How to install Magisk on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: from unlock to root rights

Why Magisk is the Best Root Rights Choice on Redmi 4X

Installing Magisk on Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) gives you access to the advanced features of Android, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. Unlike the classic SuperSU, Magisk uses systemless root technology that does not infect the system partition. This is critical for the Redmi 4X, as it allows:

- Pass SafetyNet (banking applications and Google Pay work);

- Get OTA-updates MIUI without loss of root rights;

Hide the root from applications that block it (for example, games with protection).

However, the installation process on Redmi 4X has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of TWRP for your firmware.This guide contains current methods for MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 7/8, proven in practice.

⚠️ Note: On models with Snapdragon 435 processor (all Redmis) 4X) Unlocking the bootloader erases all data. Backup through Mi Cloud or ADB backup before the start of the procedure.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock

Without an unlocked bootloader, Magisk installation is impossible. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires a Mi Account to be tied to the device and waiting (usually 72-168 hours).

1. Activate. OEM-Unlocking in Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to turn on the developer mode. Then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on: 🔓 OEM-unlock; 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Link the Mi Account

In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account. Without it, Mi Unlock Tool won’t allow unlocking.

Install the Mi Unlock Tool

Download the latest version of the utility from the official Xiaomi website (Windows only). Run the program on behalf of the administrator.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" error with a timer, do not try to bypass it by changing the date/time on the PC. This will lead to an increase in the wait time to 30 days).

Step 2: Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

For Redmi 4X, only TWRP from the official developer TeamWin or modified builds for santoni are suitable. The wrong version will lead to a device blink (black screen after rebooting).

Download the current TWRP for your firmware:

• 📱 For MIUI 12/13 (Android 8.1): formality 3.7.0;
• 📱 For MIUI 14 (Android 7.1.2): modified assembly 3.6.1;
• 📱 For custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience): Use the latest stable version.

Installation instructions:

1. Rename the downloaded file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

⚠️ Note: If you have a fastboot boot twrp.img The phone is stuck on the Mi logo, so you have the firmware installed with the anti-rollback patch, which requires a rollback to an older version. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Step 3: Magisk firmware via TWRP

Now that Redmi 4X has customized Recovery installed, you can flash Magisk. Use the latest stable version from GitHub (at the time of writing - Magisk v26.4).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the file Magisk-v26.4.zip (don't rename it!).
2. Transfer it to your phone (you can use MTP to TWRP or ADB push).
3. In TWRP, select: Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

If you've got the phone stuck on the logo after the reboot, then MIUI has dm-verity.

1. Return to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
2. Sweep through the DM-Verity Disabler.
3. Reboot.

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If Magisk is not detected after installation, check integrity ZIP-file (compare hash) SHA-256 The problem often arises from incomplete file downloads.

Step 4: Root rights check and Magisk setup

Once installed successfully, Magisk Manager will appear in the app menu (if not, download the APK from GitHub).

• ✅ Magisk: The green status of Installed;
• ✅ SafetyNet: If it shows FAIL, activate MagiskHide in the settings;
• ✅ Superuser: Allow root access for the right apps.

To pass SafetyNet (required for Google Pay and banking applications):

1. In Magisk Manager, go to Settings → MagiskHide and turn on the option.
2. Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Modules → Install from storage.
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X firmware MIUI 14 and later MagiskHide may not work due to Xiaomi's built-in protection.In this case, use an alternative method with MagiskDelta module or roll back on the MagiskDelta module. MIUI 13.

Step 5: Solving Common Problems

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, there can be errors on the Redmi 4X, and the most common solutions are:

If Magisk has stopped working after installation OTA-Update, use manual firmware through TWRP (be sure to turn off signature verification in the Recaveri settings).

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On Redmi 4X with Snapdragon 435, you can’t install Magisk on Android firmware above 8.1, which will result in a soft bootloop. Always check compatibility before you run firmware.

Step 6: Alternative methods for obtaining root rights

If Magisk is not suitable (for example, due to firmware incompatibility), consider alternatives:

• 🔧 Patched Boot Image: You can manually patch boot.img It's going to be a Magisk Manager on a PC, and then flashing it through fastboot. TWRP doesn't work.
• 📦 Custom firmware with pre-installed root: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience already includes root access. MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
• 🔄 Temporary rout through ADB: For one-time tasks (e.g., removing system applications), you can use: adb shell su But this method requires reconnecting after each restart.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 4X With the bootloader locked (unless you have completed Step 1), none of the alternative methods will work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Magisk on Redmi 4X