How to install root on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide with risks and life hacks

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its capabilities are limited by the stock firmware MIUI. Getting root rights opens up access to hidden functions from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires caution - a mistake can turn the phone into a "brick".

In this guide, we will go through all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk (the most reliable way to get root in 2026), you will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if something goes wrong. Importantly, for Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot), the procedure is different from other Xiaomi models - use only compatible files!

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Starting

Before you start, consider the risks and the need for root, and without good reason (such as custom firmware or data recovery), it is best not to do the procedure.

• 🔓 Warranty voids. Xiaomi doesn't officially support unlocking the bootloader.
• 📱 The data will be erased. Backup through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔧 Not all banking applications will work. Root can block Google Pay, Sberbank Online and other services with SafetyNet protection.
• 🔄 Updates MIUI You'll have to install it manually. OTA stop working.

If you are ready for these consequences, check out the Redmi 9 version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.3).
3. The model number should be M2004J19C (for the global version) or M2004J19CI (for India).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China M2004J19CG), To unlock the bootloader, you will need a Chinese Mi Account with a tied number +86 Without this step, the procedure is not possible.

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

Xiaomi lets you unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, but the process isn't as easy as it sounds.

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux The official tool is not working).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📱 Mi Account linked to phone (required with confirmed email and number!).
• 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock.
2. Link your account to your device: In the same menu for developers, find Mi Unlock Status. Click Add Account and Device (the phone must be connected to the Internet!). SMS with a confirmation code (may not come immediately).

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

• Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume down).
• Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
• Follow the instructions of the program. You usually need to wait 168 hours (7 days) after you have attached your account.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", then the account is not tied correctly. Repeat step 2 or try another Mi Account.

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) which is customized to allow you to flash Magisk and other modifications. Redmi 9 is only suitable for the special version of TWRP for the lancelot model.

Download the current version from the official website:

• 🔗 Page TWRP Redmi 9 (see file with.img extension).
• 📌 Save it in the folder with ADB and Fastboot (you can download it here).

Installation instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (as in the previous step).


2. Open the command prompt in the folder with ADB (Shift + right mouse button → "Open command window").




3. Enter a command to check the connection:


   fastboot devices


(Serial phone number should be displayed).




4. Squeeze the TWRP:


   fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img


(Replace the file name with yours).




5. Launch the Recovery:


   fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img

If it's successful, the phone will reboot to TWRP. Don't leave the Recovery! Move on to the next step right away, or the stock Recovery will overwrite the TWRP.

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a universal root tool that bypasses SafetyNet checks and allows you to use banking applications (with reservations).

• 🔗 Official Magisk repository (see file) Magisk-v26.4.zip or newer).
• 📱 Save the archive on your phone or memory card.

Installation via TWRP:

1. In the main TWRP menu, select Install.
2. Find the downloaded file Magisk-v26.4.zip and confirm the installation.
3. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first launch after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes.If the phone has been getting stuck on the Redmi logo for longer than 15 minutes, reset via TWRP (see "What to do if something went wrong").

Root rights check:

1. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play.
2. If you see the message “Root access properly installed!”, it was successful.

💡

If banking apps stop working after installing Magisk, try enabling the MagiskHide option in the Magisk settings (Configure MagiskHide section) and restart your phone.

5 Risks and how to minimize them

Even with the right instructions, there are still risks, and here are the most common problems and ways to avoid them:

To reduce the risks:

• 🔄 Always check. MD5-hash of downloaded files (for example, via Hash Droid).
• 📡 Do not install Magisk modules from unknown developers – many of them contain malicious code.
• 🔋 Watch the battery charge – if the phone runs out during firmware, it will be difficult to restore it.

6.How to remove root and return stock firmware

If you decide to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:

Method 1: Magisk (if the phone is switched on):

1. Open the Magisk app.
2. Go to Settings. → Complete removal.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Method 2: Through the Mi Flash Tool (if the phone is not turned on):

1. Download the stock firmware for Redmi 9 from Xiaomi’s website (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and select the folder with the firmware in the program.
5. Press Flash (select the clean all option for a full reset).

⚠️ Note: If after firmware stock version phone is stuck on the logo MI, Do hard reset: clamping down on the power supply + Volume up for 10 seconds, then select Wipe Data in the drain Recovery.

7. Frequent questions and answers

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Getting root on Redmi 9 is an irreversible process that is precarious and requires technical skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, consider alternatives: some features (such as uninstalling system applications) can be implemented without rooting through ADB or special applications like App Inspector.