How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 9T: a complete guide with the nuances of 2026

The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) remains a popular smartphone among Android customization enthusiasts. Unlocking the bootloader on this device opens up access to custom firmware, root rights and modified cores. However, the process has become more complicated than in 2019-2020: Xiaomi has tightened rules, and old instructions often lead to errors or account locks.

This guide provides a step-by-step guide for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy, and will break down the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, avoiding possible errors (including Couldn’t unlock and Device is locked), as well as alternative ways for power users. Special attention is paid to new binding requirements SIM-168 hours (7 days) – This phase has become mandatory for all devices released after 2021, but indirectly affects the Mi. 9T renewal MIUI.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on the Mi 9T

The factory bootloader on Xiaomi devices is blocked by default, a restriction introduced to protect against unauthorized access, but creates problems for users who want to:

• 🔧 Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP) backup.
• 📱 Switch to alternative firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS).
• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk for deep system customization.
• 🔄 Update the device to a new version MIUI, If official updates are terminated.
• 🛠️ Restore the smartphone after “bricking” (for example, after a failed firmware).

Without an unlocked bootloader, all of these things are impossible, but it is important to understand the risks: the warranty is cancelled, and if errors occur, the device can turn into a brick. For example, interrupting unlocking during the fastboot phase often leads to a bootloop cycle.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking the Mi 9T It will be reset to factory settings, all data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. Backup in advance via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.

Preparation for Unblocking: What You Need

Before you start, gather everything you need, and the absence of at least one element can interrupt the procedure and lead to locking of the device.

Pay special attention to the Mi Account. It should be:

• 📱 Linked to the device (in the settings of the Mi Account) → Security check the status of "Device tethered»).
• 🔒 With a confirmed phone number (without this, unlocking is impossible).
• 🌍 Not from a gray region (e.g. accounts created through a VPN In China, they may be blocked).

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

From 2022, Xiaomi requires that you link your account to your device 168 hours (7 days) before unlocking, which indirectly applies to the Mi 9T if you have a MIUI newer than 12.5 installed. You can check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Instructions for binding:

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Security.
2. Click Add Device (if the Mi 9T does not appear in the list).
3. Confirm the link via SMS or email.
4. Enable data synchronization and device search (this speeds up confirmation).

⚠️ Note: If you have purchased a Mi 9T The previous owner must unplug the device from his account via i.mi.com. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible, and the smartphone may be blocked after reset.

Wait 7 days after the binding. You can't speed up the process, Xiaomi servers automatically track the time. If you try to unlock ahead of time, you will get the Couldn't unlock error. Wait for 167 hours.

Mi Account linked to device | 168 hours since linking | ADB/Fastboot Drivers Installed | Battery Charge > 60% | Data backup made-->

Step 2: Enter Fastboot Mode and Connect to PC

When the waiting period is over, you can proceed to unlock. The first step is to transfer the Mi 9T to fastboot mode:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the power and volume reduction buttons for 10-15 seconds at the same time.
3. Release the buttons when the Fastboot logo appears (an Android robot with an open belly).

Connect Mi. 9T computer-to-computer USB-Make sure the drivers are installed correctly:

• Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
• The Ports (COM and LPT) section should display Android Bootloader Interface.

If the device is not determined:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers via Mi Flash Tool or Android SDK.
• 🔒 Disable the driver signature in Windows (to do this, type in the command line on behalf of the administrator: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on, then restart the PC).

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If the Mi 9T doesn’t go to fastboot, try pressing buttons on the device that’s off and plugging in the USB cable. Sometimes the Power + Volume combination helps (but it’s a recovery mode, not a fastboot).

Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

Now run the Mi Unlock Tool (you need to download it from the official website):

1. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to the Mi 9T.
3. Connect your smartphone in fastboot mode (if the connection is successful, a Phone connected message will appear).
4. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

The unlocking process will take 1-3 minutes. Upon completion, the device will automatically restart and reset to factory settings. If it went well, fastboot will now have Unlocked (formerly Locked).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is not bound to this device, the account is not tied to the Mi. 9T A Couldn't unlock error may mean that the device does not support unlocking (for example, if it was purchased from a telecommunications operator with a link).

Alternative Unlocking Methods (If Mi Unlock Tool is Not Working)

If the official tool refuses to unlock the Mi 9T, you can try to bypass the restrictions via fastboot.This method requires command line skills and is only suitable for advanced users.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot (for example, via Android SDK).
2. Connect the Mi 9T to fastboot mode.
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and type: fastboot oem unlock
4. Confirm unlocking on the smartphone screen (if a request appears).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works even if the Mi Unlock Tool is not available.
• ✅ No 168 hours waiting (but you still have to be tied).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ High risk of ‘bricking’ if the process is interrupted.
• ❌ Some firmware MIUI This command is blocked (issues Command not allowed).

If the fastboot oem unlock command doesn’t work, try:

fastboot flashing unlock

or (for older versions of MIUI):

fastboot oem unlock-go

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Alternative fastboot commands can work if the official Mi Unlock Tool blocks unlocking due to regional restrictions or outdated firmware.However, these methods do not guarantee 100% success and can lead to a loss of warranty.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📵 SIM card: some firmware requires active SIM same region as the Mi Account.
• 🔄 Version MIUI: on older versions (below 12.0) the account binding may not work. Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔌 USB-Debugging: Include it in Settings → For developers (if the device is still turned on).

What to do after unlocking the loader

When the bootloader is unlocked, you have new opportunities, but you also have risks. Here's what you can do next:

• 🔧 Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP): Download the image TWRP for Mi 9T (Davinci model) from twrp.me.Swipe through fastboot with the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
• 📱 Swipe custom firmware: Download firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience). TWRP And do the Wipe. → Format Data. Install the firmware through Install.

root-right

1. Download Magisk from GitHub.
2. Sweep Magisk.zip through TWRP.

To get back the official firmware, download Fastboot-ROM for Mi 9T from Xiaomi’s website and run through the Mi Flash Tool.

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Unlocking the bootloader is just the first step. Install custom firmware will require an unlocked bootloader, custom recovery and properly selected firmware files for the davinci model (codenamed Mi 9T).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions