How to open Xiaomi Mi 9: unlock the bootloader, remove the screen lock and access to hidden features

Xiaomi Mi 9

MIUI

unlock

graphicalize

root-right

All official and unofficial ways to unblock

Mi 9

Mi Unlock Tool

FRP

It is important to understand that the procedures differ depending on the purpose: unlocking the bootloader (for firmware), resetting the pattern lock (if you forgot the password), and obtaining superuser rights (for deep customization). Each method has its own risks, from loss of warranty to "bricking" the device, we will describe each step in detail so that you can choose the best option without unnecessary errors.

If you’re looking for a way to get around factory locks after buying a used phone, or if you want to install Global ROM on the Chinese version of the Mi 9, here are the latest instructions for MIUI 14 and Xiaomi’s policy to unlock bootloaders. Let’s start with the safest and most legal method, the official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool.

📊 Why you want to unlock the Xiaomi Mi 9?
Install custom firmware
Reset the forgotten password
Get root rights
Remove branded operator software
Other

1. Official unlocking of the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

The official way Xiaomi uses the Mi Unlock Tool is to unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or gain root rights.

  • 🔹 Requires to link your Mi Account to your device (at least 72 hours before unlocking).
  • 🔹 It only works on the original firmware. MIUI (customless!).
  • 🔹 Maximum number of unlocks per account: 1 device in 30 days.
  • 🔹 Does not work on devices with Locked status after being reset via Fastboot.

Before starting the procedure, make sure your Mi 9 has the latest version of MIUI installed (update via Settings → About Phone → System Update).

adb reboot bootloader

In Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT) watch the line Device unlocked: false - if there is one, the bootloader is blocked.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official Xiaomi website).
  2. Install Mi Phone Manager drivers (come with utility).
  3. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and in the Mi Unlock Tool utility (should be one account!).
  4. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
  5. Connect the Mi 9 to your PC and press Unlock in the utility. wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

⚠️ If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported", check it out: 🔌 Connection via the original cable USB Type-C (cheap cables may not transmit data). 🔄 Version MIUI — on old assemblies (below) MIUI 10) the unlock may not work. ⏳ Account binding time – if less than 72 hours have passed, wait.

Update MIUI last-minute|Link Mi Account to your device (minimum 72 hours)|Install Mi Phone Manager drivers|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Prepare original USB-cable-->

2 Unlock the pattern lock or password on the Mi 9

If you have forgotten the pattern lock, PIN-The code or password from Xiaomi Mi 9, there are several ways to restore access without losing data, the most reliable is using the attached Mi Account. However, if the account is not tied or you do not remember the login data, you will have to do a hard reset).

Method 1: Reset via Mi Account (without loss of data)

  • 📱 On the lock screen, press Forgot the password?.
  • 🔑 Enter the username and password from the Mi Account linked to the device.
  • 📲 Follow the instructions for resetting your password (confirmation may be required by SMS email).

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery (complete cleaning)

If Mi Account is not tied or you don’t remember the data, the only option is to reset via Recovery Mode.This will delete all the data on the phone, including photos, messages and apps!

  1. Turn off Mi 9.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power before the Mi logo appears.
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (manage volume buttons, confirmation – power button).
  4. After reset, select Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI After resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter data from the Mi Account that was previously tied (FRP-lock).If you don't remember the account, the phone will become a "brick"! FRP There are unofficial methods on the Mi 9 (via the SP Flash Tool or EDL Mode), but they require firmware skills and can lead to loss IMEI. We don't recommend using them without experience. What if, after a reset, you need a Mi Account that doesn't exist? If the phone requests data from the previous Mi Account (FRP-lock) and you don't know it, there are no official ways around. Informal methods include: 1. EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing). 2. Use of vulnerabilities in older versions MIUI (for example, through ADB-round-off FRP). 3. Appeal to the service center with proof of purchase (check). Risks: loss IMEI, locking device at hardware level. 3. Activation of developer mode and debugging USB For many operations (unlocking the bootloader, firmware, backup) requires a developer mode and enabled debugging. USB. On Xiaomi Mi 9, this process is standard, but has nuances due to the shell. MIUI. How to Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times on the line Version. MIUI (You will be notified, "You are a developer!" and return to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers, settings required to unlock: 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB. 🔒 Allow Unlocking OEM (It is important to use the Mi Unlock Tool!). 🔄 In the section Special Opportunities disable MIUI Optimization (reduces the lags when you run the firmware) After activation, connect the phone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear). If the window doesn't show up, check the cable or drivers. 1. Reboot the phone. 2. Use another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Install drivers manually through Device Manager (select "ADB Interface").--> 4. Alternative ways to unlock the bootloader (without waiting 72 hours) The official method through the Mi Unlock Tool requires waiting 72 hours, but there are workarounds to speed up the process.They are suitable for power users and can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account or loss of warranty. Method 1: Using the old version of Mi Unlock Tool Some versions of the utility (for example, 2.3.803.1) allow you to unlock the bootloader without waiting. XDA Turn off the Internet on your PC before you start the utility (so it doesn't update). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and try unlocking it. Method 2: Firmware through EDL Mode (for Advanced) Mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash your phone directly without having to download it: 🖥️ Authorized Xiaomi account (to access Mi Flash Pro). 📂.mbn firmware for your model (Mi 9 – cepheus). 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with support EDL (Process: Transfer the phone to the EDL Mode (close contacts on the board or use the command adb reboot edl. Connect to the PC and swipe through the Mi Flash Pro. ⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without experience, it can lead to loss. IMEI Or turning the phone into a brick, a method that is only recommended for recovery after a major failure. 5. Network unlocking (SIM-lock) on Xiaomi Mi 9 If your Mi 9 is purchased from an operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) and blocked under a SIM card, unlocking is possible in several ways: Official request to the operator. Provide IMEI phone and the contract of sale. Unlock takes 1 to 14 days. Unlock code. You can buy on specialized sites (for example, unlockbase.com), but the risk of running into fraudsters is high. Fastboot. Some custom firmware (EU ROM) ignore the phone's security code, but if the operator is blocked, the SIM-lock it, then the phone will be blocked. Unlocking method Cost Time Risk Official request to operator Free 1-14 Minimum Buying of Unlock Code 500-2000 ₽ 1-24 Fraud, non-working code Firmware Custom ROM Free of charge. 30-60 Minutes of loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" 💡If the phone is purchased from the operator less 6 In this case, the only legal option is to wait until the lock expires months ago. 6. Frequent errors and their solutions when unlocking Mi 9 When working with Xiaomi Mi 9 Users often encounter common errors. We've collected the most common and ways to fix them: 1: "Couldn't unlock. Try again later in Mi Unlock Tool 🔹 Make sure your Mi Account is tied to your phone at least. 72 hour. 🔹 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (through Settings) → Updating the system). 🔹 Try another version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 3.5.1118.45). Error 2: Phone is not detected in Fastboot 🔹 Install Mi Phone Manager drivers manually (via Device Manager). 🔹 Use the original cable USB Type-C (cheap cables don't transfer data to Fastboot). 🔹 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Error 3: Requires the old Mi Account after reset (FRP) 🔹 If the phone was purchased used, ask the seller for account data. 🔹 If your account is yours but you have forgotten your password, restore it via account.xiaomi.com. 🔹 To get around FRP I'll need a firmware through EDL (What if Mi Unlock Tool says "Device not supported"? This error occurs if: 1. You have a Chinese version of the Mi 9 (for example, for the China/India market), and you try to unlock with a global utility. 2. The phone was previously unlocked and then locked again (for example, after firmware was flashed). 3. Version. MIUI Solution: - Sweep through the latest official firmware via Mi Flash. - Use the Mi Unlock Tool version for Chinese devices (e.g. from the en.miui.com forum). FAQ: Answers to popular questions Can I unlock Xiaomi Mi? 9 No data loss? Yes, if you remember the data from the Mi Account attached to the device. Use the "Forgot Password?" feature on the lock screen. If the account is not tied, you have to do a hard reset that will delete all the data. How long does it take the official unlock of the bootloader? Minimum 72 The procedure for unlocking the Mi Unlock Tool takes an hour from the moment of attaching the Mi Account to the phone. 10-15 I'm not sure if you can get a root on Mi. 9 without unlocking the bootloader. To get root rights, you must unlock the bootloader. TWRP Recovery. What if the phone doesn't turn on after unlocking? There's probably a firmware error. Try: Swipe the official firmware through Mi Flash in Fastboot mode. If the phone doesn't respond, transfer it to the phone. EDL Mode (closing contacts on the board) and run through Mi Flash Pro. If nothing helps, contact the service center. How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on the Mi 9? Turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power to log into Fastboot. If you have "Device unlocked: true" on the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is unlocked.