Why Rooting on Xiaomi 9A is Not Just “Pushed and Ready”
Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9A (codename dandelion) is a task that requires attention to detail. Unlike flagship models, the budget 9A has a number of limitations: a locked bootloader, a stripped firmware and the risk of turning into a “brick” if you do not act correctly. Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to download Magisk and flash it through TWRP — but for Redmi 9A this path only works after unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom Recovery.
Another trap is the MIUI version. At the time of the article (2026), MIUI 14/15 is still relevant, but even these can contain patches that block vulnerabilities to get root. For example, in firmware older than V12.0.10.0.QCDMIXM, Xiaomi has closed the DirtyCOW exploit, which used to bypass unlocking the bootloader, which means that owners of devices with new software will have to use the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool — which is 7 days of waiting and binding to the Mi Account.
Before you start, answer yourself a key question: Why do you want to root? If the goal is to remove embedded apps or change system fonts, maybe enough is enough. ADB-If you need Magisk modules for deep customization (for example, ViPER4Android So, for sound, or for greenify to save battery, you can't do without root, but remember, with root rights, you lose the ability to use Google Pay, Netflix in the Internet. HD and some banking applications due to SafetyNet trigger.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
The first step is to check the current status of the smartphone. Open Settings → About the phone and write down:
- 📱 Model of the device (must be Redmi) 9A or M2006C3LG/M2006C3LI for the Global/Indian version).
- 🔢 Version. MIUI (for example, V14.0.4.0.TCDMIXM). Firmware is newer V12.0.10.0 Requires mandatory unlocking of the loader.
- 🔒 bootloader status: run the command fastboot oem device-info – if the answer Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.
Next, prepare the PC:
- 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
- 🔌 Download Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb).
- 🔄 Disable the antivirus (it can block fastboot commands).
- 📡 Set up a stable internet connection (unblocking requires checking your Mi Account).
⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi is 9A purchased in China (version) M2006C3LC), Unlocking requires a Chinese phone number linked to the Mi Account. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give you a Couldn't verify device error.
Remember to back up your data! Ruth and unlock the bootloader erase all user files. Use adb backup or manually copy photos, contacts and SMS to your PC. Cloud backups (such as Mi Cloud) may not recover once unlocked due to a change in device status.
Mi Account is linked to the device (in account settings)
Developer mode is enabled (7 taps according to MIUI version)
Allowed debugging over USB and unlocking OEM (Settings → Developers)
Xiaomi drivers installed on PC (via MiFlash)
Downloaded the correct version of Mi Unlock Tool (not beta!)
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Official method: unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock
This is the only legal method supported by Xiaomi, which takes at least 7 days due to the mandatory waiting period, which is designed to weed out random users.
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI Version.
- Activate options: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (Settings → For developers). 🖱️ Debugging by USB (there).
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission (pop-up window on the smartphone screen).
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
Press Unlock. If you see Added successfully. Please wait 168 hours, wait 7 days. If Couldn't unlock, check the account's binding and the tool version.
After waiting, repeat steps 3-5. Successful unlocking is confirmed by saying Unlocked successfully and restarting your phone. You can now install TWRP and Magisk.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously tried to unlock a bootloader on this device, Xiaomi can block an account for 30 days for “suspicious activity” in which case only seeking support for proof of ownership of the device (check, box with a device) will help. IMEI).
| Mistake in Mi Unlock | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Mi Account is not tied to device or phone purchased in China | Link your account in your phone settings or use a Chinese number |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | On PC and phone different accounts Mi | Sign out on both devices and log in again. |
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the phone | Drivers not installed or USB debugging disabled | Install drivers via MiFlash, check the cable |
| Device is locked. Waiting for 168 hours | First attempt to unlock | Wait 7 days, do not cancel the process. |
Installation of TWRP and Magisk: step-by-step manual
Once unlocked, you can start installing custom recavers and root rights. Redmi 9A is suitable for TWRP 3.7.0 from developer mauronofrio (official version for dandelion). Download it from the TWRP website.
Algorithm of action:
- Download. twrp-3.7.0_dandelion.img and Magisk-v26.4.zip (latest version from GitHub).
- Move Magisk.zip to the phone’s internal memory.
- Turn off your phone, press Power + Vol Down to log in to fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_dandelion.img
- Immediately after the firmware hold Power + Vol Up to log into TWRP (otherwise the system will overwrite the Recovery).
- In TWRP, select Install → specify Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe to install.
- Check the root through the Magisk Manager app or the su command in the terminal.
Remember, root rights make you a "super user," which means you're completely responsible for the system. One wrong action (like deleting a critical system file) can make your phone down. Always backup your TWRP before experimenting!