Xiaomi is doing a fantastic job these days by giving tough competition to other high-end smartphone manufacturers. One such smartphone by Xiaomi, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is an excellent alternative to many other Android-based smartphones available in the market. Although, if you have purchased the device then you might want to root your Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and unlock the bootloader.
This article will guide you to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 9 Pro Max the official way and help you root your device by first installing a custom recovery. You must follow the guide carefully if this is your first time unlocking the bootloader and flashing.
The Redmi Note 9 series is a set of 3 smartphones in different price segments where the Pro Max version is the best out of them all. According to the recent leaks and reports, the company will release a few more devices to the Note 9 series. However, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max will be the top-notch of the best design and looks.
The device is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (SM7125) that runs through Octa-core processor and is supported by Adreno 618 GPU which will give a boost in gaming and other multitasking processes. The display comprises a massive 6.67-inch IPS LCD with upto 450 nits and a screen resolution of 1080 X 2400 pixels. The company claims that the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 that can resist scratches of up to level six scratching tools such as coins, keys, etc.
Coming to the camera, the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max has a 64MP primary camera with 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro and 2MP in-depth camera in the back. On the front, we can see a 32MP wide camera for selfies and video recording of upto 1080p at 30fps.
Talking about the performance, the device has a massive Li-Po 5020 mAh non-removable battery that can give a backup of one and a half day over moderate usage. The device runs on the latest MIUI 12, Android 10 based and comes in three variants of 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, and 128GB 8GB RAM respectively.
That said, let us quickly read the guide to root Redmi Note 9 Pro Max and unlock bootloader after installing TWRP custom recovery. Kindly read the tutorial carefully, or else your device may end up in boot loop.
What Is a Bootloader
A bootloader is an integral part of a device known as a bootstrap loader or boot program. It is a specially designed operating system software that loads to the system of a computer or a smartphone.
The program is launched by a CD/DVD, hard disk, and smartphones installed in the internal storage.
Why Is a Bootloader Locked
The manufacturers lock the bootloader for certain reasons, and those are:
- Prevent unauthorized installation of a new ROM.
- Keep the device safe from hacking or cracking.
- A locked-bootloader doesn’t let you install any custom recovery.
- OEM’s lock bootloader so that customers are bound to use their optimized operating system.
- Locked bootloader helps in keeping the device up to date with monthly security patches.
Unlock Bootloader of Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
Kindly stick to the instructions that is mentioned below, not following the same would result with a bricked smartphone that requires advanced technical skills. You must unlock the bootloader of Redmi Note 9 Pro Max in order to flash a custom recovery and then root it.
Requirements
- Ensure to check your model number, which must be: Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (Codename: Excalibur)
- Your phone must be 70% charged at least; else, it may sometimes lead to complications while experimenting. Why take the risk? Try to charge it fully.
- Back-Up – If you are either going to root your phone or install a Custom ROM, it is a good habit to make your phone back up. Make a back up of all your media like images, videos, and all on your PC and your contacts on Cloud.
- Enable USB Debugging – Read the guide How To Enable USB Debugging In Xiaomi Devices
- Unlocked Bootloader – Read the guide How To Unlock Bootloader On Xiaomi Smartphones
Once you have unlocked the bootloader on Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, you will get the above message on your computer screen and simultaneously your device will reboot. Follow the next procedures to root your device and install custom recovery.
Downloads For Rooting Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (Excalibur) on Android 11
- Download TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
- Download SuperSu by Chainfire.
- Download Magisk Manager from Github.
Make sure that you have downloaded the required files. Then, proceed to the steps.
How To Install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
Step 1: Download and install ADB Fastboot Tools on your computer.
Step 2: Turn off your Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power button until you see the Green Bunny Logo.
Step 3: Connect your smartphone to your computer using the USB data cable.
Step 4: Go to C: Program Files (x86)Minimal ADB and Fastboot and right-click on py_cmd.exe and run it as administrator
Step 5: Now, open the command prompt in the computer/ ADB Terminal, and type the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.4.0-11-curtana-unified-mauronofrio.img
and then run this command, type:
fastboot oem reboot-recovery
After typing fastboot reboot, hold the Volume Up + Power button’s key combo and boot to TWRP. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don’t follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.
How to Root Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro Max
Ensure that you have downloaded SuperSU or Magisk Manager (link in the pre-requisite section of this article). Then, proceed to the steps.
Caution: You can use Magisk Manager or Super SU, but only one, so choose wisely. Go for Magisk Manager if you are not sure.
Step 1: Transfer the downloaded SuperSU or Magisk Manager file to the internal storage / SD card of your Redmi Note 9 Pro Max smartphone.
Step 2: Now, just boot into the recovery. From the TWRP interface, you can optionally backup the Stock ROM. Though, I would recommend to backup the Stock ROM. Because if the process gets failed, you can flash the Stock ROM.
Step 3: Tap on Install ‘, and then navigate to the file ‘SuperSU.zip’ or ‘Magisk.zip’ and swipe to confirm flash (located at the bottom of the screen). The flashing process of Magisk/ SuperSU has been started and will take a few seconds to complete.
Final Words
Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi Note 9 Pro Max gives you the ability to flash TWRP custom recovery that has many benefits of its own. A custom recovery lets you root your device along-side taking backups of your current ROM. Now you will enjoy your Redmi Note 9 Pro Max with an unlocked bootloader. Wait for a while until developing the custom ROMS for the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max starts. Till then, you can enjoy the modules with Magisk and tweak your device according to your wish.