Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with Xiaomi’s official restrictions that make it difficult for beginners. Unlike flagship models, the budget Redmi 9C (codename angelica) has its nuances, from long waits for resolution to specific errors when connecting to the Mi Unlock Tool.
This article doesn’t just repeat the standard instructions, it’s a look at the current issues of 2026, including the “Couldn’t unlock” bug on the latest versions of MIUI, as well as alternative methods for devices with a tied Mi Account. We analyzed user feedback and technical documentation to collect working solutions that save time and nerves.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices for two key reasons: data security and ecosystem control.
- 🔒 Installation of malware through recovery;
- 📱 Unauthorized access to data in case of theft;
- 🔄 "Bricks due to incorrect firmware.
However, for experienced users, unlocking opens up opportunities to:
- 🛠️ Installation TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery for backups;
- 🚀 LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom OS;
- 🔧 Getting root access for deep system setup;
- 🔄 Recovery of the device after a soft brick".
It is important to understand that unlocking will void Xiaomi’s warranty and increase the risk of software failures. On the Redmi 9C, the process is complicated by the fact that the model belongs to the budget segment, where support for custom firmware is limited.
Preparation of the device: steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, you must perform mandatory preparatory steps, skipping any stage can lead to errors in the Mi Unlock Tool or even to the blocking of the Mi Account.
Linking your Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlock|Update MIUI last-minute|Download Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.31 (update version)
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Let us consider each item in detail:
- Mi Account Link Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sign in. Make sure your account is confirmed by email and phone. On Redmi 9C, be sure to enable data synchronization, which reduces the risk of a “Device not bound” error.
MIUI Update
Outdated firmware versions often cause the error "Current account is different from the account info on the device." Update via Settings → Update to the latest stable version for Redmi 9C (at 2026 - MIUI 14 based on Android 12).
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 9C "Hands” make sure that the previous owner untie his account Mi. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without his data!
Download and install Mi Unlock Tool
The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi, but even here there are pitfalls: the version of the program must match the current firmware of the device.
Up-to-date data by version (2026):
| MIUI version on Redmi 9C | Recommended version of Mi Unlock Tool | Download link |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–13 (Android 10–11) | 5.5.224.24 | Official website |
| MIUI 14 (Android 12) | 5.5.224.31 or later | Unlocking page |
| Castom firmware (LineageOS, etc.) | Not applicable (pre-unblocking required) | — |
Instructions for setting up the utility:
- Download the archive from the Mi Unlock Tool at the link above and unpack it.
- Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe Administrator (important for Windows) 10/11!).
- Log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
- Connect Redmi 9C to your PC over USB and select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
⚠️ Note: If the utility makes an error "USB Debugging not authorized," check the phone pop-up requesting trust in this computer. 9C It may be hidden behind other notifications!
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, try using the original one. USB-Xiaomi cable and port USB 2.0 on PC (Ports 3.0 sometimes cause conflict).
Unlocking process: step-by-step guide
Now, the Redmi 9C can take anywhere from 72 hours to 7 days to complete due to Xiaomi’s policy of linking the account to the device.
Follow the instructions:
- In Mi Unlock Tool, click "Unlock Now" and send a request to Xiaomi's server, and a waiting timer (usually 168 hours for new accounts) will appear on the screen.
- Wait for confirmation Close the utility and wait for the specified time. Attempts to bypass the wait lead to account lock! On Redmi 9C, the timer can be reset when:
Final unlock
After the timer expires, reconnect the phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down). In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock, the process will take 10–30 seconds.
Successful unlocking is confirmed by saying "Unlocked successfully" and a green tick, and now when you turn on your phone in Fastboot mode, you will see Unlocked status.
What if the timer is off?
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct follow-up, Redmi 9C users are still experiencing bugs, and we've compiled the most common solutions for the most common problems.
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock (100%) | Disparity of accounts on PC and phone | Sign out on both devices, reboot and log in again |
| Current account is different... | The phone was linked to another account earlier. | Reset your phone to factory settings and link your current account |
| Mi Unlock Tool stuck at 50% | Conflict with an antivirus or firewall | Disable the protection for the time of unlocking, use the USB 2.0 port |
| Device not supported | The Mi Unlock Tool is an outdated version | Download the current version from the official website |
A special case is the error "This device is locked" after successful unlocking, which means that Xiaomi temporarily blocked the bootloader due to suspicious activity.
- Do not connect your phone to the Mi Unlock Tool for 24 hours
- Use another Mi Account (if possible);
- Contact Xiaomi with proof of ownership of the device.
Solution: Go back to your original account, turn off the VPN and try again, and if it doesn't work, start the waiting process again.