How to get root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4X without a PC: 3 proven methods

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited by the stock firmware MIUI. Getting root permissions allows you to unlock the hidden potential of the device, from removing system applications to installing custom firmware. However, most guides require a connection to a PC, which is not always convenient.

In this article, you will find three working methods for getting root without a computer, relevant for Redmi 4X based on Android 6.0/7.1 (including MIUI versions 8-14). We will discuss each step in detail, warn about possible risks and give recommendations for restoring the device in the event of a failure. Importantly, the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader - without this root, you can not get any of the existing methods.

Preparing the device: what to do before getting root

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi 4X meets key requirements.Missing any of these steps could result in a device "brick" or data loss.

The first and most important thing is unlocking the bootloader. Without it, no root method will work. Xiaomi officially lets you unlock the bootloader, but the process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting for confirmation. If you haven't already done this, go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times to activate the developer mode), then to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers and link the Mi Account to the device.

  • πŸ”‹ The battery charge is at least 70%, and it can take up to 30 minutes, and the interruption due to the discharge will cause a failure.
  • πŸ“± Backup of all data. Use Mi Cloud or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can copy files manually).
  • πŸ”‘ Turn off the screen lock. PIN-code or pattern lock can interfere with the work of utilities for root.
  • πŸ“‘ Stable Internet connection: At least 500MB of traffic will be required to download the necessary files.

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without additional manipulation. β†’ The phone. β†’ Model – if there are letters at the end CN, You will need to install a global version MIUI.

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Method 1: Root through KingRoot (the simplest, but unstable)

KingRoot is one of the few apps that can get root without a PC and unlock the bootloader. However, this method is only suitable for older versions of MIUI (before MIUI 10) and often gives a temporary root that disappears after a reboot. However, if you need quick access to system files, this is the easiest option.

Download the latest version of KingRoot (not from the Play Market, but from the official website). APK-file by pre-allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Security. Launch the app and press Try to Root. It takes 5-15 minutes, and then the device restarts.

  • βœ… Pros: does not require unlocking the bootloader, works without a PC.
  • ❌ Cons: High risk of soft brik, root often disappears after update.
  • ⚠️ Restrictions: does not support MIUI 11+ Android 8+.

⚠️ Warning: KingRoot is known for installing its own system services that are difficult to uninstall. If you plan to switch to Magisk or custom firmware in the future, this method is best avoided.

Download KingRoot from the official website

Installation from unknown sources

Disable the antivirus (can block the installation)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Backup of important data-->

Method 2: Magisk with TWRP (the most reliable method)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader, but provides a permanent root with the ability to manage rights through Magisk Manager. Suitable for MIUI 9-14 and allows you to install modules for deep customization of the system.

Steps:

  1. Download TWRP Recovery for Redmi 4X (version 3.6.2 or later) from twrp.me. The file should be called twrp-3.6.2-santoni.img.
  2. Install the Official TWRP App from the Play Market and run the downloaded image through it.
  3. Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when turned on).
  4. Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip) and transfer it to your phone.
  5. V TWRP Choose Install β†’ choose Magisk.zip β†’ Swipe to Confirm Flash.
  6. After installation, reboot to the system.

MIUI versionSupported version of MagiskNotes
MIUI 8–9 (Android 6.0)Magisk 20.4–23.0You may need to disable DM-Verity via TWRP.
MIUI 10–11 (Android 7.1)Magisk 24.0–26.4It is recommended to use Magisk Canary for new builds.
MIUI 12+ (Android 7.1 with patches)Magisk 25.0+ with Universal SafetyNet FixAdditional settings are required to pass SafetyNet.

Important: If after installing Magisk, the phone is stuck on startup the Mi logo, restart in the TWRP and sew Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (download XDA This will disable the system integrity check, which blocks the boot when changes are detected.

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If banking applications stop working after installing Magisk, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hiding mode for specific applications.

Method 3: Root through Patched boot.img (for advanced users)

This is a good way to do it if you already have a boot boot boot boot boot, but TWRP refuses to install, and the idea is to manually modify the boot.img file with Magisk and flash it through fastboot (yes, technically, you need a PC, but we'll do Termux on the phone).

Instructions:

  1. Download the stock firmware for your version of MIUI from en.miui.com.
  2. Remove boot.img file from archive (use ZArchiver or Mixplorer).
  3. Install Termux from F-Droid and execute commands: pkg update && pkg upgrade pkg install wget proot-distro wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Magisk-Modules-Repo/magisk-boot-patcher/master/patch-boot.sh chmod +x patch-boot.sh./patch-boot.sh boot.img
  4. File received magisk_patched.img Fastboot (you can use the Fastboot Tools app from Play Market).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Termux on Android 10+, You may need to manually install the section /data It's a read-write mode. TWRP Execute the command adb shell mount -o rw,remount /data (if ADB available).

What if the phone does not turn on after patched boot.img firmware?
If the device is stuck on the logo or gone to bootloop, try: 1. Reflash the original boot.img via Fastboot. 2. Keep Power + Volume down 10 seconds for a forced reboot. 3. If it doesn't work, run the full stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (you'll need a PC here).

Root rights verification and error elimination

Once you have successfully installed root, check it with the Root Checker app (available in the Play Market). If root is not identified, follow these steps:

  • πŸ”„ Restart the device. Sometimes the rights are only activated after the reboot.
  • πŸ“± Check out Magisk. Go to Magisk Manager and upgrade to the latest version.
  • πŸ”§ Disable Antiviruses.Avast or 360 Security can block root access.
  • πŸ› οΈ Reinstall Magisk. TWRP re-sweeve Magisk.zip with a pre-wipe cache (Wipe) β†’ Advanced Wipe β†’ Dalvik/ART Cache).

If Magisk Manager gives an error, β€œMagisk is not installed,” but the root actually works (checked through Root Checker), try:

  1. Remove Magisk Manager and install it manually with GitHub.
  2. In TWRP, execute the command: adb shell magisk --remove-modules (if ADB is available).
  3. Reflash Magisk.zip with the Internet disabled (sometimes the error is associated with checking for updates).

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If the OTG, NFC, or camera stops working after getting root, the damaged core module is to blame. Restore the original boot.img and repeat the procedure with another version of Magisk.

Restore the device after a failed root

If something goes wrong and the Redmi 4X stops booting, don't panic. 90% of the time, the device can be brought back to life without a service center. The main thing is not to try to stitch random files, this can make things worse.

Recovery methods:

  1. Bootloop: Hold Power + Volume up to log into TWRP. Run Wipe β†’ Format Data (this will delete all data but restore functionality). Sweep the stock firmware through ADB Sideload into TWRP.

Hard Brik (not responding to buttons):

  • Connect your phone to charge for 30 minutes – sometimes it helps to β€œunfreeze” the power controller.
  • Use the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and PC).