How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) gives you access to deep system setup, uninstall firmware and install modified firmware. However, the process requires unlocking the bootloader, which is officially supported by Xiaomi, but carries risks ranging from loss of warranty to device blink. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from preparation to the final installation of Magisk, taking into account the current restrictions of 2026.

Many users mistakenly believe that root is only for hacking, and it is actually useful for backing up through TWRP, optimizing performance, or even recovering data after a crash. But remember, Xiaomi blocks the ability to unlock the bootloader on devices tied to Mi Account with the "Find Device" feature enabled - it must be disabled beforehand.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets the key requirements. First, check the MIUI version: older builds (below MIUI 12.5) may experience problems with tool compatibility. Second, charge the battery to a minimum of 60% - this will prevent a sudden shutdown during the process.

A mandatory step is to back up your data. Unlocking the bootloader will reset the device to factory settings by deleting all files, including photos and messages. Use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.

• 📱 Contacts (export in.vcf format)
• 📸 Photo and video (copy on PC or external drive)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (save in the password manager)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize with your Google Play account)

Also, disable all security features in Mi Account:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security.
2. Turn off Find Device (Device Search).
3. Remove all attached devices in the Device Management section.
4. Log out of your account and log in again (this will reset temporary locks).

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Redmi Note 9 Pro (model joyeuse) or Note 9S (curtana, the instruction doesn't fit -- these devices have a different process of unlocking the bootloader. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times on "Core").

2. Unlock the bootloader: the official method from Xiaomi

Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, but with strict restrictions. In 2026, the company tightened the rules: now you need a binding. SIM-You have to wait 7 days after you first hook up your device, if you've recently dropped your phone or changed your account, you'll have to wait.

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi's official website (avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses). Install the program on a Windows 10/11 PC (the tool does not work on macOS and Linux).

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 OEM-Unlocking (may be absent on some firmware) 🔌 Debugging by USB

USB 2.0

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

If you see a message saying "This device is locked. Unlocking time: 168 hours," you have to wait 7 days.

• 📵 Don’t leave your Mi Account on your phone.
• 🔄 Don't reset the settings.
• 🔌 Get online regularly (every 24 hours).

⚠️ Warning: If the bootloader is unlocked, don't panic. 90% of the time, Fastboot firmware is used using the official Fastboot. ROM. Download the firmware for merlin from the site MIUI Downloads and follow the instructions in Section 4.

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is installation. TWRP (This alternative Recovery will allow you to sew modified ZIP-files, including Magisk for root rights. TWRP For merlin, firmware of an incompatible version will lead to errors.

Download the current image of TWRP from the official website:

https://twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomiredminote9.html

Or from the XDA Developers forum (look for the [RECOVERY][UNOFFICIAL] TWRP for Redmi Note 9 (merlin)) and check the hash of the file (MD5) to protect against fake builds.

You will need fastboot to install TWRP. If you don’t already have Android SDK Platform Tools, download them from Google:

https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools

Unpack the archive to the root of the C:\ disk (e.g., C:\platform-tools\) and execute the commands:

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-merlin.img




fastboot reboot recovery

If after rebooting the system in TWRP offers to enter a password (due to data encryption), execute Format Data (this will delete all files, but unlock access).

Download the official image for Merlin|Checked. MD5-hash|Encryption disabled (if necessary)|Battery charge > 60%|Original connected USB-cable-->

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. It also supports modules that extend the functionality of the system.

https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases

Select a file Magisk-v26.4.zip (You can copy it to your phone or external SD-Next up:

1. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
2. Press Install and select the downloaded Magisk-v26.4.zip.
3. Swipe to confirm the firmware.
4. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first boot after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes.If the system is getting stuck on the Redmi logo, perform a forced reboot (hold Power for 15 seconds) and repeat the firmware.

To check for root rights, install the Magisk Manager app (download the APK from GitHub) and run it. If you see a green tick and say "Magisk is installed," it went well. Now you can:

• 🧹 Remove system applications (Debloater).
• ⚡ Optimize performance with Kernel Adiutor.
• 🔒 Block Advertising Systemically (AdAway).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).

💡

If after installing Magisk, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stopped working, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate the root hiding function for specific applications.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's consider the most common and ways to eliminate them:

If the network signal is lost after unlocking the bootloader, the modem partition is most likely damaged. You can restore it by the official ROM firmware with the "Flash All" mark (without the "Clean All" tick).

6. How to get it back: Root removal and bootloader lock

If you no longer need root rights or want to return your device to its original state (for example, for sale), follow these steps:

1. Delete Magisk: Open Magisk Manager. Go to Settings → Delete. Press Full Uninstall and confirm.

Recovery of the standard recaveri:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

(file recovery.img It can be obtained from the official ROM for)

Locking the loader:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Warning: This command will reset all data and return the phone to factory settings!

Once the bootloader is locked, the device will return to the “out of the box” state, but Xiaomi’s warranty will still be lost. To hide the fact of unlocking, you can flash the official ROM marked “Flash All + Lock” – this will reset the unlock counter in fastboot.

If you are planning to sell your phone, we recommend:

• 🔄 Perform a complete reset (Settings) → Reset → Delete all data).
• 📱 Untie the device from Mi Account in account settings.
• 🔋 Check the operability of all modules (camera, sensors, network).

7. Alternative methods of obtaining root (for experienced users)

If the official Mi Unlock Tool method doesn’t work (for example, because of the error “This device cannot be unlocked”), alternative methods can be tried.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

EDL mode allows you to flash the device directly through the Qualcomm 9008 port.

• 🔧 Cable EDL (motherboard).
• 💻 Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
• 📄 Authorized Xiaomi Developer Account (for new devices).

Process:

1. Transfer the phone to EDL mode: adb reboot edl Or short the contacts Test Point on the board (disassembly required).
2. Connect your phone to your PC – it should decide how to do it. QHSUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. Sweep the official ROM through the Mi Flash Tool (select "Clean All").

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL on devices with Anti-Rollback lock (for example, Redmi Note 9 on the MIUI 13+) Before you run the firmware, check the version of Anti-Rollback in fastboot: fastboot getvar anti If the value is higher than 3, the firmware is through EDL forbidden!

Method 2: Exploit through vulnerability (for older versions of MIUI)

On MIUI 11 and below, there was a DirtyCOW exploit that allowed you to get a root without unlocking the bootloader, but on current versions it doesn't work. If your device hasn't been updated in a long time, you can try:

1. Download APK-exploit (e.g. KingRoot or TowelRoot).
2. Install and run it (requires an installed installation from unknown sources).
3. After receiving the root, immediately install Magisk to secure the rights.

This method is unstable and can lead to a boot loop, only use it if other methods are not available.

8 Risks and Consequences: What You Lose by Getting a Root

Despite all the advantages, root rights have serious downsides, and here's what you'll find when you unlock them:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially cancels warranty when unlocking bootloader.Even if the later locks it back, service center can detect traces of modifications.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Root opens access to system files, which increases the risk of virus infection or data theft.
• 📵 Problems with banking applications: Sberbank, Tinkoff and others block work on devices with root due to security requirements.
• 🔄 Impossibility OTA-Updates: After changing system partitions, automatic updates MIUI They'll stop working. You'll have to hand-stitch new versions.
• 🔋 Decreased stability: Some custom cores or Magisk modules may cause overheating, rapid battery drain, or occasional reboots.

If you use your phone to work with sensitive data (e.g. corporate email, cryptocurrency wallets), discard root rights. Alternatively, create a separate user profile without root or use a second device.

To minimize risks:

• 🔒 Update Magisk and modules regularly.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus with support for root (for example, Malwarebytes).
• 📱 Do not remove system applications unless you are sure of their purpose.
• 🔄 Before the custom firmware ROM backup through TWRP.

💡

Getting the root rights to the Redmi Note 9 is an irreversible process that affects the security and stability of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions on the Redmi Note 9