Obtaining superuser rights on Xiaomi devices is a process that opens up completely new horizons for the owner of the Redmi smartphone. The standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS restricts access to system files, protecting the device from inexperienced actions, but for advanced users these restrictions often become an obstacle. To fully modify the firmware, remove system debris and use powerful applications for fine-tuning, you need to activate the hidden administrator mode.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to root the rights to Xiaomi Redmi using modern and proven methods. The process is not trivial and requires care, since interfering with the bootloader can lead to loss of warranty or data. However, by following all the steps of the instructions, you can safely unlock the bootloader and implement the rights manager Magisk, which is today the gold standard in the world of Android modification.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand what changes will occur in your device after receiving advanced privileges. Root access allows you to change system files that are usually protected from writing, which makes it possible to remove pre-installed applications, block ads at the system level and make full data backups. Without these rights, many system partitions remain read-only, which limits the functionality of the smartphone to the capabilities provided by the manufacturer.
Note that the process of obtaining administrator rights on Xiaomi Redmi is inextricably linked to unlocking the bootloader.This is a security mechanism that checks the digital signature of the downloaded software and prevents the running of modified systems. To circumvent it, you will need an official utility from the manufacturer, Mi Account and waiting for a certain time, which can be from 3 to 7 days.
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with software tampering. Although modern methods such as using Magisk hide root rights from banking applications, the security of data rests solely with the user. Mistakes when flashing or modifying system files can lead to software failures known as “bootloop”, where the device is rebooted cyclically, so it is critical to create a full backup of all important data before starting any work.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation, you will need not only the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone itself, but also a personal computer running Windows, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-a cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, using damaged cables or USB-ports on the front panel of the system unit often leads to a connection break at a critical moment, which can fatally affect the firmware process.
The first step is to activate the developer mode and debug via USB. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version (or OS Version) until a notification appears that you have become a developer. After that, the Additional → For developers, you need to enable Debug over USB and Allow ADB. Without these settings, the computer will not be able to send commands to the device.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, to avoid sudden shutdown during work with the loader.
- 💾 Make a full backup of contacts, photos and documents to the cloud service or computer, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the internal memory.
- 🔌 Install current drivers ADB and Fastboot on your computer, downloading platform tools from the official Android Developer website.
- 🌐 Make sure that the device is installed SIM-card with active mobile internet, as the account binding often requires verification via a mobile network, not Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices automatically performs a full data reset (Wipe Data).All files, photos and applications will be deleted without recovery, unless you have backup done in advance.
You also need to make sure that the device has the Find Device feature enabled in the Mi Account settings. This is a security requirement that cannot be circumvented. If the feature is turned off, Xiaomi servers will not allow unlocking. Check the account binding status in the Mi Unlock Status menu, which will appear after debugging over USB is enabled.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The key step, without which you can not install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi, is to unlock the bootloader. This is the gateway that controls the launch of the operating system. While it is closed, the phone will only accept officially signed firmware. To open access, you will need the official utility Mi Unlock Tool, which you should download from the site miui.com/unlock.
The process starts with logging into your Mi Account on your smartphone and in the program on your computer. Once you switch the device to Fastboot mode (clicking the volume button when the screen is off and connecting the cable to your PC), the utility will check the status of the device. If you do this for the first time, the system will tell you to wait. This security timer, which usually lasts 168 hours (7 days), is designed to protect users from data theft.
After the wait period, repeat the Fastboot connection procedure. Mi Unlock will show the Unlock button, pressing which will start the process. The smartphone screen can flash several times, showing the progress bar. Once successfully completed, the device will restart, and you will see the inscription "Unlocked" under the Mi logo, which indicates the successful execution of the operation.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, some security features, such as theft protection or the use of certain banking services as standard, may be limited or require additional settings.
Importantly, re-locking the bootloader after installing a customized backup or modified system can lead to a device "bricking" if you plan to experiment, leave the bootloader unlocked. This also means that when you boot the phone, you will always see a warning that the device is not protected, which can be removed, but it will be more difficult to completely hide the fact of unlocking from some applications.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
To implement the rights of a superuser, standard recovery coming from the factory is not enough. We'll need to install a third-party recovery, and the best choice here is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a touch-controlled recovery environment that allows you to install zip archives, make full partition backups, and clear cache.
The file image recovery (.img) must strictly match the model of your Xiaomi Redmi. Using a file from another model, even from the same series, can lead to a broken sensor in the recovery or inability to boot. Download the current version of TWRP for your device from trusted sources, such as the 4PDA forum or the official website twrp.me.
The installation process takes place via the command line in Fastboot mode. Connect the phone to your computer, open the console in the folder with ADB tools and enter the command to firmware the image. It is important not to restart the phone in normal mode immediately after recording, as the regular system can overwrite the recavereases back to stock.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-codename.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-codename.imgThe second command (fastboot boot) temporarily loads the Recovery without the final memory record, which allows you to check the performance. If the TWRP started, and you see a menu with the Install, Wipe, Backup buttons, then the image fits. Now you can move to the final installation of the rights manager.
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If the touch screen doesn't work after you install the TWRP, use the volume buttons for navigation (up/down) and the power button for selection (Enter).
Magisk installation and access to Root
The current standard for root rights is the use of Magisk by topjohnwu. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which means it doesn't make changes to the system partition directly, but modifies the boot process, which allows you to pass security checks (SafetyNet/Play Integrity) and use banking applications.
First, download the current one. APK-Magisk file from official repository to GitHub. Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip (although newer versions are available). TWRP often able to set and APK directly, zip is more universal for older versions of the recovery. Copy this file into the internal memory of the smartphone or on the computer. SD-map.
Boot to the previously installed TWRP Recovery. This usually uses a combination of buttons (volume up + power) when the phone is turned off. From the recovery menu, select Install, find the Magisk file and confirm the installation of the slider swipe. The process will take a few seconds, after which a message will appear about the successful installation.
☑️ Checklist of successful Magisk installation
Once you're done, click the Reboot System button. It can take 2 to 5 minutes to boot the first one. After you turn on Android, look up the Magisk icon that appears in the app menu. Open it: If the app offers you to add components and reboot, you'll agree. The open home screen with the Magisk version indicates that root rights are active.
⚠️ Note: Magisk may request permission to access files when it first starts, so be careful to allow access, otherwise the application will not be able to properly manage the rights of the superuser.
License Check and Basic Security Setup
Once installed successfully, you need to make sure that the rights are working correctly and apps can request them. To verify, you can download the Root Checker utility from Google Play. When it launches, it will request permission from the superuser through the Magisk pop-up. If you see a green smiley face and a message about root access, then everything went well.
But you just don't get enough rights, you have to learn how to control them. → Settings) are recommended to enable Zygisk.This is a modern replacement for the old implementation mode, which allows modules to work in the Zygote process space, providing better compatibility and the ability to hide root from detection applications.
Also worth paying attention to is the list of applications that have been granted permissions. Magisk is on-demand: when an application first tries to access system files, a dialog box will appear on the screen. You can choose "Give forever," "Give for 10 minutes" or "Disclaim." Watch these requests carefully, especially from unknown applications.
| Parameter | Before getting a Root | After installing Magisk |
|---|---|---|
| Access to system files | Only reading. | Full access (Reading/Write) |
| Removal of system applications | Impossible. | (Applicable via ADB or file manager) |
| Work of banking applications | It's working by default. | Requires Hidden Settings (Zygisk) |
| Installation of modified modules | Not supported | Full support for modules |
| Manufacturer's guarantee | It's still there. | Often cancelled (programmatically) |
Remember that having root rights makes your phone vulnerable to malware if you install apps from unverified sources. Malware, once granted superuser rights, can cause irreparable damage to the system. Always check the permissions requested and do not confirm access for suspicious programs.
What to do if the Internet is lost after installing Root?
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The Xiaomi Redmi modification process doesn’t always go smoothly. One of the common problems is the bootloop, which is the endless reboot of the phone. This can happen if you install an incompatible version of the TWRP or a damaged Magisk zip archive. Most of the time, it helps to download to Recovery mode and clear the Dalvik/Cache cache, or reflash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
Another common problem is that banking apps don't work, and as mentioned, banks don't like modified systems, and the solution is Magisk's settings: turn on Zygisk, add the apps you want to add to the Denis List, and maybe use the Play Integrity Fix module. This will require additional research, but will allow you to use the NFC-payment and banking services.
If the phone is no longer defined by your computer in Fastboot mode, try replacing it. USB-It can also be a problem if you don't have any drivers. In Windows Device Manager, check if there's any devices with a yellow exclamation point. Reinstall Xiaomi drivers. USB Driver often solves the problem of communication.
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The main reason for most errors is inattentive reading of instructions for a particular Redmi model. Always check the forums for specific nuances of your processor (Snapdragon or MediaTek).