Installing TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: a complete guide to unlocking the bootloader

Installing a custom TWRP recavator on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A (dandelion model) opens up access to advanced features, from backing up /data partitions to firmware informal ROMs like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process requires pre-unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool - a step that many users miss when faced with the Fastboot: unknown command or the "hang" Mi logo.

In this guide, we will discuss three key steps: device preparation (including backup and debugging enabled). USB), unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool, and directly the firmware TWRP with the specifics of Redmi 9A (For example, no Type-C connector and limited support ADB version MIUI). We will pay special attention to the typical errors from the "Nordic version". TWRP" before problems with Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008, which often block the process on Windows 10/11.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware TWRP voids the Xiaomi warranty and may cause permanent damage to the persist partition if the process is interrupted at the recording stage. recovery.img. Make sure the battery is charged on 80%+, a the cable supports data transmission (charging cables are often not suitable for the cables!).

1. Device preparation: backup and developer settings

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to back up critical data. Redmi 9A does not support automatic backups to Mi Cloud for users with unofficial firmware, so use third-party tools:

• 📱 Contact and SMS: Export through Settings → Google → Backup or Swift Backup (requires root).
• 📷 Photo/Video: Move to PC or Google Photos (turn off compression in settings!).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords: Save the network list manually or via WiFi Key Recovery (requires root).
• 🎮 Game data: Use built-in reservation features in games (e.g. Genshin Impact or Honor of Kings are linked to your Mi Account).

Then activate the developer mode and the necessary options:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line until the notification You became a developer!.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable: Debugging via USB (required!) Unlocking OEM (may be absent on some versions of MIUI – see spoiler below) Factory Unlock (if any)

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI 13+, after the debugging of USB The system may request confirmation RSA-When you connect to a PC, always press "Allow" or else ADB won't work!

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Redmi 9A, so unlocking it is a must-have.The process takes between 72 and 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy), but the real wait time is usually 3-7 days.

1. Connect your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. To Settings → Additional → For developers, link your account to your device (Mi Unlock Status).
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool: Official version: en.miui.com/unlock (registration required). Use version 5.5.224.24 or later - older versions may not support Redmi 9A.

Run the unlock:

1. Turn off the phone.


2.Put Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot.




3. Connect the device to the PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.




4. Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.




5. Press Unlock and a waiting timer will appear.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after unlocking, perform a hard reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

This will delete all data, but it will return the device to working condition.

Installation of drivers and preparation of PC

Incorrectly installed drivers are the main cause of errors when running TWRP firmware. Redmi 9A (MediaTek Helio G25 chipset) will require:

• 🖥️ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot: Download Minimal. ADB and Fastboot or Google’s Platform Tools.
• 🔌 MediaTek drivers: Install MTK USB Driver (e.g., driver, MediaTek_Preloader_USB_Driver).
• 🛠️ Qualcomm Drivers (if needed): For the mode EDL (Emergency Firmware Download QDLoader HS-USB Driver.

Check the correctness of the driver installation:

1. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Windows Device Manager should display: Android Bootloader Interface (if ADB drivers are installed correctly) MediaTek Preloader USB VCOM Port (for SP Flash Tool mode).

If the device is identified as Unknown Device, manually update the driver through Device Manager, indicating the path to the folder with MediaTek drivers.

1. Press Win + X → Startup options → Reboot.

2. Select Disable Mandatory Driver Signature Verification (7).

3. After restart, repeat the installation.-->

4. Download and firmware TWRP for Redmi 9A

For Redmi. 9A (dandelion) use only official assemblies TWRP from twrp.me, at the moment. 2026 current-year — 3.7.0_12-0. Alternative builds (e.g. from OrangeFox) may not support encryption /data.

✅ Checklist before firmware:

Download the official image twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dandelion.img

The device is unlocked via Mi Unlock Tool

Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and MediaTek

Battery charged at 80%+

Antivirus disabled (can block fastboot)-->

Firmware instructions:

1. Place the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dandelion.img into a folder with platform-tools.
2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Execute commands in order: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dandelion.img fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Critical error: If after the command fastboot reboot recovery phone loads into a standard recaverie MIUI, So Xiaomi overwrote recovery when it booted. TWRP Run the command fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dandelion.img, load in TWRP sectionless.

5. Initial TWRP setup and Magisk firmware (optional)

After you first download to TWRP, you will be asked to allow modifications to the system, and it is important that if you plan to run Magisk for root rights, do so before the first boot, or you risk a looped restart (bootloop).

Step-by-step action:

1. Swipe for modifications: Swipe your finger to the right to allow changes.
2. Language customization: There is no Russian language in TWRP, but the interface is intuitive. To change the language: Tap Select Language → select English.
3. Magisk firmware (optional): Download the latest Magisk-v26.4.zip From GitHub. Transfer the file to your phone through MTP (into TWRP: Mount → Enable MTP). Fly through Install. → Choose. Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware Magisk phone does not boot, run in TWRP:

adb shell


magisk --remove-modules

This will remove the conflicting modules.

💡

Switch Magisk ONLY through TWRP, not through the Magisk Manager app. On Redmi 9A, this can cause data loss in the /data partition!

6. Solving common errors

Even with the correct instructions, Redmi 9A users face typical problems, and the following are the ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, use EDL Emergency Mode (for power users!) to flash your phone through the Mi Flash Tool even with a damaged bootloader. Note: Redmi 9A requires an authorized Xiaomi account with EDL firmware permission.

FAQ: Frequent questions on TWRP on the Redmi 9A