How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9C NFC opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing embedded apps to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires carefulness - an error at any stage can turn a smartphone into a "brick." In this article, we will discuss three officially supported root methods relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 based on Android 10/11, taking into account the features of the M2006C3MG model (codenamed angelicain).

Important: The procedure voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may affect Google Pay, Netflix HD and banking apps due to the SafetyNet trigger. If you use your smartphone to pay with contactless cards via NFC, note that additional MagiskHide module configuration may be required after rooting.

1. Preparation for unlocking the loader

The first step is unlocking the bootloader. Without that, you can't install custom recovery or flash Magisk. The Redmi 9C NFC uses Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool, but there are nuances:

  • πŸ”— Mi Account Link: The device must be tied to the Mi Account for at least 7 days (a mandatory requirement for Xiaomi for new devices). β†’ Mi Account β†’ Status of device.
  • πŸ“± Version. MIUI: The firmware must be official (not custom). 9C NFC fitting V12.0.10.0.QCFMIXM newer.
  • πŸ”Œ Battery charge: at least 60%. When unlocked, the bootloader resets the device to factory settings - interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lock the smartphone permanently.

Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website (version no lower than 5.5.224.24). The utility only works on Windows 7/10/11 (macOS/Linux will require a virtual machine).

⚠️ Attention: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings. Create a backup of the data via Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud.Photos and videos save to an external drive - recovery through Mi Cloud after unlocking can work unstable.

πŸ“Š You have already unlocked the bootloader on Xiaomi?
Yeah, I did.
No, it's my first time.
I tried, but there were mistakes.
I don't know what that is.

2 Unlock bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

Connect the Redmi 9C NFC to your PC via the original USB Type-C cable. Enable USB Debugging Mode:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
  2. Return to Settings β†’ More β†’ For developers and enable: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on the device screen.

Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your smartphone. The utility should show the status of "Phone connected." Press Unlock and wait for the process to be completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

Mi Account tied for more than 7 days | Official firmware installed | USB debugging and OEM | Battery charge >60% | Latest version of Mi Unlock Tool-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", check: Does the Mi Account match on your PC and smartphone, is the smartphone connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile network (not through a mobile network). USB-modem!? are you using it? VPN Xiaomi blocks unlocking if you suspect a change in geolocation.

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

After unlocking the loader can be flashed TWRP β€” custom recovery required for Magisk installation. 9C NFC (Angelicain: Use the version TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 Download the.img file from the official website. TWRP.

The firmware is performed via fastboot:

  1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
  2. Connect the device to your PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
  3. Please. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-angelicain.img
  4. Reboot in recovery command: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-angelicain.img

If after the reboot, the smartphone automatically replaces TWRP with stock recovery, follow the additional step: in TWRP, go to Mount β†’ System and delete the file /system/recovery-from-boot.p (it is responsible for restoring stock recovery).

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If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo after TWRP, press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot. Then repeat the TWRP login via fastboot boot.

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. For Redmi 9C NFC, Magisk v26.4 or later is suitable. Download Magisk-v26.4.zip from GitHub.

Installation instructions:

  1. Copy. Magisk-v26.4.zip the internal memory of the smartphone or SD-map.
  2. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
  3. In TWRP, click Install, select the Magisk-v26.4.zip file and swipe for confirmation.
  4. After installation, press Reboot System.

The first download after Magisk firmware can take up to 10 minutes.If the smartphone has been hanging on the logo longer, try rebooting to TWRP and re-installing.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Magisk is not installed (error 1)Incompatible version of the firmwareUpdate MIUI to the latest stable version
The smartphone is loaded into the bootloopMagisk Module ConflictDelete files to /data/adb/modules via TWRP
SafetyNet does not passNo MagiskHide or outdated fingerprintInstall the Universal SafetyNet Fix module
NFC has stopped workingDamage to HAL configurationFix for Redmi 9C with NFC Fix through Magisk

5. Root rights check and Magisk setup

After successful installation, check for root rights:

  1. Install Magisk Manager (download APK from GitHub).
  2. Open the app and check the status at the top of the screen. It should say "Magisk: Installed."
  3. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play and run the check.

If SafetyNet does not pass ("FAIL" status), follow the following steps:

  • πŸ”„ Update Magisk to the latest version with Magisk Manager β†’ Updates.
  • πŸ›  Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk β†’ Modules. β†’ Install it from the vault.
  • πŸ“± Enable MagiskHide in the settings and add Google Pay, Netflix and banking apps to the Hidden List.
How to Fix β€œThis Device Isn’t Certified by Google”
This error occurs due to a Google certification failure after obtaining root rights.To fix: Download the MagiskHide Props Config module via Magisk Manager.Reboot and open the terminal in Magisk Manager (Modules β†’ MagiskHide Props Config β†’ Edit device fingerprint).Select the Pixel 5 fingerprint device (or other certified device).Reboot your smartphone and check the status in Google Play Services.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the exact instructions, errors can occur. Consider typical cases for the Redmi 9C NFC:

6.1 The smartphone does not turn on after TWRP firmware

If the device doesn’t respond to buttons after installing TWRP or is stuck on the Redmi logo, try:

  • Forced reboot to fastboot (press Power + Volume down for 15 seconds).
  • Download Stock Recovery Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img (file recovery_stock.img You can get out of the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool).
  • If this doesn’t help, run a full flash through fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (select the β€œclean all” option).

6.2.NFC stopped working after rooting

The NFC module on Redmi 9C NFC is sensitive to changes in system files, if contactless payments stopped working after receiving the root:

  • Install the NFC Fix for Redmi 9C module via Magisk (available in the module repository).
  • Check NFC settings in Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ NFC. If grey is the option, reset your network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings).
  • If the problem persists, run the original vendor.img file from stock firmware through fastboot.

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On Redmi 9C NFC, the NFC module depends on the integrity of files in the /vendor partition. Changing or deleting files in this section may cause contactless payments to fail.

6.3 Banking applications are not working

Many banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff) block the work on devices with root rights.

  • Activate MagiskHide in Magisk Settings and add the banking app to the Hidden List.
  • Install the MagiskHide Props Config module and change the fingerprint device to a certified one (e.g. Google Pixel).
  • Use alternative login methods (for example, through a browser or web version of an application).

7. Alternative methods of root production

If the standard method with Magisk doesn’t work, consider alternatives:

7.1 Patching boot.img via Magisk

This method does not require TWRP installation and is suitable if custom recovery is unstable:

  1. Remove boot.img from the firmware for your model (you can download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
  2. Copy boot.img to your smartphone and open it in Magisk Manager (Installation β†’ Select and fix file).
  3. After the patching, sew the corrected boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img

7.2. Use of custom firmware

AOSP-based firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) often comes with pre-built root. For the Redmi 9C NFC, informal builds are available on XDA Developers. Note that custom firmware may have problems with:

  • πŸ“Ά Work. NFC and Google Pay.
  • πŸ“· Camera (lack of GCam support).
  • πŸ”‹ Optimizing energy consumption.

πŸ’‘

Before installing custom firmware, check user reviews for XDA or 4PDA. Some builds may not support VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on the Redmi 9C NFC.

8 How to get it all back (reversed)

If root rights are no longer needed or critical errors occur, return the smartphone to its original state:

  1. Remove Magisk: Open Magisk Manager and click Delete β†’ Complete Delete. Reboot the device.
  2. Stock Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img
  3. Full factory reset: Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset β†’ Reset. Or via fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool (select the "clean all and lock" option to lock the bootloader).

After the rollback, the bootloader will remain unlocked. To lock it back, use the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including internal memory (/data). Pre-create a backup of important files.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I get a root on Redmi 9C NFC without unlocking the bootloader?
No. On all modern Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi 9C NFC), unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for installing Magisk or custom recovery. Bypass methods (for example, through vulnerabilities in the core) for this model are not relevant from 2021.
Will Google Pay work after you get a root?
By default, no, because the root rights trigger SafetyNet. However, the problem can be solved: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk. Activate MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the hide list. Change the fingerprint device to a certified (e.g., Pixel 5) through MagiskHide Props Config. After these actions, Google Pay should work, but there is no guarantee - some banks block payments on devices with the unlocked bootloader.
How to update MIUI after getting a root?
Update via Settings β†’ Update system will lead to the loss of root rights, as Xiaomi replaces boot.img To save the root: Download the full service pack (.zip) with Xiaomi Firmware Updater. TWRP (No Wipes!! After updating, re-scan Magisk (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip). Alternative: Turn off automatic updates and use Magisk Manager to patch new updates boot.img after-update.
Can I get a root on Redmi 9C NFC with firmware from the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline)?
Yes, but there are nuances: First, unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (the same procedure). Sweep stock global firmware (e.g. V12.0.10.0.QCFMIXM) through the Mi Flash Tool to remove the operator's custom settings. Only then install TWRP and Magisk. Operator firmware often contains additional restrictions (e.g., blocked fastboot), so it's best to replace them with the official global version.
How to check if the bootloader is unlocked on my Redmi 9C NFC?
There are two ways: Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down. If you see "Unlocked" at the bottom of the screen with an open lock, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on your smartphone and open Magisk Manager. If the status says "Bootloader: Unlocked," the bootloader is unlocked. The locked bootloader in fastboot will say "Locked" with a closed lock.