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

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to full “bricking” of the smartphone if you break the sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss the official method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, as well as alternative ways for experienced users.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: from 2021, it requires the device to be linked to the Mi Account and wait 168 hours (7 days) after the first link, which is designed to protect users from theft and unauthorized access, but makes life difficult for enthusiasts.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9

The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any changes to the system partition. Without it, you can't:

  • 🔄 Install custom recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox)
  • 📱 Switch to alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Europa)
  • 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk or SuperSU
  • 🛠️ Restore the device after a "soft brick" (bootloop)
  • 🔧 Optimize performance through the Magisk core or modules

However, unlocking has the downside: the warranty is reset, the risk of malware installation increases, and some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the lack of SafetyNet.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the Redmi 9 automatically resets to factory settings. Create a backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages) via Settings → Google → Backup or manually.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do in advance

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can lead to errors such as "Couldn't unlock" or "Account not bound":

Registering a Mi Account Account|Link the phone number to your account|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlock|Install the Mi Unlock Tool|Download the original firmware for Redmi 9|Charge your smartphone at least 60%

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Pay special attention to linking your Mi Account to your device.

  1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
  2. Sign in under your login/password.
  3. In the Mi Cloud section, enable synchronization of contacts or notes (this will confirm the activity of the account).
  4. Return to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
  5. Then go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock)

Critical: If the option Unlock OEM is inactive (grey), then the Mi Account is not tied to the device. Try rebooting your smartphone or re-authenticating. Also check that the device is official firmware - custom builds can block this option.

📊 You have already tried to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi?
Yeah, it worked.
Yeah, but there were mistakes.
No, it's my first time.
I'm planning on trying.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

It is the only method approved by Xiaomi and works on all Redmi models. 9 (including Redmi modifications 9A, 9C, 9T). The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12/13/14 Windows 10/11.

Step 1 Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility can be obtained from en.miui.com/unlock. Do not use third-party sources, they may contain viruses.

  1. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
  2. Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
  3. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.

If you get a "Device is locked" error after successfully unlocking, then the procedure is not over. Repeat the steps in the Mi Unlock Tool or check if the developer settings reset after the reboot.

Can I unlock the bootloader without losing data?
No. Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 9 always comes with a full reset (wipe). This is a security requirement of Xiaomi, and you can not bypass it. Store all important data in advance on your PC or in the cloud.
Will Google Pay work after it’s unlocked?
Probably not, because of a SafetyNet violation. However, the problem can be solved: Install Magisk and the Universal SafetyNet Fix module. Hide root through MagiskHide (in Magisk settings, turn on Configure DenyList and add Google Pay to the list). Reboot your device and check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC application. If SafetyNet passes but Google Pay still doesn't work, try changing the Google account region to the US or the UK.
Can I return the guarantee after unlocking?
Technically yes, but with reservations: Lock the bootloader back through the Mi Flash Tool (sweep through the official firmware in Clean All and Lock mode). Remove all traces of root and custom firmware (use Magisk Uninstaller). Reset the Flash Counter (if any) via the Engineering Mode (# boot446337#). However, Xiaomi service center can refuse warranty repairs if it finds traces of interference with the firmware (for example, modified partitions or recovery).
Does the unlock on the Redmi 9 work with the Helio G35/G80 processor?
Yes, the instruction is universal for all Redmi 9 modifications, including: Redmi 9 (Helio G80, lancelot model) Redmi 9A (Helio G25, dandelion model) Redmi 9C (Helio G35, angelica model) Redmi 9T (Snapdragon 662, lime model) The only difference is the name of the device in Mi Unlock Tool. Make sure you download the correct version of the utility (for Redmi 9T you may need Mi Unlock Tool version 5.5.224.30 or later).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool says "Current account is not bound to this device"?
This error means that the Mi Account is not tied to Redmi 9. Solutions: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and enable synchronization of any data (contacts, notes). Turn off and re-enable the option to Unlock OEM in the developer settings. Reboot your smartphone and re-authenticate in Mi Unlock Tool. If it doesn't help, try to link another Mi Account (but then the 168 hour timer will start again). Sometimes changing the account region to China (in the Mi Account settings) helps, but this can block some Google services.