The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in early 2019, is still a popular device due to its excellent price-performance ratio. However, the standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, often limits the capabilities of advanced users, denying access to system files and fine-tuning the hardware.
The process of obtaining superuser rights on Xiaomi devices is much more complicated than on many other brands, because of the tight protection of the bootloader, you have to go from applying in an official service to flashing system partitions using specialized software. It is not just installing an application from the Play Market, but a deep modification of the software that requires care.
Before you go into action, you need to be clear that any manipulation of the bootloader and system partitions carries risks. Incorrect firmware of incompatible backups can lead to complete failure of the device without the possibility of recovery by software methods. This article is an expert guide covering all the steps from unlocking Bootloader to implementing Magisk and setting up the environment.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The foundation of successful modification is a thorough preparation of the workplace and the gadget itself. You will need a computer running Windows, since the main tools for working with Xiaomi are sharpened specifically for this platform. USB-cable, preferably original, to exclude connection breaks at a critical time of data recording.
On your smartphone, you need to make a series of presets, without which further steps are impossible. First of all, activate the developer mode: go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times. After that, a new item will appear on the menu “For developers”.
Inside the menu for developers need to include debugging USB And you can get it from unknown sources, and without these flags, the computer can't send commands to the device through the device. ADB-It is also important to link your Mi Account to your device by entering the Mi Cloud settings.
- 📱 The battery charge of the smartphone should be at least 60% so that the device does not turn off during the flashing process.
- 💾 Be sure to make a full backup of all important data, as unlocking the bootloader will completely destroy the information.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB Fastboot on your computer, as well as specific drivers Xiaomi USB Driver.
- 🔌 Check the efficiency USB-port, connecting the cable to the connector on the back of the motherboard, bypassing the hubs.
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial unlock utilities (called “paid anlockers”) can lead to a device locking on the device. IMEI Use only the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The most difficult and longest step is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi's security policy requires waiting for 168 hours (7 days) after submitting an application, which is given to the user to think about the decision, since the procedure is irreversible without completely reflashing the stock version.
To start, apply through the “Mi Unlock Status” app in your phone settings. Once you have your account and device linked, download the official Mi Unlock Tool on your PC. Launch the program, log in to your account and put your phone into Fastboot mode, holding both the power and volume buttons.
Connect the device to your computer and press the Unlock button in the snail. If less than 168 hours have passed since the binding, the program will tell you to wait. At the end of the period, repeat the procedure, and the bootloader will be unlocked, and all data on the phone is deleted.
☑️ Checklist of unlocking
Once you successfully unlock the phone, you'll see a warning that the device is unlocked, which is a normal security response, and you can now move on to customized recavator.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Recovery Recovery installed by the manufacturer has limited functionality and does not allow you to install modified files. To implement root rights, we will need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), the most popular custom recovery with support for touch control.
You need to download the current TWRP image for your model. For the Redmi Note 7 (codenamed lavender), there are different versions depending on the type of processor, although in this case it is the same — Snapdragon 660. It is important not to confuse the model, since the firmware from the Note 7 Pro will kill the regular Note 7.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.imgThis command must be executed through the console in the tool folder. ADB/Fastboot, But there's a caveat: once you've done the firmware, you can't just reboot the system, or the stock recavator will overwrite it. TWRP. You need to immediately boot into recovery mode, clamping the power buttons and increasing the volume.
What happens if TWRP is not installed?
After you first log in to TWRP, the system will prompt you to allow modifications to the system partition. Be sure to click "Allow Modifications", otherwise the phone will not be able to boot with the changed rights. The recovery interface is fully touch-sensitive, which makes it easier to navigate the menu.
Root implementation through Magisk Manager
Magisk is the modern standard for obtaining superuser rights. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and Google Pay services.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file and rename it to.zip, or use the new version of Magisk Installer. ZIP-File. Put this file in the phone's internal memory. Go to the phone. TWRP, Select “Install” and point the path to the archive with the mask.
- 🔍 Choose the right one. ZIP-file-manager TWRP.
- ⬇️ Slide the slider at the bottom of the screen to confirm installation (Swipe to confirm Flash).
- ⏳ Wait until the process is complete, the indicator should turn green.
- 🔄 Click the “Reboot System” button to reboot in Android.
Once the operating system is loaded, a new Magisk icon will appear in the app menu, and when it first starts, the app may ask for additional permission to install components, and you'll agree, and the phone will restart again. Now, the rights are obtained.
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Use the “Magisk Hide” feature in the app settings to hide root rights from specific applications, such as banking clients or games with strict anti-cheat protection.
Compatibility table and software versions
It is important to understand which version of Android and MIUI is installed on your device, as this depends on the stability of the custom software. Below is a table of compliance versions of firmware for Redmi Note 7.
| Model | Code name | Basic Android | MIUI version | Status of support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 7 Global | lavender | Android 9 / 10 | MIUI 11 / 12 | Official. |
| Redmi Note 7 Pro | whyred | Android 9 / 10 | MIUI 11 / 12 | Official. |
| Redmi Note 7S | lavender_in | Android 9 | MIUI 10 / 11 | Indonesia/India |
| Redmi Note 7 (China) | lavender | Android 9 / 10 | MIUI 12 | China |
Using the wrong version of Recovery or Magisk for a particular version of Android can result in a cyclical reboot.Always check developer forums (such as 4PDA or XDA) before downloading files.
Possible problems and solutions
During the modification process, users often encounter a number of common errors, one of the most common being the “Bootloop”, where the phone is endlessly rebooted, most often due to a conflict of Magisk modules or a damaged partition table system.
If the phone is stuck on the MI logo, try going to TWRP and doing "Wipe Dalvik/Cache." If that doesn't work, you'll have to return the stock firmware via EDL or Fastboot mode, which requires a full backup or an original system image.
⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, Widevine will cease to work L1, Streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime) will only stream low-resolution videos (480p). Bring it back. L1 You can only completely reflash the drain and re-block the loader.
There may also be problems with the camera or fingerprint scanner if you are using a custom core or the wrong version of GApps. In such cases, it is recommended to roll back on clean stock firmware and repeat the procedure by strictly following the instructions for your particular version of MIUI.
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The most common reason for failure is ignoring the requirement for a complete data cleanup (Wipe Data) when switching between different versions of Android or firmware types (Global <-> China).