The MIUI operating system installed on Xiaomi devices initially has a closed bootloader, which limits the user’s ability to deep customize. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and mandatory step for those who want to install custom recaps (TWRP), obtain superuser rights (Root) or reflash the smartphone to the global version from the Chinese. Without this procedure, any attempts to modify the system partition will be blocked at the iron level.
Procedure for Redmi 9 (including modifications) 9C, 9A, 9T) It has its own security requirements, and you need a stable Internet connection, original. USB-- cable and Mi Account, which must be linked to the device in advance. Ignoring the preparatory stages often leads to errors in the status check phase in the official utility.
It is worth warning immediately: after unlocking all data on the internal drive will be irretrievably deleted. The system will compulsorily execute Factory Reset for security reasons, so that the new owner does not gain access to the files of the previous user.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first thing you need to do is activate the developer mode and properly link your account. → About phone and seven times quickly click on the item Version MIUI. After the notification “You became a developer” appears, go to the menu Additional → For developers, you need to find the Mi Unlock Status and activate it. IMEI-The device is key to authorization.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to unlock your device if the account is active locking "Find Device". Make sure that the security settings include Internet and sync, otherwise the server will not be able to verify the rights of the owner.
Next, you need to link the device to your account via the mobile Internet. Turn off Wi-Fi, remove the second one. SIM-If used, leave only the main card with an active tariff. In the "Mi Unlock Status" menu, click "Add account and device". The system should give a message about a successful link. If there is an error "failed to link", try to change the network type (for example, on the "Failed to link"). 3G) repeat the procedure in a day.
It is important to understand that tethering does not mean instant unlocking. From this point on, a standby timer is launched, which is standard 168 hours (7 days). Xiaomi introduces this measure to make it harder to steal and flash the devices. During this period, you can use the phone as normal, but repeated attempts to unlock through the PC will end in error before the deadline.
Necessary software and drivers for PC
You will need a Windows computer to do the operation. On macOS or Linux, the official utility does not work without emulators or virtual machines, which can add instability to the process. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool program from miui.com/unlock. Using third-party versions or patched forum utilities can lead to the blocking of your account via IMEI.
The critical thing is to install the right drivers. The computer must correctly identify the smartphone in Fastboot mode. Often Windows automatically puts standard ADB drivers that are not suitable for unlocking. You need a driver called Android Bootloader Interface in the Device Manager. If the device bar has an exclamation point or it is defined as "QDLoader", unlocking will not begin.
☑️ Pre-launch check
It is also recommended to disable all background programs that can intercept USB-port, including antivirus, download managers and programs for synchronizing phones of other brands. Make sure your antivirus doesn’t block the network connection of the Mi Unlock program itself, as it constantly polls Xiaomi servers.
Redmi 9 is now in Fastboot mode
Fastboot mode is a low-level interface that allows you to interact with the bootloader of the device directly, bypassing the operating system. To transition to this mode on the off-phone Redmi 9, you need to press the Volume Down button and, holding it, connect it. USB-And the screen should show the Mi Bunny logo, which is repairing the android, and it should say "FASTBOOT" orange.
If the phone goes into a reboot cycle or just charges, it means that the clip is wrong or the cable is not transmitting data. USB-port, preferably located on the motherboard behind the system unit (USB 2.0 ports are often more stable USB 3.0 for old utilities. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in Windows Device Manager under Android Devices.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to enter Fastboot mode if the phone is connected to the charger and not to the computer.In this case, it will simply start charging and the computer will not see the unlock device.
There is also a software way to log in if the buttons are logging or not working correctly. When USB debugging is enabled, you can use the ADB command. Open the command line in the platform tool folder and type:
adb reboot bootloaderThis command will force the device to restart to the desired mode. However, if the bootloader is already damaged or the system does not start, the mechanical method with the buttons remains the only option. Make sure that the screen does not go out in Fastboot mode - if it goes out, press the power button once (shortly) to illuminate the display, but not restart the phone.
Unlocking process through Mi Unlock
Run Mi Unlock on your computer and log in to your Mi Account (the same one that is linked to your phone). The utility will automatically check the server status. If servers are overloaded, which is often during peak hours, you may get a connection error. In this case, try changing the DNS on your computer (for example, 8.8.8.8) or using mobile Internet through the access point, since the provider can block some ports.
Once you successfully log in and find your phone in Fastboot mode, press the "Unlock" button. A warning will appear that all data will be deleted. Confirm the action. The unlock process will begin, which is displayed as a percentage. Importantly, at this point you absolutely cannot disconnect the cable or turn off the computer.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | User actions |
|---|---|---|
| Connecting to Mi Account | Verification of authorization | Check the Internet, disable the antivirus |
| Couldn't verify device | The binding error | Reconnect the account in the phone settings |
| Please unlock 168 hours later | It's a waiting timer. | Wait 7 days without resetting your settings |
| Unlocking... 99% | Final stage | Do not touch the cable until "Unlocked" appears. |
What if Mi Unlock is 99% frozen?
When the process is completed successfully, the utility will show a green plaque "Unlocked successfully." The phone will automatically reboot. The first boot after unlocking can last up to 10-15 minutes, as the system reassembles the cache and checks the integrity of the partitions. Don't panic if the Mi logo hangs for a long time - this is normal behavior for Android after resetting the security keys.
Typical errors and methods of their elimination
One of the most common problems is the error "Couldn't verify device. Couldn't get device info." This means that the program sees the phone, but can't count its unique identifier or binding status. Often the reason lies in the incompatibility of the Mi Unlock version with the MIUI version. Try using an older version of the utility (for example, 3.x or 4.x) if the last 5.x gives errors, although officially support for older versions is discontinued.
Another common problem is the error "Current account is different from the account info on the device." This happens if you try to unlock your phone with an account other than the one you linked to in the settings. Check the Developer Menu -> Mi Unlock Status, which account is listed there. Even the slightest difference in login characters will result in a failure.
⚠️ Note: If you bought a phone with your hands and it is blocked by someone else’s account, you will not be able to officially unlock it. Bypassing an account lock (Mi Account Lock) is illegal and is not addressed in this guide.
Users often face a problem when the phone does not see after unlocking. SIM-card NFC. This may be because the Chinese version was unlocked and the global firmware is used, or vice versa. ↔ Globally, be sure to use the Clean Install method rather than Update to avoid radio module conflicts.
Actions after successful unblocking
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the path to modifications is open. The first thing many users install is custom recoveries, such as TWRP. This allows you to make full system backups (Nandroid backup), install patches to improve sound or camera, and install custom firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS. For Redmi 9, it is important to look for the version of the recovery that matches the device's code name (for example, merlin for Redmi 9/9 Prime).
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Once the bootloader is unlocked, it is recommended to install Magisk immediately if you need Root rights.Do this before the first boot in the system, if you have just reflashed the phone to avoid data encryption problems.
Consider that unlocked bootloaders reduce the security of the device, in theory, an attacker with physical access to the phone can try to read data, and some banking applications and Google Pay (now Google Wallet) will stop working, and to restore the operation of payment systems will have to hide Root rights through Magisk Hide or use special modules that mask the unlock status.
The battery on the unlocked device may behave differently. Some custom cores allow better control of background processes and save charge, while stock MIUI with unlocked bootloader sometimes shows less time due to altered power saving mechanisms. Experiment with CPU and GPU settings carefully, keeping track of the temperature of the processor.
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Unlocking the bootloader is a point of no return: the software warranty case is canceled from this moment, and data security is reduced, but unlimited opportunities for customization open up.
In conclusion, the process of unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is technically simple, but requires care and patience, especially in terms of waiting 7 days. Following the instructions minimizes the risks. If you plan to use the phone as a primary for banking and critical data, consider whether you really need unlocking, or if standard MIUI functionality is enough.