How to install TWRP Recovery and Root Redmi Note 9

In our ongoing quest of providing you with the best possible phone tinkering guides, we bring you the guide to install a custom recovery and root the Redmi Note 9. For people versed in the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Redmi Note 9 is the successor to the Redmi Note 8.

The phone is based on the same principles and builds on the parameters that we saw being used on the Redmi Note 8. Xiaomi has been quick in updating this new lineup and depending on your region, you should be getting the Android 11 and MIUI 12 update anytime soon. For people who want some tinkering done to their phones, they should first have the Boot loaders unlocked for which we have a guide here and secondly they should have a custom recovery flashed with root access.

Before we jump into the guide, let us just explore the device first. The Redmi Note 9 comes powered by the MediaTek G85 processor which has been gaining popularity lately in the budget segment. The general design of the phone is based on the other Note 9 series phones. The phone comes in three memory configurations and four color options. Upfront you get a moderately sized 6.53-inch Full HD+ LCD panel with a punch-hole in the corner. The back houses the quad-camera array with the main sensor being 48MP which has been the highlight in the Redmi lineup this time.

Apart from this, we get the MIUI 11 build based on Android 10 out of the box. A 5,020mAh battery to juice the phone. We get support for fast charging which is a plus considering the massive battery this phone comes with.

READ | How To Unlock Bootloader of Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro [Guide]

What is TWRP recovery?

TWRP stands for TeamWin Recovery Project. It is an open-source and entirely GUI-based custom recovery for Android devices. The reason why it’s so popular is because of the fact that it allows Android users to enjoy fully touch-based UI and flash custom ROMs, MODs, Magisk, SuperSu, etc. There are further features like Full System backup that come in handy during these customization sessions.

EverythingXiaomi.com is not responsible for any kind of damage to data or devices while performing this task. Flashing a custom recovery voids the device’s warranty and might result in full data loss. You are proceeding at your own risk.

How To Install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Before we start with the installation process, it is advised that you stick to the guide and follow the instructions line-by-line.

Pre-Requisites:

• Make sure the phone’s battery is charged above 60%.
• Back up your data on any external media or perform a Nandroid backup.
• Download ADB and Fastboot Drivers on the PC/Laptop.
• Download the latest Xiaomi USB Drivers on the PC
• Download and save twrp-3.4.0-0.img it to the Extracted folder of ADB – Fastboot drivers.
• You need to download the verification file as well from here.
• Unlocked Bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Steps To Install TWRP Recovery on Redmi Note 9

• You first need to have an unlocked bootloader on your Redmi Note 9, so if that’s not done, follow our guide here.
• Connect your phone to PC and look if the OEM Unlock is turned on from the developer settings.
• Extract ADB and Fastboot drivers in a folder and open the cmd or PowerShell by pressing Shift key + Right-Clicking in the same folder.
• Now type the following command [adb reboot bootloader] to reboot the Redmi Note 9 into the fastboot mode (Note: You might get a USB debugging permission on your smartphone, so accept the pop-up).
• Now place the twrp-3.4.0-0.img to the same folder where you have extracted the ADB & Fastboot drivers.
• Type this [fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.4.0-0.img] command to flash the TWRP image you download.
• After flashing the TWRP file, you need to also flash the vbmeta.img verification file. This file is needed to bypass the verification process as the Twrp is ported from a different Xiaomi smartphone.
• After the successful flashing, reboot the phone using the [fastboot reboot] command.

You have successfully installed TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9. The thing to note here is that this is an unofficial TWRP build made by individual developers and the build has not been vetted by the TWRP team. So you can get some bugs upon installing it, so it is advised to take a full backup just in case things go sideways. Let us now flash the Magisk module to get root access on the phone.

How To Root Redmi Note 9

Before we start this, make sure you download the latest version of Magisk from here and place the file on to the internal storage of your phone.

• Its always recommended that you take a full backup of the phone but if you’re doing this immediately after installing TWRP recovery, there is no need to make a separate backup.
• Now reboot your phone into TWRP recovery by pressing the volume up and power at the same while the phone is being turned on.
• Now, Select “Install” from the TWRP and browse for the Magisk.zip file. Tap on it to select it.
• Now, “Swipe to confirm flash” action.
• Upon successful installation, select “Install” once again and locate the “no-verity-force-encrypt.zip” file. Tap it to select it.
• Again “Swipe to confirm flash” action.
• Reboot System from TWRP Recovery.
• With the first boot, you might see a Magisk app on your phone, this is how you will be able to check the root status and download and install Magisk Modules for your Redmi Note 9.
• If everything checks out till now, you should have root access on your phone.
• Just to double-check, you could install the Root Checker app from the play store which should reflect the root status.

You have successfully flashed a custom recovery and root on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 and if everything is done correctly this process won’t take much more than a couple of minutes.