Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or alternative recaps. However, the process comes with official restrictions from Xiaomi that make it harder for beginners to do so, and unlike most Android devices, it requires not only technical training, but also obtaining permission from the manufacturer through the binding of a Mi Account.
In this article, you will find the instructions for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy, including bypassing typical errors (for example, Couldn’t unlock or Waiting for device).We will analyze each step from preparing the phone to working with the Mi Unlock Tool, and also give recommendations on security to avoid a device blink: If you plan to flash LineageOS, get root through Magisk or just want more control over your smartphone, this guide is for you.
Why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader and what it gives the user
The manufacturer is blocking the bootloader on all its default devices, including the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse).
- 🔒 Security: Protection against data theft when a device is lost (an attacker will not be able to reset his phone via fastboot).
- 📦 Firmware control: preventing the installation of unofficial software that may disrupt the system.
- 🛡️ Warranty obligations: Unlocking voids the warranty, which forces users to think before action.
However, the unlocked loader opens up the possibilities:
- 🔄 Installation of custom firmware (Pixel Experience, ArrowOS, LineageOS).
- 🛠️ Getting root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
- 🔧 Use of alternative Recovery (TWRP, OrangeFox).
- 📱 Removal of built-in bloat (MIUI bloatware).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking will reset all data on the device, including files in internal memory. backup via Mi Cloud or locally required! Also note that after the Widevine procedure L1 may degrade to L3, What will reduce the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney+ before 480p.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before starting the process, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed, and skipping any of them can lead to errors in the Mi Unlock Tool or even the device's brik.
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone at least 60%
Install the latest version of MIUI via OTA
Connect SIM-card (required to link the account)
Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi official website
Install ADB and Fastboot drivers on PC
Disable all antiviruses (they can block the Mi Unlock Tool)-->
Pay special attention to the MIUI version. The Redmi Note 9 Pro should have an official global or Chinese firmware (not custom). Check this in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have modified builds (such as xiaomi.eu), go back to stock firmware via Fastboot.
Also mandatory:
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed IMEI or the serial number of the device, the Mi Unlock Tool may refuse to unlock, in which case you will need to restore the original data through the device. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
Getting permission from Xiaomi: account binding and waiting
Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock rules, requiring a Mi Account to be linked to a device and waiting 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking.
Instructions for binding:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
- Click Add Account and Device. If the button is inactive, upgrade MIUI to the latest version.
- Confirm the link via SMS or email.
After the successful link, a message will appear: "Added successfully. Unlocking available after 168 hours." This means that unlock will be available in exactly 7 days from the moment of the link.
💡
If you bought a used phone, make sure the previous owner untie their Mi Account. Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without their participation. Check this in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Devices.
| Action. | Minimum waiting time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First account binding | 168 hours (7 days) | Resets when the phone is reset |
| Re-unlock (if the bootloader has already been unlocked) | 72 hours (3 days) | New account binding is required |
| Resetting the timer (if the process is interrupted or mistaken) | Additional +168 hours | Avoid turning off USB during unlocking |
Step-by-step: unlock through Mi Unlock Tool
After 168 hours, you can start unlocking.
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not working).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- 📱 Charged phone ≥60% and included debugging by USB.
Steps:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30 for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
- Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect your phone to your PC. The Mi Unlock Tool should have the phone connected.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action. It takes 10 to 30 seconds.
If it's successful, you'll see a message saying, "Unlocked successfully." The phone will automatically reboot and the bootloader will be unlocked. ADB:
fastboot oem device-infoThe answer should be: Device unlocked: true.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone?
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with proper preparation, users are faced with errors. Consider the most common ones for the Redmi Note 9 Pro:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock 50% | Wait (168 hours) or phone not tied to account | Check the status in Settings → For developers → Mi Unlock status |
| Waiting for device | Drivers not installed or phone not in Fastboot mode | Install drivers manually through Device Manager |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | Authorized under different accounts on the phone and Mi Unlock Tool | Log out of your phone account, reboot and log in again. |
| Mi Unlock Tool is not running | Antivirus blocking or broken download | Add an exception to miflash_unlock.exe antivirus |
If after unlocking the phone is getting stuck on the MI logo or rebooting in a loop, do:
fastboot flash boot [name file boot.img]
fastboot rebootWhere [name file boot.img] is the original boot image from stock firmware for your model.
💡
If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "This device is locked" after successful unlocking, then the bootloader is blocked again (for example, after firmware via Fastboot).
What to do after unlocking: the next steps
Now you have an unlocked bootloader, but this is just the beginning.
- 🔄 Install TWRP: custom recaps will allow you to create backups and sew ZIP-For Redmi Note 9 Pro fit official build TWRP.
- 🛠️ Get root rights: run Magisk through TWRP for managing system permissions.
- 📱 Swipe custom firmware: for example, Pixel Experience for pure Android or ArrowOS with advanced settings.
- 🧹 Remove Bloatware: Use it ADB Magisk modules to clean up unnecessary applications MIUI.
However, keep in mind the risks:
- 🚨 Widevine's loss L1: After unblocking streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+) can only work in 480p.
- 🔋 Battery issues: Some custom firmwares are poorly optimized for Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, high-spending.
- 📶 Unstable communication: networks may disappear on unofficial assemblies 4G/VoLTE.
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Redmi Note model. 9 Pro (codename joyeuse) firmware for joyeuse_in (India may not be suitable for joyeuse_eea (Europe) due to differences in modem.
How to get it back: Re-blocking the bootloader
If you want to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), you can lock the bootloader back.
- Fastboot Firmware: Fastboot Flash all [name file firmware].tgz
- Turn on your phone and reset to factory settings in Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and press Lock (button will appear if the bootloader is unlocked).
Please note that the re-blocking:
- ✅ Restore Widevine L1 (if the firmware is official).
- ❌ Reset all data without the possibility of recovery.
- ⚠️ No guarantee of return of warranty – Xiaomi can check the history of the unlock IMEI.