Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 have a powerful hardware, but software constraints often prevent them from reaching their full potential. Many users face intrusive advertising in system applications, the inability to remove preinstalled software or the desire to fine-tune the system to themselves, which requires obtaining root rights that grant administrative access to the Android file system.
The procedure for obtaining superuser rights on Redmi devices has become more difficult in recent years due to the strengthening of the security measures of MIUI and HyperOS. You will have to go through the unlock of the bootloader, which requires waiting and binding the account, and then correctly implement the modified boot image. Errors at any stage can lead to data loss or software failures, so it is important to carefully study the theoretical part before starting practical actions.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at every step of the process, from tool preparation to final system health checks, how to get around manufacturer restrictions, install Magisk rights manager, and avoid the typical problems that beginners face. Prepare for the process to take time and care, but the result is worth it.
Before you start modifying your firmware, you need to understand the risks and prepare your workplace, you need a Windows computer, an original or quality USB cable, and a stable Internet connection, and without these basic conditions, you can't do any further manipulation or you can stop at the most inopportune moment.
It is worth noting that obtaining root rights automatically voids the warranty on the device in most service centers. In addition, some banking applications and contactless payment services may stop working without additional security settings.
Preparation of the smartphone and the necessary tools
The first step is to carefully prepare the software environment, and you need to download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, which provide debugging communication between your PC and your smartphone, and without the drivers installed correctly, your computer will not see the device in the right mode.
You also need specialized firmware software. For Xiaomi devices, the de facto standard is the Mi Unlock Tool, which is required to unlock the bootloader. In addition, you should download the current version of Magisk Manager in APK format, since this tool will manage the rights of the superuser.
- 📱 Redmi Note 9 with a battery charge of at least 60%
- 💻 Computer with Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers installed
- 🔌 Original. USB-wire-line
- ☁️ Mi Accounts linked to your device at least 7 days ago
The important thing is to back up all the data, and unlocking the bootloader involves completely resetting the device to factory settings, and all your photos, contacts, and apps will be deleted, so transfer important information to the cloud or external drive beforehand.
Remember to turn on the developer mode on the smartphone itself. You need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone section, after which the hidden item "For developers" will appear in the menu. USB-debugging and unlocking OEM.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader is a key step without which installing a modified backup or root rights is impossible. Xiaomi has implemented this measure to protect users from installing malware, but for enthusiasts it is only a temporary obstacle.
Once an account is tied, you have to wait a certain period of time, which is usually between 7 and 168 hours, during which time Xiaomi servers check the device for suspicious activity, and trying to unlock the bootloader ahead of time will lead to an error indicating the remaining waiting time.
⚠️ Warning: During the unlock process, all data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted. Make sure you backup important files before running the Mi Unlock utility.
To start the procedure, switch your smartphone to Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool program. After logging into your Mi Account, click the Unlock button and wait for the process to be completed, which can take several minutes.
Successful unlocking is confirmed by the corresponding message in the program and the appearance of the Fastboot logo with the image of a rabbit repairing an android on the smartphone screen. From now on, the bootloader protection system is weakened, and you can interfere with the system partitions.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Recovery Recovery menu does not allow installing third-party components, so it needs to be replaced with a custom one. The most popular and stable solution for the Redmi Note 9 is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which has a user-friendly touch interface and supports the installation of zip archives and images.
The installation process requires precision, as firmware on the wrong version of the recovery can lead to a "brickle" device. You need to find a recovery.img image created specifically for the code name of your model (for example, merlin for the global version).
Installation is done via a computer using the command line. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode and enter a command to temporarily download the image, or use the command to constantly firmware the recovery partition. After successful recording, you must immediately go to recovery mode by holding the key combination.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-merlin.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-merlin.imgAfter downloading to TWRP, it is recommended to encrypt the data partition if necessary, or, conversely, remove the encryption for full access to files. The interface allows you to do full backups of the system (Nandroid backup), which is an excellent insurance before further experiments.
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
The final step is to implement the rights manager Magisk. Unlike the old methods, modern Magisk works on the principle of systemless, that is, it does not make changes to the system partition, which allows you to bypass some security checks. To install you will need a file image boot.img from the stock firmware of your version of the software.
The idea is to patch the boot partition image, you have to copy the original boot.img to your phone, open the Magisk Manager app, select Installation, and specify the path to the file, and the program will create a modified version of the file, which you then need to flash through Fastboot.
- 📂 Copy. boot.img smartphone-memory
- 🔧 Open Magisk and click "Install» → «Select and flash the file»
- 💾 File received magisk_patched.img transfer to the PC
- 🚀 The team is called fastboot flash boot. magisk_patched.img
After you patch the image and reboot it, you should see a Magisk icon. When you first start, the app may request additional downloads of components, you'll agree. The green "Installed" plaque with the version confirms that you've been successful in obtaining superuser rights.
Now you can install modules, remove system applications and control other programs’ access to root rights. Magisk Hide (or its analogue in new versions – DenyList) allows you to hide the fact that root rights are from banking applications, although the fight against detection continues constantly.
☑️ Verification of successful installation
Security setting and hiding root rights
Administrator privileges open doors not only for you, but also for potential threats, and make the device visible to applications that refuse to work on modified systems. Banking services and anti-cheat games require a smart set of concealment. In newer versions of Magisk, this feature is called DenyList.
Activate Zygisk in Magisk’s settings and add all banking apps, Google Pay, and other sensitive services to the exclusion list, which will prevent code embedding modules into the processes of those applications, which are often used to detect root rights.
⚠️ Warning: Even with covert applications, some applications may not work, and be prepared to look for additional modules or put up with limitations in individual services.
It is also recommended to install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module (or its current counterparts for the use of the standard). 2026 year), which helps to verify the integrity of the system SafetyNet/Play Without it, many applications may refuse to run, claiming that the device is not certified.
Keep Magisk updated regularly and keep up with the news in the community. Security bypassing techniques are constantly changing, and what worked yesterday may not be effective today. Be prepared to fine-tune and experiment with configuration files.
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of modifying the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, users often face typical problems, one of the most common is a “bootloop” (cyclic reboot), which can occur if an incompatible boot image is stitched or the system partition is damaged, in which case a return to stock firmware via Fastboot helps.
Another problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is broken after installing a customized backup, often due to differences in (partitions) between regional firmware versions, and the solution is to run a full set of firmware with user data saved (fastboot update option).
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclical reboot | Incompatible boot.img | Firmware stock image via Fastboot |
| No Internet access | DNS or APN error | Resetting network settings or flashing modem |
| Fingerprints are not working. | TWRP driver conflict | Update TWRP or return stock Recovery |
| Banking applications are not working | Root-right detection | Set up DenyList and Zygisk in Magisk |
If the device has stopped responding to commands and is not turned on (Hard Brick), you may need to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode. Entering this mode on the Redmi Note 9 often requires disassembling the case and closing contacts on the board, or using special ADB commands if the bootloader has not already been completely damaged.
Always have a link to the official firmware for your model on hand. Being able to quickly roll back to factory status is the main skill that will save you from losing the device forever. Don't be afraid to experiment, but always have a departure plan.
What is EDL mode and when is it needed?
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Save the original boot.img right after unpacking the firmware. This is the only way to quickly restore the system to work in case of a bug in the Magisk patching, without re-downloading the entire firmware archive.
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Successful root-rights installation is a balance between getting advanced features and keeping the system stable. Always check file compatibility before firmware.