How to open Xiaomi Redmi 9S: unlock the bootloader, reset the pattern lock and restore access

Xiaomi Redmi 9S is a popular budget smartphone with MIUI protection, which sometimes becomes a headache for users. Forgot the password? Buy a used device with a locked bootloader? Or the system requires an account of the previous owner? In this article, we will analyze all the ways to unlock the Redmi 9S — from official methods to bypassing the protection through Fastboot and EDL.

It's important to understand that the procedures vary depending on the type of lock, PIN-code, Mi Account or locked bootloader, and we'll look at each case separately, taking into account the nuances of the firmware. MIUI and the Redmi hardware platform 9S (codename).

We warn you right away that some techniques require technical skills, and if you're not sure, you'd better go to a service center, but if you're willing to do it yourself, let's do it!

1. unlocking the pattern lock or PIN-code

The most common problem is a forgotten lock screen password. There are several ways to solve it on the Redmi 9S, but not everyone works without losing data.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Account (if tied)

• 🔑 Enter any password 5 times in a row until the Forgot Password button appears?.
• 📧 Click on it and select Restore via Mi Account.
• 🔄 Enter the username and password from your Xiaomi account – the system will reset the lock.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery (Data will be deleted!)

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. From the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data (control – volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the reset and reset.

⚠️ Attention: If on Redmi 9S If you turn on Find Device, you'll need to reset your Mi Account, which was tied before you lock it, and without it, your phone will become a brick".

2 Unblocking the Mi (Mi Account) account

If the Redmi 9S requires a previous owner's account after a reset or purchase of a used one, there are few options. Officially, Xiaomi does not provide tools to circumvent this protection - this is a measure against theft. But there are workarounds.

Official method (for legitimate owners only):

• 📄 Prepare a cheque or sales contract with a serial number (IMEI) phone.
• 🌐 Contact Xiaomi via account.xiaomi.com.
• 📧 Send scans of documents and wait for a response (may take up to 7 days).

Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

• 🔧 Use of the EDL-Mode and firmware via Mi Flash Tool (requires an authorized developer account).
• 💻 Programs like Xiaomi Tool V2 or MTK Bypass (not available on all versions) MIUI).

On the Redmi 9S with a Helio G25 processor, it is impossible to bypass the Mi Account via Fastboot - it is required to EDL or officially unblock.

3. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

If you want to flash custom firmware or get root rights, you first need to unlock the bootloader. On Redmi 9S, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility, but there are nuances.

Step-by-step:

Linking your Mi Account to your phone|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlock|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Connect the phone to the PC-->

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 OEM-unlock 🖥️ Debugging by USB

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Redmi 9S

Fastboot

Food + Volume Down

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi has introduced a restriction - after linking the account to the phone, you need to wait 7 days before unlocking, and the utility can refuse to unlock if the phone was purchased less than 30 days ago.

4. Unlock through ADB (without data loss)

If the Redmi 9S has USB debugging enabled, you can try resetting your password through ADB without deleting data, which only works if the phone is unlocked and connected to a PC.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer and confirm access via USB.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key rm /data/system/password.key rm /data/system/locksettings.db rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
3. Restart the phone – the screen lock will be reset.

If the commands don’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

This will open a password change menu where you can set a new PIN.

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If ADB doesn’t see the device, update Xiaomi drivers via Mi PC Suite or install them manually through Windows Device Manager.

5. Firmware via Fastboot (if the phone doesn't turn on)

If the Redmi 9S is stuck on the Mi logo or doesn't respond to buttons, firmware via Fastboot will help.This method is also suitable for recovery after a failed update.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📦 Fastboot firmware ROM for Redmi 9S (Download from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool.

Step-by-step process:

1. Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\ROM\curtana).
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect the Redmi 9S turned off in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. In the program, press Refresh - should appear COM-port.
5. Select Clean All (total clean) or Save User Data (to save data).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Fastboot firmware on Redmi 9S With a locked bootloader, it's only possible with official firmware. ROM Requires an unlocked Bootloader.

Hardware methods (testpoints and EDL)

If the software didn't work, the hard-core method is to log into the EDL by closing the test points, which is an extreme measure that requires disassembling the phone.

How to find test points on Redmi 9S:

• 🔧 Remove the back cover (need a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
• 🔍 On the motherboard, find two contacts with the inscription EDL or TEST POINT (usually near the battery connector).
• 📶 Lock them with tweezers or wires while connecting the phone to the PC.

After successfully logging into EDL (the phone will be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008), you can flash it through the Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

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Hardware methods are risky -- a mistake when you close the test points can knock out the power module or the processor, and without experience, you'd better go to the service.

7. Frequent errors and their solution

When you unlock the Redmi 9S, you're going to have a problem with the most common ones.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If after firmware the phone is stuck on the screensaver, try resetting the settings through Recovery.
• 📡 For a stable job. Fastboot/EDL use the port USB 2.0 (blueport USB 3.0 can cause errors).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% before any manipulation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions