How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4 Pro (codename markw) gives you access to advanced Android settings, the ability to remove system applications and install custom firmware. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, current methods for 2026, including unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery TWRP and directly rooting through Magisk.

The Redmi 4 Pro (released in 2016) is still popular today due to its balanced features: a Snapdragon 625 processor, 3/4 GB of RAM and a 4100 mAh battery. But the standard limitations of MIUI prevent you from unlocking the full potential of the device. Root rights solve this problem, but it is important to understand that the warranty is canceled, and the risk of data damage remains. If you are ready, then proceed.

Before you start, check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Current methods work on MIUI 12/13/14 (including global and Chinese builds). Older versions (below MIUI 10) may require alternative tools, which we will discuss in the Troubleshooting section.

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1.Preparation: backup and necessary tools

The first step is to save all important data. Root rights and unlock the bootloader erase user files, including photos, contacts and messages. Use cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) or physical copying on your PC.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified)
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional drivers)
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 70% (to avoid shutdown during the process)
• 🔓 Mi Account tied to phone (required to unlock the bootloader)

Download and install on PC:

• 📥 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)
• 📥 TWRP Redmi 4 Pro (version 3.7.0 or later)
• 📥 Magisk (last stable version)
• 📥 ADB & Fastboot (for working with the command line)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 Pro is purchased in China and runs on Chinese firmware (CN ROM), To unlock the bootloader, you will need to wait 720 hours (30 days) after you have attached your Mi Account. ROM) unlocked in 72 hours.

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2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The Xiaomi factory bootloader blocks any modifications to the system. To unlock it, follow the following steps:

Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode

Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Go back to the main settings menu and the Developer Item will appear. Go there and turn on:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Step 2: Linking your Mi Account

In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account. Enter your Mi Account (if not tied, register on the official website) and after successfully linking, a notification will appear: "The device is linked to the account."

Step 3: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears). Launch Mi Unlock Tool on your computer, log in to the same Mi Account, and follow the program instructions.

If you see a message "Couldn't unlock" with a timer, wait until the deadline (from 72 to 720 hours depending on the firmware) and try to bypass the wait leads to the account being blocked.

Developer mode activated|Debugging is on. USB|Unblocking permitted OEM|Mi Account is tied to the device|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot-->

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3. Installation of custom recovery TWRP

After unlocking the loader can be installed TWRP — alternative recovery that allows for the ZIP-For Redmi 4 Pro, use only versions TWRP 3.7.0+, As older builds may not support data encryption.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the twrp-3.7.0-markw.img file and rename it to recovery.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe are located).
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with platform-tools: cd C:\platform-tools
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (as in the previous step) and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img
4. After successful firmware, reboot to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power.

If after restarting the phone automatically returns to standard recovery, then the system overwrote TWRP. To avoid this, immediately after installing TWRP, perform in the command line:

fastboot boot recovery.img

This will download the phone directly to TWRP without overwriting.

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware MIUI 14 block installation TWRP In this case, use an alternative method with an anti-rollback patch (described in the "Troubleshooting" section").

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4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Now that TWRP is installed, you can start rooting. Magisk is a versatile tool that provides root access without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet (need for banking applications).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest Magisk-v26.4.zip (or later) and move the file to your phone or memory card.
2. Load to TWRP (Loudness Up + Nutrition).
3. In the main TWRP menu, select Install → find Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe to confirm.
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

The first boot after rooting can take up to 10 minutes. If the phone has been getting stuck on the MIUI logo for longer than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset (clip Volume Up + Power for 20 seconds) and re-install Magisk.

After a successful download, check for root rights using the Root Checker app. If the app shows "Root access: Yes" - congratulations, you have full control of the device!

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To hide root from banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Google Pay), in Magisk settings, enable the MagiskHide option and add the apps to the exclusion list.

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5. Checking the performance and elimination of errors

Even after successful rooting, problems can arise. Below is a table of common errors and solutions:

If none of the solutions worked, please refer to the XDA-Developers forum with the exact model (markw) and firmware version.

fastboot flash boot boot.img

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6. Alternative methods of rooting

If the standard method with Magisk didn’t work, consider alternatives:

Method 1 Patch boot.img via Magisk

This method is suitable if the TWRP is not installed or does not work correctly:

1. Download the original boot.img for your firmware (you can extract it from the official Fastboot ROM package).
2. Transfer boot.img to your phone and open it in the Magisk app (click Install → Select and Patch a File).
3. After the patching, you will get a file. magisk_patched.img — copy it to the PC.
4. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware with pre-sewn root

Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) already include Magisk. The downside is the loss of MIUI features (like branded gestures or design themes).

• 📥 Download firmware from the site XDA.
• 🔄 Flush it through. TWRP (Don't forget to make a Wipe. → Format Data before installation!).
• 🔧 After the first download, check root in Magisk Manager.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially in communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS). Before installing, study the reviews on the forum.

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7. How to get it back (reversed)

If you don't need root rights anymore, or if you want to sell your phone, you can put it back in stock.

Step 1: Remove Magisk

Download to Magisk and select Uninstall → Complete Uninstall. This will remove all modifications but leave TWRP behind.

Step 2: Restoring stock recovery

Download the official firmware for Redmi 4 Pro from Xiaomi and scrolle through the original recovery:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Step 3: Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool

To return to the factory settings:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model.
2. Unclose the package and start the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and select the Clean All option (complete data erasure).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

After these actions, the phone will be like new – with a locked bootloader and no traces of rooting.

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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)