The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed Merlin) remains a popular smartphone among customization enthusiasts, despite the release of new models. Installing TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) gives access to advanced features: creating Nandroid backups, firmware custom software like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, removing system applications and even restoring bricks after unsuccessful experiments. However, the installation process on Xiaomi devices has nuances, from the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader to choosing the right version of the recover for your firmware.
This instruction is relevant for the Redmi Note 9 based on the MediaTek Helio G85 processor (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SG).We will analyze each step - from tool preparation to the final test of TWRP - and also tell you how to avoid typical errors like Orange State or hanging on the Mi logo. If you are a beginner, do not miss the sections about backup and unlock: they will save you hours to recover data.
1.Preparation: What to Know Before Installing TWRP
Installing a custom recavator is an interference with the system partitions of a smartphone. Without proper preparation, you risk a soft brick (the device turns on but doesn't load) or a hard brick (complete hardware failure).
- 🔓 Is the bootloader unlocked? On Xiaomi devices, it's locked by default. TWRP impossible to.
- 📱 What version? MIUI For Redmi Note 9 it is critical to know the firmware version (for example, the firmware version, MIUI 12.5.3 Stable) because some versions TWRP incompatible with new nuclei.
- 🔋 Is the battery charged? It can take up to 30 minutes. The recommended charge level is at least 70%.
If you’ve never worked with ADB or Fastboot, practice on a virtual device or learn basic commands, such as checking the connection in Fastboot is performed by a command:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of your Redmi Note 9, the drivers are installed correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP drop data in the section /data (Use Mi Cloud or physical backup on your PC to save important files. Cloud services like Google Photos won't save your contacts and SMS! 📊 Have you ever worked with a custom firmware?Never tried it. TWRP, but not stitched ROMI have been stitching custom software (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.) 2. Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9 The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked by the manufacturer to protect against unauthorized changes. its unlocking is a mandatory step that takes a lot of time to get the device out of the way. 7 before 30 This is how to do it: Link your Mi Account to your device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and log in. 🔗 Turn on sync and confirm the phone number/email. Activate the Developer Mode: 🛠️ Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additional settings → For developers and enable debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM. Request unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool: 💻 Download the official tool from the Xiaomi website. 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down when the device is off). 📅 Run the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions. It usually takes 168 hours (7 days) to wait. Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't miss this step: try to install it. TWRP A blocked loader will cause an error. FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State'). 💡If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error, try using a different version of the tool (e.g., the "Couldn't verify device, 5.5.224.24 Also check that the developer settings include a clause. USB-debugging (security parameters). 3. Choosing the Right Version TWRP For the Redmi Note 9 Not all assemblies. TWRP Compatible with Redmi Note 9 (Using an inappropriate version may lead to: 🔄 Loaded loading (bootloop). 🚫 A broken fingerprint sensor. 📵 Loss of net (IMEI). Official and verified builds are published on the XDA-Developers forum. Two threads are relevant for Merlin: Firmware Type Recommended Version TWRP Reference to Download Features MIUI (stock) TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 twrp.me Supports encryption /data, It may require formatting at the first launch. Castomic PO (AOSP) TWRP 3.6.2_11-0 XDA Best compatibility with LineageOS and Pixel Experience. MIUI 13+ (new-core) TWRP 3.7.0_12-1 (unofficial) Telegram channel Requires a patch to fix mounting error /vendor. Before downloading, check the hash file (for example, through 7-Zip or sha256sum Fake assemblies in Linux. TWRP The official hashes are published on the download page. 4. Installation TWRP Fastboot is the most reliable way to sew TWRP — You'll need to use Fastboot mode: 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (macOS may have driver problems). 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original). 📦 Archive with platform-tools (includes fastboot and adb). Step-by-step: Download and unpack platform-tools to the root of the C disk:| Download the image TWRP (.img) for Merlin| Connect your phone to Fastboot (Power) + Loudness down)| Place the file. twrp.img into a folder with platform-tools--> Open the command line in the folder with platform-tools: In Windows, press Shift + right-button → Open the PowerShell window here. Check the device connection: fastboot devices should display the serial number of your Redmi Note. 9. Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-merlin.img Replace the file name with your version TWRP. If after rebooting in the Recovery you see the TeamWin logo - congratulations, TWRP If the screen is black or Mi Recovery appears, the stock firmware has overwritten your Recovery. disable_forced_encryption (see next section). Here are the most common ways to fix them: Problem Cause Solution Hanging on the Mi logo Conflict with encryption /data V TWRP: Wipe → Format Data → Yes Orange State Error Wrong Version TWRP Or a damaged image, try to re-sweep another version. TWRP Or stock recaps via fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img The sensor is not working. TWRP Incompatibility with the firmware core Use TWRP with a patch for Merlin (see developers' Telegram channels) No network after firmware Damaged modem partitions or EFS Restore the backup EFS or flash stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool If after formatting Data phone still does not boot, try: MIUI: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img Install Disabler (to disable forced encryption): Adb push disable_forceencrypt.zip /sdcard/ adb shell twrp install ⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 post-installation TWRP The phone can hang on the Mi logo. In this case, forcibly reboot to the recavery (clip the power supply). + Volume up) and execute Format Data (not Wipe!) which will remove the encryption and allow you to boot up. 5. Solving typical problems after installation Even with proper installation TWRP There may be errors. /sdcard/disable_forceencrypt.zip What to do if TWRP If you go to a stock Recovery after fastboot reboot recovery, your firmware is overwriting. TWRP When you download: 1. Vbmeta Patch: Disables Recaveri Integrity Check. ```bash fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img ``` 2. Installation through ADB Sideload: - In the drain Recovery, select Apply update → Apply from ADB. - Do it: ```bash adb sideload twrp-3.7.0_12-0-merlin.zip ``` 3. Custom core firmware: Some cores (like Perseus) block recapture. 6. How to make a backup in TWRP Before the custom software firmware One of the key advantages TWRP — The ability to create a full backup of your current firmware (Nandroid backup) will save your data if something goes wrong. Here's how to do it: Go to Backup: In the main menu TWRP Select Backup. Select backup sections: 📁 Boot - Boot partition (required!). 📁 Data – User data (optional, but recommended). 📁 System – System files (necessary for restoring stock firmware). 📁 EFS — section IMEI Set up the settings: Mark Enable compression (saves space) and select the location (internal memory or microSD). Run backup: Swipe Swipe to Backup slider and wait for completion (may take time) 10–20 The finished backup will be saved in the folder. TWRP/BACKUPS To recover it, go to Restore. Select a backup folder. Mark the partitions you want and swipe to restore. 💡backup EFS — Your insurance against network loss, without it, recovery IMEI It may require specialized equipment (e.g, UFI The box that stands from 5000 ruble. 7. Next Next post: What can be done with TWRP Now that TWRP It is established, new opportunities open up before you: 🔄 Custom software firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS and others. 9 We recommend builds based on Android 12/13 — They're the most stable. 🧹 Removing System Applications: Through File Manager TWRP remove /system/app or /system/priv-app (For example, Mi Browser, GetApps). 🔒 Getting root rights: Install Magisk via Install TWRP. This will allow you to use modules like ViPER4Android greenify. 🔧 Changes to section markup: For example, increasing /system expense /vendor (Before experimenting with firmware, study the reviews on XDA or 4PDA. For example, some LineageOS builds for Merlin have camera issues (GCam doesn't work without patches: 🚨 Castomware may not pass SafetyNet, which blocks Google Pay and some banking apps. 🔋 Some firmware increases battery consumption due to unoptimized core. FAQ: Frequent questions about installation TWRP on the Redmi Note 9 ❓ Can we determine TWRP No. The bootloader on all Xiaomi devices is locked at the hardware level. Any attempts to circumvent this restriction (for example, through exploits) lead to a hard brick. The only official way to use the Mi Unlock Tool. ❓ Why After Installation TWRP phone doesn't see SIM-This is a typical problem when partition damage occurs. EFS, where data are stored IMEI. Solutions: Restore the backup EFS (If you have, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All tick. Contact the Flash Firmware Service Center for Firming EFS through UFI or Medusa. ⚠️ Don't try to manually rule. IMEI It is a violation of the law in most countries. ❓ How to update TWRP Update is done in the same way as the original installation: Download the new.img image.Reboot to Fastboot. new_twrp.img Fastboot Reboot Recovery If the new version TWRP Do not start, go back to the previous one or check compatibility with your firmware. ❓ Can I return the stock recap after TWRP? Yes. Download the original recovery.img for your version MIUI (For example, from the stock firmware archive) and flash it: fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img After that, unlocking the bootloader will remain, but the recovery will be standard. To fully return the phone to factory status, run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All and Lock option (locks the bootloader back). ❓ Why? TWRP Does it ask for a password when it's loaded? Is it because the encryption is on? /data into MIUI. Solutions: Enter a password from your Mi Account or PIN-If the password is not suitable, run Format Data in TWRP (Delete all data!!! to prevent future problems, disable encryption in your settings MIUI before installation TWRP.