Why Xiaomi Mi 9 owners still want to root in 2026
5 years after the release of Xiaomi Mi 9 (codename cepheus), this flagship is still relevant for Android enthusiasts. The reasons for wanting root rights on the device of 2019 release are surprising with a variety of things: from the banal removal of system applications MIUI to fine-tuning the core to extend the life of the battery or install custom firmware based on Android 14.
Unlike Xiaomi’s newer models, where the manufacturer has tightened protection, the Mi 9 still allows you to unlock the bootloader in an official way – but with nuances. The main problem today is that most guides on the network are outdated (designed for MIUI 11-12), and fresh instructions often miss critical steps that turn the device into a “brick.” This article is updated for MIUI 14/15 and takes into account all the pitfalls of 2026, including changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock downloaders.
Before you move on, honestly answer yourself: why do you root? If the goal is simply to remove ads in MIUI, there are more secure ways today (for example, disabling personalized ads through Settings → Privacy). Root is only for deep modifications of the system, and getting it permanently deprives you of an official warranty (even if it is still valid).
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
The first stage is the most boring, but it depends on 90% of the success, and if you miss even one point, you risk getting a device with a locked bootloader for 30 days (or forever if Xiaomi considers your actions suspicious).
- 📱 Check the model and version MIUI: Go to Settings. → Make sure you have the Xiaomi Mi 9 (cepheus) and not the Mi 9. SE (grus or Mi 9 Pro (crux) – the instructions are different.
- 🔒 Link your Mi Account: without a confirmed Xiaomi account (with a phone number attached), unlocking is impossible. If the account is new, wait 72 hours - the system can block unlocking for "suspicious" accounts.
- 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest stable version: Use Settings → Update the system. Root versions are best suited MIUI 14.0.4+ Android 13 based.
- 📡 Put the debugging on. USB and OEM-Unlocking: Path - Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Pay special attention to the item with OEM-unlock. In the latest versions of MIUI, it can “hide” or require you to enter a password from your Mi Account. If the option is gray and inactive, then your device has already been unlocked before (check status through fastboot oem device-info).
Battery Charge > 60%| Data Backup (Photos, Contacts, SMS)| PIN/lock screen password disabled | ADB/Fastboot drivers installed on PC| Download Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version (2026)
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⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi 9 with firmware for the region CN (China, you will need a Chinese phone number linked to your account to unlock the device, and you can only get around this restriction by flashing it to the global/European version. MIUI.
Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi
Xiaomi has tightened the unlocking procedure since 2022, but for the Mi 9, it is still available through the Mi Unlock Tool utility. The main change is that it now requires a wait of 168 hours (7 days) after the first account is linked to the device.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official en.miui.com/unlock website (version no lower than 5.5.224.51) and install it on Windows 10/11 PC (on macOS/Linux it works only via a virtual machine).
- Sign in to the utility under the same Mi Account as your phone. If you see a message saying "This account is not bound to this device," you missed the peg step in your phone's settings.
- Put your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock in the utility. If you see a 168-hour timer, wait until it runs out. Trying to reset the timer increases the timer to 360+ hours.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. This is normal, Xiaomi cleanses the system of potential threats. Your data will be lost, so back up in advance.
1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).
2. disable the antivirus on the PC – it can block drivers.
3. Run the utility on behalf of the administrator.
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| Mistake in Mi Unlock | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| This account is not bound to this device | The account is not tied to the phone | Link your account to your phone and wait 72 hours |
| Couldn't unlock 50% | Too old version of the utility | Download the latest version from the official website |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Different accounts on the phone and in the utility | Sign out of your account on your phone and log in again. |
| Device is locked. Unlock time: 168h | First Unblock for this account | Wait 7 days without trying to get around the timer |
Installation of custom TWRP recavator for Xiaomi Mi 9
After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is installation. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This custom recovery will let you install ZIP-Magisk files, backups, and system repair. 9 current-age — TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 (or newer), adapted for Android 13/14.
Download the official TWRP image for cepheus from twrp.me. Please note: Mi 9T or Mi 9 SE versions won't work!
- 🖥️ PC with installation ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data support (not all charging cables are suitable!).
- 📁 File. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-cepheus.img (Rename it for convenience in twrp.img).
Installation instructions:
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode (as before).
- Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices If the device doesn’t show up, install Google USB Driver drivers.
- TWRP Temporarily (without writing to the recovery section): fastboot boot twrp.img The phone will reboot to TWRP. Don't disconnect it from the PC!
- In TWRP, select Advanced → ADB Sideload and swipe Magisk (for more on this in the next section).
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to install TWRP Fastboot Flash Recovery Team twrp.img — on Mi 9 s MIUI 14+ This will result in the recaveri being replaced with stock when you first restart).
What if TWRP asks for a password when downloading?
Magisk Installation: Getting root rights without risk to the system
Magisk is a universal root-rights tool that does not violate the integrity of the systemless root. For the Xiaomi Mi 9 in 2026, the Magisk 26.4+ version (or Delta for experimental functions) is recommended.
Installation process:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
- Move it. ZIP-file on the phone (can be accessed through ADB push or connect the device as a flash drive to TWRP).
- V TWRP Choose Install → choose Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After installation, restart to the system (Reboot → System).
The first download after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes — that’s fine. Once downloaded, check for root using the Magisk Manager app (download it separately from the same GitHub) or commands in the terminal:
suIf you see a command entry invitation from a superuser, root is successfully received.
Official MIUI with remote block | LineageOS, Pixel Experience |MIUI with patches from XDA |Other
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What to do after root: security and optimization
Root is a limitless opportunity, but it also creates risks. Here's what you should do first:
- 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates MIUI: Go to Settings. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update and deactivate option. "over-the-air" updates can remove root.
- 🔄 Create a full backup in TWRP: Choose Backup → Mark all sections → Swipe to Back Up. Save a copy on PC – it will save the device when “bricking».
- 🚫 Block ads systematically: install AdAway or Blokada through Magisk. They block ads at the level. DNS, including MIUI.
- ⚡ Optimize performance: modules FDE.AI Kernelsu allows you to fine-tune the core to increase FPS play-saving.
If you are planning to install custom firmware, pay attention to projects for cepheus:
- Pixel Experience is a pure Android with features from Google Pixel.
- LineageOS 20/21 is a stable firmware with long-term support.
- Xiaomi.eu is an optimized version of MIUI without Chinese software.
⚠️ Warning: Installing custom firmware on Mi 9 with unlocked bootloader could lead to Widevine issues L1 (downgrade L3), Netflix and other services will only show videos on the Internet. 480p. This can only be corrected by reflashing stock vendors.
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Once you get root, be sure to install the SafetyNet Fix module in Magisk – without it, Google Pay, banking apps, and some games (such as Pokémon GO) will not work.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone will not boot after installing Magisk | Incompatible version of Magisk or damaged ZIP | Fastboot.img, then re-install Magisk. |
| TWRP does not see internal memory | Encryption of data in MIUI | Format Data in TWRP (all will be deleted!) |
| Error "Invalid IMEI" after firmware | The modem or nvram partition is damaged | Restore backup modem from TWRP or flash stock firmware through Mi Flash |
| The mobile network does not work after root | Magisk modules conflict with modem | Disable all modules in Magisk and restart |
If your problem is not described above, check the error logs in the TWRP (Advanced → Copy Log and search the solution on the XDA-Developers forums (section for Mi 9). MIUI and the steps that led to the mistake.