How to Root on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Why Root Rights to Redmi 9 Can Be Useful (and Dangerous)

Getting root access on Xiaomi Redmi 9 opens up opportunities that the manufacturer prefers to keep silent about: you can remove embedded applications (bloatware), overclock the processor, install custom firmware or even restore deleted files using specialized utilities. But there is a downside: the warranty is canceled, and the wrong actions can turn the smartphone into a brick.

The Redmi 9 feature (codenamed lancelot) is a bootloader, which means that without official unlocking from Xiaomi, it is impossible to install TWRP or Magisk. The process takes at least 7 days (due to company policy) and requires a Mi Account account with a linked phone number. If you are ready for the expectation and risks, read on.

Preparing for unlocking the bootloader: what to do in advance

Before you start unlocking, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, without which you risk losing data or getting an account link error.

• 📱 Back up all your data (photos, contacts, messages) and use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (you will need a temporary root on another device).
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to the inability to turn on the device without service intervention.
• 🌐 Link your phone number to your Mi Account. Without that, Xiaomi won't allow you to unlock. Use the same number as when you sign up for your account.
• 🔧 Install drivers for Redmi 9 on PC. Download them from the official Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool.

Also check the version MIUI in settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI). Only global or European assemblies are suitable for unlocking (marked as MIUI Global or MIUI EU). Chinese firmware (China) ROM) They may cause problems with the account.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi 9 on the secondary market, make sure the previous owner untied his Mi Account. otherwise unlocking will not be possible without his data.

Unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool: Step-by-step

Xiaomi's official tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader, and it takes at least 168 hours (7 days) because of the company's security policy.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version must be at least 5.5.227.24).
2. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi 9: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times) Then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking) 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging)

Link your account to your device

Settings → Mi Account → Link the account to the device

The system will require you to enter a password from Mi Account and confirm the action via SMS.

Connect your phone to your PC

Fastboot

Food + Volume Down

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

Once you've reached the deadline, repeat the process: plug your phone in Fastboot mode, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and press Unlock. If you've done well, you'll see the Unlocked successfully message. You can now install TWRP and Magisk.

Mi Account Linked to Device | USB | Debugging enabled | OEM |OE Allowed Unlock Drivers Installed on PC |Data backup made-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock or Device not connected error, check the cable (original cable needed) USB Type-C) and ports on PCs. Also try to disable the antivirus, which can block the utility.

Installation of TWRP Recovery: which option to choose

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required to install Magisk (root rights manager).

We recommend OrangeFox for Redmi 9, as it works better with data encryption. Download the latest stable release (file with.img extension) and save it to a folder from fastboot on PC.

For installation:

1. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
2. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img fastboot reboot recovery
3. If after the reboot the phone automatically replaces TWRP for stock recovery, repeat the command fastboot boot orangefox.img (this will temporarily load custom recovery).

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If after installing TWRP, the phone is getting stuck on the Redmi logo, press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds for a forced reboot.

Install Magisk: Getting Root Rights without Risk

Magisk is a root rights management tool that does not disrupt Google Pay and SafetyNet. The latest version can be downloaded from GitHub (look for Magisk-v26.4.zip or later).

Installation process:

1. Download Magisk and save the archive to your phone or flash drive.
2. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Click Install, select an archive from Magisk and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

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Once you have the root rights, disable the automatic MIUI update in the settings. The "over-the-air" update can remove the root and return stock recovery.

Possible problems and how to solve them

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

If after manipulating root rights, the phone stopped booting, try:

1. Download to TWRP and restore the backup (if you did).
2. Fastboot: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img
3. Contact the service center (if nothing above helps).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions