How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: the official way without risks

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9T 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. In this article, we’ll break down the legal method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, which is relevant for models with MIUI 14 and Android 12/13, and also explain how to get around common bugs like “Couldn’t unlock” or “Waiting for device.”

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. In addition, Xiaomi links the Mi Account account to the device, which can cause problems when reselling. If your goal is just to update the firmware or reset the settings, unlocking is not required. But for enthusiasts who want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or TWRP, this guide will become a step-by-step guide with all the nuances of 2026.

Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user

Factory lock bootloader is a standard practice of Xiaomi, aimed at protecting against unauthorized access and installation of malware. On the one hand, it increases security, but on the other hand, it limits the ability of the owner. Unlocking has the following advantages:

• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM): LineageOS, ArrowOS, HavocOS and others.
• 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
• 🔄 Brick recovery via Fastboot or EDL-regime.
• 📱 Removing Xiaomi’s built-in apps (bloatware) without consequences.
• 🔒 Bypassing the restrictions of regional firmware (for example, switching from Global to EU).

However, there is a downside: unlocked bootloader deprives of warranty (if the device is purchased officially), and also increases the risk of installing unstable software.In addition, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on devices with unlocked bootloader due to security requirements.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking Redmi 9T cease to OTA-Update from Xiaomi. To update the firmware you will have to use manual methods via Fastboot or Recovery.

Requirements before unlocking: what to prepare

Before starting the procedure, make sure that all the preconditions are met, and failure to comply with them will lead to errors such as Couldn't verify device or Current account is different from the account info on the device.

• 📱 Device: Xiaomi Redmi 9T (codename lime with a minimum battery charge of 60%.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Xiaomi account linked to your phone (required with a confirmed phone number and email).
• 💻 Computer: PC with Windows 7/10/11 (Mi Unlock Tool requires Net Framework 4.5+).
• 🔌 Cable: Original USB-Type C cable (cheap analogues can cause connection errors).
• 📥 Drivers: Installed Mis USB Drivers and ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the official Xiaomi website).
• ⏳ Waiting time: 7 days must pass from the moment an account is linked to the device (Xiaomi rule for new devices).

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. Redmi 9T should have official firmware installed (not custom!). Check this in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a Custom ROM, go back to stock firmware first via Fastboot.

Step 1: Linking Mi Accounts to your device

The most common mistake users make is to try to unlock the bootloader without the right account binding. Xiaomi requires that the device be connected to the Mi Account for a minimum of 7 days (for new devices) or 30 days (if the account has changed).

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure that your Redmi 9T is displayed in the Devices section.
3. Check the date of the binding – if less than 7 days have passed, unlocking will not be available.

If your device was previously linked to another account, complete a reset (Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset) and link a new Mi Account. Please note: after the reset, the countdown will start again for 7 days.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not unplug your account.In this case, unlocking is impossible without his participation.Ask the seller to remove the device from your Mi Account via the web version of account.xiaomi.com.

Link Mi Account to your phone|Confirm email and phone number|Check the binding period (minimum 7 days)|Disable two-factor authentication (if it interferes with the)-->

Step 2: Enabling Developer Mode and USB Debugging

In order for the Mi Unlock Tool to interact with the phone, you need to activate the developer mode and allow debugging over USB.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Activate switches: Debugging over USB OEM Unlock (important item!) Factory Unlocking (if any)

Once you have USB Debugging enabled, connect your phone to your computer. You'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone screen -- be sure to tick "Always Allow from this computer" and click "Allow."

If the OEM Unlock is inactive (grey), this means that:

• 🔒 The device has a password/pattern lock (remove it temporarily).
• 📱 The phone is linked to another Mi Account.
• ⏳ It has not been 7 days since the account was linked.

💡

If paragraph “Unblocking” OEM" disappears after restart, try to disable all graphic keys and PIN-codes, then re-activate the developer mode.

Step 3: Install Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers

The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader, download it from the official website (the version should be no older than 2023), and it's simple to install, but there are nuances:

1. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match the phone tied!).
3. Connect Redmi 9T to your computer in Fastboot mode (see next section).

If the utility doesn't see the device, the problem is probably the drivers.

1. Download Mi USB Driver from Xiaomi website.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Open Device Manager on your PC, and find a device with a yellow exclamation point (usually Android Bootloader Interface).
4. Update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the downloaded drivers.

⚠️ Warning: Antiviruses (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky) can block Mi Unlock Tool as potentially dangerous software. Add the utility to exceptions or temporarily disable the antivirus.

Step 4: Going to Fastboot and Unlocking

Now we're putting Redmi 9T into Fastboot mode and we're unlocking it. Importantly, at this point, all the data on the phone will be erased!

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power + Volume Down buttons at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the hare appears in the eardress cap (Fastboot logo).
3. Connect the phone to the computer.
4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

It takes 1-3 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will automatically restart with the bootloader unlocked.

fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the line Device unlocked: true.

Solving Common Unlocking Mistakes

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the phone does not turn on or hovers on the MI logo after unlocking, perform a clean firmware installation via Fastboot:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot reboot

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If the unlock is successful, but the phone doesn't boot, that's fine. You need to manually flash the stock firmware through Fastboot or install custom recovery (TWRP).

What to do after unlocking the loader

Now your Redmi 9T is ready to experiment.

• 🔄 Install custom restoration (TWRP) for backups and firmware Custom ROM.
• 🛡️ Get root rights through Magisk (required for system modifications).
• 📱 Identify the Global Firmware (Global) ROM), If you have a Chinese version.
• 🚀 Install firmware without bloatware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).
• 🔧 Calibrate the battery or replace the thermal-engine for better cooling.

However, remember: an unlocked bootloader opens access to system files, which can lead to:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🛑 Unstable work (if you need to sew incompatible firmware).
• 🔒 Blocking of banking applications (due to SafetyNet trigger).

To restore the warranty, you can lock the bootloader back, but this requires a return to stock firmware and the use of official Xiaomi service tools.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi 9T