Modern Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their functionality, but even they have software limitations that prevent advanced users. The Redmi 9A, a popular budget device, was no exception, and many owners are faced with the question of expanding its capabilities. Getting root rights opens access to the system partition, allowing you to remove system debris, change the kernel and customize deep interface parameters.
However, it is important to understand that this process requires careful and careful follow the algorithm of actions. Any interference with the software part of the device carries potential risks that you need to know about in advance. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely unlock the bootloader and establish administrator rights to your gadget.
We'll look at not only the technical aspects of firmware, but also explain why the average user needs it at all, how to bypass locks and how to restore the system to work in case of errors, and this guide will help you turn a standard phone into a powerful tool under full control.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of system files, it is critical to prepare the work environment: you will need a Redmi 9A smartphone with a minimum of 60% charge, and a personal computer with a Windows operating system. You also need to download and install ADB drivers, without which the computer simply will not see the phone in debugging mode.
⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader will automatically delete all data from your device. Create a full backup of contacts, photos and important documents in advance to the cloud or external media.
The second important step is to link the Mi Account to the device, a mandatory security requirement from the manufacturer that cannot be circumvented by standard methods, and once tied, you must wait for the set timer, which is usually 168 hours (7 days), before the unlock service issues permission.
To work, you will need the following software components:
- 📱 The official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock the bootloader.
- 💻 Platform Tools Platform Tools (ADB and Fastboot).
- 🔧 Image TWRP Recovery, adapted specifically for the dumpling model (codename Redmi) 9A).
- 📦 Firmware file Magisk.apk (renamed.zip for installation).
Make sure that your PC has all the drivers installed, otherwise the connection in Fastboot mode may not be determined by the system. Often it happens that the computer makes a connection sound, but the Device Manager shows an unknown device, in which case the drivers will have to be installed manually through the Device Manager.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The first and most difficult step is to unlock the bootloader, because without this step, you can't install a modified backup. You need to turn on the developer mode by clicking seven times on the build number in the About menu. Then, in the advanced settings, activate the Factory Unlock and link the account.
After the waiting time has expired, turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock utility. If done correctly, the program will show Unlocked status after pressing the appropriate button, and the phone will restart and clear the data.
The unlocking process is irreversible without flashing the stock version with the closed bootloader, meaning that security features like Mi Pay or some banking apps may stop working properly or require additional manipulation to hide rights.
Let’s look at the main steps of unlocking in the table:
| Phase | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entrance to Mi Account | Linking the device to the account |
| 2 | Wait 168 hours | Removing the time limit of the server |
| 3 | Launching Mi Unlock | Status check and unblocking |
| 4 | Data resetting | Complete cleaning of internal memory |
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once successfully unlocked, the standard recovery menu is replaced with a modified TWRP. This is a special tool that allows you to set unsigned images, make full partition backups and manage the file system. It is important for Redmi 9A to use a version that is compatible with the Helio G25 processor.
Upload the twrp.img image file to the ADB tool folder on your computer. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the utilities folder and enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, you've got the link.
fastboot boot twrp.imgIt is important to use the boot setting, not flash, to temporarily load the Recovery without immediately overwriting, which allows you to first check its performance. If the TWRP menu has loaded and the touchscreen is working, you can proceed to install the rights.
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If the phone returns to the stock recave after the reboot, then the system has overwritten the boot partition, in which case you need to re-swipe the TWRP through Fastboot and immediately clean up the data (Wipe Data).
Getting Root Rights through Magisk
The most relevant and secure way to obtain superuser rights today is to use Magisk. Unlike the old methods, Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the rights from banking applications and Google Pay services. To install you will need a Magisk firmware file in ZIP format.
Download the archive from Magisk to the phone’s internal memory or connect it to MTP if TWRP supports a file manager. From the recovery menu, select Install, find the downloaded archive, and slide through the installation confirmation slider. The process will take a few seconds, after which a message will appear about successful completion.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to install older versions of SuperSU on Android 10 and higher.This will result in a bootloop (cyclic reboot) and require the device to be flashed over the device. EDL regime.
Once installed, press the Reboot System button. It may take longer than usual to download the first download, and the Magisk icon will appear in the application list. Open it, and if you see the version and the Superuser button, then the rights have been successfully activated.
You can use a special utility or a terminal to check it.
suIf the phone requests permission to access root rights and gives the # grate symbol instead of the $ sign, you have full control of the system.
Checking rights and setting up Magisk
Once installed successfully, you need to configure the hideout module correctly to avoid app problems. Many banking and anti-cheat games can detect superuser rights and block startup. In Magisk settings, enable Zygisk and Hide Magisk menus.
It is also recommended to install the MagiskHide module or use built-in settings to exclude important applications from control of the root, which will create an isolated environment in which applications will “think” that they are running on a clean device without modifications.
☑️ Verification of successful installation
Remember to update the application lists in Magisk settings after each installation of new software that requires protection.Regularly update Magisk itself, as developers are constantly improving methods of bypassing detection and fixing security vulnerabilities.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The Redmi 9A firmware modification can cause errors ranging from hanging on the logo to turning it off completely. A common problem is the “brick” caused by interrupting the recording process or using incompatible image files. If the phone doesn’t respond to buttons, try clamping the power for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot.
If the device is stuck in a bootloop, you need to return to recovery mode and perform a data reset (Wipe Data / Factory Reset). In the extreme case, when not even TWRP helps, you will have to use EDL mode and the MiFlash utility to completely reflash the stock version.
What is an EDL mode?
Windows driver errors are often solved manually through Device Manager. Find a device with a yellow exclamation mark, select Update Driver, and specify a path to the ADB/Fastboot driver folder. Sometimes you need to disable Windows driver signature verification for successful installation.
You might also encounter the problem of Magisk not seeing root in some applications, which helps enable DenyList in Magisk settings and select any suspicious applications, and may require the installation of Universal SafetyNet Fix to pass system integrity checks.
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The main reason for failure is inattentiveness when choosing files. Always make sure that the TWRP image and firmware are designed for your model and version of Android.