Unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Redmi Note 9 bootloader: a complete guide with the nuances of 2026

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 and Redmi Note 9 is a must for custom firmware installation, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, there are risks ranging from loss of warranty to full buildup of the smartphone if you break the sequence. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened the unlock requirements, so the old instructions often don’t work.

This article provides a useful tool for the latest changes in company policy, including bypassing account binding restrictions, working with the Mi Unlock Tool and solving common errors. We will understand why some devices lock for 72-168 hours, how to speed up the process and what to do if the program gives a “Couldn’t unlock” error.

⚠️ Critical warning: After unlocking the bootloader, the Redmi smartphone 9/Note 9 It automatically performs a hard reset. All data — photos, contacts, messages — will be permanently deleted. Backup in advance via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC.

Another nuance: Xiaomi can block Mi accounts if it suspects suspicious activity (such as frequent attempts to unlock different devices from the same IP). To avoid this, use the official method and do not resort to “gray” schemes with bypassing waiting.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9/Note 9

Xiaomi’s factory bootloader is locked by default, a measure of protection against unauthorized access to system partitions, but the lock creates restrictions for power users:

• 🔧 Install custom firmware: Without unlocked bootloader, you can not flash LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS.
• 🛠️ Root access: Unblocking is required to obtain superuser rights (Magisk, SuperSU.
• 🔄 Recovery after crashes: If the smartphone is stuck on the Mi logo or went to the bootloop, the unlocked bootloader allows you to flash stock firmware through Fastboot.
• 📱 Software Testing: Developers and Testers Need Unlocking to Debug Applications at Low Level.

On the other hand, unlocking deprives you of some security features:

• 🔒 Theft protection: With an unlocked bootloader, an attacker can reset Mi Account even without a password.
• 🛡️ Malware risk: Viruses get more opportunities to be introduced into system partitions.
• 📉 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi's official service centers refuse to repair devices with unlocked bootloader.

Important: On the Redmi Note 9 (Merlin model) and Redmi 9 (Lancelot model), the unlocking process is identical, but the firmware and driver versions may differ. → The phone. → Model).

Requirements before unlocking: what to prepare

Before starting the process, make sure that all the preconditions are met, and failure to comply with them is the main cause of the error "Couldn't verify device" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device."

Mandatory conditions:

• 📱 Device: Xiaomi Redmi 9 (lancelot) or Redmi Note 9 (merlin) with battery charge ≥ 60%.
• 💻 Computer: PC with Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit). Nana macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not working.
• 🔌 Cable: Original USB-Xiaomi cable (cheap analogues can cause connection errors).
• 🔑 Mi Account: Registered and confirmed Xiaomi account (at least 7 days linked to your device).
• 📥 Drivers: Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from the Xiaomi website or through the Mi Flash Tool).

Additional recommendations:

• 🌐 Internet: Stable network connection (unlocking requires verification by Xiaomi server).
• ⏳ Time: Unlocking can take anywhere from 72 to 168 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
• 📝 Backup: Save all important data – once unlocked, the phone will be reset.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously used unofficial unlocking methods (for example, through the EDL), Mi Account could be labeled as suspicious, in which case unlocking through the official tool will not be possible – you will need to create a new account and wait 30 days.

Link your Mi Account to your device (Settings → Mi Account)

Enable debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap → For developers → Debugging by USB)

Enable OEM unlocking (Settings → Developers → Unlock OEM)

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com-->

Step-by-step: how to unlock the bootloader

The unlocking process consists of 4 steps: device preparation, account binding, Mi Unlock Tool launch and directly unlock. Follow the instructions in strict order - skipping steps will lead to errors.

Step 1: Enable the developer mode and debugging over USB

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Tap the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu, select Additional settings → For developers.
4. Activate switches: Debugging over USB OEM Unlock (important item!) Factory Unlocking (if any)

Step 2: Linking your Mi Account to your device

1. In the same menu for developers, find the item Unlock status Mi and tap it.
2. Click Add Account and Device.
3. Enter your Mi Account details (login and password) and the device will be linked to your account.
4. Important: Wait at least 7 days (sometimes up to 15) after the binding, and try to unlock sooner will lead to the error "You need to wait X hours".

Step 3: Install Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only).
2. Install the program by following the instructions of the installation wizard.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off your smartphone. Press Power button + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Step 4: Unlocking the bootloader

1. After successful login, the program will determine the connected device.
2. Press Unlock (unlock).
3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.
4. Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes) and the phone will automatically restart and reset.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock. Your device isn't supported by Mi Unlock" error, it means that the device is not unlocked:

• You are using the wrong version of the program (download the latest from the official website).
• The device is not tied to your account (check status in Settings → For developers).
• Mi Account is blocked for suspicious activity (you need to create a new one).

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users encounter errors, and here is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If none of the solutions worked, try:

• 🔄 Change the version MIUI: Sometimes unlocking only works on specific builds (e.g., Global Stable, but not China Developer).
• 📡 Use the other IP: If Xiaomi has blocked your IP For frequent requests, connect via mobile Internet or VPN.
• ⏳ Waiting longer: In 2026, waiting times sometimes increase to 168 hours (7 days).

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a device incompatibility error, try flashing the latest version of MIUI through Fastboot and then re-unlock. To do this, download the firmware from MIUI Download and use the Mi Flash Tool.

What to do after successful unblocking

Once you unlock the bootloader, your Redmi 9/Note 9 will be completely reset, and you can now start installing custom firmware or obtaining root rights, but first follow a few important steps:

1. Checking the status of the loader

• Turn off your phone and go to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
• Connect to your PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
• If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the unlock is successful.

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

• Download TWRP for your model (lancelot or merlin) from the official TWRP website.
• Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

3. Obtaining root rights (Magisk)

• Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub.
• Download to TWRP and search Magisk.zip.
• Restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Note: After installing Magisk, some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to root detection. To get around this, use the MagiskHide Props Config module or Universal SafetyNet Fix.

💡

Once the bootloader is unlocked, never update the firmware through OTA (over the air)! This will result in the bootloader being blocked again. All updates must be installed manually via TWRP or Fastboot.

How to return the boot loader lock (if necessary)

If you decide to sell the phone or return it to the service center, you can lock the bootloader back.

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all_lock.bat (Windows).
3. Download your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect to the PC and launch it. flash_all_lock.bat.
5. Wait for the firmware to be completed. The phone will automatically restart with the bootloader locked.

⚠️ Important: This method will completely reset the device and delete all data, including internal memory (userdata). TWRP and Magisk (if any) if established).

If you want to unlock the bootloader again after locking, you will have to wait 30 days – this is Xiaomi’s rule for re-unblocking.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions