Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, on a modern Android smartphone is a step that opens up entirely new horizons for the owner of the device. In the case of the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, which is based on the budget but reliable MediaTek processor, this procedure allows not only to remove system applications, but also to deeply modify the operation of hardware, many users decide to do this step in order to extend autonomy or install specific modules that are not available in the standard MIUI shell.
However, before you start taking action, you need to realize that unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory and irreversible step for many manipulations.The process of obtaining administrator rights on Xiaomi devices has its own specifics, different from other brands. You will need to carefully prepare the software on the computer and verify the integrity of the data, as any errors can lead to the inoperability of the gadget.
In this guide, we will go through each step in detail, from applying for MIUI to the final installation of the rights manager via custom Recovery. We will look at the Magisk utility, which is currently the gold standard for root access without violating the integrity of the system partition in the traditional sense.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The training should begin with a stable connection between the smartphone and the personal computer. USB-cable, preferably original, because cheap analogues often can not provide data transfer with the desired speed and stability. ADB Fastboot and Fastboot, which can be found in Android SDK Platform Tools or download separately.
The second critical step is to create a full backup of all data, and because the process of unlocking the bootloader, which precedes root rights, involves completely resetting the device to factory settings, all your photos, contacts, and files will be permanently lost, either by using the built-in Mi Cloud or by making a local copy to your computer via the file manager interface.
⚠️ Note: Officially unlocking the bootloader removes warranty from the device in most service centers, and after this procedure, some banking applications and Google Pay will cease to work unless additional root-rights concealment methods are used.
Don’t forget to activate the developer mode on your Redmi 9A. To do this, go to the settings, find the “About phone” item and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After that, a new section will appear in the menu where you need to enable debugging over USB and OEM-unlock. Without these settings, the computer simply will not see the phone in the desired mode.
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
The first and most difficult barrier to root rights is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi implemented this security measure to prevent malware installation, but for enthusiasts it has become a mandatory procedure. You need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility on your computer and log in using the same Mi Account that is authorized on the smartphone itself.
There is an important time nuance: once an account is linked to a device, it often requires a wait of 168 hours (7 days), which is a system restriction of the company's servers, and it is almost impossible to circumvent it by legal means. If you try to unlock the device ahead of time, the utility will give an error and require you to wait for the remaining time.
What if the status in Mi Unlock is not updated?
The unlocking process itself is Fastboot mode. Turn off your phone and press down and power at the same time, connect the cable to your PC and start the unlock command in the program. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart and begin cleaning the data.
- 🔒 Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the site mi.com/unlock.
- 🔒 Make sure that the battery of the smartphone is at least 60%.
- 🔒 Use a stable Internet connection on your PC while linking your account.
- 🔒 Remember the password from the Mi-account, it will be required to log in after the reset.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the standard Stock Recovery menu is useless for our purposes, because it doesn't allow unsigned files to be installed. We need customized recovers, and the best choice for Redmi 9A is the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which is an interface that allows you to manage the phone's file system directly.
To install, you will need to find the exact image file (.img) that is specifically designed for your model (codename dandelion). Download this file to the root folder on your computer where the ADB tools are located. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Opening the command line in the tool folder will send a firmware command.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-dandelion.imgImportant point: once you have TWRP, you can't just reboot the system in the usual way, otherwise the standard Xiaomi recavator will overwrite the custom one. You need to press the button combination to enter Recovery (usually Volume Up + Power) immediately after you have completed the firmware. If you see the TWRP menu with touch controls or buttons, then the stage is successful.
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When you first boot into TWRP, the system may suggest installing Root. Until you refuse, you first need to boot into the system once for Android to create the necessary partitions, and then return to TWRP for the final installation of Magisk.
Magisk installation for obtaining Root rights
Now that we have access to the system at a low level, we can move to directly obtaining superuser rights. The current standard is the use of Magisk (or its Magisk Delta/Alpha fork), which works on the principle of systemless root. This means that it does not modifies the system partition directly, but uploads its files when it boots, which increases stability and compatibility.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip (although newer versions often allow you to stitch the file itself). APK, The zip format is universal for older versions. TWRP). Copy this file into the internal memory of the smartphone.
Download to TWRP again. In the main menu, select "Install", find the downloaded Magisk file and confirm the swipe installation. Once you complete the procedure, click "Reboot System". If it goes well, a new Magisk icon will appear in the application menu, and the root access confirmation will appear in the settings.
| Parameter | Before getting a Root | After installing Magisk |
|---|---|---|
| Access to system files | Prohibited. | Full access |
| Removal of system applications | Impossible. | Maybe. |
| Work of banking applications | Work. | Requires concealment settings |
| Ability to Upgrade by Air (OTA) | Available. | Blocked (requires manual update) |
Setting up the environment and hiding rights
After successful installation, many users are faced with banking applications stopping running, and Google Pay reports that the device is not secure, because Magisk by default openly reports root rights. To return functionality, you need to activate the hideout module (formerly known as MagiskHide, now Zygisk).
Open the Magisk app, go to the settings (cog on the top right) and turn on the Zygisk option. After that, in the Configure DenyList list, you need to find all banking apps and Google Play Services by ticking them against them, which will force Magisk not to show root rights to these specific programs.
Also worth considering is the installation of Universal SafetyNet Fix via the Magisk menu, which helps bypass Google’s SafetyNet integrity check, which is required for some streaming services to run in high quality and pay via NFC. Once the module is installed and rebooted, the SafetyNet test in the Magisk app should show the green check boxes.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
One of the common problems with Redmi 9A is the “boot loop” (cyclic reboot) after installing modules. If the phone stopped loading but enters Recovery mode, try removing the last installed module through the TWRP file manager or the deletion function in Magisk itself (if Safe Mode is available).
Another challenge is the loss of Widevine L1, which causes Netflix and other services to stop showing content in HD. Unfortunately, on devices with an unlocked bootloader, it is often impossible to return L1, since this is tied to hardware security keys that are reset when unlocked. The only way out is to flash the stock loader, which is difficult and risky.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to sew recovery images designed for other Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9C It's guaranteed to lead to a "brick" of a device that can only be restored through paid service software (Mi Auth).
If after all the manipulations stopped working proximity sensor or (fingerprint scanner), check whether the partition persist or modem was damaged by careless actions in TWRP. Recovering these partitions from the backup made immediately after unlocking, often solves the problem.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will the warranty be reset after obtaining the Root rights to the Redmi 9A?
Can I upgrade an OTA system with Magisk installed?
Is it safe to use root-right banking apps?
What if your phone is in an endless reboot (Bootloop)?
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Getting root rights to Redmi 9A is a powerful customization tool, but it requires the user to be responsible for data security and be willing to solve software problems on their own.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that owning the superuser rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9A makes a budget smartphone a flexible tool limited only by your imagination. You can change the system fonts, overclock the processor for games or, conversely, downvolt it to save energy.