Xiaomi’s current smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 10S, have a powerful hardware, but software constraints often keep the device from unlocking its full potential. Users are looking for ways to bypass system locks to remove system debris, install custom modules, or change CPU frequencies. Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, is a key step in this direction, opening the door to full control of the Android operating system.
The procedure for obtaining extended rights on devices with a shell MIUI has become more complicated in recent years, requiring care and strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Errors during the unlocking stage of the bootloader or the backpack firmware can lead to software failures, so it is important to understand each step. In this guide, we will discuss all the steps from the application to the final installation of Magisk.
It should be noted that the intervention in the system partition changes the status of the warranty and carries certain risks. However, with the right approach and use of proven tools, the Redmi Note 10S turns into a universal tool for enthusiasts. Next we will consider the necessary preparations and the algorithm of actions.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start modifying the system, you need to prepare the work environment and the device itself. You need a Windows computer, the original Windows computer. USB-cable and stable Internet connection. It is critical to create a full backup of all data, as the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the memory of the smartphone.
You'll need specific drivers and utilities to boot in advance. Lack of the right components can interrupt the process halfway, leaving the phone in a boot cycle state. Make sure the battery is at least 60% so that the device doesn't turn off at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
The main set of software includes:
- 📱 The official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock the bootloader.
- 💻 Platform tools ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔧 The image of a custom Recovery TWRP, codenamed rose.
- 📦 Firmware file Magisk.apk (renamed to.zip or used for patching).
You also need to turn on the developer mode on your smartphone. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. After the message “You became a developer”, open the advanced settings and activate debugging over USB.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, and without this step, installing a custom recaveri or obtaining root rights is technically impossible. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure, so the process requires confirmation through the manufacturer's servers.
To start, link your Mi Account to your device. In the Developer Menu, look for Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Make sure you use mobile Internet instead of Wi-Fi, as the server sometimes doesn't see the link via a wireless connection.
⚠️ Note: Once the account is linked, the system can set a waiting timer (usually 7 to 168 hours) before the bootloader is out of reach, even with repeated attempts.
After waiting, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off your phone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. If done correctly, the utility will see the phone and let you press the Unlock button.
The unlocking process is accompanied by a full formatting of the userdata partition, which is done to protect the user's personal data from attackers who could access the file system, and once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and start the initial system setting.
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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible action that erases all data and requires a mandatory wait for a security timer from Xiaomi.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard MIUI restore does not allow you to make changes to system partitions or install unsigned packages. To implement Magisk, we will need a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) environment. It is important to download the version designed specifically for the Redmi Note 10S (codename rose), since firmware from other models will lead to a “brick”.
Place the twrp.img image file in the ADB tool folder on your computer. Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the command to temporarily download the recovery:
fastboot boot twrp.imgThe phone will go to the TWRP interface. At this point, the system is not permanently stitched, so after a normal reboot, you will again be in the drain recover. To gain a foothold, you need to flash the image to the recovery section. In the TWRP itself, go to the Install section and select the Install Image file at the bottom of the screen.
- 📂 Find a previously used file twrp.img.
- 📲 Select the Recovery Target Section.
- ✅ Swipe to confirm Flash.
After a successful firmware operation, press the Reboot System button. If the phone boots into a regular MIUI, it's a success. To log in to TWRP, you now need to press the power and volume buttons when the phone is off.
Getting Root Rights through Magisk
The most relevant and secure method of obtaining superuser rights on modern versions of Android is using Magisk. Unlike the old methods of replacing system files, Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the fact of the modification from banking applications.
To start, download the current version of Magisk.apk from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip. Upload this archive to the smartphone's internal memory. Reboot to TWRP and go to the installation menu.
Select the Magisk zip archive and do the installation. It takes a few seconds. Once complete, press Reboot System. The Magisk icon should appear in the application list. Open it, and if necessary, allow root rights to be accessed and complete additional component installation.
What happens if Magisk doesn’t open?
You can check for rights with specialized gates like Root Checker, but the Magisk icon and the ability to request access for other applications are already a sign of success, and you can install modules, remove system software, and customize the processor.
Comparison of methods of obtaining rights
There are several approaches to modifying the system, but not all of them are suitable for the Redmi Note 10S in 2026. Below is a table comparing the main methods to help you understand why you chose the path through TWRP and Magisk.
| Method | Security | Difficulty | Bank compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| KingRoot / OneClickRoot | Low. | Low. | No. |
| Magisk (Systemless) | Tall. | Medium | Yeah (with adjustment) |
| KernelSU | Very high. | Tall. | Yes. |
| SuperSU (Legacy) | Medium | Medium | No. |
As you can see from the table, outdated methods like SuperSU or automated utilities like KingRoot are not recommended, but they make changes directly to the system partition, which violates the integrity of Android Verified Boot and often causes security failures.
Magisk remains the gold standard, allowing flexible access rights management. The more advanced KernelSU requires a patched core, which is more difficult to implement on Xiaomi stock firmware, so Magisk is the best choice to start the route of a root user.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen situations can occur when modifying the Redmi Note 10S. One common problem is the loss of broadband connectivity (IMEI becomes null). This occurs when the persist or modem partition is damaged. To avoid this, never format the persist, modem, and factory partitions in TWRP.
If the phone is bootlooped (infinite reboot), try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, you will need to log in to Fastboot and firmware stock image boot.img command: fastboot boot boot.img. The presence of the original firmware file is mandatory.
Users also experience a broken fingerprint after installing root, which is solved by flashing a patched boot.img or updating Magisk to the latest version, where conflicts with biometrics on MediaTek Helio G95 processors are fixed.
⚠️ Note: If you receive a “Waiting for Device” error in Fastboot, replace it. USB-cable or port. USB 3.0 on the front of a PC often causes connection instability.