How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro: official and alternative methods

Why unlocking the bootloader on the Mi 9T Pro is a necessary step for enthusiasts

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro (also known as Redmi) K20 Pro in some regions remains one of the most popular devices among Android customizers. Its powerful Snapdragon 855 platform, AMOLED-screen and flexible firmware MIUI They make it the perfect base for experimentation, from custom firmware installation to rooting, but all of these features are blocked by the bootloader, which is blocked by the manufacturer by default.

Unlocking the bootloader opens access to:

• 🔓 Installation TWRP and custom recavérie
• 📱 Firmware alternative OS (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, CrDroid)
• ⚡ Rooting and modification of system files
• 🔄 Removing Xiaomi’s built-in apps (bloat)

But the unlocking process on the Mi 9T Pro has nuances: Xiaomi tightened the rules in 2022-2026, and now requires not only waiting 168 hours (7 days), but also confirming a device-linked Mi Account. This article presents current ways to circumvent restrictions, solving typical errors (such as Couldn't unlock or This device is locked) and step-by-step instructions for beginners.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met, and ignoring them will lead to confirmation errors or even lock your Mi Account for 30 days.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Linking your Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Update the firmware to the latest stable version|Download Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.30 or later)|Prepare. USB-cable (original or high quality)|Make a backup of the data (unlocking will reset the smartphone)-->

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure that:

• 📱 The device is displayed in the list of tied
• 🔄 Synchronization is enabled (at least for contacts)
• 🔒 Password is set on the account (unblocking is impossible without it)

Also check the status of the bootloader: turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power to get into Fastboot Mode. If you see the sign at the bottom of the screen that says Locked, the bootloader is locked, and you can continue.

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If you have a two-sim version of the Mi 9T Pro (model) M1903F10G), use SIM-card in the first slot - this will reduce the risk of errors when linking the account.

Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only method Xiaomi supports, but it requires patience.The process takes at least 7 days due to the mandatory wait after the account is linked.

Steps to unlock:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must be no older than 2023).
2. Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Connect Mi. 9T Pro in Fastboot mode: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. 3. Connect USB-plug-in.
4. Click Unlock in the program. If done correctly, a 168-hour wait message will appear.

After 7 days, repeat the procedure, this time unlocking will be done immediately, but many users face errors:

168-hour waiting rounds: working methods in 2026

Xiaomi has tightened controls, but some users are successfully reducing or bypassing latency altogether.These methods are informal and can lead to account lockdown, so use them at your own risk.

Ways to speed up the unlocking:

• 🔄 Reset the meter through region change: link the Mi Account to another region (e.g. India or Russia) in the profile settings, then repeat the unlock request.
• 📅 Change your PC date: Before you start the Mi Unlock Tool, set the date 7 days ahead in Windows settings.
• 🔧 Use of older Mi Unlock: Some users report success with 3.5.501.24, but it may not support newer models.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi detects an attempt to cheat the system, Mi can be blocked for 30 to 90 days.

An alternative method is the use of EDL-Emergency Download Mode and firmware via Mi Flash Tool:

• 🔌 Authorized account EDL (They are sold on forums, for example, XDA Developers)
• 📂 Firmware file for Mi 9T Pro (Fastboot version) ROM)
• 💻 Windows PC and Qualcomm 9008 drivers installed

Instructions for EDL:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and unpack the firmware.
2. Transfer the phone to EDL-regime: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-cable. 3. Hold the buttons. 10–15 seconds until the PC determines the device as QHSUSB_BULK.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash (Clean All option).

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EDL-The method unlocks the bootloader automatically, but erases all data and can result in loss of IMEI. Use it only if the official method is not available.

What to do after unlocking: the next steps

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the Mi 9T Pro will display an Orange State warning (Unlocked orange in Fastboot) which is normal and does not affect the device.

• 🔧 Install TWRP Recovery (Recommended version for Mi) 9T Pro — 3.7.0_9-0 mauronofrio).
• 📲 Sweep Magisk for root rights (use the latest stable version).
• 🌍 Install GSI-Generic System Image or Caste-based AOSP.

To install TWRP, do:

1. Download the image twrp-3.7.0_9-0-raphael.img (for Mi 9T Pro code name - raphael).
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-raphael.img
3. Immediately after the firmware reboot to the Recovery: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-raphael.img

Important: When you first run, TWRP will suggest you allow modifications to the system partition. Swipe for confirmation, otherwise you won't be able to flash Magisk or cast.

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After installation TWRP The phone is fixated on the Mi logo, try flashing it. disable_forceencrypt.zip This will disable the forced encryption of data that may conflict with custom firmware.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful unlocking, Mi 9T Pro users are facing difficulties, and the most common ones are the fixes:

1.The phone does not turn on after TWRP firmware

The reason: conflict with File-Based Encryption (FBE).

• Download. disable_forceencrypt_raphael.zip (specifically for Mi 9T Pro).
• Sweat it through TWRP immediately after installing the recaveri.
• Reset Format Data to TWRP (not Wipe, but Format!).

Error "Invalid" IMEI" after EDL-firmware

It's because of the loss. NVRAM-Restore the section. IMEI possible:

• Maui META (requires an authorized account)
• Or manually, stitching. nv_data.bin From stock firmware through Fastboot: fastboot flash nv_data nv_data.bin

3.Mi Unlock Tool gives away "Device is not supported" error

So that means that the version of the tool is outdated or the device is not recognized.

• Update the Mi Unlock Tool to the latest version.
• Try running the program in Windows 8 compatibility mode.
• Make sure that the phone is displayed as Android Bootloader Interface in Device Manager.

⚠️ Note: If banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Google Pay) stop working after unlocking the bootloader, this is due to the SafetyNet trigger.

Security and Risks: What to Know Before Unlocking

Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible process that affects:

• 🔒 Xiaomi cancels software warranty (but not hardware warranty).
• 🛡️ Security: The device becomes more vulnerable to malware.
• 📱 Functionality: some features (e.g. Mi Pay or Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) They may stop working.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔄 Regularly update custom firmware and Magisk.
• 🔍 Use only proven sources to download firmware (for example, XDA Developers or MIUI SU).
• 📌 Before experimenting, create a full backup through TWRP (backup).

If you are unsure of your skills, consider alternatives to unlocking:

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-commands to remove bloate without root.
• 📲 Install Xiaomi. ADB/Fastboot Tools for fine-tuning MIUI unlockless.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions