Obtaining superuser rights on the Xiaomi Redmi 4 device opens up huge opportunities for the owner to customize the system, but this process requires care and strict follow the instructions. Root rights allow you to remove system applications, change the processor frequency, run advanced programs to block ads and make full data backups. Owners of this popular model often seek to unlock to prolong the life of not the newest gadget, installing lightweight Android builds on it.
It should be understood that the procedure is not trivial and carries certain risks, including the possibility of turning a smartphone into a “brick” if you do not act correctly. Modern MIUI shells have several layers of protection that must be consistently bypassed. Without prior unlocking the bootloader, any attempts to install a customized recovery will lead to error. So before starting work, it is critical to weigh all the pros and cons, and prepare the necessary tools.
This guide covers all stages: from submitting an application to Xiaomi to the final installation of the rights manager Magisk. We will look at the nuances of working with ADB and Fastboot utilities, which are the standard in the modification of Android devices. Carefully study the material to avoid common errors and successfully complete the process of modifying the firmware.
Preparation of the smartphone and the necessary tools
The first step is to prepare the workplace and the device thoroughly, and you're going to need a Windows computer that's working. USB-cable with high-quality data transfer and stable Internet connection. On the smartphone you need to install all available system updates through the Settings menu → About the phone, as the firmware version can affect the unlock method.
Make sure to back up all important data as the process of unlocking the bootloader will result in complete deletion of information from the internal drive. Save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud storage or to an external hard drive. Also make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60-70% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 4 (Prima, Hydrogen or Prime) Charged Smartphone with Original Cable.
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔐 Mi Accounts that are tied to your device for at least 72 hours (sometimes up to 360 hours).
- 📥 Downloaded image of custom recaveri TWRP, adapted to your model.
Without properly installed Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on the modification of your Redmi 4), the computer will not be able to see the device in firmware mode. Often it happens that the Mi Unlock Tool hangs during the verification phase, and the problem lies precisely in the absence of drivers or blocking by antivirus.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step without which it is impossible to install modified software. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure to prevent data theft and malware installation, but for enthusiasts this is the first barrier.
First activate the developer mode by tapping 7-10 Once by the build number in the About Phone section, then in the Developer menu, turn on the options. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB. After that, you need to link the account in the item “Mi Unlock Status”, inserting SIM-map and connect to Wi-Fi.
⚠️ Note: Once an account is tied, the system will require you to wait a certain time (usually 3 to 7 days, sometimes longer) before allowing unlocking.
When the wait period expires, turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility, and press the Unlock button. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The Recovery Recovery Recovery Menu is limited in functionality and does not allow third-party zip archives or full partition backups to be installed. Replacing it with TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the de facto standard for modifying Android.
To install, you will need an image file with the.img extension specially assembled for Redmi 4 (codename: prada, markw or idu depending on the processor). It is important not to confuse the versions, since the firmware from Snapdragon 435 will not fit on the Snapdragon 625. Download the current version from a trusted source, for example, from the 4PDA forum or the official TWRP website.
The firmware process is done via the command line. Open the console in the ADB tool folder and type a command to go to fastboot: adb reboot bootloader. Once you make sure the Fastboot logo appears on the phone screen, follow the firmware command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-markw.imgAfter a successful recording, it is critical to prevent automatic booting to the system, as the regular firmware can overwrite the Recovery. Immediately after completing the command, enter fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-markw.img or press the button combination to log into Recovery (volume up + Power).
| Model Redmi 4 | Code name | Processor | Features of TWRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi 4 Prime | markw | Snapdragon 435 | Full support, encryption |
| Redmi 4A | roland | Snapdragon 425 | It requires a special version. |
| Redmi 4X | santoni | Snapdragon 435 | Stable work |
| Redmi 4 (Standard) | prada | MediaTek MT6765 | Complex installation, brick risk |
Magisk installation for root rights management
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU, Magisk is systemless, which allows you to hide the availability of root rights from banking applications and games with strict anti-cheat protection, making it the only reasonable choice for everyday use.
Download the current Magisk apk file and rename it from.apk to.zip (or use the built-in TWRP installer zip if the version allows). Download to the previously installed TWRP menu. If you see a message that the system is not modified, swipe to allow changes.
From the Recovery menu, select Install, search for an archive from Magisk, and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few seconds. Once complete, press the Reboot System button. The first boot can be longer than usual — that's okay, it's app optimization.
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Once you install Magisk, download the app from the Play Market or install the apk file manually, and it is through this application that you will manage access rights and hide the root.
Once you boot, look for the Magisk icon in the application menu, open it and check the status: if the version number is displayed next to the "Magisk" sign, then the root rights have been successfully obtained. You can verify access by running any terminal and entering the su command, the system will request confirmation of access.
Possible problems and methods of solving them
The process of modifying Xiaomi Redmi 4 rarely goes absolutely smoothly for all users. Often there are situations when the device goes into an endless restart (bootloop) or stops responding to PC commands. Understanding the nature of errors will help quickly restore the functionality of the gadget without contacting the service.
One of the common problems is the “Verification Failed” error when trying to boot up after firmware TWRP. It's about checking the integrity of the boot partition. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt via the same recavery menu before first booting into the system.
- 🔄 Bootloop: If the phone is cyclically restarted, go to the TWRP And make a Wipe. → Format Data (enter yes), then reinstall the firmware.
- 💻 Computer Can't See Phone: Check Windows Device Manager, Try Others USB-Ports, install universal Google drivers USB Driver.
- 🔒 Mi Unlock Mi Mi Mi Mi Unlock Error 10008: Means Network or Server Issue for Xiaomi, Try Changing IP-address or wait for a few hours.
⚠️ Note: If after the firmware TWRP The phone stopped turning on and doesn't respond to buttons (black screen), you may have flashed an image that wasn't meant for your board revision. EDL (You need an authorized service center account or a paid account).
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Most of the errors in the Redmi 4 stage are due to a discrepancy in the version of the recovery model of the processor or blocking the bootloader with an antivirus.
Safety and Consequences of Getting Root
Obtaining superuser rights is not only a new feature, but also an increased responsibility for data security. With root access, any application that has the appropriate permission can theoretically access the entire file system, so you only trust root with proven utilities.
In addition, an unlocked bootloader and a modified system can result in a denial of warranty service if you contact an authorized service center. While it is theoretically possible to return everything as it was, traces of interventions can remain in logs.
And the risks of an over-the-air (OTA) upgrade are also borne in mind, with modified backups and root rights, automatic updates are likely to result in an error or loss of rights, and you will have to manually update, completely reflashing the device, which takes longer.