The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, remains a popular device among Android enthusiasts thanks to its powerful hardware (Snapdragon 855 processor, 6/8 GB of RAM) and active support for the custom community. However, since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its policy of unlocking the bootloader, and in 2026 the process has become even more difficult due to the new restrictions of Mi Account and anti-rollbacks. This article will help you understand how to legally obtain developer status, unlock the bootloader and install alternative software - taking into account all the current nuances.
It’s important to understand that the journey from a standard user to a developer on the Mi 9 includes several mandatory steps, from enabling Developer Options to installing a customized recovery (TWRP) and firmware, each step requires preparation: for example, unlocking the bootloader will require a device-linked Mi Account with a confirmed phone number and a wait of 72–168 hours (depending on region).
Preparation of the device: activation of the developer mode
Before you start unlocking, you need to activate hidden settings for developers, a step that is mandatory for all subsequent manipulations, from debugging by ADB to unlocking the bootloader.
Instructions for Xiaomi Mi 9 (relevant to MIUI 12/13/14):
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will receive a notification “You became a developer”).
- Return to the main Settings menu, and a new section for developers will appear.
Inside For Developers, include the following options:
- 🔧 Debugging by USB (Allows you to control the device from the PC through ADB).
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM (critical to unlock the bootloader; if there is no option, see spoiler below).
- 🔄 Factory Unlocking (in some versions) MIUI Mi Unlock status is called Mi Unlock status).
What to do if there is no “OEM Unlock” item?
⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi blocks unlocking OEM, If the device is tied to an account with Find Device enabled. Before starting the procedure, disable this option in the security settings! 2. Unlock the bootloader: the official way through Mi Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 9 is blocked by default. To unlock it, you will need official Mi Unlock Tool software and a Mi Account tied to the device for at least 7 days (from 2026 this rule applies to all regions). Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (version must be at least 5.5.224.51 for compatibility with the official website). MIUI Sign in to your Mi Account on your phone and to your Mi Unlock tool on your PC (use the same account!). Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press the Power. + Loudness down). Run the unlock in the Mi Unlock Tool and wait until it is completed (usually takes a lot of time). 1–3 Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted! Link Mi Account to the phone (minimum) 7 Disable Find Device in security settings Download Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version Install drivers ADB/Fastboot Make a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages)--> ⚠️ Attention: C 2023 Xiaomi has introduced a limit on the number of unlocks for one account – no more 3 If you exceed the limit, your account will be blocked. 30 days. 3. Installation TWRP: custom-recavator TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery that allows you to install custom firmware, make backups and get root access. For Xiaomi Mi. 9 (codename cepheus, there is a stable version TWRP 3.7.0, But it needs to be installed correctly: 📱 Firmware TWRP for cepheus (download from the official website). 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools). 🔑 Disable Force Encryption (Zip file to disable encryption, otherwise) TWRP Installation instructions: Unpack the platform-tools into the root of the disk C:\. Move the file. twrp-3.7.0-cepheus.img Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-cepheus.img Immediately after the firmware go to TWRP, feeding + Volume up (otherwise, stock firmware will over-expose the Recovery!) TWRP Disable Force Encryption (otherwise, you will not have access to it) /data). fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-cepheus.img It'll temporarily load. TWRP, Then you can make it permanent.--> 4. Getting root rights: Magisk and its alternatives Root access gives full control over the system, but deprives of warranties and can disrupt the operation of some applications (for example, banking). 9 The most reliable way is to install Magisk through the TWRP. Algorithm of Action: Download the Last Magisk-v26.4.zip From GitHub. Move the file to your phone (e.g., to SD-map ADB Push. TWRP Choose Install → Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash. After installation, restart and check root through the Magisk Manager app. Alternative methods (if Magisk doesn't work): 🛠️ SuperSU (Old, but Suitable for Older Firmware). 🔧 KernelSU (requires a custom core, such as Radiant Kernel for cepheus). ⚠️ Note: Starting with Android 13, some Magisk modules can cause system freezes. Check compatibility on the forum before installing XDA Developers. LineageOS|Pixel Experience|MIUI Pro (castom)|Stock-stock MIUI root|Another.--> 5. Custom firmware installation: from LineageOS to Pixel Experience Castom firmware allows you to upgrade the Mi 9 to the latest versions of Android (for example, Android 14), improve performance or remove unnecessary Xiaomi services. Below is a comparison of popular options: Firmware version of Android Pros of LineageOS Cons 14 Clean Android, stable operation No branded Xiaomi features (eg Game Turbo) Pixel Experience 13 Interface like Google Pixel, quick updates Sometimes camera bugs (required) ANX Camera) MIUI Pro 12.5 (Modified) All Xiaomi features are saved + Optimization Closed source code, possible "asses" General instructions for firmware: Download firmware (for example, lineage-21-20260510-UNOFFICIAL-cepheus.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services). TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Sweep through the firmware, then GApps (if required). Reboot (the first run may take a while to run). 10–15 minute). 💡Before you install custom software, be sure to check compatibility with your region’s modem! For example, firmware for cepheus (global version) may not work on the cepheus_in (Indian version) due to differences in radio modules. 6. Problem Solving: Brick, bootloop and Errors Even with accurate follow-up to instructions, there may be failures: 🔄 Bootloop (cyclical reboot): Reason: Incompatible firmware or error in Magisk installation.Solution: boot into TWRP, Run stockware through Fastboot or restore backup. 🚨 Hard brick (phone not turned on): Cause: damage to the boot or recovery partition. Solution: use the Mi Flash Tool and run the official firmware in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account). 📵 No network after firmware: Reason: modem mismatch or no persist files. Solution: Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Modem NON-HLOS.bin ⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped turning on after a failed firmware, DO NOT try to charge it - it could damage the power controller.First try logging in to Fastboot (hold power). + Loudness down 20–30 seconds). 7. After-firmware optimization: battery, performance, camera Castom firmware often requires additional customization for maximum impact: 🔋 Battery: Install the Magisk Battery Charge Limit module to limit the charge to 80% extend the battery life. ⚡ Performance: Activate Force GPU Rendering in Settings → For developers and install a custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel). 📸 Camera: For Mi 9 fitting ANX Camera or GCam with a config by Celso Azevedo. Recommended Magisk modules for Mi 9: Module Designation Link ViPER4Android Improvement of sound (levelizer, effects) XDA LSpeed Optimizes System Speed XDA FAQ: Answers to frequent questions: Can you unlock a bootloader without waiting 7 days? No, since 2026 Xiaomi has strictly controlled this rule. The only legal way is to wait or buy a device with an already unlocked bootloader (for example, on AliExpress marked "Unlocked Bootloader"). Download the cepheus stockware from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater, then run it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. After that, the bootloader will remain unlocked, but all data will be erased. TWRP phone asks for password? This is because of the encryption enabled. FBE (File-Based Encryption.Solution: Click Disable Force Encryption at TWRP. Or do formatting data via fastboot format:ext4 userdata (all data will be deleted!) What are the risks of obtaining root rights? Main risks: Loss of warranty (even if you return the stock firmware, Xiaomi can determine whether it is unlocked by logs). Inability to use certain applications (e.g. Google Pay, banking applications with SafetyNet verification), security vulnerabilities (root gives full access to the system, which can use malware). To minimize risks, use MagiskHide and SafetyNet modules. Where to look for current firmware and modules for Mi 9? Best sources: XDA Developers (section Mi 9) - official and unofficial firmware. Mi 9 Telegram channel - news and discussions in Russian. GitHub Magisk is the latest version of root solutions. Avoid little-known sites, which often contain firmware with viruses or stripped-down functionality.