Getting advanced access rights on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone opens up completely new horizons for the user to manage the device. This allows you to remove system applications that the manufacturer does not allow to remove standard methods, install specialized modules and fine-tune the processor to save energy or improve performance. However, before you start, it is worthwhile to clearly realize that interference with the Android system partition carries certain risks.
The procedure is not trivial and requires care, as incorrect actions can lead to software failures.
You will need a stable internet connection, an original or quality USB cable, and a fully charged battery.
Modern versions of the MIUI shell actively resist modifications, so the preparation will take longer than the firmware itself.
Carefully study each step to avoid data loss or device lockdown.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights automatically void the official manufacturer warranty on your device.
Preparation of the device and obtaining developer rights
The first step is to get the smartphone itself deeply configured before you connect to the computer, and you need to activate hidden features that are not available to the average user by default, a foundation without which further steps are technically impossible.
Go to Settings → About your phone and find the MIUI version. You need to quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row until you see a pop-up message that you have become a developer. Then a new section will appear in the settings menu “Additional” or “Extended settings”, where you need to select “For developers”.
Inside this menu, find the USB Debugging switch and activate it. The system will alert you to the risks, confirm the action. You should also turn on the Unlock bootloader option if it is available in your firmware version. Without this step, the computer will not be able to interact with the bootloader at a low level.
- 🔍 Be sure to link your Mi Account in your phone settings, as Xiaomi servers check for it when you request to unlock it.
- 🔍 Make sure that SIM-The card is active and has access to mobile internet, as Wi-Fi can sometimes cause errors when linking the device to the account.
- 🔍 Make a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely delete all files from the internal memory.
Don't ignore the requirement to create a backup, relying on cloud services. Local copy on a PC or external drive is the most reliable way to save contacts, photos and correspondence. The process of erasure is a security measure to prevent theft of information from a stolen phone.
💡
Use the built-in Mi Migration or Backup app in your phone’s settings to create a full copy of the system before you start work.
Installation of drivers and specialized software on PC
For a successful interaction between a Redmi 9 computer and a smartphone, you need to install the right drivers. Standard Windows tools often do not recognize the device in either fastboot or download mode. Using unofficial driver assemblies can lead to unstable work USB-port.
You will need to download and install the ADB and Fastboot Drivers package, as well as the Mi Unlock Tool from the developer's official website, the only legal way to unlock the bootloader. Attempts to use third-party programs to bypass the wait can result in the device locking over IMEI.
You'll also need Google's Platform Tools, which contains debugging console utilities. Once you install the drivers, connect your phone to your PC and check your Device Manager. Under Android Devices or Ports (COM and LPT), your phone will appear without exclamation points.
⚠️ Note: If the Device Manager shows “Unknown Device”, try replacing it. USB-cable or connect the cord to another port, preferably USB 2.0, located on the motherboard behind the system unit.
To modify the system partition, you will also need a root-access file manager and a Magisk archive, which replaces the old SuperSU in modern times, ensuring compatibility with banking applications and Google Pay services.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
This is the longest and most critical phase. The Bootloader is a program that runs to the operating system and checks the integrity of its components. The factory lock prevents the modified software from running. To remove it, run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer and log in to your account.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn off your phone, then press the power and volume buttons at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, or the words FASTBOOT. Connect the cable to the PC. The utility should identify the device. Press the Unlock button.
The system will warn you that all data will be deleted, and ask for confirmation, and then the process will begin. However, you will likely receive a message that you need to wait. Xiaomi sets a waiting timer (from 7 to 168 hours) to protect against intruders.
Once the timer has expired, repeat the procedure. This time, the utility will issue a risk warning and start the unlocking process. The phone will reboot and all data will be destroyed. This is the normal situation. Once turned on, you will get a clean system with the bootloader unlocked.
- ⏳ Do not try to cheat the timer by changing the date on the phone or in the BIOS computer – server time check synchronized and reset attempt.
- ⏳ While waiting, you can use your phone as normal, but do not log out of your Mi Account and do not make a complete reset.
- ⏳ Make sure your battery level is above 60% before the final unlock attempt, so that your phone doesn’t turn off at the critical moment.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the “Unlocked Bootloader” warning will appear for a few seconds every time the phone is booted, and it cannot be removed by standard methods without flashing the closed bootloader.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to system files. To set the rights of a superuser, we will need a custom recovery, the most popular and functional for Redmi 9 is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which has a user-friendly touch interface and support for installing zip archives.
First, download the current version of the TWRP image for your model (codename lancelot for global or merlin for Chinese/Indian). It is important not to confuse the versions, as this can lead to a “brick” of the device. Place the image file (usually with the extension.img) in the folder with ADB tools on your computer.
Put your phone back to Fastboot mode again (off + volume down + power). Connect the cable and open the command line in the folder with ADB. Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, you have a connection, and then you type in a command to temporarily load the Recovery:
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-lancelot.imgThe phone will reboot in the TWRP menu. At this point, it's important not to restart the system in the usual way, otherwise the standard bootloader will overwrite the time Recovery with the stock. We need to fix it or install Magisk right away. From the TWRP menu, select the language (Swipe to allow modifications) and go to the settings section.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
Now, being in the environment TWRP, We'll install the rights management tool itself. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository.Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip (this is not always required in newer versions, but is often required for older versions). TWRP) Or just copy the apk to your phone.
On the menu. TWRP Press the Install button. Find the downloaded Magisk file on internal memory or SD-Select it and slide it through to confirm the installation. It takes a few seconds. Once the installation is successful, press the "Reboot System" button».
The first download after installing Magisk can last longer than usual (up to 5-10 minutes). This is normal, the system performs application optimization and integrity check. After loading the desktop, look for the Magisk icon in the application menu. If it appears, congratulations, you have obtained root rights.
Open the Magisk app. It can offer you to add additional components, OK. The main window opposite the Magisk should be "Installed," and you can install modules, change system files, and control application access.
☑️ Verification of successful installation
License Check and Security Setup
Once installed, you need to make sure that the rights are working properly and the system is stable. Download a root-checking app from Play Market, like Root Checker. Run it and press the check button. If you see a green message about the presence of superuser rights, it went well.
However, root rights can disrupt banking applications and contactless payment services. Google Pay (Wallet) and banking customers have built-in security (SafetyNet/Play Integrity API) that blocks work on modified devices. To get around this, use the "Zygisk" and "DenyList" feature in the Magisk settings.
In Magisk settings, turn on Zygisk, then go to Set up DenyList and check all banking apps, Google Play Services, and Google Play Store. Then hide the Magisk app itself. In the settings, click Hide Magisk, give it a new name (like Settings or Calculator) and the package, which will hide the fact that there are root rights from most checks.
| Parameter | Before getting a Root | After receiving the Root | Addressing problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal of system applications | Impossible. | Available via ADB/AppsFlyer | Use Titanium Backup to Use |
| Work of banking applications | They're stable. | They can be blocked. | Set up DenyList in Magisk |
| Update on OTA | It comes automatically. | Root is blocked or flies off | Do not update, put manually |
| Guarantee | It's working. | Cancellation. | Firmware drain before delivery |
| Security of data | Tall. | Reduced (the risk of viruses) | Do not use software from unknown sources |
⚠️ Note: With root rights, any application you run could theoretically gain full access to the file system. Install programs only from trusted sources and keep a close eye on access requests in Magisk.
💡
The main goal after root is the balance between advanced features and personal data security, achieved by competent Magisk configuration.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
In the process of modifying the Xiaomi Redmi 9, users often face typical difficulties. Understanding their nature will help quickly restore the performance of the smartphone.
One of the common problems is Bootloop, which turns on, shows the logo and shuts down again, often when a module is installed that is incompatible with the Android version, or the system file is damaged, and is solved by logging into Recovery Mode (TWRP) and removing the problem module or completely resetting (Wipe Data).
Another problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is broken after the firmware is in place, indicating driver conflict or the wrong firmware version (e.g., a global firmware version on a Chinese machine without cross-flash), and only returning to the factory firmware via the Mi Flash Tool in Clear All mode will help.
- 🛠 If your computer stops seeing your phone in Fastboot, reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager by selecting the Android Bootloader Interface model».
- 🛠 The “Waiting for Device” Error ADB Often solved by setting the flags "Always allow debugging from this computer" on the phone screen.
- 🛠 When you're in trouble TWRP (Not working touch or screen black) try another version of the recavery specially assembled for your version MIUI.
Always have stock firmware on hand. This is your lifeline. If modifications have led to unstable operation, returning to factory status is the only right solution for restoring functionality.