Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. However, the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to full “bricking” of the smartphone if you break the sequence. Unlike flagship models, the budget Redmi 9A has a number of features — for example, limited support for some versions of the Mi Unlock Tool and strict requirements for the Mi Account.
The manufacturer deliberately complicates the procedure to protect users from unqualified manipulation of the system, but with the right approach, unlocking it will take no more than 30-60 minutes. This article provides an up-to-date 2026 guideline, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy, as well as solving typical errors such as “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device not connected”. 9A Based on the MediaTek Helio processor G25, which are often overlooked in the universal guides.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty and reset all data on the device.If you don't plan to install custom software, the procedure is not required - standard features MIUI They also work with a blocked loader.
Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi 9A
The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any changes to the system partition, protecting the device from malware and unauthorized access.
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that can improve performance or add features that are not available in the app. MIUI.
- 🛠️ Get root rights through Magisk for deep system setup, removal of embedded software or backup of applications with data.
- 🔧 Restore the device after a major failure when standard methods (e.g., via Fastboot) don’t work.
- 📱 Manually update the software if official updates have ceased to arrive (relevant for older versions) MIUI).
On the Redmi 9A, unlocking is particularly in demand due to limited hardware resources: 2GB of RAM and the Helio G25 processor often become a bottleneck when working with modern versions of MIUI. Castom firmware based on Android 12/13 (such as Havoc-OS) can significantly smooth out these shortcomings, but require an unlocked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: On models with MediaTek processors (like Redmi) 9A) Unlocking the loader can lead to problems with the operation of the module NFC or cameras in some custom firmware. Before the procedure, check the compatibility of the selected software in the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps
Before unlocking, you must pre-configure the Redmi 9A and your computer, and skipping any step can lead to errors like Couldn't verify device or Mi Account not bound.
- Link your Mi Account to your device Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure your profile contains a valid phone number – it will be required to confirm unlocking. If the account was created less than 7 days ago, Xiaomi will block the unlock attempt.
- Activate debugging on USB unlock OEM B Settings → About the phone tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, To turn on the developer mode. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may disappear after a reboot – check before connecting to the PC!).
MediaTek
ADB
On a Windows PC, download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the C:\ drive root. Redmi 9A will also require MediaTek Preloader drivers (see M2006C3LG or M2006C3MI).
MIUI
Unlocking is only possible on official MIUI builds. If you have custom firmware, first return to the stock through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
Charge your smartphone at least 60%
Interrupting the process due to battery discharge may result in the inability to turn on the device.
Xiaomi account is older than 7 days|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Platform Tools and MediaTek drivers installed|Smartphone on official MIUI|Battery charge >60%-->
⚠️ Note: If you have previously tried to unlock the bootloader and received a Couldn’t unlock error (100%), be sure to reset to factory settings through Settings before trying again. → Additionally. → Xiaomi locks devices after failed attempts for 72 hours.
Getting permission to unlock from Xiaomi
Since 2021, Xiaomi has tightened its unlock policy, requiring official permission, which is issued after checking the account.
Instructions for obtaining a permit:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool The official utility can be found here (select the Windows version). Don't use third-party builds - they may contain malicious code.
- Log in to the utility Launch miflash_unlock.exe Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to Redmi 9A. If the utility gives a Network error, try connecting via VPN (We recommend servers in Hong Kong or Singapore).
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode Turn off Redmi 9A, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC via the original cable (using uncertified cables often leads to the Device not connected error).
- Request permission In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. The system will send a request to the Xiaomi server. Usually, the permission comes within 1-3 days, but sometimes the process takes up to a week. Status can be checked in the utility.
📌 Important: If you have an Added successfully message in the Mi Unlock Tool after you have connected, then you have tried to unlock this device before, and you will have to wait 7 days (168 hours) since your last attempt.
Less than 24 hours.|1-3 days|4-7 days|More than a week.|I haven't got it yet.-->
| Mistake in Mi Unlock Tool | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t verify device | Account not tied to device or tied less than 7 days ago | Wait 7 days from the moment of account assignment or use another Mi Account |
| Network error | Problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers | Use a VPN (Hong Kong/Singapore) or try again later |
| Device not connected | MediaTek drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty | Reinstall the drivers, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) |
| Added successfully. Wait 168 hours | Previous unsuccessful attempt to unlock | Wait 7 days or use another Mi Account |
Unlocking process: step-by-step guide
Once you have permission from Xiaomi, you can proceed to unlock the entire process, which takes 5-10 minutes, but requires strict consistency.
Instructions:
- Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the Administrator Right Click miflash_unlock.exe → Launch on behalf of the administrator. log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to Redmi 9A.
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until the screensaver with a rabbit in a hat appears. Connect to a PC.
- Start unlocking In the utility, press Unlock. You start erasing data and unlocking the bootloader. On the Redmi 9A with a Helio G25 processor, this can take up to 15 minutes - do not turn off the cable or interrupt the process!
- After successfully unlocking, the device will automatically restart. Unlocked successfully will appear in the Mi Unlock Tool.
💡
Once the bootloader is unlocked, Redmi 9A becomes vulnerable to malware.Do not install apps from unverified sources and update Magisk regularly (if you use root).
How to return the guarantee after unlocking
It is impossible to officially return the warranty after unlocking the bootloader - Xiaomi records this fact in the hardware log of the device.
- Use the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option (no bootloader lock!) This will return the device to factory status, but the bootloader will remain unlocked.
- In some service centers, you can pay for the "zero" of the meter (cost - 1000-2000 rubles), this will not return the warranty, but will reduce suspicions during diagnosis.
- Many workshops repair devices with an unlocked bootloader, if the problem is not related to software manipulation (for example, a broken screen or a faulty battery).
📌 If you are planning to sell Redmi 9A, Be sure to flash the stock firmware and perform a reset (Wipe All Data in the TWRP). Buyers often check the status of the bootloader through the Fastboot team:
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: true, it will reduce the cost of the device in the secondary market.