step from preparing the PC to the final TWRP check, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (2026). If you are a beginner, do not miss the sections about backups and possible errors. Experienced users can immediately go to unlock the bootloader or install TWRP.

⚠️ Critical Warning: After installation TWRP Redmi 9 will lose support for the official OTA-To install them, you'll have to manually stitch full packages through fastboot or temporarily return stock Recovery.

Preparation: What to do before installing TWRP

Before you start unlocking and installing TWRP, make sure all the preconditions are met, and ignoring them is the main reason for the devices to “brick” them.

First, check the model and codename of your Redmi 9. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And then you pop the kernel version several times, and in the menu that opens, you can find the Device line, which should say lancelot. 9C) or dandelion (Redmi) 9A), This instruction is not suitable - these models require other versions. TWRP and unlocking methods.

Second, prepare a Windows 10/11 computer (or Linux/macOS, but the commands will be different) and install:

• 🔧 Android SDK Platform-Tools (required latest version, not lower than 34.0.0)
• 🔄 Xiaomi drivers for fastboot (you can download through the official website)
• 📱 Backup of all data (TWRP erase /data First Launch on Encrypted Devices!)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (unlocking the bootloader can take up to 30 minutes)

Also download the necessary files:

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before installing TWRP. Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires a binding Mi Account and a 7-day wait after submitting the application.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!) 🔌 Debugging by USB

Redmi 9

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

168 hours (7 days)

Xiaomi

⚠️ If you see an error, Cann't verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device, then:

• 📱 Mi Unlock Tool and Mi Unlock Tool use different Mi accounts.
• 🔄 You have recently reset your phone or changed your account (you need to wait 30 days).
• 🌐 Yours. IP-Address from another region (use) VPN China, if the account is created there).

Linked to Mi Account on phone|Unlocking enabled OEM|Drivers installed ADB|Phone's charged. >60%|Data backup made.-->

After 7 days, repeat the unlocking process:

1. Start the Mi Unlock Tool again.
2. Turn the phone into fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock in the program. It takes 2-5 minutes.

💡

If you unlock your phone on the Redmi logo, don't panic, reset fastboot with the command fastboot erase userdata. This is normal behavior on the first unlock.

Install TWRP on Redmi 9 via fastboot

After successful unlocking of the loader, you can start the installation TWRP. We use the official version from twrp.me, as unofficial builds may contain errors or malicious code. 9 (Lancelot) current version at the time 2026 year-end — 3.7.0_12-0.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lancelot.img and rename it in twrp.img convenienceally.
2. Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
3. Open the command prompt (Win + R → cmd) in this folder (hold Shift + right mouse button → Open command window).
4. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect to the PC.
5. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
6. Install TWRP temporarily (to check the health): fastboot boot twrp.img The phone will reboot to TWRP. Check the sensor and basic features.
7. If everything works, install TWRP constantly: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12.5+ post-installation TWRP There may be an error OrangeFox/TWRP can't decrypt /data. It's about forced encryption:

1. Download. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (reference).
2. Transfer the file to your phone via MTP to TWRP (plug the phone to your PC, select Mount → Enable MTP in TWRP).
3. V TWRP Choose Install → Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip and confirm the firmware.
4. Run Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data, but disable encryption!).

First TWRP launch: setup and backup

Once the TWRP is successfully installed, you need to do a few critical things to avoid problems in the future. The first thing you'll see when you start is a request for permission to modify the system partition. Don't agree right away! First, make a full backup.

Instructions for first launch:

1. In the main TWRP menu, select Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes and confirm. This will delete all data, but disable encryption (required if you see a mounting error /data!).
2. Go back to the main menu and select Reboot → Recovery (this will restart TWRP with the already formatted /data).
3. Now make a full backup: 📁 Choose Backup. 🔘 Mark the sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor. 💾 Click Select Storage and select Micro SD Card (if memory card is inserted) or Internal Storage. 🔄 Start the process and wait until it is completed (may take time). 10-20 minute).

TWRP/BACKUPS

Important: The backup in TWRP does not store any application data (such as messaging or games) and use separate tools like Swift Backup or Titanium Backup for these.

Once you've created the backup, you can start firmware custom ROMs or mods, but first, we recommend:

• 🔧 Install Magisk for root rights (download the latest version from GitHub and run through Install) → Select File).
• 📱 Sweep Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip, unless you've done it before.
• 🔄 Reboot to the system and check the operability (Wi-Fi, mobile network, camera).

💡

Backup in TWRP is your main insurance, and without it, recovering from a failed firmware will be extremely difficult or impossible.

Addressing common mistakes

Even with the correct instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and solutions for Redmi 9:

If you encounter an error not described in the table, check the logs in TWRP (Advanced → Copy Log) and search the solution on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. Specify the exact model (Redmi 9 lancelot) and the version of MIUI - this will help you get a relevant answer.

⚠️ Note: If you have been manipulated by TWRP The phone stopped turning on (black screen, no logo vibration), don't panic. 90% of the time, it's treated with the firmware running the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode:

1. Download the latest fastboot firmware for Redmi 9.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without spaces in the name.
3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
4. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and press Refresh.
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

Back to the drainage river

If you need to return the original recavator (for example, for installation) OTA-If you upgrade or sell your phone, follow this instruction, and note that once you return to the stock Recovery, the root rights and custom modifications will stop working.

Steps for return:

1. Download the stock firmware for your version of MIUI from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Remove the recovery.img file from the archive (it is located in the image folder).
3. Place the file in a folder with platform-tools.
4. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
5. Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
6. Reboot your phone to the system: fastboot reboot

After that, the stock recavator will be restored, but the bootloader will remain unlocked.If you need to return the phone to a factory state completely (for example, for warranty repairs), follow the additional steps:

• 🔄 Fly the full fastboot firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all and lock mode (this will block the bootloader!).
• 📱 Reset the settings in the phone menu (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔐 Delete the Mi Account binding in your account settings.

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader after installing custom firmware can lead to a complete loss of service of the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions