The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) is still popular due to its powerful hardware and affordable price tag. However, standard MIUI limitations prevent users from unlocking the full potential of the gadget. Getting root rights gives them control over system files, the ability to remove embedded applications, install modified firmware, and optimize performance. But the process requires caution: one bug can turn a phone into a brick.
In this article, we will break down three officially supported ways to get root on the Mi 9T in 2026 – from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk and TWRP. Special attention will be paid to the risks and security measures, as well as the nuances associated with the latest versions of MIUI. If you are a beginner – do not miss the sections on backup and compatibility check!
⚠️ Warning: The procedure will void Xiaomi's warranty and may result in data loss. on some firmware (e.g, MIUI 14+) Unlocking the bootloader requires you to link your account to your device for 72 hours.
1.Preparation for root: what to do before the start
Before you start unlocking, check out the four key parameters of your Mi 9T:
- 📱 Device model: Make sure you have the Mi 9T (codename davinci or redmi K20 (To check, go to Settings. → The phone. → Model.
- 🔢 Version. MIUI: Latest versions (MIUI 14/15) Some methods can be blocked. The best option is Android-based firmware. 10-12.
- 🔓 bootloader status: Default is locked. Checked by the fastboot oem device-info command (must be Device unlocked: false).
- 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%, interruption of the process due to discharge is fraught with "bricking».
Also prepare:
- 💻 Windows PC 10/11 Linux (MacOS is not recommended due to problems with Fastboot drivers).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified – cheap cables can cause data transmission errors).
- 📁 Backup data (photos, contacts, messages) Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive, as once unlocked, the phone will be reset.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without additional manipulation. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — If there's any hieroglyphics, it's Chinese firmware.
2. Unlock the bootloader: Step 1 on the way to root
The Xiaomi Mi 9T bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step without which installing a custom recaveri or Magisk is impossible, taking 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi's policy of requiring an account to be tied.
Step-by-step:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Enable data sync and wait for the notification of successful linking (can take up to 72 hours).
- Activate Developer Mode: Open Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
Mi Unlock Tool
:
- Download the official utility from en.miui.com/unlock (Windows version).
- Run the program on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same account as on the phone.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. (c) Connect to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool press Unlock.
Linked to your device Mi Account (72 hours wait)
Developer mode and USB debugging enabled
Fastboot drivers installed (if Windows)
Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool
Battery charge >60%-->
⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, it means that the error is not "couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported:
- The account is not tied to the device (wait 72 hours).
- You are using Chinese firmware (you need to switch to a global version).
- The utility is outdated (download a new one from the official website).
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted!
3. Installation of TWRP Recovery: Custom Recovery for Root
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative Recovery that allows you to install ZIP-files (e.g. Magisk for root), create backups and restore the system. 9T There are two versions. TWRP:
- The official version is stable, but may not support the latest MIUI versions.
- Unofficial – with support for new firmware, but possible bugs.
Installation instructions:
- Download the correct TWRP image: For Mi 9T (davinci): official page. For Redmi K20 (raphael): check out the theme on XDA Developers.
The file must have an.img extension (e.g., a file file file, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img).
fastboot
- Unpack the archive from Platform Tools (download from the Android site).
- Place twrp.img in the same folder where fastboot.exe and adb.exe are located.
- Install. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img The first team flashes the recovery, the second - immediately loads the phone into it.
What to do if TWRP does not start?
⚠️ Note: Some of the installations after installation TWRP Data encryption may be lost (/data). If the phone requires a password but does not accept it, format the Data partition in the phone itself. TWRP (wipe → Format Data. This will delete all user data!
4.Installation of Magisk: obtaining root rights
Magisk is a one-stop root-rights tool that bypasses SafetyNet's limitations and allows you to use banking applications. The latest stable version as of 2026 is Magisk 26.4.
Step-by-step process:
- Download Magisk: Official repository: GitHub Magisk. Select the Magisk-v26.4.zip file (not.apk!).
- Transfer ZIP to your phone: Connect the Mi 9T to your PC and copy the file to the root folder of internal memory. Disable the device and boot to TWRP (Loudness up + Power).
- Fly Magisk via TWRP: In TWRP, select Install → find Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe to confirm. After installation, click Reboot System.
Check root:
- Install Magisk Manager (you can download from GitHub).
- Open it if you see a green tick and the words Installed: 26.4, root is successful.
1. Load in TWRP sniff Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (look XDA).
2. roll back to an older version of Magisk (e.g. 25.2).
3. Check the compatibility of the kernel with your version MIUI.-->
⚠️ Important: On some firmware, Xiaomi blocks Magisk through an antiroot policy update:
- Turn off automatic MIUI update in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Install the MagiskHide Props Config module to mask root from system checks.
5. Alternative methods of root production
If the standard method doesn’t work with Magisk, consider alternatives:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patched Boot.img | No TWRP, it works on new MIUIs. | You need to manually patch the image for each firmware | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| OrangeFox Recovery | More stable than TWRP on some devices | Less support from the community | ⭐⭐ |
| Fastboot teams (root without TWRP) | Quickly, suitable for experienced users | High risk of errors, not working on new MIUIs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The method with the boot.img patch:
- Download the original boot.img for your MIUI version (you can extract.tz from the firmware using the Mi Flash Tool).
- Transfer it to your phone and open it in Magisk Manager (Install → Select and Patch a File tab).
- Get the file. magisk_patched.img download.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot
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Patch boot.img is the only working method for MIUI 14+ with dynamic partitions. TWRP often doesn't work on these versions.
6 Risks and how to minimize them
Getting root rights is always risky, and here are three of the most common problems and ways to avoid them:
- 💀 «Brick: The phone doesn't turn on or bootloop. Cause: Interrupted firmware, incompatible version TWRP/Magisk. Solution: Use the Mi Flash Tool to restore stock firmware in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).
- 🔒 Mi Account lock: Once the bootloader is unlocked, it may need to be reauthorized. Cause: Xiaomi ties the device to the account for 30 days after unlocking. Solution: Don't reset during this period.
- 🛡️ SafetyNet problems: Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) or Google Pay are not working. Cause: Detection of modifications to system files. Solution: Install MagiskHide Props Config and Universal SafetyNet Fix modules.
⚠️ Warning: On devices with a locked bootloader (unless you have unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool) any attempt to flash TWRP Or Magisk will cause a complete loss of functionality (hard brick), in which case you can restore the phone only through the use of a computer. EDL-The Xiaomi Authorized Account (cost of service) ~1500-3000₽).
7.What to do after getting root?
Now that you have root rights, you can optimize the Mi 9T for your needs. Here are 5 useful things to do:
- ⚡ Bloat Removal: Use Titanium Backup or Debloater to remove system applications (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop, etc.).
- 🎯 Overclocking/underwalling: Apps like Kernel Auditor allow you to adjust processor frequencies to increase performance or save battery life.
- 🔄 backup NVRAM/IMEI: With help. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek versions) or QCN Rebuilder save backup copy IMEI in case of loss of network.
- 📱 Installation of custom firmware: Popular options for Mi 9T — LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid.
- 🔒 Data Encryption: If you turned off encryption for work TWRP, return it to the format data command in the recaveri (Warning: delete all data!).
💡
Before you delete system applications, check their purpose! for example, deleting com.qualcomm.qti.qms.service.telephony could result in the loss of the mobile network.