Many owners of budget but productive smartphones, such as Xiaomi Redmi 9, sooner or later face the desire to expand the functionality of their device. the standard shell MIUI, despite its popularity, has a number of limitations that prevent enthusiasts from squeezing the maximum out of the hardware. Obtaining the right superuser (Root) opens access to system files, allows you to delete undeleteable software and fine-tunate the processor.
But it is not without risks: Interfering with the boot system requires careful and careful follow-up; wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty, blocking of banking applications or, in the worst case, turning the device into a brick, so before any manipulations, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current method of obtaining administrator rights through Magisk, which is the gold standard in the world of Android modifications. We will go from unlocking the bootloader to the first successful superuser verification, paying special attention to the security of your data.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start technical manipulation, it is important to prepare the working environment. You will need the Redmi 9 smartphone itself, a computer based on Windows, Linux or macOS, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-It is not recommended to use cheap cables "only for charging", as they may not provide stable data transfer, which is critical when firmware.
You need to install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, without which your computer will not be able to communicate correctly with your phone in bootloader mode, and you should also download the latest version of the Platform Tools platform from the official Android developer website.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, So that the sudden shutdown does not interrupt the critical process.
- 💾 Make a full backup of all important data, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the memory.
- 🔗 Use the original. USB-cable or certified analogue with data transmission support.
Pay special attention to the Mi Account. To unlock the bootloader, Xiaomi requires binding SIM-Maps and expectations for a specific time period (usually 7 to 168 hours) Make sure that the developer settings include Factory Unlock and account status allows proceed.
☑️ Checklist before start
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
The first and mandatory step is unlocking the bootloader, which is the only legal way to access the system partition on Xiaomi devices, initiated through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility, which you need to run on your computer.
⚠️ Attention: The procedure to unlock the bootloader will completely delete all data from the internal drive of the smartphone (photos, contacts, applications.
Once you have your smartphone in Fastboot mode (clutching Volume Down + Power buttons) and connected to your PC, the utility will show lock status. If you are "Locked", press the "Unlock" button. The process can take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and begin to clean up the data.
It is important to understand that after unlocking some security features, such as Widevine. L1, They may stop working, which will lead to a decrease in the quality of streaming in the HD-Services (Netflix, Disney)+). In addition, the applications of banks may require additional settings for work.
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool is frozen?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
To implement superuser rights, standard recovery is not enough, since it does not allow you to make changes to system files. We will need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) - custom recovery menu with advanced functionality.
First, find and download the current.img image for your Redmi 9 model (codenamed Lancelot). Using the image from another model is strictly forbidden and can lead to permanent damage. Once you download the image, place it in the folder with ADB tools on your computer.
Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and type in the command to run the recovery firmware:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-lancelot.imgImmediately after you execute the command, don’t let the phone boot into the system in the usual way. Use the Volume Up + Power button combination to log into the newly installed TWRP. If you boot into Android, stock recovery can automatically replace TWRP back.
- 🔍 Make sure the downloaded version is TWRP Compatible with MediaTek Helio processor G80.
- 🚫 Do not reboot to the system immediately after the firmware TWRP without prior preparation.
- 📂 The Magisk firmware file must have already been copied to internal memory or SD-map.
Magisk firmware and getting Root access
Now, to the most important thing, Magisk installation, it's a modern root access solution that works on the principle of systemless, that is, not modifies system partition directly, which increases stability and allows you to hide rights from some applications.
On the menu. TWRP Select Install. In the file manager that opens, find the previously saved ZIP-Magisk firmware archive (for example, Magisk-v26.0.apk, Renamed.zip, or ready-made zip file. Confirm the swipe slider selection.
The installation process will take a few seconds. Once it's completed, the message "Successful" will appear. Now you need to select the Reboot System, and the first boot may take longer than usual, which is normal, the system is optimizing.
| Phase | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TWRP launch | Entrance to the recovery menu |
| 2 | Choice of ZIP Magisk | Firmware file search |
| 3 | Swipe for installation | Introduction of SU binarys |
| 4 | Reboot. | Launching Android with Root |
After you load your desktop, find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. If it appears and the version number appears in the top line, then the superuser rights have been successfully established.
💡
Magisk Manager automatically manages access rights: When you first start an application that requires Root, a permission or ban request will appear on the screen.
License Check and Security Setup
To make sure that the installation is correct, you can use specialized utilities, such as Root Checker. Launch the application and click the Verify Root button. If you see a green screen with congratulations, then the binary su file is working properly.
But getting a license is only half the battle, and it's important to set up security, especially if you're using banking apps. In Magisk, turn on Zygisk and add the apps to the Denilist to keep them from being modified.
Also, disable USB debugging in the developer menu when not in use, which will reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the device in the event of loss or theft, and update Magisk regularly to the latest stable version to close vulnerabilities.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The Xiaomi Redmi 9 modification process doesn’t always go smoothly. Users may experience a bootloop, where the phone is constantly restarted without reaching the desktop. In this case, don’t panic: go to TWRP and try to make Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
If the problem persists, it is possible that the Magisk version is incompatible with your Android version. Try rolling back to the previous firmware version or using the Uninstall feature inside the Magisk app (if you have access to the system).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped responding to buttons and doesn’t turn on (brick mode), try pressing the buttons Volume Down + Meals for food 15-20 If the Fastboot mode is not activated, you will need to disassemble and close the test points (Test Point) to enter the mode. EDL.
A common problem is a broken fingerprint or camera after installing a Root. This is often associated with damage to the persist or modem partitions. Always backup these partitions through TWRP before any manipulation.
💡
Keep the serial number (IMEI) and MAC-Addresses in a secure location before unlocking, and if the network modules fail, it will be extremely difficult to restore them without a backup.