The acquisition of super-user rights on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus offers unlimited customization options, a model codenamed Vince that is still popular today because of its balance between performance and cost. However, the standard MIUI shell imposes many limitations that prevent the device from fully exploiting its hardware potential.
With root rights, you can remove system debris, install powerful kernel modifications, and use applications to deep control the hardware. The process is not without complications, as it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a customized Recovery. Any manipulation of the system partition requires extreme care, as an error can lead to a loss of warranty or inoperability of the gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at every step of the procedure, from driver preparation to the final permission check. We will look at the current methods that work on modern versions of Android and MIUI. It is important to understand that you take responsibility for your actions, so follow the instructions Step-by-step, without missing a single point.
⚠️ Attention: All actions you perform at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible failure of the device, loss of data or violation of warranty conditions.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of system software, you need to carefully prepare the workplace. You will need a Windows computer (versions 7, 8, 10 or 11), which is in good working order. USB-The cable and the smartphone itself with a battery charge of at least 60%. Low charge can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device at a critical moment, which is fraught with serious consequences for the bootloader.
The first step is to activate the developer mode on your Redmi 5 Plus. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version bar until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
Inside the developer menu, you need to enable USB debugging. Without this option, the computer will not be able to send commands to the device via ADB. It is also recommended to enable the Factory Unlock option if it is available in your firmware version.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Xiaomi has implemented strong firmware protection against unauthorized firmware changes, so unlocking Bootloader is a must. Without an open loader, installing a custom TWRP recavator is impossible. The official method requires linking a Mi Account account to a device and waiting for a certain time, usually between 3 and 7 days.
To start, download the official Mi Unlock Tool from the developer's website and install it on your PC. Launch the program and log in using the same account you've linked to your smartphone. Then turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding down both the volume buttons and the power buttons. Connect the device to your computer with a cable.
In Mi Unlock, click Unlock. If your account status allows, the process will go automatically. If you see a waiting message, just wait until the timer ends without untieing your account or resetting your settings. Trying again early will reset your waiting timer.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s custom recap has limited functionality and does not allow you to install modified images, and is replaced by TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), the gold standard for custom restorations. Redmi 5 Plus (Vince) requires you to download an up-to-date version of the image that is compatible with your Android version.
The installation process takes place via Fastboot mode. Place the image file (usually with the.img extension) in the folder with the platform-tools tools on your computer. Open the command line in this folder and enter the command to flash the recovery partition:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-vince.imgOnce you have successfully recorded, it is important to avoid automatic booting, as the regular Android can replace the TWRP back with a stock recavator on the first run. Immediately after the command is completed in the terminal, turn off the cable and press the button combination to log in to Recovery (usually Volume Up + Power). Hold them until the MI logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to keep the volume.
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When you first start TWRP, swipe the slider to allow modifications. If the system asks for a password, enter a pattern lock or pin code from your current firmware.
Magisk firmware to obtain Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is the Magisk utility. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works in a system-nonpartisan way, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games. You will need to download the current Magisk apk file and rename its extension to.zip (or simply choose as zip when installing, if TWRP allows).
Load to the previously installed TWRP. If the phone requests a password, enter it. Then connect the phone to your PC and copy the Magisk firmware file to internal memory or to the computer. SD-In the Recovery menu, select Install, find the file, and confirm the swipe installation.
After the firmware process is complete, press the Reboot System button. The first download can take more than usual, sometimes up to 5-10 minutes. Don't panic or turn off the device at this point. Once you boot, find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. If it appears, you successfully gained root access.
| Phase | Required software | Mode of work | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlocking BL | Mi Unlock Tool | Fastboot | Low. |
| Installation of TWRP | ADB / Fastboot | Fastboot | Medium. |
| Getting a Root | Magisk Installer | Recovery (TWRP) | Low. |
| Checking rights | Root Checker | Android OS | Absent. |
Checking the work and basic setting
After the first download, make sure that the rights are really active. Run the Magisk app — at the top of the screen should be the word “version” with the number, and below the item “MagiskSU” with the status “Included.” You can also install any tester from the Play Market, such as Root Checker, which will give a green confirmation.
Now is the time to set up root rights for applications that may block work if modifications are detected. In Magisk settings, turn on Zygisk and “Accept the Exclusion List.” Then, in the “DenyList” list, mark banking apps, Google Pay, and anti-cheat games.
To make the system work properly, it is also recommended to install modules that improve power management or file system. However, do not overuse the number of modules, as they can slow down the Redmi 5 Plus. Each module installed is an additional code that is executed when the kernel is loaded.
⚠️ Note: Once root permissions are obtained, some security features such as Google Pay (without additional settings) and Widevine will stop working. L1 (lost HD streaming).
Possible problems and ways to solve them
When modifying the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, you may have unforeseen situations. One of the common problems is a bootloop. If the phone is stuck on the logo, try going to TWRP and making Wipe Cache/Dalvik. If that doesn't work, maybe the Magisk version is incompatible with your Android version.
Another common problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is broken after flashing, which often happens if the driver partitions are damaged or the wrong firmware version is used, and a full Format Data reset to TWRP helps, followed by reinstalling the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
If TWRP doesn't see internal memory, it might be due to data encryption, in which case, in the Wipe menu, select "Format Data," type "yes" and confirm. This action will delete all data from the phone, including photos and contacts, but restore access to the file system in the backup.
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The most reliable way to avoid problems is to make a full backup of the EFS and Persist section before any manipulations, as their loss leads to the inoperability of the communication.