Xiaomi Redmi 9C is often the first step in the world of Android modification for many users. The MIUI shell, despite its functionality, contains a lot of pre-installed software and advertising, which you want to get rid of immediately after purchase. It is unlocking the bootloader that is the key that opens access to full control of the device, allowing you to install customized recavers and obtain superuser rights.
The procedure is not trivial and requires care, as interference in system partitions always carries risks. However, if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions and prepare all the necessary tools in advance, success is guaranteed even for beginners. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step, from linking an account to the final activation of a device with an unlocked BL.
It is worth noting that official unlocking through Xiaomi servers is the only legal way that will not turn your phone into a “brick” at the software level.Using third-party paid services for instant unlock often leads to the motherboard locking over IMEI, so we will only use the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool utility.
Preparation of the device and account Mi
The first and most important step is to link your Mi Account to a particular device, and without that, the authorization server won't give you permission to unlock, and the utility will give you an error. SIM-card with mobile Internet, as binding occurs through the mobile network, not through Wi-Fi.
Go to the smartphone settings menu and find About Phone, where you need to quickly click on the MIUI version several times to activate the Developer Menu, then go back to the main settings menu, go to the "Advanced" section and select "Developers."
In the list that opens, look for the item “Mi Unlock Status” (or “Unlock Xiaomi”). Click on it and agree to the warning system. Next click “Add account and device” button. The system will request confirmation via SMS, after which a message about the successful link will appear.
⚠️ Warning: After the account is tied, you must wait 168 hours (7 days). The timer starts counting from the moment of the link, and an attempt to unlock before this time will lead to an error indicating the remaining time.
Make sure that the device is debugging over USB. This is a critical parameter for communicating the computer with the smartphone in Fastboot mode. Without debugging enabled, the computer can only see the device as a charger, and the unlocker program will not be able to read its status.
Necessary software and drivers for PC
To do this, you'll need a Windows computer. Although there are methods for Linux and macOS, the official Mi Unlock tool natively only works in Windows, which provides the most stable connection.
You will need to download the latest version of Mi Unlock from the official website miui.com/unlock. Third-party versions of this utility are not recommended, as they may contain malicious code or work with new versions of the security protocol incorrectly.
Drivers also need to be installed. ADB And Fastboot. Most often, they're automatically installed with Mi Unlock, but in some cases, you need to manually install them through Device Manager. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Before any manipulations are initiated, we strongly advise you to create a complete backup of all important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader involves a complete reset of the device to the factory settings (Wipe Data), which will lead to the irretrievable removal of all photos, contacts and applications.
Unblocking application process
After 7 days of account attachment, you can start the basic process: start the Mi Unlock program on your computer and log in to your Mi Account using the same data as on your smartphone.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn the device off completely, then press down the volume buttons and power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until an image of a hare repairing an android appears or the FASTBOOT label on the screen.
Connect your phone to your computer through USB-Mi Unlock is designed to identify the device and show its status. Press the Unlock button. The system will again warn you that all data will be deleted and request final confirmation.
| Status at Mi Unlock | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | Device found. | We can keep going. |
| Unlocking... | It's a process. | Waiting for the end |
| Successfully unlocked | Success. | Reboot the phone |
| Error 10008 | Account error | Check the entrance. |
The unlocking process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, and at that time the phone can reboot, the screen can go out and turn on — that's normal behavior, and it's strictly forbidden to interrupt the cable connection at that point.
What to do if Mi Unlock is frozen?
Removing Popular Mistakes and Time Outs
The most common problem is the “Couldn’t verify device” error or the message that the account is not authorized, which often happens if the phone has entered other Mi accounts than the main one.
Another common error is the MIUI version. Sometimes new security updates block the ability to unlock the old versions of the Mi Unlock Tool. In this case, you need to update the utility to the latest available version or, conversely, roll back to the stable version if the new one contains bugs.
Driver problems can also hamper the process.If the computer can't see the phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-cable or connect the device to another USB-port, preferably directly to the motherboard, and not through USB-hub.
⚠️ If the program says that you need to wait another 7 days, although the deadline has already passed, try untie the account in the “Mi Unlock Status” menu on your phone and re-tire it, then wait again for 168 hours.
Sometimes it helps to shift. DNS-servers on your computer or using a mobile hotspot instead of home Wi-Fi, as Xiaomi authorization servers may block certain access points IP-addresses for frequent requests.
Installation of TWRP and obtaining Root rights
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can install customized Recovery, such as TWRP. This modified recovery menu allows you to install informal firmware, make full system backups and clear partition cache.
To install TWRP on Redmi 9C (codename angel or angeln), you will need a recovery image file (.img) and access to the ADB command line. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and enter a command to flash the recovery.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-angel.imgIt is important to immediately after firmware perform a combination of buttons to enter Recovery mode to overwrite the regular Recovery, otherwise the Android system itself will replace the TWRP back to the stock one at the first boot.
The easiest way to get superuser rights (Root) is to use Magisk. APK-Magisk file, rename it to.zip and run through TWRP, Or use the boot image patching method through the Magisk app on the phone itself.
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When installing TWRP, be sure to use the version specially assembled for your model (angel/angeln). Using a Redmi 9 or 9A recovery can result in a broken touchscreen or no access to internal memory.
The impact of unlocking on the work of the smartphone
Many users fear that unlocking the bootloader will negatively affect performance or autonomy. In fact, the mere fact of having an unlocked BL does not slow down the processor. However, installing custom firmware can both improve and worsen optimization.
It is worth considering that some banking and cheating apps (such as Pokémon GO) may not work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or Root rights.
Data security also becomes a user's area of responsibility. With the bootloader unlocked, an attacker can gain physical access to the phone, it can be easier.extract data if a strong encryption password is not set. Data encryption on Xiaomi is enabled by default, but its resistance is reduced when the BL is open.
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Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty on the software, but not on the hardware. If the screen or battery burns, the service center must accept the device unless the failure is caused by unqualified software interference.