Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9A: how to unlock the bootloader and get a superuser

Why users want to root on Redmi 9A and what is the risk?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A (codenamed dandelion) remains one of the most popular budget devices even years after its release, and owners often wonder how to get root rights to expand functionality: remove embedded MIUI applications, overclock the processor, install custom firmware or use specialized utilities like Greenify or AdAway.

However, unlocking the bootloader and getting the root on the Redmi 9A automatically deprives Xiaomi of warranties and can lead to a “brick” (complete failure) when errors occur. The manufacturer actively blocks informal methods: since MIUI 12, the process has become more complicated, and some methods (for example, through KingRoot) have stopped working.

Before you start, answer two questions: 1. Are you prepared for the potential loss of data (including photos and contacts)? 2. Do you realize that you will not be able to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet) and some games (for example, Pokémon GO) after the root?

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before unlocking

The process of obtaining root rights on Redmi 9A consists of three key steps: 1. Unlock the bootloader, 2. Install custom recovery (TWRP), 3. Magisk firmware for obtaining the root.

Missing any of them will lead to mistakes.

First, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

• 📱 Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can copy important files manually to your PC).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to 80% or more. The unlocking process can take up to 30 minutes, and an interruption due to the discharge will lead to a blink.
• 🔗 Connect to Mi Account. Without a Xiaomi account, unlocking the bootloader is impossible. Make sure that logins / passwords are saved - after reset, they will be required.
• 🖥️ Install drivers. Download Mi Unlock Tool and drivers ADB/Fastboot for your OS (Windows/Linux).

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. Redmi 9A with the latest MIUI 13 firmware (Android 11+) may require an additional step - rollback to the older version via Fastboot. Check the current firmware in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

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If your Redmi 9A is purchased in China (the version with the CN suffix in the model name), unlocking the bootloader can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the most critical stage. Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all devices, and without it unlocking, installing TWRP or Magisk is impossible.The process requires the official Mi Unlock Tool, but even with it there are nuances.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!) 🔌 Debugging by USB

Link the device to your account

In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Without this step, Mi Unlock Tool won't see the phone.

Connect your phone to your PC

Fastboot

Turn off your smartphone, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

Enter the username/password from your Mi Account, connect your phone, and press Unlock. If a wait message (e.g. 168 hours) appears, you will have to wait.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted!

Step 2: Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

The standard MIUI recovery does not allow unofficial files to be stitched, so you will need a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For Redmi 9A, use a special build, as the general-purpose versions may not work.

Download the current TWRP.img for dandelion from the official website: twrp.me.

Please note the Android version (for example, for the MIUI 12.5 Android-based 10 fit twrp-3.6.2_10-0-dandelion.img).

Installation via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_10-0-dandelion.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_10-0-dandelion.img

Once the commands are executed, the phone will automatically restart to TWRP. Don't miss a moment! If it boots into the standard system, the recaveri will be overwritten with stock.

Step 3: Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, and it also allows you to bypass SafetyNet checks, which is critical for banking applications.

Instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk: Official site: github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk. Magisk-v26.4.zip is suitable for Redmi 9A (check relevance!).
2. Transfer the file to your phone: Connect the device to your PC in MTP mode (or copy the zip to a memory card).
3. Flow through TWRP: V TWRP Choose Install → Choose. Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. Reboot: After installation, press Reboot System.The first run can take up to 10 minutes.

Check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app (sets automatically) or the Root Checker from Google Play. If the Magisk Manager displays a green checkmark, it was a success.

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Once you install Magisk, be sure to turn on the MagiskHide option (newer versions – DenyList) and add banking applications to the list. This will help bypass the SafetyNet check, but does not guarantee 100% operability of all services.

Alternative methods: root without PC and through ADB

If you don't have access to a computer, you can try getting root directly from your phone, but these methods are less reliable and often require an already unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Through the KingRoot app (not recommended)

KingRoot used to run on the Redmi 9A, but after the MIUI 12.5+ updates, its efficiency dropped to 10%.

1. Download APK from kingroot.net (not from third-party sources!).
2. Install by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Run KingRoot and press Try to Root.The process can take up to 20 minutes.

Risks:

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can flash Magisk through ADB Sideload:

adb sideload Magisk-v26.4.zip

But this method requires ADB pre-configuration and doesn’t work on all MIUI versions.

Problem Solving: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

• 🚨 Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') Reason: bootloader not unlocked. Return to step with Mi Unlock Tool and wait until the waiting timer ends.
• 🚨 TWRP It doesn't start after you've firmware. It's the anti-rollback or the wrong version of the recovery. TWRP or patch misc (see spoiler above).
• 🚨 Bootloop: Reason: Magisk is incompatible with the firmware version. Solution: Sweat the stock Recovery through Fastboot, then re-install. TWRP Magisk with the correct version.
• 🚨 Magisk is not being stitched (mistake) 1) Reason: A damaged zip file or lack of space in a partition /system. Download Magisk again and check the free space.

If the phone is no longer on (hard brick), try to restore it through the Mi Flash Tool with Fastboot firmware. Download the official firmware for Redmi 9A from the Xiaomi website and follow the instructions:

1. Unpack the firmware archive.


2. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).




3.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.




4.Push Flash and wait until the end (10-15 minutes).

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If the Mi Flash Tool gives a critical partition flashing error after the firmware is not allowed, then the Mi Account is not tied to the device. Solution: log in to the Mi Unlock Tool and try again.

What to do after obtaining root rights to Redmi 9A

Now that you have a root, you can optimize your smartphone. Here's what you should do first:

• 🧹 Remove System Garbage: Use Titanium Backup or System App Remover to Remove Unnecessary Apps MIUI (Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video, don't delete: MiuiSystemUI, SecurityCenter, it's going to crash the system.
• ⚡ Optimize performance: With Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel Manager, you can overclock the processor (but this will reduce battery life) or configure the task scheduler for smooth interfaces.
• 🛡️ Set up security: In Magisk, enable Zygisk and add apps to DenyList that don't have to detect root (banks, games).+ for controlling network traffic.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: Popular options for Redmi 9A: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HaventOS. They are devoid of Bloatware and offer pure Android.

Remember, after you delete your system applications, some features (such as IR Blaster or Game Turbo) may stop working. Always back up your TWRP before major changes!

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To return the warranty (for example, before selling the phone), you just need to flash the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool and block the bootloader back, but this will delete all data and root rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 9A

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A firmware MIUI 14+ (Android 12) A new security, Dynamic Partition, can block the installation. TWRP. If you encounter an Invalid sparse file format at header error, use special patches to vendor_boot (look XDA Developers).

⚠️ Note: Some Magisk modules (e.g, ViPER4Android or EdXposed) is in conflict with MIUI 13/14 They call bootloops. Before you install them, create a backup in the bootloop. TWRP Check compatibility on forums.