Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9, known under the code name Taurus, is still a popular device due to its powerful processor Snapdragon 855 and high-quality AMOLED-But the standard shell. MIUI, Despite its functionality, it often limits the capabilities of advanced users, prohibiting access to system files and fine-tuning the kernel parameters. That is why the question of how to get the root rights to Xiaomi Mi 9, remains relevant for enthusiasts who want to squeeze out of the gadget maximum performance.
The process of obtaining superuser rights on this device requires careful and strict follow-up of instructions, since interference with the system partition can lead to unstable operation or complete inoperability of the device. Root rights provide access to the removal of system debris, the installation of specialized modules and full control of the file system. In this material, we will discuss all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing the Magisk rights manager.
Before you start taking active action, you need to realize that any manipulation of the bootloader and system partition carries certain risks. The warranty period of the device after unlocking the bootloader is officially canceled by Xiaomi service cents. If your device is still under warranty, you should think twice whether the sheepskin is worth making, or better wait for the end of service. Next we will consider the necessary preparations and tools.
Preparing the device and computer for modification
The first and most important step is to prepare the workplace and the smartphone itself. You will need a computer running the Windows operating system, as the main tools for working with the Xiaomi bootloader are sharpened for this platform. Also make sure that the USB cable you will use supports data transfer, not just charging, as an unstable connection can interrupt the critical firmware process.
On the Xiaomi Mi 9 itself, you need to do a number of presets. Go to the settings menu, select About Phone, and quickly click on the MIUI version several times until you notice that you have become a developer. Then activate Debugging by USB in the expanded settings menu. Without this step, the computer will not be able to properly interact with the device in debugging mode.
It is essential to create a full backup of all data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a mandatory step to obtain root rights, completely cleans the internal memory of the device. All photos, contacts, messages and applications will be permanently deleted. Use cloud services or transfer files to an external drive in advance so that important information is not lost.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60-70%. Sudden power outage at the time of flashing the bootloader or writing the system partition can turn your Xiaomi Mi 9 c a “brick”, the restoration of which will require complex hardware intervention.
You also need a Mi Account that you need to be linked to your device. In your phone settings, log in to your Mi Account and click the Add Account Status menu. The system will require confirmation via SMS, and then report that the account is tied. Importantly, after the link, you need to wait a certain time (usually 72 hours to 7 days) before the unlock service allows the procedure.
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a modified backup or obtaining root rights is impossible. Xiaomi uses the proprietary Mi Unlock Tool to authorize this process. Download the latest version of the program from the official website and install drivers that usually come with the deleted one or are installed automatically when you first connect.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to press the completely turned off phone with a volume button and connect the cable to the computer. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, which indicates that you are properly entering mode. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and log in to the same Mi Account that was tied to the phone earlier.
The program will detect the device and check the status of the association. If enough time has passed since the account was attached, the unlock button will become active. Press it and confirm the action. The process will take a few minutes, during which the phone will be rebooted, and all data on the internal drive is erased. Successful unlocking will be confirmed by the corresponding message in the utility and on the smartphone screen.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
It’s worth noting that once you unlock the phone for a few seconds, you’ll be alerted that the bootloader is unlocked, which is a standard Android security behavior that can’t be removed software without locking it back (which is not recommended after you get root rights).
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi's Recovery does not allow third-party zip archives to be installed and system partitions to be modified. So the next step is to install a custom recovery, and the de facto standard here is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For the Xiaomi Mi 9 model, you need to download a specially assembled version of the image that is compatible with the Snapdragon 855 processor architecture.
Place the downloaded image file (usually with the.img extension) in the folder with the ADB and Fastboot tools on your computer. Rename the file to recovery.img for convenience so you don't type a long name in the command line. Reset the phone to Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC.
Open the command line or PowerShell in the folder with ADB utilities. Enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, you've got the connection. Now type in the command to temporarily load the Recovery:
fastboot boot recovery.imgThe phone will reboot to the TWRP interface. At this point, the recavery is not permanently installed, it's running temporarily. This is done for security, so you can set up the encryption system first.
In the TWRP menu, go to the Wipe section and select Format Data. Type yes for confirmation. This action is necessary to remove encryption protection, otherwise you will not be able to write files to the internal drive. After formatting, the phone will restart. Enter Fastboot mode again and repeat the command fastboot boot recovery.img to return to TWRP.
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If the phone reboots to the stock recavator after installing TWRP, it means that the MIUI system blocks the change in the recovery partition, in which case, immediately after logging into TWRP, you need to install a patch to save the Recovery or use specialized scripts.
Magisk installation for obtaining Root rights
The most modern and secure way to obtain superuser rights today is to use the Magisk manager. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games with anticheat.
Download the current version of the Magisk installer (.apk file) and rename its extension to.zip. Copy this file into the smartphone's internal memory while it is in TWRP mode. From the main recovery menu, select Install, find the archive with Magisk and confirm the installation by swipe.
The installation process will take a few seconds. Once you have successfully completed, press the Reboot System button. The first boot may take longer than usual — that's fine, as the system is optimized to accommodate the new rights. Once you download Android, you'll see the Magisk app icon.
| Parameter | Description | Post-installation value |
|---|---|---|
| Manager of rights | Access control application | Magisk |
| Implementation method | Method of modifying the system | Systemless (without changing the system partition) |
| Android version | Supported OS | Android 9, 10, 11, 12+ |
| Security | Possibility of hiding the root | Magisk Hide / Zygisk |
Start Magisk. If you have a version number green on the top of the screen, you have successfully obtained root rights, and you can now check the rights with special utilities or configure access for other applications.
System setting and hiding Root access
Obtaining super-user rights is only half the battle, and many applications, especially banking (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and payment systems (Google Pay, Mir Pay), refuse to work on devices with a modified system. To circumvent this limitation, Magisk has a concealment feature.
In Magisk, activate Zygisk and Comply with the Exclusion List. Then, in the DenyList menu, check all processes related to banking applications and Google Play Services, which will cause Magisk to hide the root rights for these programs.
It is also recommended to install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module (if it is relevant for your version of Android), which helps you pass the safetyNet integrity check from Google. Without passing this check, some applications may not start, even if the root itself is hidden.
⚠️ Attention: Keep Magisk app and modules updated. Android security updates can close vulnerabilities used to hide the root, so software relevance is critical to the stability of banking software.
For advanced users, you can install modules that extend functionality from changing system fonts and animations to overclocking the processor and improving the performance of speakers. However, install only proven modules from reliable sources so as not to disrupt the stability of the system.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
While modifying the Xiaomi Mi 9, users may encounter various difficulties. One of the common problems is a bootloop (endless reboot). If the phone is stuck on the Mi or Android logo, try recovery mode (pressing the power and volume button up) and clear the cache (Wipe Cache/Dalvik). If this does not help, you may need to flash the stock version of MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool.
Another common problem is a broken fingerprint or camera sensor after a custom recavator is installed. This often happens when using incompatible versions of TWRP. Make sure you use an image specifically assembled for Taurus, not a universal one. Also, problems can arise from conflicts of Magisk modules - disable them one by one to identify the culprit.
If your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-Connect the device to another port (preferably) USB Manual reinstallation of drivers may also be required. ADB via Windows Device Manager, selecting a device model from the list.
What to do if you forget your Mi Account password after resetting?
In case of critical errors, when the phone does not respond to buttons, EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode can help. Entering it on the Xiaomi Mi 9 usually requires disassembling the case and closing test points on the board, or using special authorized accounts for firmware, which is a task for service centers.
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The stability of the smartphone with root rights directly depends on the quality of the used firmware files, the version of TWRP and the absence of conflicts between the installed modules Magisk.