How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 with a locked bootloader: all working ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 remains a popular device even years after its release, but many users face the need to reflash it. The main problem is a blocked bootloader, which limits the ability to install custom firmware or restore the system after failures. Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where unlocking requires waiting 7-15 days, the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) has its own nuances.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware with a locked bootloader: from official methods through the Mi Flash Tool to workarounds using Fastboot and other technologies. EDL-We'll focus on the risks of bricks and how to avoid them. If you're a beginner, don't worry: the instructions are tailored for users with no experience with the bricks. ADB or SP Flash Tool.

Warning: the procedure requires care, errors in the firmware stage can lead to loss of warranty, failure IMEI If your goal is simply to upgrade the system, first check if it is available. OTA-Updates to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

For power users, there is a section on informal firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), but installing it is only possible after unlocking the bootloader. If your Redmi Note 9 is already brick-shaped (not included, getting stuck on the Mi logo), we’ll show you how to bring it back to life through EDL.

1.Why is the bootloader locked and can it be unlocked?

The blocked bootloader is protection against unauthorized firmware changes that Xiaomi has implemented to improve security. On the Redmi Note 9, it is blocked by default, and unlocking requires official permission through the Mi Account.

First, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool takes up to 168 hours (7 days) of waiting if the account is not tied to the device in advance. Second, after unlocking, all data is reset and the warranty can be canceled. Third, some firmware (for example, for the CN region) can re-block the bootloader after the update.

But what if you can't unlock it? There are workarounds.

• 🔧 Firmware via Fastboot using official images (without unlocking, but with restrictions).
• 🔌 Use of the EDL-mode (emergency firmware via Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
• 📱 Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) on an already unlocked device.

Important: Xiaomi periodically tightens security policies.If your device was released after July 2021, some methods (for example, firmware through EDL without authorization) may not work.

2. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start the firmware, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Back up your data. The firmware erases all files, including photos, contacts and messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying on your PC.

2. Charge the phone to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to irreparable damage.

3. Install the necessary drivers:

- Qualcomm drivers for EDL-The system (if you plan to use it).

ADB/Fastboot Drivers (download from Xiaomi or Google’s SDK Platform Tools).

4. Download the correct firmware. for Redmi Note 9 (merlin) only tagged files are suitable merlin_global or merlin_eea (depending on the region).

List of official sources for downloading firmware:

• 🌍 Official website of Xiaomi (Global)
• 🇨🇳 Official site Xiaomi (China) - for firmware CN.
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – Archive of All Versions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not download firmware from questionable forums or torrent trackers. Fake files may contain malware or be collected with errors, which will lead to a brick.

Make a data backup|Charge the phone. >60%|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot|Download the official firmware for merlin|Disable antivirus (can block firmware files)-->

3. Method 1: Fastboot firmware (without unlocking the bootloader)

This method is suitable if you want to return stock firmware without unlocking the bootloader. It only works with official images from Xiaomi and does not allow you to install custom firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot (for example, merlin_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RJOMIXM_20210913.0000.00_11.0_global_XXXXXX.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\merlin_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (the image of a hare in a hat-eared will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool (you can download from the official website).
5. In Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.
6. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will be blocked again, and you will need to wait for the unlock again to install custom firmware.

Possible errors and solutions:

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If the Mi Flash Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it on behalf of the administrator or temporarily disable Windows Defender protection.

4. Method 2: Firmware through EDL-regime (for “bricks")

EDL-Emergency Download Mode is a firmware emergency mode that is used when the phone is not turned on, stuck on the logo or not defined in the Fastboot. For the Redmi Note 9, it is activated via a button combination or forced through a button combination. ADB.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has been blocking unauthorized access to the Internet since 2021 EDL If your Redmi Note 9 was produced after July 2021, this method may not work without official permission (authorization through your Mi Account).

How to log into EDL:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Volume Down and connect the USB cable to the PC.
3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in Device Manager.

If the button combination does not work, use ADB:

adb reboot edl

To run through EDL, you will need the Mi Flash Tool (the same as the Fastboot), but with additional Qualcomm drivers. Download them from the official website or use the QDLoader Driver package.

The firmware process is similar to Fastboot, but instead of Clean all, choose Clean all and lock if you want to get your phone back to a fully stocked state.

5. Method 3: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

If you need complete freedom (installation) TWRP, Custom firmware, root rights, you have to unlock the bootloader, it takes up to 7 days and requires you to link your Mi Account to your device.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Log in to your Mi Account on your phone and enable sync.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
5. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.

You'll have to wait to send the unlock request. You can check the status in the app. When the timer is zero, plug your phone in Fastboot mode and press Unlock.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could have linked his Mi Account. In this case, unlocking is possible only after resetting the account through Xiaomi Service Center.

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Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone.

6. Installation of custom firmware after unlocking

Once unlocked, you can install custom recavators (TWRP) and firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS. However, there are limitations to the Redmi Note 9:

1. There is no official TWRP for merlin. You have to use informal builds (for example, from XDA Developers).

2. firmware based on Android 12+ may not work stable due to problems with the drivers MediaTek Helio G85.

3. Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) can block work on custom firmware due to the lack of SafetyNet certification.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the unofficial TWRP for merlin (e.g., from here).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot.
4. Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
5. After downloading to TWRP, make a backup of the persist partition (important for IMEI!).

For custom firmware installation:

1. Download firmware in.zip format (e.g. Pixel Experience).
2. Transfer the file to your phone or flash drive.
3. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Press Install, select a firmware file and confirm the installation.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

🔴 The phone does not turn on after firmware (brick)

• 🔌 Try to stitch through EDL (see method 2).
• 🔧 If EDL Not determined, check Test Point (soldier iron required).
• 📱 If the screen is black, but the phone vibrates when you connect the charger, maybe the display firmware has gone off.

🔴 The error "Invalid image" in the Fastboot

• 📁 Check that the firmware is designed specifically for merlin (not merlinin or merlinin). merlin_pro).
• 🔄 Download the firmware again - the file could download with errors.

🔴 IMEI He jumped or became "Null"

• 📡 This happens when the partition persists. Restore it from the backup to the TWRP.
• 🔧 If you don’t have a backup, use tools like Maui. META or SN Writer for recovery IMEI (requires authorization).

🔴 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo after firmware

• 🔄 Try resetting your settings with Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot
• 📱 If it doesn’t work, swipe your phone again with the Clean all option in the Mi Flash Tool.

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If the sensor or camera doesn't work after the firmware, chances are you've installed the firmware for another model. Check the device's code name in Fastboot with the fastboot getvar product command.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions