DISCLAIMERS (please read !)
- This thread is made for the Redmi Note 9, also known as Redmi 10X 4G.
- This device's codename is Merlin.
- I will not be held responsible if you brick your device.
- Follow the instructions shown in this thread at your own risks.
- Follow the steps and ask questions below when unsure, everything will be fine!
- No files will be directly provided. Do not use pre-created/re-uploaded files.
- Feel free to cite parts of this thread in your own, just make sure to give credit where it's due.
Prerequisites for most manipulations
- Your phone, well charged if possible
- The USB cable used to link your phone to your computer (the one on your charger works just fine)
- A computer, with recent ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools)
- Some time, patience, and the ability to read and follow instructions!
Tutorials
Step 1
Make sure you have a Mi Account ready.
You should've created one when first setting up your phone, with your phone number and a password.
- If you have it: Double-check you have access to it by attempting to connect on Xiaomi's official website (Login page).
- If you don't: Create one with the Create an account button below the password form (same link as above), then connect to it.
Step 2
On your PC, go to Xiaomi's unlock page and click the colored Download Mi Unlock button.
Step 3
A download should start. Wait for it to finish, move the archive to your desktop and extract its content.
Step 4
Inside the extracted folder, double click the file called miflash_unlock.exe to start Xiaomi's Unlocking program.
Step 5
Read Xiaomi's Disclaimer then agree to their terms, or stop here and leave this thread if you don't.
Step 6
Sign in to your Mi Account we talked about in Step 1.
Step 7
Let's get your phone ready for unlocking.
Enable the following settings inside Developer Options, and click Accept when warnings pop-up:
Make sure to backup your phone's data before continuing on with this tutorial, as unlocking will make it factory reset (wipe)!
Step 8
Alright, all backed up? Confident? Let's get going with the final steps.
Make sure you have a Mi Account ready.
You should've created one when first setting up your phone, with your phone number and a password.
- If you have it: Double-check you have access to it by attempting to connect on Xiaomi's official website (Login page).
- If you don't: Create one with the Create an account button below the password form (same link as above), then connect to it.
Step 2
On your PC, go to Xiaomi's unlock page and click the colored Download Mi Unlock button.
Step 3
A download should start. Wait for it to finish, move the archive to your desktop and extract its content.
Step 4
Inside the extracted folder, double click the file called miflash_unlock.exe to start Xiaomi's Unlocking program.
Step 5
Read Xiaomi's Disclaimer then agree to their terms, or stop here and leave this thread if you don't.
Step 6
Sign in to your Mi Account we talked about in Step 1.
Step 7
Let's get your phone ready for unlocking.
- Go to your phone's
Settings > Mi Accountand make sure you're logged in. - Now
Settings > About Phoneand tap the "MIUI Version" box multiple times until it says You are now a developer! - And finally
Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options
Enable the following settings inside Developer Options, and click Accept when warnings pop-up:
- OEM Unlocking
- USB Debugging
Make sure to backup your phone's data before continuing on with this tutorial, as unlocking will make it factory reset (wipe)!
Step 8
Alright, all backed up? Confident? Let's get going with the final steps.
- Turn off your phone.
- Turn it back on into fastboot mode by holding down the Power button AND Volume Down together until it vibrates, you may then let go of the Power Button, but keep Volume Down held until you see the fastboot image on your phone.
- Connect your phone to your computer with the USB Cable.
- Xiaomi's Software should detect it. If not, click on the cog-wheel in the top right, click the Check button to install the driver and follow instructions, then keep going.
- Click Unlock, and follow the instructions!
- Either you've done all this before and can have your phone unlocked right away.
- Or this is the first time and at the end of the progress it'll ask you to wait ~7days, and, well, there's no way around that, so come back in 7 days and start from Step 8 again.
Step 1
Download the latest Magisk .apk on your phone.
Go to the link above, click the latest (topmost) Magisk-vXX.X.apk you see in the list to start the download, open the file and install it.
Step 2
Go to the download page for the MIUI Official Rom for your region, make sure to get the fastboot version.
OR (if you don't want/can't download 3gb of ROM)
Follow DavitidzeSh's instructions on how to gather the boot.img and vbmeta.img files and SKIP to Step 5.
OR (if you're on a custom rom)
Look into your custom rom's .zip, find the boot.img and vbmeta.img files and SKIP to Step 5.
Step 3
Take the file you downloaded above, it should be a .tgz archive.
Extract it, you'll get a .tar achive.
Extract that one again.
Step 4
You should now have a folder similar to the one below
Go inside the images folder
Step 5
Grab the the vbmeta.img file and copy it to your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) folder.
Grab the boot.img file and copy it to your phone's internal storage.
(where the Android, DCIM, Download, and more are present, just drop it in there)
Here's how it should look inside your phone's storage in the end.
Step 6
On your phone, open up Magisk Manager.
Step 7
Link your phone to your PC, grab the file made by Magisk Manager.
It's located in your phone's downloads folder, called magisk_patched.img.
Copy and paste it where your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) are located.
You should now have a folder structure like this:
Step 8
Alright, we're ready to root!
Turn off your phone, then get in fastboot mode.
(Power + Volume Down, like the unlocking tutorial)
Step 9
Link your phone to your PC with the USB cable if not done already.
Step 10
Shift + Right click in an empty space inside the folder we prepared in Step 7,
And click Open PowerShell window here.
Inside the PowerShell window, input the following commands line by line, in order.
Make sure your device shows up, should be a bunch of numbers and letters, a couple spaces, and fastboot.
If nothing does, go back to Step 8 and try again.
Note: Your PowerShell window will look different, I'm using a different program, don't worry
Your phone will reboot.
Open up Magisk Manager, and double check that it's installed.
You're done!
That said, you will have issues with certain apps leaving it like this.
You should to hide the fact that your phone is rooted.
Check out the Passing SafetyNet tutorial further down below!
Download the latest Magisk .apk on your phone.
Go to the link above, click the latest (topmost) Magisk-vXX.X.apk you see in the list to start the download, open the file and install it.
Step 2
Go to the download page for the MIUI Official Rom for your region, make sure to get the fastboot version.
OR (if you don't want/can't download 3gb of ROM)
Follow DavitidzeSh's instructions on how to gather the boot.img and vbmeta.img files and SKIP to Step 5.
OR (if you're on a custom rom)
Look into your custom rom's .zip, find the boot.img and vbmeta.img files and SKIP to Step 5.
Step 3
Take the file you downloaded above, it should be a .tgz archive.
Extract it, you'll get a .tar achive.
Extract that one again.
Step 4
You should now have a folder similar to the one below
Go inside the images folder
Step 5
Grab the the vbmeta.img file and copy it to your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) folder.
Grab the boot.img file and copy it to your phone's internal storage.
(where the Android, DCIM, Download, and more are present, just drop it in there)
Here's how it should look inside your phone's storage in the end.
Step 6
On your phone, open up Magisk Manager.
- Click the Magisk Install button as shown below.
- Then Select and Patch a File.
- Go look for your boot.img you previously copied to your phone and pick it.
- Click Let's go! and wait for Magisk to complete the process!
Step 7
Link your phone to your PC, grab the file made by Magisk Manager.
It's located in your phone's downloads folder, called magisk_patched.img.
Copy and paste it where your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) are located.
You should now have a folder structure like this:
- adb.exe
- fastboot.exe
- magisk_patched.img
- vbmeta.img
- Extra files from the platform tools
Step 8
Alright, we're ready to root!
Turn off your phone, then get in fastboot mode.
(Power + Volume Down, like the unlocking tutorial)
Step 9
Link your phone to your PC with the USB cable if not done already.
Step 10
Shift + Right click in an empty space inside the folder we prepared in Step 7,
And click Open PowerShell window here.
Inside the PowerShell window, input the following commands line by line, in order.
Make sure your device shows up, should be a bunch of numbers and letters, a couple spaces, and fastboot.
If nothing does, go back to Step 8 and try again.
Note: Your PowerShell window will look different, I'm using a different program, don't worry
Your phone will reboot.
Open up Magisk Manager, and double check that it's installed.
You're done!
That said, you will have issues with certain apps leaving it like this.
You should to hide the fact that your phone is rooted.
Check out the Passing SafetyNet tutorial further down below!
I very much discourage to EdXposed your phone unless you have a very good reason for it.
It's a pain to pass SafetyNet.
It doesn't get updated often.
It has very niche use cases for which it's actually worth it.
That said, I explain it here for people who know what they're getting into and want instructions on how to do it.
This procedure requires to be rooted with Magisk.
Step 1
Inside Magisk Manager, go to the Modules tab.
Click the search button (bottom right) and search Riru.
Install the Riru module by Rikka.
Activate it and Reboot.
Step 2
Download and install the latest EdXposed Manager, the same way you did with Magisk Manager when rooting.
Step 3
Open it up, go to the ALPHA tab and click install/update.
It'll start a file download.
Step 4
Go back to Magisk Manager, Modules tab, except this time click Install from Storage.
Point to the .zip file you just got, located in the Downloads folder of your phone.
At the end of the installation, click reboot.
Step 5
Let's double check your installation is operational.
Go to EdXposed Manager, first tab.
It should say EdXposed Framework is active.
You're done!
You should now be able to install EdXposed modules.
That said, you will have issues with certain apps leaving it like this.
You should to hide the fact that your phone is EdXposed.
Check out the Passing SafetyNet tutorial further down below!
It's a pain to pass SafetyNet.
It doesn't get updated often.
It has very niche use cases for which it's actually worth it.
That said, I explain it here for people who know what they're getting into and want instructions on how to do it.
This procedure requires to be rooted with Magisk.
Step 1
Inside Magisk Manager, go to the Modules tab.
Click the search button (bottom right) and search Riru.
Install the Riru module by Rikka.
Activate it and Reboot.
Step 2
Download and install the latest EdXposed Manager, the same way you did with Magisk Manager when rooting.
Step 3
Open it up, go to the ALPHA tab and click install/update.
It'll start a file download.
Step 4
Go back to Magisk Manager, Modules tab, except this time click Install from Storage.
Point to the .zip file you just got, located in the Downloads folder of your phone.
At the end of the installation, click reboot.
Step 5
Let's double check your installation is operational.
Go to EdXposed Manager, first tab.
It should say EdXposed Framework is active.
You're done!
You should now be able to install EdXposed modules.
That said, you will have issues with certain apps leaving it like this.
You should to hide the fact that your phone is EdXposed.
Check out the Passing SafetyNet tutorial further down below!
For Magisk Rooted Phones
Enable Magisk Hide inside Magisk Manager's settings.
You may also need to use the Props module to spoof your phone as another, if you want a tutorial on that, let me know.
For EdXposed Phones
Again, I highly recommend not EdXposing your phone and sticking to just Magisk if you can help it.
You should also know that this method will show you're passing SafetyNet inside Magisk but it's a pain to do and isn't as well hidden as Magisk alone.
Step 1 - Do the step for Rooted phones listed above if not done already.
Step 2 - In EdXposed Manager, get the HiddenCore Module and activate it.
Step 3 - Now, in the side-menu: Compat List > tick HiddenCore Module.
Step 4 - Then, go to Settings > Framework > Enable "App List mode".
Step 5 - Finally, Applications(Black List) and tick: Android Services Library, Chrome, Google Play services, Google Play Store, Google Services Framework
Reboot and enjoy! You're all set and SafetyNet should pass.
Enable Magisk Hide inside Magisk Manager's settings.
You may also need to use the Props module to spoof your phone as another, if you want a tutorial on that, let me know.
For EdXposed Phones
Again, I highly recommend not EdXposing your phone and sticking to just Magisk if you can help it.
You should also know that this method will show you're passing SafetyNet inside Magisk but it's a pain to do and isn't as well hidden as Magisk alone.
Step 1 - Do the step for Rooted phones listed above if not done already.
Step 2 - In EdXposed Manager, get the HiddenCore Module and activate it.
Step 3 - Now, in the side-menu: Compat List > tick HiddenCore Module.
Step 4 - Then, go to Settings > Framework > Enable "App List mode".
Step 5 - Finally, Applications(Black List) and tick: Android Services Library, Chrome, Google Play services, Google Play Store, Google Services Framework
Reboot and enjoy! You're all set and SafetyNet should pass.
Step 1
Pick your poison in the Treble Forums!
My recommendations are in the Extras section of this post.
Step 2
Download the chosen ROM's A/B Arm64 version
It should be an .img.xz file
Extract it and you'll get an .img file.
You're almost ready to flash.
Make sure to backup your phone's data.
Continuing this tutorial will wipe your phone!
Step 3
Put your phone into fastboot mode.
(Power + Volume Down)
Connect it to your PC.
Step 4
Move the .img file you downloaded to your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) folder.
Rename it to system.img
Step 5
Shift + Right click in an empty space inside the folder,
And click Open PowerShell window here.
Inside the PowerShell window, input the following commands line by line, in order.
Your phone will now reboot on its own.
Set it all up and enjoy!
That said, depending on how old the GSI you picked is, you MAY have issues leaving it at that.
Therefore, I highly recommend checking out the next tutorial section about Fixing GSI Issues.
Pick your poison in the Treble Forums!
My recommendations are in the Extras section of this post.
Step 2
Download the chosen ROM's A/B Arm64 version
It should be an .img.xz file
Extract it and you'll get an .img file.
You're almost ready to flash.
Make sure to backup your phone's data.
Continuing this tutorial will wipe your phone!
Step 3
Put your phone into fastboot mode.
(Power + Volume Down)
Connect it to your PC.
Step 4
Move the .img file you downloaded to your ADB & Fastboot (Platform Tools) folder.
Rename it to system.img
Step 5
Shift + Right click in an empty space inside the folder,
And click Open PowerShell window here.
Inside the PowerShell window, input the following commands line by line, in order.
Your phone will now reboot on its own.
Set it all up and enjoy!
That said, depending on how old the GSI you picked is, you MAY have issues leaving it at that.
Therefore, I highly recommend checking out the next tutorial section about Fixing GSI Issues.
I have worked together with a developer to bring fixes for our device to every custom GSI rom out there.
The most recent GSI's shouldn't need the fixes listed below.
Older GSI (treble) roms have two known bugs that we can fix:
Step 1 - Get yourself a Terminal Emulator, I recommend Termux
Step 2 - Type the following commands inside of it, line by line, in order:
You're done! Brightness should be fine, headphones get detected, enjoy!
The most recent GSI's shouldn't need the fixes listed below.
Older GSI (treble) roms have two known bugs that we can fix:
- The brightness slider being misscalibrated, and therefore auto-brightness broken too.
- The headphone jack not working.
Step 1 - Get yourself a Terminal Emulator, I recommend Termux
Step 2 - Type the following commands inside of it, line by line, in order:
You're done! Brightness should be fine, headphones get detected, enjoy!
Backup all the data you might have on your phone to restore it after the manipulation!
Step 1
Download the fastboot ROM corresponding to your region here.
(The same one used to grab the boot.img and vbmeta.img when rooting)
And extract it.
Step 2
Download the latest MiFlashTool.
And extract it.
Step 3
Put your device in fastboot mode.
(Power + Vol Down, refer to the rooting tutorial for a more info)
And connect it to your computer via USB.
Step 4
Open MiFlashTool (XiaoMiFlash.exe), your device should appear in the list.
Step 5
Click the Select button in the top left,
And point to your fastboot ROM's folder
(The one containing the "AP", "BP", "BP_IN", "images" folders and a bunch of files)
Step 6
At the bottom right of the software, choose if you either want to just:
clean all
(wipe and re-install)
OR
clean all and lock
(wipe, reinstall and re-lock your bootloader)
Note: If you re-lock your bootloader but wish to unlock it again later, you won't have to wait the 7 days again.
Step 7
Finally, in the top right, click the flash button.
Now just wait a while, your phone will reboot on the stock rom and you're good to go!
Step 1
Download the fastboot ROM corresponding to your region here.
(The same one used to grab the boot.img and vbmeta.img when rooting)
And extract it.
Step 2
Download the latest MiFlashTool.
And extract it.
Step 3
Put your device in fastboot mode.
(Power + Vol Down, refer to the rooting tutorial for a more info)
And connect it to your computer via USB.
Step 4
Open MiFlashTool (XiaoMiFlash.exe), your device should appear in the list.
Step 5
Click the Select button in the top left,
And point to your fastboot ROM's folder
(The one containing the "AP", "BP", "BP_IN", "images" folders and a bunch of files)
Step 6
At the bottom right of the software, choose if you either want to just:
clean all
(wipe and re-install)
OR
clean all and lock
(wipe, reinstall and re-lock your bootloader)
Note: If you re-lock your bootloader but wish to unlock it again later, you won't have to wait the 7 days again.
Step 7
Finally, in the top right, click the flash button.
Now just wait a while, your phone will reboot on the stock rom and you're good to go!
Extras
Q: Will unlocking my bootloader void my warranty?
A: No, it will not, it's easily reversable too, check the "Resetting your phone" tutorial.
Q: I rooted/EdXposed my phone and now Netflix won't even open, or doesn't work properly, what's up with that?
A: There's an easy fix if you have Magisk. Install the liboemcrypto disabler Magisk module, activate it and reboot.
Q: I tried unlocking my bootloader but, Mi Flash Unlock doesn't detect my phone, even though it's in fastboot mode and connected. Help?
A: Here are some things you can try:
A: No, it will not, it's easily reversable too, check the "Resetting your phone" tutorial.
Q: I rooted/EdXposed my phone and now Netflix won't even open, or doesn't work properly, what's up with that?
A: There's an easy fix if you have Magisk. Install the liboemcrypto disabler Magisk module, activate it and reboot.
Q: I tried unlocking my bootloader but, Mi Flash Unlock doesn't detect my phone, even though it's in fastboot mode and connected. Help?
A: Here are some things you can try:
- Try another USB port.
- Try another USB cable.
- Install the Mi USB Drivers manually, they're included in the MiFlashUnlock folder.
Run the driver_install_64.exe, OR go to the driver folder, then the folder corresponding to your windows version, right click the android_winusb.inf and click Install. - In the Device Manager, check that the driver provider is Xiaomi.
If not, uninstall it and restart your computer.
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