How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9: safe instructions with error analysis

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a process that opens up hidden Android features but risks turning a smartphone into a brick. This model, launched in 2020 with the MediaTek Helio G80 processor, has its own features of unlocking the bootloader and installing a superuser. Unlike devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon, universal tools like Magisk will not work here without pre-preparedness.

In this article, we will discuss three current methods of obtaining root rights (through official unlocking, patching boot images and alternative firmware), compare them in complexity and security, and discuss in detail the typical errors. We will focus on bypassing the Mi Account lock after a reset, a problem that affects 30% of users when unblocking correctly. If you are a beginner, start with the Preparation section, which lists all the necessary tools and conditions.

Preparing for root rights: what to do before you start

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi 9 meets the key requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: The firmware should not be older. MIUI 12.5 (new versions require bypassing additional checks). → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 70%. Unlocking process can take up to 30 minutes, and interruption due to discharge will lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
• 💻 Computer: You will need a Windows PC 10/11 (for Linux/macOS You need additional drivers. Disable the antivirus, it can block utilities like MiFlash.
• 🔐 Mi Akcount: Link the device to your Xiaomi account 72 hours before unlocking (a mandatory requirement of the company.

Download and install the following tools (links to official sources at the end of the article):

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (the C-suffix version in the model, for example) M2003J15SC), Unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without circumventing regional restrictions. → The phone. → Model.

Method 1: Official unlocking of bootloader + Magisk (recommended)

This is the most reliable way, approved by Xiaomi, but requires waiting. the company blocks the unlock on new accounts for 7 days (sometimes up to 30 days), so start the process in advance.

Steps:

1. Activate debugging on USB: Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To turn on the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)
2. Link the device to Mi Account: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link the account. Without this step, the Mi Unlock Tool won't work.
3. Unlock the bootloader: Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down). Launch Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Xiaomi account and follow the process. If a Couldn't unlock error occurs, wait 168 hours (7 days) and repeat.

Install Magisk.

• Download the latest version of Magisk.apk and rename it to.zip.
• Switch through custom recovery (for example, TWRP) Or a patch through fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

Is Mi Account Linked to the Device?|Is debugging on-line USB?|Is unlocking permitted OEM?|Battery charge >70%?|Drivers installed ADB?-->

Once you reboot, Magisk Manager will appear on the system, and check root status on it, and if it goes well, you'll see a green checkmark and a version of Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 13+ If the phone is stuck on the logo after firmware, you need to roll back to an older version via Fastboot.

Method 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP) without official unlocking

This is a good way to do this if the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader (for example, due to regional restrictions).We will exploit a vulnerability in MediaTek that allows you to temporarily access the firmware.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Quick: No need to wait 7 days.
• 🔧 Flexibility: You can flash any custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Disadvantages:

• 🚨 Soft brick risk: 15% chance of hanging on logo.
• 🔄 Repeated firmware is required after updates MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary files: 📁 Official TWRP for Redmi 9 (version 3.7.0 or newer). 📁 SP Flash Tool and MediaTek drivers (see Links section»). 📁 Magisk.zip (same version as in the first method).
2. Please. TWRP through SP Flash Tool: Unpack SP Flash Tool and Launch flash_tool.exe. In the Scatter-loading field, select the file MT6768_Android_scatter.txt archived TWRP. Check only recovery (remains removed!). Press Download, connect the phone to the PC (without pressing the buttons).

Download to TWRP

• Press Power + Volume up until the TWRP logo appears.
• In the recovery menu, select Install → specify the path to Magisk.zip → swipe for confirmation.

If the phone is stuck on the Redmi logo after firmware, try:

• 🔄 Ask me again. boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img
• 📥 Install stock firmware through MiFlash (instructions in the next section).

Method 3: Firmware custom firmware with preinstalled root

For power users who want not only root, but also pure Android without a MIUI shell. Redmi 9 has a good firmware experience:

• 🤖 LineageOS 20 (Android 13)
• 🔵 Pixel Experience (like the Google Pixel interface)
• 🟢 Havent OS (Optimized for MediaTek)

Firmware process:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see Method 1).
2. Install TWRP (see Method 2).
3. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS for Redmi 9 (lancelot)) and GApps (Google Services Package).
4. V TWRP execute: 🧹 Wipe → Advanced Wipe (tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data). 📥 Install → pick out the firmware → add GApps → swipe. 🔄 Reboot (the first launch will take place) 10-15 minute).

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Before you run custom firmware, back up the persist partition in TWRP. This will save IMEI and modem data, which can be erased when completely cleaned.

Warnings:

• 📵 Some firmware is breaking the job. NFC broadband LTE (Band 20).
• 🔋 Autonomy may fall to the 15-20% due to lack of optimization MIUI.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, Redmi 9 can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If your phone has turned into a hard brick, try to restore it through the phone. EDL-The emergency mode:

1. Download MiFlash and stock firmware for Redmi 9 (for example, lancelot_global_images_V12.5.1.0.RJCMIXM).
2. Connect the phone to the PC by holding Volume Up + Volume Down (should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008).
3. In MiFlash, select Clean All mode and flash the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: B EDL-The phone is completely erased, including IMEI data NVRAM. After recovery, repairs will be required. IMEI via Maui META or SN Writer.

What to do after obtaining root rights

Now that you have root, set up the system for security and convenience:

• 🛡️ Turn off unnecessary services MIUI: Remove bloatware (Xiaomi malware apps) via Titanium Backup or Debloater. disable telemetry collection: Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Improvement MIUI.
• ⚡ Optimize performance: Install the FrancoKernel or Perseus core for overclocking/undervolting. CPU Governor via Kernel Adiutor (we recommend an interactive profile).
• 🔒 Protect Data: Install AFWall+ To monitor application network traffic, set up automatic backup via Swift Backup (save to the SD-map).

Remember, root rights are a loss of Xiaomi warranty and security risk: Regularly check your system for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) and do not install Magisk modules from unverified sources.

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Once root is received, be sure to turn off automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Update “over the air” will result in root loss and possible brick-y.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Redmi 9