How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S: a detailed guide with error analysis

Why you need root rights on the Redmi Note 9S and what risks they carry

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S (codename curtana) opens up access to Android system files, allowing you to remove embedded apps, optimize performance, and install modified firmware. However, the process is not as simple as it seems: it requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a customized backup, and working with ADB/Fastboot — tools that, if used incorrectly, can turn a smartphone into a “brick.”

The main reasons why users decide to root Redmi Note 9S:

• 🚀 System garbage and bloatware removal (e.g. Mi Browser, GetApps, Mi Video)
• 🔧 Installation of Magisk modules for advanced functionality (e.g, ViPER4Android for sound or Greenify to save battery)
• 🎯 The possibility of a full backup system through TWRP Or OrangeFox.
• 🔓 Overcoming restrictions MIUI (For example, blocking the background activity of applications)

But there is a downside: unlocking a bootloader on Xiaomi officially voids the warranty, and improper actions can lead to a loss of IMEI or network problems.In addition, some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Google Pay) can stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger. Before you go on, make sure you really need root rights - many tasks (such as disabling ads in MIUI) can be solved without them.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking the bootloader

Before you start unlocking, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to soft-brick (when the device is turned on but not booted) or even hard-brick (complete failure).

One is to back up all your data completely. Unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 9S results in a complete device reset (wipe). Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or physical copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (can be saved through Google Account)
• 🎮 Game savers (use Helium or manual backup)

The second is to check the MIUI version. At the time of writing (2026), current global and European firmware for the Redmi Note 9S is based on Android 12 (MIUI 14). Outdated versions (e.g., MIUI 11 on Android 10) may have vulnerabilities or not support the latest versions of Magisk. Update the system through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Please note: if your Redmi Note 9S purchased in China (suffixed version) CN In the model, unlocking the bootloader may require additional steps, including waiting for 7.+ Days after an account is assigned to Mi. Global versions are usually unlocked faster.

Third, install the necessary tools on the PC:

Backup all data | Update MIUI to the latest version | Download Mi Unlock Tool and ADB| Make sure the battery is charged >70% | Disable all antiviruses on PC-->

Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader legally, but the process requires you to link your Mi Account and wait (usually 72-168 hours).

1. Activate the Developer Mode:

Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. After that, in Settings → Additional option For Developers will appear.

2. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking:

In the Developer Menu, activate:

- USB debugging.

Unlocking OEM (can be called Factory Unlocking)

Installation via USB (optional but recommended)

3. Link your Mi Account to your device:

Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool won’t work. Make sure the account is free of restrictions (for example, it’s not new or blocked).

4. Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool:

Install Xiaomi USB Drivers (unless Windows finds them automatically).

- Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.

Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.

At the stage of testing the device, the phone will reboot to Fastboot (a black screen with a rabbit and the words FASTBOOT).

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock, try again later" error, it means you have to wait. It usually takes 3-7 days from the first account link.

Completion of the release:

After a successful wait (the status in the Mi Unlock Tool will change to "Unlocked"), the bootloader will be unlocked. The phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

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Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official way, but it requires patience. Do not use “circumvent” methods (for example, through EDL) – they are risky and can lead to blocking IMEI.

Installation of custom recavery (TWRP) on the Redmi Note 9S

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install a customized backup such as TWRP or OrangeFox. This is necessary for further installation of Magisk (root rights manager). A special TWRP build is suitable for the Redmi Note 9S (curtana), since the standard one may not support data encryption.

Instructions for installing TWRP:

1. Download the latest twrp-3.x.x-x-curtana.img from the official website.
2. Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
4. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-curtana.img
5. After successful firmware reboot to the Recovery team: fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-curtana.img

If after the reboot TWRP request a password (due to data encryption), enter your PIN-the code or pattern lock you used in the MIUI. If you forget your password, you will have to make Format Data (will result in the loss of all data on the internal drive!).

⚠️ Attention: Some assemblies TWRP For the Redmi Note 9S It can work incorrectly with Android 12.+. If after installing the recovery phone is fixated on the logo MI, Try an alternative version of the XDA Developers.

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After installation TWRP The phone is not loaded into the system, try flashing disable_forceencrypt (It turns off forced encryption. You can find the file on the forums. XDA In the themes of the Redmi Note 9S.

Installation of Magisk and obtaining root rights

Now that the device has customized recaps installed, you can start installing Magisk, the most popular root rights management tool, which allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking) and install modules to expand functionality.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest Magisk-vXX.X.zip from GitHub.
2. Transfer the archive to your phone (you can use ADB push or simply copy it to a memory card).
3. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on the phone off).
4. In TWRP, select Install, find Magisk-vXX.X.zip, and swipe for installation.
5. After completion, press Reboot System.

If the system is successful, install the Magisk Manager app (it may not appear on the menu — download the APK from the same GitHub), run it and check the root rights status. If it goes well, you will see a green tick and the words "Magisk is installed".

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔄 Loading: If the phone is hanging on the logo MI, Try to flash Magisk into another slot (A/B). For this in TWRP select Reboot. → Bootloader, then load back into the recavator and re-install.
• 🔒 SafetyNet does not pass: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk (available in module repository).
• 📱 Apps don’t see root: In Magisk settings, enable the “MagiskHide” option (hiding root rights for selected apps).

Root rights verification and solving typical problems

After installing Magisk, you need to make sure that the root rights work correctly.

1. Install an application to check root, for example:

Root Checker (from Google Play)

Termux (enter su – if an input invitation appears, root works)

2. Check the SafetyNet status:

Open Magisk and press Check SafetyNet.

If you are a FAIL, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix (as mentioned earlier).

Common problems and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If Google Pay or Netflix stopped working after rooting, it’s due to Widevine L1. To get back support, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and select a certificate for your device.

Restoration of the device to factory state

If something goes wrong (for example, the phone doesn't turn on or there are problems with the network), you may need to completely reset to the factory firmware.

1. Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 9S (curtana) from Xiaomi. Choose the Fastboot version (file with the.tgz extension).

2. Unpack the firmware in a folder with the platform-tools. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).

3. load the phone into Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.

4. Run the firmware script:

- For Windows: Double-click on flash_all.bat.

For Linux/Mac: Do the following in the terminal:

chmod +x flash_all.sh


./flash_all.sh

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, it automatically reboots to factory status.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone hangs on the logo MI, Try booting into Fastboot and running the command fastboot erase userdata.

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Recovery through flash_all.bat It deletes all data, including root rights and custom Recovery. TWRP, use flash_all_except_storage.bat (But it doesn’t always work on new versions. MIUI).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about root rights on the Redmi Note 9S