How to Root on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: Safe Instruction with Unlocking the bootloader and Installing Magisk

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (The codename Merlin opens up the hidden power of Android, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance, but the process requires care — a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a brick. In this article, we will discuss three officially supported root rights methods (via Magisk, SuperSU, and Patched). boot.img), We also tell you how to get around common bugs, such as Fastboot Unknown Command or hanging on the Mi logo.

It is important to understand that unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi from 2021 requires a Mi Account and waiting 168 hours (7 days).This step is mandatory - without it, installing a custom recovery (TWRP) or root-right firmware is impossible. We will also analyze alternatives to root (for example, ADB Shell or Shizuku), which provide some of the functions without unlocking the bootloader.

Preparation for unlocking the bootloader: steps to obtaining root rights

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi Note 9 meets the key requirements:

• 📱 The firmware version: only global (MIUI Global) or European (MIUI EU). Chinese firmware (China) ROM) Do not support official unlocking for international accounts.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and interruption due to battery discharge will result in failure.
• 💻 Computer: You will need a Windows PC 10/11 Linux (you need additional drivers for MacOS) and Android SDK Platform-Tools.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Link the device to your Xiaomi account in settings (Settings) → Mi Account: Use the same account to unlock!

If you have updated your firmware through OTA, wait at least 30 days since the last update – Xiaomi blocks unlocking on fresh builds. Check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. For Redmi Note 9, the current versions for 2026 are MIUI 14.0.5 (Android 12) or MIUI 14.0.6 (Android 13).

⚠️ Warning: If you bought your phone with your hands, make sure the previous owner untie your Mi Account in Settings → Mi Account → Delete your account. Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without proof of purchase (check).

Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s official tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is the only safe way to unlock the bootloader without the risk of locking the device permanently.The process takes 7 days (168 hours) from the moment an account is attached, but guarantees compatibility with future updates.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30). Install the program on PC.
2. Enable Developer Mode on Phone: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Connect your phone to your PC via the original USB Type-C cable. In the window on your phone that appears, allow debugging (always allow from this computer).

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone, and the program will show a waiting timer (e.g. 167:59:59).

After 7 days, reconnect. Press Unlock - the bootloader will be unlocked (successful completion will appear as Unlocked successfully).

If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Cann't unlock error or Current account is different from the account info on the device, check:

• 🔄 Does the Mi Account match on the phone and in the program.
• 📡 Internet connection stability (use cable, not Wi-Fi).
• 🔌 Is the phone connected in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down) + Food before the appearance of a hare in a hat-eared).

Installation of TWRP and Magisk: obtaining root rights

Once unlocked, you can start installing custom recavator (TWRP) and Magisk, the most reliable tool for root rights management. Redmi Note 9 (Merlin) is suitable for unofficial build of TWRP from the developer mauronofrio (tested on Android 12/13).

Download the necessary files:

• 📁 TWRP 3.7.0 for Merlin (file) twrp-3.7.0_12-1-merlin.img).
• 📁 Magisk v26.4+ (file Magisk-v26.4.zip).
• 📁 Stock firmware MIUI (Choose your version).

Follow the instructions:

1. Move Magisk-v26.4.zip files and stock firmware to your phone’s memory (not folders!).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to log into the Fastboot.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command to install TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-merlin.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-1-merlin.img The phone will reboot to TWRP.
4. In TWRP, select Install → specify the Magisk-v26.4.zip file → swipe for installation.
5. After installation, go to Reboot → System. If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, do the cache cleaning: fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: If you have lost access to banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) after installing Magisk, activate MagiskHide in the Magisk settings and add the applications to the hide list. Alternatively, use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

Root rights verification and solving typical problems

After the reboot, check for root rights using the Root Checker app or the command in the terminal:

su

If the command line has changed from $ to #, the root rights are active.

Let’s look at common mistakes and their solutions:

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 9 with Android 13 firmware (MIUI 14+), Magisk may not work with the 4.14.190+ kernel. In this case, use an alternative method - patch stock boot.img through Magisk and firmware it in fastboot:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

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If your phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after you get the root license, check Magisk active modules. Some modules (for example, to overclock the CPU) may conflict with energy saving. Turn them off in Magisk → Modules and restart the device.

Alternatives to root rights: what can be done without unlocking the bootloader

If 7 days of waiting or the risk of losing your warranty stops you, consider alternatives:

• 🔧 ADB Shell: gives access to system commands without root, for example, you can disable unnecessary applications: adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.miui.analytics
• 🔄 Shizuku: Allows management API Android ADB (For example, change the settings without root).
• 📱 Island (Work Profile): Creates an isolated application environment where modifications can be tested without risk to the core system.

The Redmi Note 9 also has Xposed modules available via LSPosed (it runs on Android 12/13 without a root, but requires an unlocked bootloader).

• 🎨 GravityBox – Customization of the interface.
• 🔒 AppOps – Application permission management.
• 📶 Network Speed Indicator – displaying Internet speed in the status bar.

⚠️ Note: Use of Shizuku or ADB Requires a permanent connection to the PC or activation of wireless debugging (Settings) → For developers → Wireless debugging. When you shut down, all changes will reset.

How to return everything back: removing root rights and blocking the bootloader

If you need to return your phone to stock (for example, for sale or warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 9 (Merlin) (select Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the firmware and launch the script flash_all.bat (for Windows or: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot erase userdata
3. To lock the bootloader, use the command: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader erases all data and can cause a failure if the firmware is not stock!

After returning to the stock firmware:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge).
• 🔓 Make sure that in the settings → Unlocking for developers is disabled OEM and debugging. USB.

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Even after removing Magisk, some banking apps can store root rights information in the cache. Use the SD Maid app for complete cleanup or reset via fastboot erase userdata.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions