How to enable root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a safe instruction with a breakdown of nuances

Why you need root rights on Redmi 9 and what it threatens

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is not just a way to “overclock” the smartphone, but a serious interference with the system files of Android. On the one hand, you get complete control of the device: the ability to remove embedded applications (bloatware), optimize performance through the kernel, install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. On the other hand, you lose the official warranty, risk encountering a looped download and open vulnerabilities for malware.

The peculiarity of Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) is that Xiaomi actively blocks unofficial manipulation of firmware. For example, since 2021, the company has tightened the policy of unlocking the bootloader, and in new versions, the company has been using the new software. MIUI I've implemented anti-Rollback protection, which can permanently "brick" the device when you try to roll back on the old firmware, so before you start the process, it's critical to understand: on Redmi 9 with a new version of the device. MIUI 12.5+ With a bootloader blocked after May 2023, unlocking through the official Mi Unlock Tool can take up to 720 hours of waiting.

This article will not just retell the standard instructions from the forums. 4PDA. We'll take it:

• 🔓 Official and informal ways to unlock the bootloader - the pros and cons of each.
• ⚙️ Magisk root process (including “This device isn’t connected” error bypass").
• ⚠️ Typical Errors (e.g. Fastboot: Unknown command) and how to fix them without losing data.
• 📱 Alternative methods for those who fail to unlock the bootloader (including temporary root through the bootloader) ADB).

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi 9 meets the key requirements:

It's critical to link your Mi Account to your device 7 days before unlocking. Xiaomi requires this to confirm ownership of the device. If you just bought a phone or dropped it to factory settings, you'll have to wait a week. Check the binding through Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Find the device – your Redmi 9 should appear in the list.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands, the previous owner could not untie your Mi Account. In this case, unlocking the bootloader will be impossible without his participation.

Also prepare:

• 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS and Linux may have driver problems).
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cables (low-quality cables often cause Fastboot: failed to get var).
• 📥 Archives with tools: Mi Unlock Tool (official), Platform Tools (from Google), Magisk (latest version).

Mi Account linked to device (at least 7 days ago)

Backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages)

Battery charge >60%

Xiaomi drivers installed on PC (check in Device Manager)

All necessary files (Mi Unlock, Magisk, firmware) are downloaded)-->

Method 1: Officially unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool

This is the safest method, but also the longest. Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks per day and requires waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website (the version must match yours). MIUI). Install the program on a PC.
2. Run Redmi 9 in Fastboot mode: Turn off the phone, then press the Power Button + Turn down the volume by 10 seconds. Connect the device to the PC.
3. In Mi Unlock Tool, sign in under the same Mi Account as on your phone. The program must identify the device (if not, check the driver).
4. Click Unlock. If your account is new, you will see a waiting message (e.g., “168 hours”). If your account is old (registered before 2022), you can unlock it immediately.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing Magisk to obtain root rights.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error. Current account is not bound to this device, then the account is not tied to the phone or has been tied less than 7 days ago).

Advantages of the official method:

• ✅ Minimum risk of “bricking” the device.
• ✅ Compatibility with future updates MIUI.
• ✅ The ability to return the warranty (if you reflash back to stock firmware).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Long wait (up to 30 days for new accounts).
• ❌ Does not work on anti-Rollback devices (for example, if you rolled back on old firmware).

💡

Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool is the only method that does not violate Xiaomi’s policy and leaves a chance to restore warranty.

Method 2: Unofficial unlock (wait bypass 720 hours)

If you're not willing to wait a month, you can use alternative methods, and one of the most reliable is using a patched version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the community. XDA This method is suitable for Redmi 9s. MIUI 12.0.1–14.0.2, but requires caution.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download a modified Mi Unlock Tool (e.g., bypasser version). Unpack the archive.
2. Install the original Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi (required for drivers).
3. Run the patched version on behalf of the administrator. In the login/password field, enter your Mi Account details.
4. Connect Redmi 9 in Fastboot mode (as in the official method).
5. If you have Failed to unlock, try again later, try again after 5-10 minutes (sometimes up to 5 attempts are required).

Important: Once unblocked, Xiaomi may block your Mi Account for violating the rules, to minimize the risks:

• 🔹 Use an account registered before 2021 (they are less likely to be blocked).
• 🔹 Do not unlock multiple devices from one account.
• 🔹 Once unlocked, install Magisk immediately and turn off automatic updates. MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: If your phone stops turning on or hangs on the Redmi logo after unofficially unlocking, don’t try to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option, which will lead to Anti-Rollback activation and permanent damage to the device. Instead, try flashing through Fastboot with the clean all and lock option, but this will return the bootloader lock.

Advantages of the informal method:

• ✅ Unlock in 10–30 minutes (no waiting time).
• ✅ It works on most versions. MIUI.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of blocking the Mi Account.
• ❌ There may be problems with OTA- updates.
• ❌ Warranty is cancelled without possibility of restoration.

Install Magisk and obtain root rights

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the final step is to install Magisk, which provides root access without changing the systemless root, which is important for the passage of SafetyNet (for example, for banking applications).

Instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (e.g. Magisk-v26.4.zip) from GitHub.
2. Move the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip The internal memory of the phone (not in the folder!).
3. Install custom recovery, such as OrangeFox or TWRP for Redmi 9: fastboot flash recovery orangefox-recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery
4. In recovery, select Install. → Show the way to Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
5. Once installed, reboot to the system. APK-Magisk Manager file (download from GitHub).

Check for root rights:

1. Open Magisk Manager.
2. If the top of the screen says Installed: 26.4 (26400) and a green tick, root is obtained.
3. Run the terminal and type su. If you have a permission request, it works.

To hide root from apps (for example, for Sberbank or Google Pay):

• 🔹 In Magisk Manager, go to Settings → MagiskHide and turn on the option.
• 🔹 Add apps to the hideout list (e.g. com.sberbankmobile).
• 🔹 Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9s MIUI 13+ MagiskHide may not work because of Integrity Check's built-in protection, and you'll need to use modules like Universal SafetyNet Fix or roll back. MIUI 12.5.

1. Extract. boot.img firmware for your model.

2. Patch it through Magisk Manager (Install) → Select and Patch a File).

3. Sweep through the patch file:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

This often solves the problem of bootloop.-->

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can run into problems, and here are the most common errors on Redmi 9 and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔧 Use it. EDL-Mode (emergency firmware mode) via Mi Flash Pro. Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (not for beginners!).
• 🔧 Contact the forums XDA or 4PDA with error logs (attach screenshots of Fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool).
• 🔧 Buy the service of unlocking from trusted masters (cost) ~1000-1500 rubles).

💡

90% of the errors in unlocking Redmi 9 are due to drivers, cable, or mismatch of firmware and tools. Always check the relevance of files before you run the firmware!

Root alternatives: Temporary access without unlocking

If unlocking the bootloader seems too risky, you can get a temporary root through the ADB (This method only works until the first reboot, but allows you to:

• 📱 Uninstall system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or GetApps).
• 📱 Edit files in /system (For example, build.prop to change DPI).
• 📱 Make backup applications with data through ADB Backup.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via ADB.
3. In the command line, type: adb shell su If a request appears on the phone, allow root access.
4. Now you can execute commands on behalf of a superuser, such as: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser (remove Mi Browser for current user).

Temporary root limitations:

• ❌ Rights disappear after reboot.
• ❌ You can't run system sections.
• ❌ Applications that require constant root (e.g. Titanium Backup) do not work).

You can use scripts like Shizuku or ADB AppControl, which allows you to manage root access through a graphical interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)