Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face the desire to expand the functionality of their device, going beyond the standard limitations of the operating system. Getting root-rights opens access to system files, allowing you to remove preinstalled software, install powerful modifications and fine-tune the processor. However, this process requires care, since interference with deep settings Android can lead to unstable work of the gadget, if you do not follow the technology.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear about the risks and prepare all the necessary tools. Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory first step, without which further manipulation is impossible. It is important to understand that this procedure completely cleans the internal memory of the device, so creating a backup of data is a critical stage of preparation.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step of the process, from obtaining developer permissions to installing Magisk’s rights manager. You will learn how to avoid typical errors, what drivers you need to install on your computer and how to return the device to factory state if necessary. Using the official firmware for your particular version of the device is a prerequisite for successful unlocking.
⚠️ Warning: Obtaining superuser rights voids the manufacturer's official warranty on the device. All actions you perform at your own risk, and the author of the article is not responsible for possible malfunctions.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The success of the whole operation depends on 90% of the quality of the work place and the smartphone itself. USB-cable and Windows computer, not recommended USB-hubs or extensions, as loss of connection at critical time can lead to software errors.
The first thing you need to do is activate the hidden menu for developers. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI Version seven times. Once you have become a developer, you can proceed to set up debugging.
- 🔌 Get a quality connection. USB-cable, preferably original, to avoid communication interruptions.
- 💾 Make a full backup of all important data as the memory will be formatted.
- 🔋 Charge the Redmi smartphone 8 minimum 60-70% avoiding sudden shutdown.
Next, link your Mi Account to your device, as Xiaomi servers must confirm your right to unlock. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer and enable USB Debugging and bootloader Unlock. This is where the device will request account binding, and then a countdown timer will appear.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The process of unlocking Bootloader is the longest step, as it requires waiting for 168 hours (7 days) after an account is linked, a security measure implemented by Xiaomi to prevent device theft and unauthorized access to owner data.
After the waiting period, you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from the developer's website. Launch the program on your computer, log in to your account and transfer your smartphone to Fastboot mode, holding down the volume and power buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and press the unlock button in the utility.
⚠️ Warning: The unlocking process will automatically perform a full Wipe Data reset. Make sure you save all photos, contacts and documents before starting the procedure.
If the utility gives an error or the timer has not expired, the program will notify you of this by the appropriate notification.In some cases, the server may ask you to wait another 360 hours if suspicious activity or repeated attempts to unlock from different locations have been noticed. IP-Once successfully completed, the smartphone screen will change to confirm Unlocked status.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can't see the phone?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
For the implementation of superuser rights standard system recovery is not enough, so the installation of a modified recaveri, for example, is required, TWRP. This specialized menu allows you to set unsigned images, make full partition backups, and manage the file system_recovery.img_ It should be compatible with the Redmi model. 8 (olive).
The downloaded image file must be placed in the folder with the ADB and Fastboot tools on your computer. Rename the file to twrp.img for convenience so you don't get confused in commands. Open the command line in this folder and connect the phone in Fastboot mode. Enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number of the device is displayed in response, the connection is set correctly. The next step is to firmware the recovery image. It is important not to restart the phone immediately after the firmware is installed, since the standard system can overwrite the custom Recovery on the first run.
fastboot boot twrp.imgThis command will temporarily load TWRP without writing into permanent memory, allowing you to safely move to the next step. From the TWRP menu, select a language (usually English) and go to the Wipe section to clear the Data and Cache sections.
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is the use of Magisk, which works on the principle of systemless, without changing the system partition directly, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and Google Pay services. APK-Magisk file and rename its extension to.zip for installation via recaps, or use the installation function directly from the application if TWRP launcher APK.
From the TWRP menu, select Install, search for Magisk.zip, and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take a few seconds, then a green sign will appear to indicate successful completion, and then you need to restart the system by selecting Reboot System.
| Component | Function | Post-installation status |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloader | Loader of the system | Unlocked (Unlocked) |
| Recovery | Recovery environment | TWRP (Castomic) |
| System | Operating system | Unchanged (Systemless) |
| Magisk | Manager of rights | Active (Root received) |
Once the operating system is loaded, the Magisk icon will appear in the app menu. Launch the app: it may suggest additional components to be installed, which should be confirmed. If the main menu displays version and status "Installed", then you successfully obtained root access to your Xiaomi Redmi 8.
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Once you install Magisk, enable "Zygisk" in your app settings and reboot, which will increase compatibility with modules and improve root rights hiding from security-checked applications.
License check and access setting
To make sure the installation is correct, you can use specialized utilities such as Root Checker, run the test and the application confirms the presence of superuser rights, but the more important step is to configure access for other programs, since by default all requests are blocked.
When you first start an application that requires increased privileges, a Magisk pop-up will appear on the screen. You must manually allow access, otherwise the program will not be able to perform its functions. In the wizard settings, you can turn on automatic mode or leave manual control for greater security.
- 🛡️ Enable “MagiskHide” or “DenyList” in the settings to hide the root from banking applications.
- 🔄 Regularly update the Magisk app to close security vulnerabilities.
- 📱 Check the list of apps that have access to root in the "Superuser" menu".
Now you can install modules, change system fonts, make full backups through Titanium Backup, or overclock the processor. Remember that with greater rights comes a big responsibility: deleting critical system files can make it impossible to boot the device.
⚠️ Warning: Do not root applications from unverified sources. Superuser-enabled malware can completely destroy your data or steal sensitive information.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There can be a variety of bugs during the firmware modification process, from hanging on the logo to cyclic reboot. If the phone doesn't boot after installing the TWRP, try clearing the Dalvik and Cache partitions through the Wipe menu. Often this solves compatibility issues.
If the device is stuck in Fastboot or Recovery mode, it will help to enter the recovery mode and select Reboot or Power Off. If standard methods do not help, the only way out is to flash the device through the computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean All mode.
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The main reason for failure is the use of incompatible versions of firmware or recovery images. Always check the device code name (olive) before downloading files.
If you encounter a “Waiting for device” error when unlocking, reinstall ADB drivers. In Windows Device Manager, the device may display with a yellow exclamation point. Update the driver manually by pointing the path to the folder with Google USB Driver or Xiaomi USB Driver drivers.