Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a must-do step to install custom firmware, obtain root rights, or restore the device after software failures. The manufacturer locks it by default, citing data security, but enthusiasts find ways to circumvent the restriction legally. In this article, the current 2026 instruction, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy and solutions to typical errors.
Many users fear the procedure because of the risk of turning the smartphone into a brick, but with the right approach, the probability of problems is minimal. The main thing is to follow the official requirements (Mi Account binding, waiting 168 hours) and not use questionable “one-click” tools. We will analyze each step from preparation to final unlock, and explain why some methods (for example, through EDL) can be dangerous for the Redmi 9A.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Create a backup of the data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party tools like Titanium Backup (requires root) Photos, contacts and messages will be deleted without recovery!
1. Xiaomi Requirements for Unlocking the bootloader
Xiaomi has tightened the unlocking rules since 2021, and the following mandatory conditions apply to the Redmi 9A (model dandelion):
- 📱 Mi Account Link: The device must be logged in to Mi Account (not to be confused with Google Account.
- ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days): After linking your account to your phone, you need to wait exactly a week. the timer begins with the first sign-in to the Mi Account on the device.
- 🔗 Stable Internet connection: The process requires a constant connection to the network. Use Wi-Fi or mobile Internet with a good signal.
- 🖥️ Windows PC: The official Mi Unlock Tool only works on Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit). Nana macOS/Linux You will need a virtual machine.
⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 9A hand, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Mi Account → Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without his data!
Xiaomi also limits the number of unlocks per account to no more than one device in 30 days, and if you exceed the limit, you’ll have to create a new account or wait a month.
2.Phone Preparation: Steps Before Unlocking
Before using the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to configure the smartphone itself, skipping any of the steps will lead to errors such as "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device."
Sign in to Mi Account on your phone
Activate debugging over USB
Link the account to the device in the developer settings
Turn on OEM-unlock
Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode-->
Step 1: Enable the Developer Mode
Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the line "Version" MIUI". A notification will appear "You became a developer!". Return to the main settings menu - there will be a new section "For developers".
Step 2. Activate debugging by USB and OEM-unlock
In the Developer Menu, find and enable:
- Debugging by USB (you will need confirmation on your phone when connecting to a PC).
- Unlocking OEM (also known as OEM Unlocking)
- Factory unlocking (if there is such a point).
Step 3: Link your Mi Account to your device
In the same Developer Menu, search for the option “Mi Unlock status” and click “Add Account and Device.” The system will request confirmation via SMS or password from Mi Account. Without this step, unlocking is impossible – even if you waited 168 hours!
💡
If the "Unlock Mi Status" item is not on the menu, update the firmware to the latest version via Settings → System Update. On older versions of MIUI, this item may not be available.
3. Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and drivers
The official unlock tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is downloaded from Xiaomi's website, but there are nuances: First, the program is rarely updated, and the latest stable version (at 2026) is v5.5.224.24. Second, the correct ADB and Fastboot drivers are required to work.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool
- Go to en.miui.com/unlock (use Google Translate if you don’t speak English).
- Press Unlock Now and download the archive. Unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (e.g., C:\MiUnlock).
- Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Installation of drivers
If the program does not see the device when connecting the phone in Fastboot mode:
- Download Android SDK Platform-Tools and unpack it into a separate folder.
- Connect the phone to the PC, keeping Volume down + Power (the Fastboot logo with the rabbit should appear).
- Open Device Manager on PC, and look for Android Bootloader Interface with a yellow exclamation point.
- Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the platform-tools.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the phone | There are no Fastboot drivers | Install them through Device Manager (see above) |
| The "Couldn't unlock" error | It took 168 hours to get the account linked. | Wait for the full 7 days, check the timer in the Mi Unlock Tool |
| Error: "Current account is different" | The phone has another Mi Account authorized | Log out of all accounts on your phone and log in to the right one. |
| The program is 99% down. | Failure of communication with Xiaomi servers | Check the internet, restart the program, or try it later. |
4. Step-by-step instruction for unlocking
When all the training is complete, we move on to the unlock itself, and the whole process will take no more than 10 minutes, but it requires careful attention.
Step 1: Put your phone in Fastboot mode
Turn off Redmi 9A, then press Volume Down + Power button for 10 seconds at the same time. The Fastboot logo will appear on the screen. Connect the phone to your PC via the original USB-Type-C cable.
Step 2. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool
Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe and log in to the same Mi Account that's tied to the phone. The program should show the message "Phone connected" (if not, check the drivers).
Step 3. Start unlocking.
Press Unlock in the program. You start checking the status of the device. If everything is okay, you will see a warning about the reset, confirm it. It will take 1-2 minutes. Once completed, the phone will automatically restart to Recovery Mode and perform the reset.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after unlocking MIUI For more than 10 minutes, don't panic. Turn it off with long power retention, then turn it on again. The first download after unlocking can take up to 15 minutes.
💡
After successful unlocking, the bootloader status will change to "Unlocked" and you can check this by using the fastboot oem device-info command in the terminal (must be Device unlocked: true).
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and here are the most common cases for the Redmi 9A:
- ❌ Error 86006: Indicates account mismatch Solution: log out of all Mi Accounts on your phone, log in again and re-connect the device to Settings → For developers.
- ❌ Mistake. 86012: Xiaomi server overloaded. Solution: wait 1-2 Or try another hour or so. IP (For example, through the mobile Internet).
- ❌ Anti-rollback check fail: This is when you try to flash the old version. MIUI Solution: only flash the official firmware with the version V12.0.1.0.QCDMIXM higher.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t start?
If the program is running out of error (e.g., "MSVCP140.dll missing"), set:
- Visual C++ Redistributable (2015-2022).
- How to get around the wait 168 It is technically impossible to bypass the timer - Xiaomi servers block any attempts to reset time!): 1. Link your Mi Account to your phone. 2. Change the date on the phone on 7 Days in advance (Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time). 3. Reboot the device and check the status in the Mi Unlock Tool. ⚠️ This method does not work on all firmware and can lead to the blocking of the account! 6. What do you do after you unlock: 📦 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience). 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk (requires firmware patched) boot.img). 🔄 Restore your device via Fastboot after software failures. 🚀 Optimize performance with cores and mods. Important: An unlocked bootloader makes the device more vulnerable to malware. Don't install firmware from unreliable sources and regularly check the system for viruses. How do you get the bootloader locked back? If you decide to sell the phone or return it to its original state, you can block the bootloader by command: fastboot oem lock. ⚠️ Warning: This command will reset all data and return the phone to factory status. Once locked, unlocking will require a re-waiting of 168 hours! 7: EDL If the official method does not work (for example, due to a server error Xiaomi), some users resort to emergency download mode (EDL, Emergency Download Mode, however, for Redmi 9A This method is risky: ⚠️ Requires an Authorized Account EDL (cost ~$5–$10 on forums). ⚠️ Wrong actions can kill you forever. IMEI communications module. ⚠️ Xiaomi can lock a device for using unofficial tools. EDL on the Redmi 9A? You need to: Turn off the phone. Hold the volume up. + Loudness down + Power at the same time. USB PC (device will be defined as Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Next, you will need to use firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with an authorized account. Without experience, it is not recommended to use this method - the risk of "bricking" is ~30%. 💡If you need unlocking to install custom firmware, consider alternatives like OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP. They allow you to sew. ZIP-files without fully unlocking the boot loader (but require unlocked boot). FAQ: Answers to frequent questions ❓ How long does it take to unlock the loader? The procedure in Mi Unlock Tool takes 1-2 minutes, but before it you need: Wait 168 hours (7 days) after the Mi Account is attached. Prepare the phone (5-10 minutes). Install the drivers on the PC (10-15 minutes). Total: at least 7 days + 30 minutes of active action. ❓ Can I unlock the bootloader without a computer? No. The official Mi Unlock Tool only works on Windows. Alternative methods (for example, through Termux on Android) are not supported by Xiaomi and can lock the device. ❓ Why doesn't the phone turn on after unlocking? Probable reasons: Data reset takes longer (wait up to 15 minutes), unlocking process interrupted (repeat procedure) firmware damaged (you need to flash Fastboot) ROM If the screen stays black for more than 20 minutes, try to pinch the power. + Volume up 20 seconds for forced reboot. ❓ Can I unlock the bootloader on Redmi? 9A Yeah, but there's some nuances: On the global firmware (MIUI Global and European (MIUI EU) The unblocking works the same way in firmware (MIUI China) may require additional phone number binding. Check the firmware version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. ❓ What happens if you sell a phone with an unlocked bootloader? The buyer can: Install any firmware (including unofficial ones), get root rights without restrictions. But it also means: ⚠️ Lower resale price (unlocked devices are 10-20% cheaper). ⚠️ Risk of installing malware (if the buyer is inexperienced) It is recommended to block the bootloader before selling (see Section 6).