Owners of budget smartphones often face the limitations of standard firmware MIUI, which blocks access to system files and prevents you from removing preinstalled software. NFC It opens the door to a full customization of the Android operating system, and it's not just a way to remove unnecessary apps, but also the ability to install powerful firewalls, change the frequency of the processor or fully work with the user. NFC-system-level tags.
The process of rooting this device requires accuracy, since the model is based on the MediaTek processor, which has its own features in contrast to Qualcomm. Xiaomi Redmi 9 NFC uses specific drivers and requires pre-unlocking the bootloader through the official server of the company. Without this step, any manipulation of the system partition will be impossible, and an attempt to firmware can lead to a software brick.
This guide will cover all the steps from tool preparation to Magisk’s rights manager. It’s important to understand that tampering with your smartphone’s code removes warranty and carries certain risks. However, with strict adherence to instructions and the use of proven utilities, you can safely modify your device with full control of Android.
Preparation of the smartphone and the necessary tools
Before any manipulations begin, it is critical to create a full backup of the data.The bootloader unlocking procedure, which is a mandatory first step, completely clears the device's internal memory. Backup can be done via the Mi Cloud cloud service or by transferring files to your computer. Make sure that the battery is at least 60% charged to avoid a sudden shutdown in the process.
You will need quality. USB-cable, preferably original, as cheap analogues may not provide a stable connection for data transfer in Fastboot mode. ADB Fastboot and MediaTek specific drivers (MTK VCOM), Recovery is often required in case of errors.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account. It should be tied to the device at least 7 days (168 hours) before trying to unlock. If the account is recently created, the Xiaomi server will not issue permission to unlock, and the process will have to be postponed. Check the anchor status in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version, quickly clicking 7 times on the build number to activate the developer menu.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Without an unlocked bootloader, customized recavators or superuser rights are impossible to install. This is an Android security mechanism that prevents unverified code from running. First, you need to activate Factory Unlock in the Settings menu → Advanced Settings → For developers. Once you turn on this item, the phone will request confirmation via SMS or voice call.
The next step is to download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your PC. Launch the program, log in to your Mi Account and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, clamping down volume and power buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your computer and press the Unlock button. The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days depending on the queue on the server.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the device will automatically reset to factory settings (Wipe Data), a standard Android security measure that cannot be bypassed. All your photos, contacts and apps will be deleted.
In some cases, especially on newer versions of MIUI, it may take a wait of 168 hours (7 days) after the first attempt to unlock.The utility will report this and prohibit a second attempt before the timer expires.Do not try to fool the system by changing the date on the phone or reinstalling drivers - the timer is tied to the device ID on the Xiaomi server.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Stock Recovery has limited functionality and does not allow you to install modified files. To root, we will need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For Redmi 9 with NFC (M2004J19G model), you need to download a strictly relevant version of the image, since firmware for the global version without NFC or the Chinese version will not work and can damage the display or touchscreen.
The installation process takes place via the command line in Fastboot mode. After connecting the phone in this mode, execute a command to firmware the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-merlin.imgAn important nuance: you can't just reboot the system right after you've installed it. You need to pinch the Volume Up + Power button combination and hold it until the TWRP logo comes along. If you just reboot the phone in the standard way, the stock bootloader will rewrite the recavereasers back to the factory, and all the effort will be wasted.
| Parameter | Importance for Redmi 9 NFC | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Code name | Merlin | Used in file names |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G80 | Requires MTK drivers |
| Firmware mode | Fastboot | Hold Vol- and Power. |
| File system | Ext4 / F2FS | Depends on the MIUI version. |
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At the first loading in TWRP The system can request a lock password. PIN-If the input is not working, swipe to unlock, but remember that without a password, access to encrypted data can be restricted.
The modern standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU, it works systemless, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and services Google Pay (now Google Wallet). You will need to install it. APK-Magisk file that needs to be renamed magisk.zip Or just send it to the phone as it is, downloading it to the phone. TWRP, Go to Install. Find the downloaded Magisk file and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few seconds. Once complete, be sure to click the "Wipe" button. Cache/Dalvik», To avoid cache conflicts, then select Reboot System». 📊 Which version of Android is installed on your Redmi 9?Android 10 (MIUI 11)Android 10 (MIUI 12)Android 11 (MIUI 12.5) I haven't checked yet, after the reboot, the Magisk app will appear in the system. Open it and make sure that the version number is displayed in the "Version" bar, and the "Magisk" line also says "Installed." If you see "Not installed", then the process went wrong, and the procedure in the "Magisk" line is not installed. TWRP Now your Xiaomi Redmi 9 has full administrator rights.
License Check and Security Setup
Once installed successfully, it is recommended to check for root access with specialized tools such as Root Checker. However, having rights is only half the battle. You need to configure root hiding for banking applications. In Magisk settings, turn on Zygisk and add the desired applications to the DenyList.
The security of a root-enabled device is completely on the user's shoulders. Install a firewall like AFWall+, which allows each application to control access to the Internet. This is critical, because malware with superuser rights can steal all data, including passwords and access keys.
⚠️ Warning: Never give root access to applications from unverified sources. If a simple flashlight application requests super-user rights, this is a sure sign of malicious code.
Also, you should disable USB debugging in the developer menu when you're not using it to connect to your PC. An open debugging port with root access enabled makes your device vulnerable when connected to public charging stations or other computers. Always keep stock firmware on hand for quick system recovery in case of critical errors.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Redmi 9 owners often experience a "Bootloop" issue after installing Magisk modules or the wrong firmware.If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, try booting into TWRP and removing the last installed modules through a file manager or terminal. Often the problem is solved by clearing the Dalvik cache.
Another common error is NFC not working after rooting. This occurs due to damage to the persist or modem partition. Recovery may require a complete flashing of the device through the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean All mode. Don't ignore security updates, as they often contain patches for vulnerabilities opened when rooting.
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The stability of a root-rights smartphone depends on the quality of the Magisk modules used and the compatibility of the TWRP version with your MIUI version.
If you encounter a “Verification failed” error when downloading, it means that the integrity of the boot image is broken, in which case only flashing the stock boot.img will help. Always save the original boot and recovery images before making any changes, this will save you hours of searching for files on the Internet.