Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular mid-range devices, but its stock firmware MIUI often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, opens up access to system files, allowing you to remove embedded software, configure the processor and install specialized applications. However, this process requires care, since interference with the bootloader can lead to the loss of warranty or data.
Before you start making a modification, it’s important to understand the risks and prepare the device, and you’ll need not only the gadget itself, but also a computer with drivers installed, and a stable Internet connection. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at every step from unlocking the bootloader to implementing Magisk, which provides modern access to system administration.
It's worth noting that getting administrator rights to the Redmi Note 8 Pro isn't just about installing a single program, it's a complex process of flashing the system partition. Errors at any stage can result in a cyclical reboot or a complete device failure, so follow the instructions strictly and check every action before you do it.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends on 90% on the proper preparation of the workplace and the smartphone itself. USB-cable (preferably the one that came with the kit) and a charged smartphone battery of at least 60%, you also need to create a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the internal memory.
To work, you'll need to download and install the ADB and Fastboot toolkit on your PC. These tools allow your computer to send commands to your smartphone in bootloader mode. Without them, you can't interact with Xiaomi system partitions. Also, make sure your Mi Account has a phone number tied and two-factor authorization enabled.
⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader permanently deletes all data from the device. Backup photos, contacts and documents to an external medium or to the cloud before starting work.
After the hardware is ready, activate the developer mode on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to the settings, find the "About Phone" item and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. In the "Developers" menu that appears, turn on USB debugging and USB installation permission.
☑️ Preparation for obtaining Root
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, which Xiaomi blocks by default for security reasons. To unblock, you will need the official Mi Unlock Tool, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. The process can take from 3 to 7 days, since the server takes time to verify your account.
After obtaining permission in the app Security → Mi Unlock status, you can go to. Turn off the phone, then press the power and volume buttons simultaneously to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the device to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool by logging into the same Mi Account that is tied to the smartphone.
If all the conditions are met, the software will suggest unlocking the device. Press the Unlock button and wait for the process to be completed. The screen of the smartphone will show the logo with an open lock, which indicates success. Now the bootloader is open for changes, and you can install custom Recovery.
What to do if Mi Unlock is making an error?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard_recovery_ On Xiaomi devices, there is limited functionality and does not allow you to install third-party zip files or modify system partitions. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a customized recovery environment that gives you complete control of the file system.
Download the current.img recap version, specially assembled for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia). It is important to use the version for this model, since firmware from another device can lead to a "brick." Place the image file in the folder with ADB tools on your computer for convenience.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode (power buttons and volume down) and connect to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder and enter the command to flash the recovery firmware:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-begonia.imgAfter a successful recording, it is important to prevent automatic booting into the standard system, as it can overwrite TWRP. Immediately after the command is completed, press the power button and volume up, holding them until the TWRP logo appears. If you saw the recovery menu with touch control, the stage was passed successfully.
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When you first download TWRP, the system may ask for a screen unlock password. Enter your pin or pattern lock. If the key is not accepted, select Wipe → Format Data, type "yes", but remember that this will delete all data.
Magisk firmware to obtain Root rights
The most modern and secure way to obtain superuser rights is to use Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games. You will need to download the Magisk.apk installer and rename its extension to.zip.
Load to the previously installed TWRP. In the main menu, select Install and find the prepared zip archive from Magisk. Confirm the installation by running a slider at the bottom of the screen. The process will take a few seconds, after which a message will appear about the successful installation.
After you finish your firmware, press the Reboot System button. When you first boot, the system can run slower than usual — that's okay, there's an application optimization. Once you turn on, you'll find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. Open it, and if the program offers additional configuration, agree and restart.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Model of the device | Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro | Confirmed. |
| Code name | begonia | Critically. |
| Unlocking tool | Mi Unlock Tool | Official |
| Manager of rights | Magisk | Relevant. |
| Recovery. | TWRP | Needless to say |
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Magisk allows you to hide the presence of root rights from specific applications through the DenyList function, which keeps banking customers and Google Pay working.
License check and access setting
Once you have successfully installed Magisk, you need to make sure that the rights are actually active: download the Root Checker app from Play Market or use the built-in verification in the Magisk manager itself. At the top of the app screen, a green inscription with the version number should be lit, which confirms the existence of superuser rights.
Now you can manage access requests. When any application first tries to root, a permission pop-up will appear on the screen. You can choose "Give," "Refuse" or "Only Once." It is recommended to block access to unknown applications by default.
For advanced users, Magisk modules are available that extend the functionality of the system without changing the system partition, which can be modules to improve sound, change fonts or improve processor performance. Install only verified modules from official sources, so as not to break the tab>Android-worthiness.
Possible problems and solutions
When modifying the Redmi Note 8 Pro, users often encounter typical errors, one of the most common is a cyclic reboot after installing the module or the wrong firmware. If the phone does not load beyond the Xiaomi logo, you need to re-enter TWRP mode and remove the last installed component or make a complete reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
Another problem is a broken fingerprint or camera, which often happens when using an incompatible version of TWRP or damage to the persist partition, in which case flashing the stock image persist.img via Fastboot or a full return to the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool helps.
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the smartphone stopped responding to buttons and the computer does not see the device in Fastboot mode, the bootloader may be damaged.
Also worth mentioning is the Widevine L1 issue. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the DRM level often drops to L3, which causes Netflix and other streaming services to stop showing HD-quality content. Unfortunately, on modern Xiaomi devices, it is almost impossible to return the L1 after unlocking without closing the bootloader back, which again requires data cleaning.
Return to the original state (Unroot)
If you had to get your phone repaired under warranty or just put it back in factory condition, you can easily cancel the procedure. The easiest way is to open the Magisk app, select "Delete Magisk" and confirm the action, and the system automatically restarts and clears root rights.
However, to completely hide the interference, you also need to lock the bootloader back. To do this, download the official firmware for your version of MIUI, unpack it and use Fastboot to run the abl, xbl and tz images with the unlock suffix (if they have been replaced), and then use the command fastboot oem lock. Remember that locking the bootloader will again delete all data from the device.
In conclusion, getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro gives powerful customization tools, but requires accountability: Always check file compatibility and back up before critical changes.