Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (known globally as Redmi K20 Pro) remains one of the most popular devices for enthusiasts who want to gain full control of the system.The process of unlocking the bootloader is the first and most important step to install custom receivers, gain root rights or change the firmware region.
There are two main scenarios that users understand as “unlocking”: unprotecting your Mi Account (if you forgot your password or bought a used phone) and officially unlocking the bootloader to modify the system. In this article, we will discuss both options in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with the Mi Unlock Tool and preparing the device for flashing.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the risks. Unlocking the bootloader will necessarily lead to the complete removal of all data from the internal storage. It is a security mechanism that cannot be avoided without losing files, so creating a backup is not just a tip, it is a necessity.
Preparation of a smartphone and account
The first step is to properly configure the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro. The MIUI system has built-in protections that will not allow you to unlock the device unless certain conditions are met. You will need a stable Internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, since the mobile network may be less stable when transmitting service data.
Go to your phone and find the "About Phone" option, and click on the MIUI version several times (about 7-10 times) until the "You've become a developer" notification appears, and then a new "Developers" section will appear in the "Advanced" or "Extended Settings" menu, and that's where the key switches are hidden.
- 🔓 Find the "Factory Unlock" item and activate it by confirming the risk warning.
- 📱 Link your Mi Account: in the same menu, click "Add Account" or "Attach Device to Account".
- ⚙️ Put the debugging on. USB, if you plan to use it ADB-diagnostics.
⚠️ Note: Once an account is linked, the system can tell you that unlocking is only possible after a certain time (usually 168 hours or 7 days). IMEI Devices and accounts, and bypass it by legal means is impossible.
It is important to keep your Mi Account on your phone while you are waiting, otherwise the timer will reset and you will have to start the procedure again. Also make sure that the battery is more than 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of setting up.
📊 Have you ever had a Mi Account blocked?
Yeah, I forgot my password.
No, the phone's new.
Trying to unlock the bootloader.
I bought a used locker.
Official unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader)
The procedure for unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro is performed exclusively through a Windows computer. You will need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from miui.com/unlock. Using third-party programs can lead to a brick of the device.
Turn your smartphone off completely, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until you see an image of a fox repairing an android or FASTBOOT. Connect your phone to your PC with an original or quality USB Type-C cable.
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account that was tied to the phone. The program automatically detects the device. If the wait timer has expired, the Unlock button will become active. Press it and confirm the action. The process will go quickly, but the phone will be reset to factory settings.
In some cases, the utility may give out errors, such as "Couldn't verify device." This is often due to driver problems or an unstable connection. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, and another cable. It's also worth checking if the antivirus is blocking the program.
What if Mi Unlock writes "Error 10009"?
Error 10009 often occurs due to problems with the network connection or servers Xiaomi. Try using mobile Internet (distribution from the phone) instead of Wi-Fi, as providers sometimes block the ports necessary for the utility to work. DNS at 8.8.8.8.> Unlocking the Mi Account (FRP Lock: A situation where a device is locked by a Mi Account (the activation screen requires a password from the previous owner) is common when buying used equipment. FRP (Factory Reset Protection: If you are the legal owner but you have forgotten your password, you can restore access through i.mi.com. If you lose access to your account completely, the situation becomes more complicated. MIUI, Mi-mounted 9T Pro, simple bypasses through date change or browser no longer work effectively. The only reliable way is to have a purchase check to go to an authorized service center. There are software reset methods, but they require an unlocked bootloader, which creates a vicious circle. Some service centers use paid boxes to reset the binding, but this carries risks. Full EDL-download on modern versions of MIUI requires an authorized Xiaomi account with an Authorized Mi Account level, which is only available to the services. Type of blocking Symptom solution Risk of data loss Forgotten pattern lock Requires password when you turn on Hard Reset (buttons) Yes (full) Mi Account Lock Requires password Mi after reset Recovery through the site / Service Yes Google FRP Requires Google account after reset Difficult bypass / Reset account Yes Bootloader Lock Does not allow you to flash custom software Mi Flash Unlock Tool Yes (when unlocked) Global ROM firmware to the Chinese version Many users buy Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro Chinese version (CN) for the price, but face the lack of Russian language transfer and the service is often limited to the Chinese version. It is important to choose the right type of firmware: Fastboot ROM (tgz archive, not Recovery (.zip).When you are running through Fastboot, be sure to select the "Clean all" option to avoid compatibility errors. 🌏 Chinese firmware (CN) You can only update to other versions CN. 🌍 Global firmware (Global) can be placed on Global, EU, Russia, India. ⚠️ Trying to stitch Global on top CN A blocked bootloader will cause a mismatching image and device". ⚠️ Warning: When you flash the Chinese version to the global version, Anti-rollback protection can work. Make sure that the Android version and the bootloader in the new firmware are not lower than the one installed now. Otherwise, the device can turn into a brick. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to use the method of local update through the Three Dots menu in the firmware by selecting the Recovery file. ROM. This is a safer way to go, but it doesn't allow you to switch from China to Global if the bootloader is locked. Entering Recovery and Fastboot Modes To control the Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro at a low level, you need to be able to switch modes. Recovery Mode allows you to reset data or install firmware manually. To get there, turn off the phone and press the Volume Up + Power. In the Recovery menu, the navigation is done with the power button. Here you can find the "Wipe Data" (ful reset), "Connection buttons for the phone to connect to the PC mode 15-20, and the device is used for a long distance from the menu. If the phone is stuck in a reboot cycle, a combination of buttons can help you get out of it. There is also a Safe Mode mode that boots the system without third-party apps. To log in, you need to wait for the vibration to turn on and press the Volume button down. This is useful if the phone is locked immediately after booting due to viruses or malfunctioning apps. 💡Knowing the combination of buttons to log in to Recovery and Fastboot is a basic skill of the Xiaomi owner, allowing you to restore the device even if the system fails. Possible errors and methods of their elimination During the unlock process, users often face technical problems. One of the most common is hanging on the Mi or Android logo after unlocking, which is normal in 90% of cases: the first download after changing the bootloader or firmware takes 5 to 15 minutes. If the phone is cyclically restarted (bootloop), it may have damaged the system partition or used incompatible firmware, in which case only reflashing through the Fastboot with data cleaning will help. USB-Error "Device is locked" when trying to install custom recavery (TWRP) Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to remove this restriction. MIUI If you have a critical error, like the Orange State, don't panic. It's a regular message that the bootloader is unlocked. It disappears after 5 seconds, but it can be disabled by the team in Fastboot, although it is more difficult to do this on global firmware. Is it safe to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi? 9T Pro? Yes, if you follow the official instructions. However, this voids the warranty (in some regions) and reduces the overall security level of the device, making it more vulnerable to loss. Some banking apps and Google Pay also stop working, though this can be bypassed by setting up Magisk Hide. SIM-No, the timer is tied to the Mi Account. + IMEI device." Replacement of devices. SIM-The cards, the reset, or the reset of the Mi Unlock app won't affect the remaining latency. You just have to wait until the deadline ends. Can you lock the bootloader back? Yes, it's possible. To do this, you need to flash the original global firmware (Global Stable) through Fastboot using the command fastboot oem lock or selecting the appropriate option in the Mi Flash Tool. Important: the firmware should be exactly the one that the region of the device is sharpened for. What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone? Check the drivers in the Device Manager (the Android Phone section or the Portable Devices section). Try another one. USB-port USB 2.0), another cable, and disable the antivirus. Also make sure that the developer menu includes debugging. USB and unlock OEM.