Despite its budget status and age, the Xiaomi Redmi 5A is still a popular device due to its reliability and maintainability. However, the standard MIUI shell often limits the user’s ability to remove system applications or install specific modules. Getting root rights (superuser rights) opens up access to hidden Android functions, allowing you to completely redesign the operating system to your needs.
The procedure for hacking a system requires careful and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, since interference with system partitions always carries certain risks. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely activate SuperUser mode on your device using modern tools like Magisk. You will learn about preparing the device, unlocking the bootloader and final installation of the necessary files.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that getting extended rights removes the device from the manufacturer’s warranty service. MIUI has built-in protection mechanisms that will resist modification attempts, so it is important to prepare all software components in advance. Below we will look at the key steps that will turn your regular phone into a powerful tool for experimentation.
Device preparation and backup
The start of the process should always be accompanied by a full copy of important data. Getting the root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi 5A involves unlocking the bootloader, which in 99% of cases leads to the complete removal of all user data from internal memory, a strict security requirement of the Android platform, which is impossible to circumvent by standard methods.
You need to copy photos, contacts, messages and documents to an external medium or to the cloud storage, and you should also pay attention to saving passwords from Wi-Fi networks and two-factor authentication, as access to them can be lost after reset. Make sure that the battery is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
☑️ Redmi Preparation 5A modifyable
After you save the data, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. Then, in the Developer menu that appears, enable USB debugging and USB installation permission. These are critical for connecting your computer and smartphone.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The central element of system protection in Xiaomi devices is the Bootloader. While it is blocked, any attempts to write modified system files will be blocked at the hardware level.The unlock procedure is officially supported by the manufacturer, but requires binding the Mi Account account to the device and waiting for a certain time.
Why do you have to wait 168 hours?
To start, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your Windows computer. Launch the program, log in to your Mi Account (the same as your phone) and connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode. To switch to this mode, turn off your phone and press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the logo with the hare appears.
If the utility says that the device cannot be unlocked, press the "Connect" button and wait for the timer to expire. Retry is possible only after the wait period has expired. Successful unlocking is confirmed by the message "Unlocked successfully", after which the phone automatically restarts and clears the data.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard Recovery mode does not allow you to install modified files or make full backups of the system. To implement root rights, we will need TWRP Recovery, a special software that replaces standard recoveries, which allows you to work with partitions of memory directly.
Download the current version of the twrp.img image, which is specifically for the Redmi 5A model (codename riva). Using a file from another model, such as the Redmi 4A or 5 Plus, can lead to the "bricking" of the device. Place the file in a folder with the ADB drivers installed on the computer.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute a firmware command via the command line:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_riva.imgAn important nuance: standard TWRP firmware on Xiaomi is often automatically replaced by stockware on the first boot. To avoid this, after executing the fastboot command, immediately press the button combination Volume Up + Power, without releasing the cable until the TWRP logo appears. If you release the buttons earlier, the system will boot into normal mode and replace the Recovery.
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If TWRP asks for a password and you didn’t set it, try entering the password from your Mi Account or just swipe to unlock if this option is available in the recovery version.
Magisk installation to get a Root
Magisk is the gold standard for superuser rights today, and unlike the old SuperSU methods, Magisk works on a systemless basis, meaning it doesn’t make any direct changes to the system partition, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip (this is necessary for older versions). TWRP) or just copy it. APK In the memory of the phone, download to the previously installed TWRP Recovery.
From the Recovery menu, select Install and find the downloaded Magisk file. Confirm the swipe installation. Once the process is complete, press Reboot System. If it goes well, the Magisk icon will appear in the application menu, and the root access option will appear in the settings.
License Check and Basic Setup
After you first boot the system, you need to make sure that the rights are working correctly. Open the Magisk app. If it suggests you complete the installation and restart, agree. The main window opposite the Superuser should have a switch on.
You can use specialized tools like Root Checker to test in detail, and run the test, and the app will confirm root rights, and you can install modules, remove system debris, and configure the processor.
| Parameter | Before getting a Root | After receiving the Root |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of system applications | Impossible. | Full access |
| Core modification | Forbidden. | Permitted. |
| Work of banking applications | Stable. | Requires Magisk Hide settings |
| Device guarantee | It's working. | Cancellation. |
| Security of data | Tall. | Decreases when mistakes are made |
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Magisk allows you to hide the fact of obtaining root rights from specific applications, which preserves the functionality of banking services.
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
Software modifications rarely go perfectly smoothly. Redmi 5A users may experience a cyclical bootloop or system failure to boot, often due to incompatibility of the TWRP version with the Android firmware version.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless reboot after installing Magisk, boot into the TWRP Again, select the "Advanced" option» → «File Manager, find the folder /data/adb/modules and delete the folder with the name of the last module installed, which will cancel the changes that caused the failure.
Another common problem is the failure of the camera or fingerprint sensor, which happens when you use global firmware on Chinese versions of devices or vice versa, in which case it helps to flash the stock image boot.img from the original firmware, but without root rights, or find specific patches for your version of MIUI.
Also, keep in mind security: root rights make data vulnerable if malware gets into your phone; don't give superuser rights to apps from unverified sources; control access requests through the Magisk menu.
⚠️ Warning: Never give root access to random apps from the Play Market that require it without obvious need (like flashlights or simple calculators.