How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

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

The budget Xiaomi Redmi 9A (codenamed dandelion) remains one of the most popular smartphones in its segment due to its price-performance balance. However, the factory firmware MIUI imposes severe restrictions: you can not remove system applications, change the processor frequency or transfer the game cache to a memory card, here root rights come to the rescue — full control of the Android system.

But before you start, consider that getting a root license on the Redmi 9A is not just installing one program. The process involves unlocking the bootloader through the official Xiaomi service, which resets the phone to factory settings and voids the warranty. Moreover, improper actions can turn the device into a brick. In this article, we will discuss three working methods (through Magisk, TWRP and ADB), their pros/cons, and legal alternatives if you do not need to root.

Important: The instruction is relevant for Redmi 9A based on Android 10/11 (MIUI 12/13). Additional steps may be required for new firmware versions.

Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

The first and most critical step is to unlock the bootloader. Without that, no rooting method will work. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process involves waiting and resetting data.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🔌 Charged Redmi 9A (A failure at this stage can lock the phone permanently.
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required).
• 🔗 USB-cable (original or high-quality) cheap cables often cause connection errors.
• 📥 Mi Unlock Tool (you can download only from the official Xiaomi website).
• 🆔 Mi Account linked to phone (required with a confirmed number!).

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings. backup photos, contacts and messages via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive.

Also check out MIUI in Settings → About Phone. If you have a Global ROM, you won't have any problems. China ROM may require a global firmware pre-routing.

Method 1: Getting Root Rights through Magisk (Recommended Method)

Magisk is the most reliable and versatile tool for obtaining root rights without losing functionality (for example, Google Pay and banking applications work), the process consists of three steps: unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom TWRP recavator and Magisk firmware.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (more in the next section).
2. Install TWRP Recovery: Download the latest version of TWRP for dandelion from the official website. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK). Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down) and follow the command: fastboot flash recovery.img

Please, Magisk.

• Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip) from GitHub.
• Reboot your phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
• Click Install → select Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe for confirmation.

Data backup made.|Battery charge > 60%|TWRP successfully|Magisk.zip flash-drive|Antivirus on PC is disabled-->

Once you reboot, Magisk Manager will appear on the system, open it and check the root rights status, and if it goes well, you'll see a green checkmark and a version of Magisk.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) can block work on rooted devices. Use the MagiskHide Props Config module or SafetyNet Fix to bypass.

Method 2: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (Step-by-step)

This stage is mandatory for any method of obtaining root rights. Xiaomi requires proof of identity and linking the account to the device, so it can not be bypassed.

Algorithm of action:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Enable sync and confirm your phone number/email.
2. Activate debugging on USB: Open the Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To turn on the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Connect your phone to your PC

Mi Unlock Tool

• Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
• Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
• In the utility, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing TWRP or Magisk.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Waiting for device error, try updating ADB drivers via Android SDK Platform-Tools or use PDANet to automatically install drivers.

Method 3: Getting Roots through ADB (for power users)

This is a way for those who don’t want to install TWRP or are having trouble with Magisk firmware.We’ll use the temporary root through ADB and then convert it to permanent.

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Faster than a firmware through the Recovery.
• 🛠️ You can roll back changes if something goes wrong.
• 🔄 No installation required TWRP (But you still need to unlock the bootloader).

Instructions:

1. Download Platform Tools and unpack it to the root of the C:\platform-tools drive.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
3. Download the temporary root image: fastboot boot magisk_patched.img (file magisk_patched.img You need to create it in advance through Magisk Manager).
4. After booting, open Magisk Manager and click Install → Direct Install to fix root rights.

⚠️ Warning: The temporary root through fastboot boot is valid only until the first reboot. If you do not lock in the rights through Magisk Manager, they will disappear.

Risks and problems after getting a root license for Redmi 9A

Root rights open up endless possibilities, but they also create new vulnerabilities.

Main risks:

• 🛡️ Security breach: Root access allows malware to gain control of the system, for example, a Trojan can swap system files or steal banking application data.
• 🔄 Unstable operation: Some users complain of accidental reboots or freezes after installing Magisk.
• 📱 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty.Service center can refuse repairs even on a payment receipt.
• 🔋 Battery problems: Some Magisk modules (for example, to overclock the processor) increase the charge consumption on the computer. 15-20%.

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Install MagiskHide and hide the root from banking apps.
• 📦 Update Magisk and modules regularly through Magisk Manager.
• 🛠️ Before experimenting with modules, do a backup through TWRP.
• 🚫 Do not install modules from unknown developers (risk of bricks!).

If the phone stops turning on after you get the root rights (the so-called soft brick), don’t panic. 90% of the time, the firmware of the original boot.img via fastboot helps:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

Alternatives to root rights: what can be done without root

Not all users really need root rights, and many of these are done using standard MIUI tools or third-party applications, and here's what you can do without risk:

If your goal is simply to remove unwanted apps or speed up your phone, try these methods first. for example, disabling Mi Browser, Mi Music and Mi Video will free up up to 300 MB of memory and reduce background activity.

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Before you get root rights, ask yourself, "Can I achieve the same goal without root?" 60 percent of the time, the answer is yes and the risks are zero.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 9A