The Xiaomi Mi 9 SE (codenamed grus) remains a popular smartphone among customization enthusiasts, despite the release of new models. Getting root rights on this device opens up access to deep system setup, removing embedded MIUI software, installing modified firmware, and even restoring bricks after unsuccessful experiments. However, the process is complicated with each new version of MIUI: since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened anti-rollback (ARB) checks, which blocks the rollback of old versions of firmware without official permission.
In this guide, we will take a look at the 2026 method of obtaining root rights with all restrictions in mind. You will learn how to properly unlock the bootloader, install the custom TWRP receptacles, bypass ARB protection (if necessary), and flash Magisk for root management. Importantly, the procedure cancels the warranty and can lead to complete loss of data - stock up on backups!
Preparation for unlocking the loader
The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can not install TWRP or Magisk. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting for confirmation.
S 2021 The company introduced a mandatory binding SIM-card to account for devices released in China (C-suffixed version in model number (grus_global) This rule does not apply, but check the firmware region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you see CN (China will need additional circumvention of restrictions.
- 📱 Check the model and region: Go to Settings → The phone. → Model, it must be. M1903F10I (global M1903F10C (China).
- 🔗 Attach Mi Account: In Settings → Sign in to Xiaomi account. Make sure your account is confirmed by email and phone.
- 🔧 Enable debugging on USB: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Tap 7 times on the build number. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM.
- 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version from the official website (Windows only).
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (version C) SIM-The card is not a Chinese operator, unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will end in the error Couldn't verify device. SIM traversal EDL-regime (risky!).
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
After preparation, connect the Mi 9 SE to your PC via USB (use the original cable!) and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. The program will automatically check the bootloader status. If you see the Added successfully message. Wait for 168 hours means you have to wait 7 days (new accounts). For old accounts (associated with the device for more than 30 days), the wait is reduced to 72 hours.
During the wait:
- ⏳ Don't log out of your Mi Account on your phone.
- 🔄 Do not reset your phone to factory settings.
- 📴 Do not connect your device to other accounts.
Upon expiration of the period:
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in to the same Mi Account.
- Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
- Connect to the PC and press Unlock in the program.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will perform a full reset (wipe). All data, including photos and apps, will be deleted.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
With the bootloader unlocked, you can start installing TWRP, a customized recavator that will allow you to flash Magisk and modified firmware. For Mi 9 SE (grus), use a special TWRP build that supports FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption, otherwise you will not be able to access the /data partition.
Download the current version of TWRP for grus from the official website twrp.me (look for a file with the.img extension).
Download TWRP for grus (.img)| Download Platform Tools (fastboot)| Copy Magisk.zip to phone | Check battery power (>50%) | Disable screen lock (PIN/password)
-->
Installation instructions:
- Unpack Platform Tools into a folder on the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
- Place the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-grus.img in the same file.
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
- Open the command prompt in the fastboot folder (press Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
- Run the command to check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-grus.img
- Immediately after the firmware reboot to TWRP: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-grus.img
If you load your phone into a standard MIUI recavator after you restart, then the TWRP firmware is not stuck. Repeat the steps, but do this before you run the firmware.
fastboot flash recovery_cow twrp-3.7.0_9-0-grus.img(For devices with Dynamic Partition).
Anti-rollback bypass (ARB) for old firmware
Since 2023, Xiaomi has implemented an anti-rollback mechanism (ARB 4.0+) that blocks installing firmware older than the current version.This makes it harder to downgrade to bypass restrictions or install custom firmware. If your Mi 9 SE has upgraded to MIUI 14/15 and you want to return to MIUI 12 for compatibility with Magisk, you will need to bypass ARB.
There are two ways:
- Official Downgrade: Xiaomi sometimes allows rollbacks to specific versions through the Mi Flash Tool (requires a developer account allowed). antirollback_index firmware.
- Informal bypass: Use of modified antirollback_index It's risky, it can lead to a brick.
| MIUI version | ARB-index | Downhraid possibility | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.5 | 3 | Yes (on MIUI 12) | Low. |
| MIUI 13 | 4 | Partially (only at 12.5) | Average. |
| MIUI 14/15 | 5 | No (no ARB bypass) | Tall. |
⚠️ Attention: Bypass ARB It can lead to a hard brick, a condition where the phone doesn't even turn on in Fastboot mode. EDL Before experimenting, make sure you have access to service tools (e.g. Mi Flash Pro with an authorized account).
What to do if your phone turns into a brick?
Install Magisk for root rights
With TWRP installed, you can flash Magisk, a root rights management tool. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip format) from the official repository on GitHub. Any version above 24.0 will work for the Mi 9 SE, but avoid alpha/beta releases.
Step-by-step:
- Copy the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip internal memory of the telephone or SD-map.
- Reboot to TWRP: Turn off the phone, press Volume up + Power.
- In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After the firmware, press Reboot System.
- Install. APK-Magisk file (download it from GitHub) and check root status in the app.
If you're rebooting your phone and you're fixating on the MIUI logo, then Magisk is in conflict with the firmware.
- Reboot to TWRP (Loudness Up + Power).
- Sweep through Magisk-uninstaller.zip (download it from GitHub).
- Install an older version of Magisk (e.g. 25.2).
💡
If after installing Magisk, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stopped working, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hiding for these applications in the Magisk settings.
Root performance check and problem solving
After successfully installing Magisk, check for root rights using the Root Checker app (available on Google Play).If the status of Root access: Yes, but some features don't work (for example, the adb shell gives a permission denied error), do:
- Open Magisk and go to Settings → Superuser → Superuser Settings.
- Make sure that MagiskSU options and Automatic Response are enabled.
- Reboot the phone.
Common problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not boot after Magisk firmware | Conflict with firmware or modules | Remove Magisk via TWRP, flash another version |
| Banking apps detect root | MagiskHide doesn't work. | Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module |
| No access to /data in TWRP | Incorrect version of TWRP (without FBE support) | Switch TWRP with FBE support (e.g. from wrzd) |
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use Google Pay or other services with SafetyNet verification, after installing Magisk, be sure to swipe the Universal SafetyNet Fix module and activate MagiskHide in the settings.
Additional Opportunities After Getting Root
Root rights for Mi 9 SE offer ample opportunities for customization:
- 🚀 Removal of embedded software: Applications MIUI (For example, com.miui.analytics can be removed via Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall. -k --user 0 packet.
- ⚡ Optimizing performance: Magisk modules like FDE.AI KernelSU allows you to fine-tune the system core.
- 🎨 Themes and design: Install Substratum or LSPosed for deep interface theme.
- 🔄 Backup and Recovery: With the help of TWRP You can create complete images of the system (nandroid backup).
To remove system applications without consequences, use the command:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
rm /system/priv-app/Unnecessary App/*.apk
mount -o ro,remount /systemReplace the Unnecessary Application with the real path (you can find out through Root Explorer).
💡
Before removing system applications, always create a backup in TWRP! Some MIUI components (e.g. com.android.cts.ctsshim) are critical for stable operation.