Xiaomi Redmi 4A has become a legend in the budget segment, offering users an affordable price and surprisingly stable system operation. However, over time, standard Android features become insufficient, especially given the termination of official support for this model by the manufacturer. Obtaining superuser rights opens access to system files, allowing you to delete unnecessary software, change the core and significantly extend the life of the battery.
The process of obtaining root access on Xiaomi devices has its own features related to the security policy of MIUI. You will have to go through the procedure of unlocking the bootloader, which is a mandatory step for installing a modified backup. Without this stage, any attempts to implement in the system partition will be doomed to failure, since Bootloader blocks unauthorized changes.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of all the responsibility. Interfering with the software code of a smartphone always carries risks, and even experienced users can face unexpected errors. Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4A completely voids warranty obligations, if they are still relevant, and requires you to create a backup of all data.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the software. You need a Windows computer that is working. USB-cable and stable Internet connection: All available system updates must be installed on the smartphone to avoid version conflicts during firmware.
First, activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings. → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the item Version MIUI. After the notification that you have become a developer, go back to the main settings menu and find the additional section. → For developers, you need to turn on debugging. USB.
- 📱 Make sure that the battery is at least 60-70%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment.
- 💾 Make a full backup of contacts and photos, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the internal memory.
- 🔌 Use the original cable or quality analogue to avoid connection breaks during data transfer.
You'll also need a Mi Account linked to your device. Without authorization, Xiaomi won't let you send an unlock request. Check in advance that the Mi Cloud settings display the anchor status, and you remember the account password.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
This is the most difficult and long phase, and often a stumbling block for beginners. Xiaomi’s policy requires waiting a certain time after submitting an application.
In the developer menu, find Mi Unlock Status and connect your account to the device. After that, the phone will reboot. Now you can proceed to send a request via your computer. Launch Mi Unlock, connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode, and press the unlock button.
⚠️ Warning: The system can tell you to wait 168 hours (7 days) or even 360 hours. This timer cannot be bypassed by software, you just need to wait for the specified time without untiing the account.
After the waiting period, repeat the procedure. The utility will issue a risk warning, agree with it and wait for the process to be completed. The screen of the smartphone will blink and the device will reboot with cleared memory. Now the Bootloader is unlocked, and the corresponding icon will be displayed on the boot screen.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Installation of the Recovery System does not allow you to install third-party zip archives or access system partitions. So installing the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) is a must, and you will need to find an image specifically for the code name of your model, which Redmi 4A has, rolex.
Download the twrp-3.x.x-x-rolex.img file and place it in the root of the C drive on your computer for convenience. Open the command line in the folder with the ADB and Fastboot tools. Put the phone in Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC.
Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number, you've got a link, and then you've got to flash the image of the recaveri with the command.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-rolex.imgAn important nuance: after firmware, you can not just restart the system in the usual way, otherwise the stock recavator will overwrite TWRP. Immediately after the firmware is completed, use the combination of the Volume Down + Power buttons to go to the boot mode selection menu and select Recovery.
When you first run, TWRP may ask permission to modify the system partition. Make sure you swipe the Allow Modifications slider. If you don't, the system won't allow you to set the rights of the superuser.
Install Magisk and get Root rights
Magisk is now the gold standard, and it provides system root access while remaining invisible to most integrity-checking applications, and you’ll need to download the current Magisk apk file and rename it to.zip, or use the built-in installer in the TWRP if it’s available.
Boot into TWRP mode. Connect your phone to your computer and copy the Magisk.zip file to internal memory. In the main recovery menu, select Install, find the archive, and confirm the swipe installation.
- 🚀 After installation, Magisk allows you to hide root from banking applications through DenyList.
- 🛡️ MagiskSU manages permissions by asking you every time you try to access the root of an application.
- 🔄 Magisk modules allow you to install system fonts, hotspot tracking and other modifications without flashing.
Once you've finished installing, press Reboot System. It may take longer to download, that's OK. Once you've turned on, look for the Magisk icon in the app menu. Open it, and if the version is displayed at the top and it says "Installed" at the bottom, it's a success.
What if Magisk doesn’t see root?
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
The firmware modification process rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. Often, there are situations when the phone goes to Bootloop (cyclical reboot). If this happened after installing Magisk, download to TWRP, select Install and find the uninstaller.zip file (usually it is in the archive with Magisk) to delete the rights.
Another common problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is broken after installing a custom recavator, which is because TWRP can wipe the partition with modem files, in which case it helps to flash the stock firmware through Fastboot to clean all the data, or restore the persist partition from the backup if it was done in advance.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclical reboot | Magisk Module Conflict | Safe TWRP Mode, Delete /data/adb/modules |
| Fingerprints are not working. | ||
| Errors in banking applications | The root sees the system | Enable Zygisk and configure DenyList in Magisk | |
| The battery is not charged. | Failure of the power controller | Cable replacement, resetting, flashing |
If you encounter a “Waiting for device” error when working with Fastboot, check the drivers. In Windows Device Manager, the device should be identified as Android Bootloader Interface. If there is an unknown device, update the drivers manually by specifying the folder with adb drivers.
💡
If TWRP asks for a password when you sign in and you didn't, try entering your Mi Account password or leaving the field blank. Sometimes this helps bypass encryption lock.
Safety and Consequences of Getting Root
Obtaining superuser rights is not only a new opportunity, but also an increased risk. Apps that gain access to /system can theoretically cause irreparable harm by removing critical components. Always read access requests that pop up on the screen carefully.
In addition, some applications, especially banking and payment systems (Google Pay, Mir Pay), may refuse to work on modified devices, and while Magisk is able to hide the fact that root exists, it is a constant game of cat and mouse with security app developers.
⚠️ Warning: Never give root access to apps from unverified sources. Superuser-enabled malware can steal all your passwords, photos and card data without the owner's knowledge.
It is also worth considering that OTA-Updates (over-the-air updates) will stop coming automatically. MIUI require manual firmware download and installation through Recovery mode with full data cleanup.
💡
Root rights give you complete control of your device, but they take the manufacturer's responsibility for the security of your data, and use that power with caution.