Root Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max via Magisk without TWRP

In this guide, we will show you how to root Redmi Note 9S, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max via Magisk without using TWRP Recovery. First off, we will extract the stock boot.img file from the Fastboot ROM. Then this boot.img file will be patched via Magisk and flashed via Fastboot Commands. Do keep in mind that this guide is not for Redmi Note 9, as that device follows a slightly different route. I have documented that in a separate guide. So if you have that device, then please refer to How to Root Redmi Note 9 via Magisk without TWRP.

In order to extract the full potentiality of your device, tech enthusiasts prefer to step into custom development. Once you step into that domain, (after unlocking the bootloader), then are a plethora of tweaks and customizations that you could try out. These include the likes of flashing a custom ROM or installing a custom recovery like TWRP. Likewise, you may also gain access to the system partition and install tons of mod- such as Xposed Framework, Magisk Modules, and Substratum Themes.

But how to gain this administrative level access? Well, this is where the Magisk App (as is now known as, beginning with v22) comes into the picture. Using it, there are two different approaches that you could opt for- directly flashing Magisk via TWRP or via the Magisk Patched Boot.img file. Due to the complexities involved and/or the lack of official TWRP support, we would stick with the non-TWRP method. So here are the detailed instructions to root Redmi Note 9S, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max via Magisk without using TWRP.

How to Root Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max via Magisk without TWRP

We are listing the instructions under separate sections for ease of understanding. Make sure to follow in the exact same sequence as mentioned below. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps.

Install Android SDK

To begin with, install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary provided by Google and is the only recommended one. So download it and then extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Doing so will give you the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout this guide.

Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking

Next up, you will have to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your device. The former will make your device recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. This will then allow you to boot your device to Fastboot Mode.

On the other hand, OEM Unlocking is required to carry out the bootloader unlocking process. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on MIUI Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.

Unlock Bootloader on Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max

You will also have to unlock the bootloader on your Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max if you wish to root it via Magisk without using TWRP. Do keep in mind that doing so will wipe off all the data and might make the device’s warranty null and void as well. So if that’s well and good, then refer to our guide to Unlock Bootloader on any Xiaomi Device.

Download Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max Fastboot ROM

You will now have to download the Fastboot ROM for your device. Make sure to download the same firmware version that is currently installed onto your device. For my device, I am using the Note 9 Pro (curtana) V12.0.3.0.RJWINXM Fastboot ROM (India).

As far as downloading the ROM goes, you may do so from the official site. Or if you cannot access it, then take the help of a third-party site such as Xiaomi Firmware Updater: Note 9S Global/9Pro Indian [Codenamed: Curtana] | Note 9 Pro Max India [Codenamed: Excalibur].

Extract Stock Boot.img

Once you have downloaded the ROM, extract it to any convenient location on your PC. Once extracted, go to the Images folder. Within that, you should see all the partition files in IMG format. Copy the boot.img file and send it to your device.

Patch Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max Stock Boot.img via Magisk

1. First off, install the Magisk App onto your Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max so that we could patch the stock boot.img and hence root it without TWRP.
2. Then tap on the Install button situated next to Magisk.
3. From the Method section, choose Select and Patch a file.
   
4. Browse to the extracted boot.img file and select it.
5. Then tap on the Let’s Go option situated at the top right.
6. Magisk will now load the boot.img file and will patch it accordingly. Once that is done, you would get the Download Complete message.
   
7. The patched boot image file will be saved in Internal Storage > Downloads. The name of the file will be magisk_patched.img.

Boot Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max to Fastboot Mode

1. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
3. Type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device to Fastboot Mode

   adb reboot bootloader

   

You should now see the famous MI Bunny Logo along with the Fastboot text written underneath it, signifying that the device has successfully booted to Fastboot. Let’s now move over to the final set of instructions and root Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max via Magisk without using TWRP Recovery.

Flash Magisk Patched Boot.img and Root Redmi Note 9S/Pro/Max

1. To begin with, make sure that you have transferred the magisk_patched.img file to the platform-tools folder.
2. Now type in the below command in the CMD window (that is opened inside the platform-tools folder) to flash the Magisk Patched file:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

3. Once that is done, reboot your device to the OS via the following command:

   fastboot reboot

That’s it. These were the steps to root your Redmi Note 9S, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro Max device via Magisk without using TWRP Recovery. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest. Rounding off, don’t forget to check out our unbrick guide for your device: How to Unbrick Redmi Note 9 Pro via Fastboot Commands.