How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from unlocking the bootloader to Magisk

Why do you need root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9?

Obtaining super-user rights on Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires careful attention. With root, you can uninstall MIUI system applications, install custom firmware, overclock the processor, or transfer applications to a memory card. However, with the opportunities come risks: loss of warranty, security vulnerabilities, and a potential device “brick” if errors occur.

The process of getting root on Xiaomi is different from other brands because of the blocked bootloader. You will have to go through 3 key stages: unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool, installing custom recovery (TWRP), and only then Magisk firmware for root rights management. In this article, the current steps for 2026 are taking into account the features of Redmi 9 (including Android 10/11 versions with MIUI 12-14).

⚠️ Critical warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone, including photos in internal memory, will be reset. Xiaomi also links the account to the device for 72 hours after unlocking - during this period, a repeat procedure will not be possible.

Preparation: What you need before starting

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) battery-charged ≥ 60%.
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (Mi Unlock requires official Xiaomi software).
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cable (faulty cable - a common cause of Couldn't unlock error).
• 🔐 Mi Account tied to phone (unblocking is impossible without it).
• 📁 Backup data (unlocking erases everything, including the folder) DCIM!).

Also download in advance:

• 🔧 Official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
• 📦 TWRP Redmi 9 (Select the Lancelot version).
• 🛡️ The latest version of Magisk (at the time of writing — v26.4).

Note: If your Redmi 9 is purchased in China (the global version has Global labeled in settings), the unlocking process can take up to 360 hours due to Xiaomi's policy for Chinese devices. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock

This is the longest stage – Xiaomi requires proof of ownership of the device, which takes from 72 hours (for global versions) to 15 days (for Chinese versions).

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu – the Developer Item will appear.
2. Turn on USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu. Important: If the OEM Unlock option is inactive, check if the Mi Account is linked to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, select File Transfer mode and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC, log in with the same Mi Account you have on your phone. Follow the program instructions. If you see a message called Couldn't unlock. Wait for 168 hours, wait until the deadline expires.

Developer options activated

USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled

Phone tied to Mi Account

The latest Mi Unlock Tool is installed

Backup of all data.-->

A critical detail for Redmi 9: if the phone is stuck on the MI logo after unlocking, don't panic - that's OK. Turn it off with a long press of Power + Vol Up, then turn it on to Fastboot (Power + Vol Down) mode.

Step 2: Installation of TWRP Recovery

Standard recovery from Xiaomi does not allow you to sew custom ZIP-files, so we'll need to TWRP — Alternative Recovery with Root Support.

Instructions:

1. Downloaded file TWRP (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-lancelot.img) rename recovery.img and put it in a folder with fastboot (usually) C:\platform-tools).
2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open PowerShell window here) and execute: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
3. The phone will reboot to TWRP. Don't restart it to the system! Immediately go to Magisk firmware (step 3), otherwise MIUI will reboot TWRP on the first boot.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after TWRP, try slamming Power + Vol Up for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If it doesn't work, repeat the TWRP firmware from a clean fastboot (without restarting to the system!).

Step 3: Magisk firmware to get root

Now that we have TWRP, you can install Magisk, a root rights management tool that bypasses SafetyNet checks (important for banking applications).

Procedure:

1. Download a Magisk file (e.g., Magisk-v26.4.zip) to your phone or flash drive.
2. In TWRP, click Install, select the Magisk file and swipe for confirmation.
3. After installation, press Reboot System. The first download can take up to 10 minutes.
4. Check for root with the Root Checker app.

⚠️ Warning: If banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) stop working after installing Magisk, enable MagiskHide and Enforce DenyList options in your Magisk settings, then add problematic applications to the exclusion list.

Problems After Getting Root and Solving Them

Even if root is successfully installed, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Phone constantly reboots: Most likely conflict of Magisk modules. boot up in TWRP, Remove all modules in Magisk → Modules and reboot.
• 📵 Mobile network not working: Flow through TWRP patch for modem (see for on-line) 4PDA Redmi 9 modem fix fix).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Disable modules associated with overclocking of the processor (Kernel Audiutor, Performance Mode) in Magisk).
• 🛡️ SafetyNet: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.

Important for Redmi 9: If navigation gestures stop working after getting root, reset MIUI settings to Settings → Additional → Reset (without deleting data).

How to get it back: root removal and bootloader lock

If you need to return your phone to its original state (for example, for warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

1. Uninstall the Magisk menu (Magisk → Uninstall → Complete Uninstall).
2. Previous PostPrevious Xiaomi’s Original Recovery with fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img (file stock_recovery.img You can get it from the official firmware for Redmi. 9)
3. Block the bootloader with the command: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Warning: This command will completely erase all data on the phone, including internal memory!

Once the bootloader is locked, the phone will return to factory status, but note: the unlock counter in the Mi Account will remain. Xiaomi may refuse warranty repair if it sees signs of unlocking.

💡

Before blocking the bootloader, make sure that the phone has the official MIUI firmware installed. Castom firmware (for example, LineageOS) when blocking the bootloader will lead to a "brick" of the device!

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Redmi 9