How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions with unlocking the bootloader

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) gives you access to deep system setup, uninstall firmware and custom firmware installation. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, current methods for MIUI 14/15, given the latest changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.

Since 2023, the company has tightened the unlock requirements: now it is mandatory to link the Mi Account to the device and wait 72-168 hours for confirmation. We will analyze all the steps from preparation to installation of Magisk to mask the root from banking applications. Importantly, the procedure will reset all the data on the phone – back up in advance.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Redmi Note 9 models with Mediatek Helio processor G85 (Snapdragon: Some custom recovery (e.g. older versions) TWRP) You can have problems with encryption. Use only proven merlin builds.

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

Before you start the process, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets the key requirements. First, check the firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. To successfully unlock the bootloader, you need a global stable firmware (not Chinese). If you have MIUI EU or custom build, first go back to the official version via the Mi Flash Tool.

Second, enable USB debugging and unlock OEM Unlock:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, activate the developer mode.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (If there is no item, see spoiler below)
• 🔒 Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization of data.

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📦 The Mi Unlock Tool: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB/Fastboot, TWRP for merlin, magisk.

A registered and confirmed Mi Account|Debugging is on. USB|Unlocking activated OEM|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|All necessary utilities have been downloaded-->

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is the most important step. Xiaomi requires confirmation through the Mi Account, and the wait time can be up to 7 days.

1. Link your device to your account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Data Sync and make sure the device is tied. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow unlocking.
2. Run Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version of the utility from the official website. Launch it on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same account as on your phone.
3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the Redmi Note 9, then press Volume Down + Power until the hare appears in the eardress cap. Connect the device to the PC.
4. Start unlocking: In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If you have a waiting message (like Wait 168 hours), turn off your phone and wait for the specified time. Attempting to bypass the wait through a change in account or dates leads to a device locking for 30+ days.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing custom recovery.

Less than 24 hours.|24-72 hours|3-7 days|More than a week.|I haven't tried it yet.-->

3.TWRP Installing: Which Recovery to Choose for Redmi Note 9

For Redmi Note 9 (merlin), only a special version of TWRP that supports FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption is suitable. Official builds from twrp.me may not work - use proven versions from the community, for example, from the developer yrs:kang.

Download the current TWRP image for merlin from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum. At the time of writing (2026) working versions:

• 📥 TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 for merlin (with support) MIUI 14/15).
• 📥 Alternative build from OrangeFox (if) TWRP non-start).

Installation instructions:

1. Rename the downloaded file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB/Fastboot.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in Section 2).
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. After downloading to TWRP, remember to disable the password request (if it appears), otherwise recovery will not be able to mount the /data partition.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone is loaded into stock recovery and resets, which means that Anti-Rollback protection is enabled, in which case you need to flash the full image of the fastboot firmware with the check turned off (see section 5).

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is not just a root-rights tool, but also a system to mask applications (like banking or gaming) that block devices with root. The latest stable version as of 2026 is Magisk 26.4.

Installation steps:

1. Download the latest Magisk.apk from GitHub and rename it to Magisk.zip.
2. Move the file to your phone or flash drive.
3. Boot to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when turned on).
4. In TWRP, select Install, search Magisk.zip and confirm the installation.
5. After the reboot, install Magisk.apk as a regular app.

To check the root rights, open Magisk and run the test on the home screen, and if the status shows Installed: 26.4 (26400) - it went well, to hide the root from banking applications:

• 🏦 Open Magisk. → Settings → Hide Magisk (Hide Magisk).
• 🔄 Rename the Magisk package in settings (e.g., com.google.android.apps.magisk).
• 📱 Include Zygisk and add banking apps to the exclusion list.

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If after installing Magisk phone fixated on the logo MI, Try to flash Magisk into another slot (slot_b). For this in TWRP select "Reboot" → Slot A/B → Change Slot, then re-install.

5. Problem Solving: Anti-rollback, brick and bugs

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 phone has turned into a “brick” (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons), try emergency firmware through the phone. EDL-regime:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and full firmware for merlin (e.g, merlin_global_images_V14.0.2.0.SJOMIXM_20230315.0000.00_12.0_global).
2. Connect the phone to the PC by clamping Volume up + Volume down (EDL mode).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash (clean all mode).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on for more than 10 minutes after running through EDL, disconnect it from the PC, remove the battery (if possible) for 30 seconds and try again.

6. Alternative methods: root without unlocking the bootloader

For those who don’t want to wait 7 days or risk a warranty, there are methods to obtain root rights without unlocking the bootloader, they are only suitable for older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5) and require vulnerabilities in the system. On MIUI 14/15, these methods do not work, but we will consider them for the sake of completeness.

Method 1: DirtyCOW exploit (MIUI 11-12 only)

• 📲 Install the KingRoot or TowelRoot app (available on APKMirror).
• 🔍 Start scanning for vulnerabilities.
• 🛠 If the exploit works, you will get a temporary root (disappears after the reboot).

Method 2: Local vulnerabilities in the core

Some of the Redmi Note 9 firmware (e.g., V12.0.1.0.QJOMIXM) contained bugs in Mediatek drivers that allow you to increase privileges.

• 🖥 ADB with superuser rights on PC.
• 📄 Special scripts (e.g. mtk-su for Mediatek).

⚠️ Warning: These methods are not only outdated, but also dangerous - they can lead to data loss or locking the device. MIUI 14/15 The only reliable way to get a root is to unlock the bootloader. + Magisk.

7. System optimization after receiving the root

Now that you have root rights, you can significantly improve the performance of the Redmi Note 9.

• 🧹 Remove embedded software: With Magisk or Titanium Backup, remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) Be careful – removing critical services (e.g. MiuiDaemon) will lead to system failure.
• ⚡ Battery Optimization: Install Greenify or Battery Guru for deep hibernation of background apps. ADB: adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle
• 🎯 Setting up CPU/GPU: With Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel, change governor to ondemand or performance for games.
• 🔒 Security: Install AFWall+ to manage application network access or XPrivacyLua to restrict permissions.

For advanced users: you can flash a custom core (for example, Perseus Kernel for Redmi Note). 9), It's a system that improves performance and battery life, but it requires more manipulation. boot.img.

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To return stock recovery after experimenting with TWRP, download the official firmware for your model, extract the recovery.img file from it and run it through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi Note 9