How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Mi 9T: a safe guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Mi 9T (aka Redmi K20 in the global version) remains a popular smartphone among customization enthusiasts, but getting root rights on it requires carefulness. Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where the manufacturer has tightened protection, the Mi 9T can still be unlocked officially — but with nuances. This article will examine the entire process in detail, from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk and bypassing SafetyNet, taking into account the current versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

Before you start, consider that root rights void warranties, block banking applications (unless you configure the cloaking), and increase security risk, but you get full control of the system, from removing the embedded software to fine-tuning the performance. In the guide, we only use proven methods, but on models with a Snapdragon 730 processor and a locked bootloader in 2026, unlocking takes up to 168 hours of waiting.

What are root rights and why do they need on Xiaomi Mi 9T

Root rights (or superuser rights) give access to Android system files, which are normally locked. On the Mi 9T, this allows you to:

• 🚀 Remove pre-installed Xiaomi apps (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop, etc.) without disabling via ADB.
• ⚡ Optimize autonomy by disabling background processes (e.g., via Greenify or Battery Charge Limit).
• 🎯 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or cores for overclocking / undervoltage.
• 🔧 Modify system settings (e.g. enable Dolby Atmos on unofficial firmware).

But there is a downside: some apps (like Google Pay or SberBank Online) refuse to work on rooted devices because of the SafetyNet trigger, which is solved by masking through MagiskHide or modules like Universal SafetyNet Fix.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi 9T s MIUI 14+ Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. backup data via Mi Cloud or Titanium Backup (if root already exists).

Preparation for unlocking the loader

The first step is to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process has become more complicated than in 2019-2021.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (required via Settings → Xiaomi Account).
2. Connect Mi. 9T Mi Unlock Tool and wait for it SMS confirmation-coded.
3. Pass the 168-hour waiting period (7 days) if the bootloader has not previously unlocked.

List of necessary tools:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (on macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not working properly).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified – cheap cables can cause errors) 0x8007001F).
• 📱 Charging the Mi battery 9T at least 60% (the device must not be switched off when unlocked).
• 🔐 Xiaomi account with a confirmed phone number (Chinese accounts are not suitable!).

Link Mi Account to device |Install Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.30 or later)|Deactivate antivirus on PC |Enable USB debugging and OEM unlock |Data backup-->

If you have previously tried to unlock the bootloader and received the Couldn't unlock error, check:

1. Whether you are using a VPN or proxy (Xiaomi blocks unlocking from some regions).
2. Is the Mi 9T connected to the PC via a hub – only a direct connection?
3. Is there a MIUI beta on the phone (only stable builds are supported by the Mi Unlock Tool).

Step-by-step: unlocking the loader

When the preparation is complete, follow the algorithm:

1. Activate Developer Modes: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until a notification appears You became a developer.
2. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock (the last item may be called Factory Unlock).
3. Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud → Find your device Make sure the Mi 9T appears in the list of devices.
4. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version from the official website. Unpack the archive and launch miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
5. Connect your phone to your PC: Select file transfer mode (MTP) when you request it on your phone. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Agree, then log in to your Mi Account.

Start unlocking:

• Press Unlock and the phone will reboot to Fastboot.
• If you see a Couldn't unlock 100% error, try again in 24 to 168 hours.

Once successfully unlocked, the Mi 9T will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing a custom recaveri.

Install TWRP and get root through Magisk

With the bootloader unlocked, the next step is to install TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) and then Magisk to manage root rights. For the Mi 9T (davinci), the official TWRP 3.7.0+ build is suitable.

Download the necessary files:

• 📁 Official TWRP for Redmi K20 (davinci (select the.img version).
• 📁 The Last Magisk (v26.4+) (Magisk-apk).
• 📁 Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (Optionally, if you need to disable encryption).

Installation instructions:

1. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_davinci.img fastboot reboot recovery ⚠️ Note: If after rebooting the TWRP asks for a password, which means that encryption is enabled. Disable_Dm-Verity Or do a reset via Wipe. → Format Data (Erase Everything!).
2. Install Magisk: Copy the Magisk-v26.4.apk file to your phone (via MTP to TWRP). In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk.apk → Swipe to Confirm.

Reboot to the system:

Reboot System

After downloading, check root through the Magisk app or command in the terminal:

su

💡

If after installing Magisk, the phone is stuck with the Xiaomi logo, run through TWRP file boot.img from stock firmware, and then re-install Magisk (the method of "patch boot image").

Bypassing SafetyNet and solving problems with banking applications

Even after rooting, many apps (such as Google Pay or Tax.ru) refuse to work because of SafetyNet. On the Mi 9T, this is solved by a combination of:

• 🔧 MagiskHide (built into Magisk) v24+).
• 🛡️ Universal SafetyNet Fix (installed via Magisk).
• 📱 Hiding bootloader Unlock Status (requires patching) boot.img).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Magisk, go to Settings → Enable MagiskHide.
2. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix: 1. Download ZIP from GitHub. 2. In Magisk, select Modules → Install from storage → Select ZIP. 3. Reboot your phone.
3. Check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC application (green ticks must be lit on ctsProfile and basicIntegrity).

If SafetyNet doesn't work anyway:

• Remove all Magisk modules except Universal SafetyNet Fix.
• Try the alternative SafetyPatch module.
• For Google Pay, add com.google.android.gms and com.android.vending to MagiskHide.

I'll stay on stock MIUI|LineageOS|Pixel Experience|Havoc OS|Other custom firmware |I don't know-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

The process of rooting on the Mi 9T is rarely without problems, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try returning your phone to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (choose the clean all and lock option), then repeat the process from scratch.

Alternative methods of root without TWRP

If installing TWRP seems complicated, you can get root via patching boot.img directly.This method is suitable for the Mi 9T on Android 10–14 and does not require custom recovery.

Algorithm:

1. Download the stock firmware for your MIUI version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove boot.img from the firmware file (use 7-Zip or Mi Firmware Extractor).
3. Move it. boot.img Get on the phone and patch through Magisk: 1. Open Magisk. → Install → Select and patch a file. 2. Choose. boot.img, wait for the creation magisk_patched.img.
4. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No risk of damage to the recovery section.
• ✅ Opportunity remains OTA-Updates (unless you modify the system).
• ✅ Less chance of getting into a bootloop.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 Android 14 patching boot.img It might not work because of the new Xiaomi checks, but it's going to have to use it. TWRP Wait for the Magisk update.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions