How to open Xiaomi Mi 9T: unlock the bootloader, reset password and hidden features

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) is one of the brand’s most popular smartphones, combining powerful hardware with an affordable price. However, owners often face the need to “open” the device — whether it’s unlocking the bootloader to install custom firmware, removing a forgotten pattern lock or activating hidden features through developer mode. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from official methods to workarounds, taking into account the current limitations of Xiaomi in 2026.

It is important to understand that unlocking procedures can affect warranty, data security and device stability. For example, unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings, and improper use of fastboot can lead to a "brick" (inoperable state).

1 Unlock the bootloader on the Mi 9T

The Xiaomi Mi 9T bootloader is locked by default, a measure of protection against unauthorized firmware changes. To install custom software (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's policy, but we will describe how to speed it up or circumvent restrictions.

First, check the blocking status:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to enter fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter the command: fastboot oem device-info If in the answer Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is blocked.

• 🔓 Official way: Use Mi Unlock Tool with Mi Account binding (requires waiting).
• ⚡ Quick bypass: Some firmware (for example, EU ROM) Allows you to unlock the loader without waiting through EDL-Regime (requires an authorized developer account).
• ⚠️ Risk: Unofficial methods can lead to blocking IMEI loss of warranty.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking the Mi bootloader 9T It automatically resets to factory settings. Create a backup of the data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

2. Removal of the pattern lock or password

If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN-code 9T, There are several ways to get back access without losing data, and the most reliable way is to use a Mi Account that's linked to the device:

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times until the button Forgot the password appears.
2. Select Recover through Mi Account and enter your account details.
3. Follow the instructions for resetting your password.

If your Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data, radical methods remain:

• 🔄 Reset via Recovery: Press the Volume Up + Power, select Wipe Data. All data will be deleted, including photos and apps.
• 💻 ADB-Method: If previously included debugging USB, file can be deleted /data/system/gesture.key via command: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key After resetting, the password will be reset.

3. Activation of the developer mode and hidden functions

Developer mode on Mi 9T Opens access to advanced settings, such as enabling OEM Unlocking (necessary to unlock the bootloader), changing interface animation or activating USB-To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Useful options in the developer mode for Mi 9T:

💡

If the OEM Unlocking option is inactive, check if your Mi Account is linked to your phone and if your internet connection is enabled.

4.Mi Account Bypass After Reset (FRP)

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a Xiaomi protection that requires you to enter your Mi Account data after resetting. If you bought the Mi 9T from hand and don’t know the associated account, you can bypass FRP in several ways:

• 📧 Official way: Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box) they can unlink the account.
• 🛠️ Through EDL-Mode: Use the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized account to firmware the clean version MIUI (requires an unlocked loader).
• 🔧 Passage ADB: For some versions MIUI The team is working on adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1 After it is executed, the phone will miss the account screen.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP device-wise MIUI 12 and later may result in a blockage IMEI. Before trying to bypass, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

5. Unlocking SIM-map (PUK-code)

If Mi 9T request PUK-code-in PIN-code SIM-The card can only be restored through the operator. SIM With random codes will permanently block it:

1. Find a package from SIM-map — PUK-the code is usually shown on the plastic holder.
2. If there is no packaging, contact the operator: 📞 MTS: *111# or 0890 📞 Beeline: *110*09# 📞 MegaFon: *105# 📞 Television2: *611#

Enter the received PUK-code to the phone, then install a new one PIN.

If SIM-The card is locked permanently, you'll have to order a duplicate in the operator's cabin. 9T Two nano-SIMs or one nano-SIM are supported + microSD (hybrid slot).

Make sure the phone is not in airplane mode|Check the balance SIM-Cards (some operators block services at zero)|Have a passport at hand to confirm the identity in support|Write it down. IMEI phone number (*#06#) in case of lockdown-->

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When using the Mi 9T, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check if your device is blacklisted by Xiaomi by IMEI. To do this, type on your phone *#06# and check the IMEI on imei.info.

💡

Before any firmware manipulation or unlocking, always check the phone model (Settings → About Phone → Model).The methods for the Mi 9T (codename davinci) may not be suitable for the Mi 9T Pro (raphael).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions