Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphone opens up completely new horizons for the owner of the system, not only a way to remove preinstalled software, but also the ability to fine-tune power consumption, change system fonts and even run game console emulators.
Owners of the popular Redmi 5 often face the limitations of the MIUI shell, which aggressively manages background processes. Root rights allow you to completely circumvent these restrictions, giving you full control of Android. Before you start, it is important to understand that any actions you make at your own risk, and in theory can turn the device into a “brick”.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the whole way from unlocking the bootloader to installing the modern rights manager Magisk. We’re not going to use outdated methods that could have worked on Android 5 or 6, but we’re going to look at the current ways to get the version of the system installed on your device.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The first step to obtaining superuser privileges is to carefully prepare the workplace and the smartphone itself. You will need a Windows computer (on macOS or Linux, the process may differ and require additional driver settings), serviceable USB-cable and stable Internet connection, without a high-quality cable, the connection to the bootloader can be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.
Make sure to make a full backup of all important data. During the process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite, all data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted, a standard security measure by Xiaomi, aimed at protecting user data from intruders.
⚠️ Warning: The bootloader unlock procedure permanently erases all files, photos, and contacts. Make sure you save everything important to the cloud or external media before starting work.
You also need to charge the smartphone battery to at least 70-80%. The flashing and modification of memory partitions are quite energy-intensive, and a sudden disconnection of the device can damage the system files. Make sure that the computer has the current ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as drivers for Xiaomi devices.
- 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-stable-connection.
- 💻 PC with Windows OS and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
- 🔋 Charge of the smartphone battery at least 70%.
- ☁️ Backup of all important user data.
Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)
Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a modified backup or obtaining root rights is not possible. On Xiaomi smartphones, this process is regulated and requires an official application through the Mi Unlock service. You will need a Mi Account associated with the device and the Mi Unlock Tool application installed on your computer.
After applying for a developer setting, you’ll have to wait 7 to 168 hours (usually 7 days) to check for the device to be stolen. Attempting to get around waiting through third-party paid services often ends up with an account being blocked or malware received, so it’s best to be patient.
When the waiting time is up, plug your phone into Fastboot mode (clamping both Down volume and power) and launch the unlock utility on your PC. If all the conditions are met, the Unlock button will be active and the process will go ahead. Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.
It is important to note that after unlocking the bootloader, some security features such as Widevine are available. L1, may stop working, which will limit the quality of video playback in streaming services to SD-This is the fee for open access to the system.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The regular recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to system partitions, so it must be replaced with a custom solution, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For the Redmi 5 model (codename rosanne), you need to download a strictly relevant version of the image, since the firmware from another model is guaranteed to bring the device down.
Upload the twrp.img image file to the ADB tool folder on your computer. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Run a command from the command line to temporarily load the recovery without permanently flashing it to check the work.
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-0-rosanne.imgIf you have a touch-enabled TWRP menu on your smartphone, it's a good image. You can now flash it permanently. However, if you're using a modern version of Android, the system may try to restore the original boot partition the first time you boot.
⚠️ Warning: Never use images TWRP, Related to Redmi 5 Plus (Vince) or Redmi 5A (These are different devices with different hardware, and mixing up the models will lead to fatal errors.
To fix the result, you often need to flash a file patch immediately after downloading to TWRP, which prevents the system from replacing the backpack, or use specialized scripts. Without this step, all further actions may be useless.
Magisk installation for obtaining Root rights
Today, the gold standard for superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU methods, Magisk works in a systemless way, which allows you to hide the fact that root rights from banking applications and anti-cheat games.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file and rename it to.zip (or use the built-in installer in newer versions) TWRP). Download the menu. TWRP, Select "Install" and specify the path to the archive with Magisk.
☑️ Checking before Magisk firmware
After successful installation, click the button "Reboot System." The first download may take longer than usual time - this is normal, since the system checks the integrity of the modified files. Once enabled, you will see a new Magisk icon in the menu.
Open the Magisk app. If it offers you to do some extra setup or reboot, you'll agree. It's the component that's responsible for granting rights to applications when they request it. Without the active Magisk root application, access won't work even if the files are registered on the system.
| Parameter | Before installing Magisk | After installing Magisk |
|---|---|---|
| Access to system files | Only reading. | Full access (Read/Write) |
| Work of banking applications | They work normally. | May require concealment settings |
| Possibility of removing system software | Unavailable | Available. |
| Updating the OTA system | It works automatically. | Requires manual installation |
Magisk setup and Root access hiding
Getting rights is only half the battle. Many applications, especially banking (Sberbank, Tinkoff) and payment systems (Google Pay, Mir Pay), detect a modified system and refuse to work, and to get around this, you need to use the Magisk Hide feature (or Configure in new versions).
In Magisk settings, activate the hide function. Then, in the process list, mark all banking applications and Google Play Services, which will cause Magisk to dynamically hide the root rights for these programs, leaving them available for other utilities, such as file managers.
What to do if the bank is not working?
In addition, Magisk's settings recommend turning on "Zygisk" -- a new module launch environment that provides better interoperability and stability. Older implementations (Riru) are gradually becoming a thing of the past, and modern modules are written under Zygisk.
⚠️ Attention: Constant updates to detection lists in banking applications may temporarily disrupt their operation.See Magisk and security module updates.
Opportunities and risks after obtaining rights
Now that your Xiaomi Redmi 5 has super-user rights, you have open doors for deep customization, you can use apps like Titanium Backup or Swift Backup to fully save these apps along with their settings, and you can also have a powerful file manager, Root Explorer or MT Manager.
But remember to be safe. Giving root rights to any application gives it full control of your device. Superuser-enabled malware can steal passwords, take photos from the camera, or send SMS without your knowledge.
💡
Use the Magisk module called “AppList” to more flexible control the visibility of installed applications across different services.
Another important detail is the loss of warranty. While software can be used to get everything back to normal (by locking the bootloader back in and resetting it completely), the interference can be detected by service centers in deep diagnostics, so weigh the pros and cons.
- 🚀 Ability to overclock the processor to improve performance.
- 🎨 Installation of design themes that change system fonts and icons.
- 🔋 Finely adjusting sensor survey frequency to save battery.
- 🛡️ Risk of installing malware with high level of access.
Return to the original state (Unroot)
If you have to get your phone repaired under warranty or you just decided to give up the experiment, the procedure can be easily canceled. The Magisk app has a button called "Uninstall" that will automatically remove all modifications and restore the original boot image.
However, to get the device back to full factory, removing Magisk alone is not enough. You also need to lock the bootloader back, using the same Mi Unlock Tool utility, but in Lock bootloader mode.
Remember that locking the bootloader on a modified system (with TWRP installed or custom firmware installed) will lead to a “brick.” So the sequence of actions is strictly as follows: first completely clear Magisk and return the stock Boot, then lock the bootloader, and only then completely reset (Wipe Data).
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Always keep the original boot.img image that matches your firmware version – it’s the only insurance against problems when you return to the drain.