“This device is locked” and Redmi Note 9 account: the complete unlock guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners are occasionally confronted with the chilling “This device is locked” on the boot screen, most often after resetting to factory settings or flashing the device. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocks access to the operating system, requiring authorization through a Google account or Mi Account that was previously tied to the device.

This is a good way to panic, as it is a regular security mechanism designed to protect your personal data from theft. However, if you forget your passwords or bought your phone with your hands, this protection becomes a serious obstacle. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible solutions for the Redmi Note 9 model and explain why the lock occurs.

There are two main types of locks that users confuse: bootloader lock and account lock (Mi Account / FRP). The first prevents the installation of custom firmware, the second prevents access to the system after a reset, and we will focus on the second case, since the inscription "This device is locked" most often indicates a link to the manufacturer's cloud service.

⚠️ Attention: All actions to unlock you make at your own risk. Interference with the system software can lead to loss of warranty or complete failure of the device ("brick"), if you do not follow the instructions.

Reasons for the notification of blocking

The lock screen is not a random failure, but the result of Android and MIUI built-in security protocols. When you first turn on the new Redmi Note 9, the system prompts you to log in to the Mi Account. If you agree, the device ID is tightly tied to your cloud profile on Xiaomi servers.

The problem occurs when the user performs a Hard Reset (full reset) through Recovery or a combination of buttons, bypassing the standard settings menu, at which point the operating system deletes all user data, but cannot delete the binding information on the manufacturer's server, since this requires administrator rights and Internet access at the time of the reset.

Once the device is rebooted, it goes to the activation server and is commanded to lock the interface until the correct password is entered, which protects the owner’s data in the event of a phone theft: even a flashing will not help an attacker access the gallery or banking applications.

• 🔒 Reset settings (Wipe Data) without prior detachment of the Mi Account.
• 🔄 Interrupted the procedure of flashing or updating system software.
• 📱 The device was purchased by a used one, and the previous owner did not leave his profile.
• ⚙️ Attempt to unlock the bootloader without official permission from Xiaomi.

It is important to understand the difference between the status of the bootloader and the status of the account. If the bootloader status says "Locked", this is normal for the European version and does not interfere with the operation of the phone.

Official Reset Method through Mi Cloud Website

The safest and most correct way to lock is to use the manufacturer’s official tools, which only works if you are the legitimate owner of the device and remember login details (login and password) or have access to a linked phone number.

You'll need a computer or other smartphone with Internet access to start with. Go to the official i.mi.com website, log in to the same Mi Account that locked the device, and if you don't remember the password, use the access recovery feature, which will require confirmation via SMS or backup email.

Once you’ve successfully logged in to the cloud service interface, find the Find Device section. Select the Redmi Note 9 from your gadget list. The Control menu that appears will have the option to Unlock or Delete from your account, and clicking this button will remove the device’s link to your server-side profile.

Once you've done the command on the site, restart the locked phone. Make sure it's connected to Wi-Fi or mobile. When you boot, the device will request verification again, but this time the server will say that the lock is off and let you log in. This is the only way to keep the system files safe and secure.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

There are many software solutions available on the Internet, from paid service utilities to free scripts, but not all of them are equally effective and safe for the Redmi Note 9. Below is a table comparing the main approaches to solving the problem.

Using third-party software often requires the inclusion of debugging over USB (USB Debugging), which is impossible to do on a locked phone without special tricks (Bypass).

Paid IMEI unlock methods work through server databases and allow you to untie the device remotely.It's an expensive procedure, but it's often the only way out if the previous owner of the phone is unavailable and you don't have proof of purchase.

Using third-party software and circumventing FRP

When official methods are not available, users often resort to using specialized software for PCs. Software like the Mi Unlock Tool (official, but requires a wait of 168 hours and an unlocked bootloader) or third-party utilities (such as Mi Account Bypass) can help.

The process usually goes like this: the phone is switched to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when connecting the cable to the PC) or EDL mode (Emergency Download Mode). In EDL mode, the device is defined by the computer as "Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008", which gives deep access to memory.

Entering EDL mode on the Redmi Note 9 often requires disassembling the case and closing test points on the board, since software input can be blocked, which makes the method risky for inexperienced users. Once connected in EDL mode, a special utility sends a command to reset the account.

• 🛠 Download the current Qualcomm drivers and ADB for your OS.
• 💻 Install specialized software to work with Mi-account.
• 🔌 Put the smartphone in mode EDL (frequently requires autopsy).
• ⚡ Start the Unlocking Procedure and Wait for Success.

It should be noted that free versions of such programs often have limited functionality or contain viruses. Using unverified software from unknown sources can lead to theft of your personal data, which you subsequently enter into an unlocked phone.

Contact the service center and by check

The most reliable, though not always the fastest way, is to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. If you are the first owner and you have a purchase check or warranty card, employees are required to remove the lock for free.

You must provide the device itself and proof of purchase, and the document must include the phone's serial number (S/N) or IMEI, which matches the data on the case (or box if the phone is turned on), which confirms that the device is not stolen.

The procedure takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, as the application can be sent to the regional center for verification, and the service staff have access to internal tools that allow you to remove the Mi Account binding at the hardware level of the server.

⚠️ Note: If you bought the phone with your hands without a check, the service center will refuse to unlock, as it can not.verify your ownership.

Preventing blocking in the future

To avoid repeating this device is locked, you need to follow simple digital hygiene rules: Before any reset, sale or transfer of the phone to another person, be sure to perform a full unwinding.

Go to your phone settings, look for Accounts and Sync or Mi Account. Click on your profile and select Sign out. Only then do a reset. It's also helpful to write passwords from important accounts to a safe place or use a password manager.

When buying a used device, always check its status before paying. Turn on the phone, connect to Wi-Fi and make sure it doesn't ask for someone else's passwords. Check the bootloader status in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version (multiple tap).

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Keep a photo of the check in the cloud immediately after purchase. Paper checks fade and get lost, and a digital snapshot will help prove possession of the device in the event of lockdown or warranty repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The only guaranteed way to remove the lock without risk to the device is to have a check and contact the service, or know the password from the Mi-account.