The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its potential is only revealed with root rights. Obtaining a superuser allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance, install custom firmware and even restore bricks after unsuccessful experiments. However, the process of obtaining root on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codenamed joyeuse) has nuances, from the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader to combating anti-rollback and fastboot errors.
In this guide, we will discuss three officially supported ways to obtain root rights: through Magisk (recommended), TWRP (for experienced) and EDL-The regime (in case of "bricking"). We will pay special attention to circumventing restrictions. MIUI 14/15, Xiaomi has tightened checks on modified bootloaders. If you're a beginner, start with the Preparation section, if you've tried and got an error, go right to Common Problems".
1. Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root, you must follow the necessary preparatory steps.Neglecting them can lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage), especially on the Redmi Note 9 Pro with a Snapdragon 720G processor and Anti-Rollback (ARB) protection.
First, check the MIUI version and build number in Settings → About Phone. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it is critical that the firmware version is no lower than MIUI 12.0.2 (for stable builds) or MIUI 12.5/13/14 Enhanced. If you have an older version, upgrade through Settings → System Update. Using outdated firmware is fraught with the error of fastboot: error: Cannot generate image for anti.
- 📱 Create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud.Root will delete all data!
- 🔋 Charge your phone to 80% – the unlocking and firmware process can take up to 2 hours.
- 🔗 Install drivers: download Mi Unlock Tool and Qualcomm drivers for fastboot.
- 🛠️ Prepare the PC: Windows 10/11 (on Linux/Mac You need a virtual machine. Disable the antivirus, it can block adb.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 Pro with firmware MIUI 14.0.4+ Xiaomi has introduced additional verification of Device ID. If you have not previously linked your Mi Account to your phone, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible without waiting 168 hours (7 days) after the link!
2. Unlock the bootloader: bypassing the restrictions of Xiaomi
Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all its devices, and the Redmi Note 9 Pro is no exception. The official Mi Unlock Tool will be required to unlock it, but since 2022, the company has tightened the rules. Now the process takes at least 7 days (168 hours) from the moment a Mi Account is linked to a phone.
Algorithm of action:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be absent from some of the silk) 🔌 Debugging by USB
Mi Unlock Tool
Mi
Couldn’t unlock. Wait for 168 hours
impossible
| Status. | Message in Mi Unlock | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Successful unlocking | Unlocked successfully | You can start installing TWRP/Magisk. |
| Wait 168 hours | Couldn’t unlock. Wait for 168 hours | Wait 7 days from the moment of the account. |
| Account error | Current account is different from the account info on the device | Delete all Mi accounts on your phone and add them again. |
| Unknown mistake | Unknown error (0x80004005) | Check the drivers, try another one. USB-cable. |
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will restart and you will see a warning This device is unlocked when turned on.This is OK - you can now install custom recovery.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device, try running it in Administrator Mode or using an alternative version from XDA-Developers.
3. TWRP Installation: Custom Recovery for Root
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery needed to install Magisk and create backups. There are multiple versions of TWRP for the Redmi Note 9 Pro (joyeuse), but it is recommended to use an informal build from mauronofrio, as the official version may not support data encryption.
Installation instructions:
- Download. twrp-3.7.0_12-joyeuse-mauronofrio.img (check the relevance of the XDA).
- Move the file to the folder with the platform-tools (where adb and fastboot lie).
- Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into fastboot.
- Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-joyeuse-mauronofrio.img
- Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise stock recovery will overwrite TWRP!).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14/15 post-installation TWRP There may be an error OrangeFox/TWRP can't decrypt /data. Solution: before rebooting in TWRP Execute Format Data → Yes (this will delete all data, but allow access to memory!).
The bootloader is unlocked|File. TWRP jumper|Fastboot drivers installed|Debugging by USB included-->
4.Installation of Magisk: obtaining root rights
Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. Magisk 26.4+ is recommended for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, as older builds may conflict with Dynamic Partition in MIUI 14.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
- Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
- Boot to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when turned on).
- Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe to install.
- After completion, press Reboot System.
However, remember that root rights take away your warranty and can cause problems with Google Pay, Netflix and banking apps.
- In Magisk, activate MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions).
- Add problematic apps to the Configure DenyList.
- For Google Pay, you can also install Universal SafetyNet Fix.
Recovery from the brick
If the Redmi Note 9 Pro stopped turning on (soft-brick) or got stuck on the Mi logo (bootloop), do not panic - in 90% of cases, the device can be restored.
- 🔄 Bootloop (cyclical reboot): usually caused by damage boot.img. Magisk-patched boot is now available via fastboot: fastboot flash boot. magisk_patched.img
- 📵 Black screen (hard-brick): requires firmware through EDL-Download Mi Flash Tool and stock firmware for joyeuse. Connect the phone turned off to the PC, keeping Volume up + Volume down. In Mi Flash, select Clean All and press Flash.
Phone is not defined by PC
Qualcomm 9008
⚠️ Attention: For firmware through EDL You need an authorized Xiaomi account (not to be confused with a regular Mi! account). Without it, the Mi Flash Tool will give you flash is not allowed in locked state. Solution: contact xiaomiflashtool.com for rights.
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If the phone doesn't turn on after recovery via EDL, try charging it in a shutdown state for 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes the power controller resets after a deep discharge.