Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones often face the limitations of standard MIUI firmware, which does not allow you to fully manage system partitions or remove preinstalled software. The TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom restore installation provides access to advanced features, including creating full system backups, installing modified firmware and obtaining superuser rights. This process requires care, but the result is worth it if you want to squeeze the most out of your device.
Before you start modifying the software, you need to understand the risks. Any interference in the system partition can lead to loss of warranty or, in the worst case, turn the gadget into a brick. However, with strict adherence to the instructions and using verified files, the probability of error is minimized. For the Redmi Note 9 with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, it is critical to use the version of the TWRP that supports specific partition markup of this model.
This guide will help you go all the way from tool preparation to the first successful download to the modified recovery menu.We will examine the nuances of unlocking the bootloader, working with Fastboot mode and the features of drivers for the Windows operating system.
Toolkit preparation and backup
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and software. You need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, which is working. USB-A cable with good data transfer and, of course, the Redmi Note 9 smartphone itself with a charged battery of at least 60%. ADB Fastboot, which is the main means of communication between the PC and the phone.
The most important step before any manipulation is to save personal data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite for installing TWRP, will result in the complete removal of all files from the internal drive. Make copies of photos, contacts and documents to an external hard drive or to the cloud storage.
Also, you’ll need a recovery image file with the.img extension, specially assembled for the merlin device codename.Do not use files for other Xiaomi models, even if they look similar, as this could disrupt the touchscreen or encryption system.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader officially removes the device from warranty at most service centers.Make sure you understand this step before applying to the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📱 Smartphone Redmi Note 9 with battery charge > 60%
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
- 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-cable
- 📂 Image file TWRP for codename merlin
Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader
Without an unlocked bootloader, custom recavator installation is not possible. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure, so the first step is to link your Mi Account to the device. Go to your phone settings, select About Phone, and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu.
Next, go to Settings. → Advanced settings → For developers, you need to activate the "Factory Unlock" and "Debugging by" option. USB». Once you turn on these features, you will see a risk warning – confirm the action. Then, in the Mi Unlock Status menu, click the add account and device button.
Now, to your computer, download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website, unpack the archive and launch it on behalf of the administrator. Sign in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, holding both the power and volume buttons, and connect it to your PC. If it's successful, the utility will show the status of the device and tell you to wait. Often you need to wait 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) before you try again to unlock.
What to do if the timer is reset?
Once the process is successfully completed, the phone will automatically restart and all data will be deleted. This is the normal behavior of Android security. Now the bootloader is open to write new partitions.
- 🔓 Activate the item "Factory unlocking" in the developer menu
- ⏳ Wait for the waiting timer to expire in the Mi Unlock app
- 🗑️ Be prepared for a complete data reset after unlocking
Install ADB drivers and set up environment
The command line needs to be properly identified by the operating system, in the case of the Redmi Note. 9 Driver conflicts often arise, especially if other gadgets have previously connected to the computer. USB Driver or specialized package Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Drivers.
Once you install the drivers, create a folder on the C: adb folder and unpack the contents of the platform tool archive. Open the command line (cmd) on behalf of the administrator in this folder. Enter the adb device command. If a device with a serial number appears on the list, the connection is established. If you see question marks, try reinstalling the driver through the device manager by manually selecting ADB Interface.
To work in Fastboot mode, enter the command fastboot devices, pre-switching the phone to the appropriate mode. Successful display of the serial number confirms readiness to firmware the recovery image.
💡
Use it. USB-Ports on the back of the system unit (if you have a PC) as they provide more stable voltage and connection than ports on the front panel or hubs.
It is important to check the integrity of downloaded files. If a TWRP image file is corrupted during boot, the firmware process may be successful, but the recovery will not start or will not work correctly. Always check the checksums of the files, if this is possible by the developer.
TWRP Image Impression Process
Go to the main stage. Copy the image file (e.g. twrp-3.x.x-merlin.img) into the ADB tool folder. Rename it to recovery.img for convenience so you don't miss the name when you type commands. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and make sure the command line sees the device.
Enter the command to write the image in the recovery section:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgOnce you have successfully completed the recording (Finished), you can not simply restart the phone in the usual way, since the standard Android system can overwrite the custom partition with its stock Recovery.
Follow the command:
fastboot boot recovery.imgOr, holding the volume button and power button, wait for the MI logo to appear, and then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume until the TWRP menu appears. If you saw the interface with the Install, Wipe, Backup buttons - congratulations, the installation was successful.
☑️ Checklist of successful installation
⚠️ Attention: First launch TWRP You can ask for a password to unlock the screen, enter your pin or pattern lock, and if the encryption system doesn't allow you to enter the password, you'll have to do format data, which will delete all the information.
TWRP setting up and obtaining Root rights
After the first TWRP login, the system can suggest selecting a language and allowing modifications to the system partition. Be sure to press the Allow Modifications button, otherwise the first time you reboot the phone will again boot into the stock recavator, and all efforts will be in vain.
Now that you have access to custom recovery, you can set superuser rights. To do this, download the current Magisk archive (in.zip format) and transfer it to your phone. From the TWRP menu, select Install, find the Magisk file and confirm the installation with a swipe. After you complete the procedure, click Reboot System.
If the download is successful, the Magisk icon will appear in the app menu, which confirms that there is Root access, and from now on, you can uninstall system applications, change fonts, make full backups, and install custom firmware.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Connection mode | Fastboot | Necessary for firmware |
| Image file | recovery.img (merlin) | Strictly for the Redmi Note 9 |
| Firmware team | fastboot flash recovery | Enter the recovery section |
| File for Root | Magisk.apk (renamed.zip) | Installed via TWRP |
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
During the modification of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, users often face typical problems. One of the most common is a black screen after installing TWRP. This often happens due to the incompatibility of the recovery version with the current version of Android (for example, TWRP for Android 10 will not work for Android 12).
Another common problem is the lack of touch response (non-working touchscreen) in the recovery menu, which indicates that an image is used that is not adapted to the display drivers of this model, in which case you need to find another TWRP build labeled "Fixed Touch" or specifically for merlin.
If the phone goes into an endless bootloop after installing Magisk, boot to TWRP again, go to Advanced and select Uninstall Magisk or simply delete the installed zip file through the file manager.
💡
The main reason for failure is to use files from other models or interrupt the recording process. Always check the compatibility of versions of the software before starting work.
Don't be afraid to experiment, but always have stock firmware on hand to return the device to its original state through the Mi Flash Tool in case of a critical failure. The ability to restore the device is a skill no less important than the ability to modify it.