Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete guide with a security guarantee

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) opens up access to Android’s hidden capabilities, from uninstalling system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires care — an error in unlocking a bootloader or installing Magisk can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, we’ll look at three proven methods for getting root (including circumventing the limitations of MIUI 14), detail on preparation and caution against the typical mistakes that 80% of users make.

Redmi 4X

Snapdragon 435

Xiaomi

TWRP 3.7.0

Note: the instructions are relevant for firmware based on Android 7.1-8.1 (MIUI 9-14).If your Redmi 4X is running on a newer version, you will need to roll back first - read about this in the section about downgrade.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, make sure all the preliminary steps are followed. Missing at least one item can result in the Mi Account being blocked or the process being unable to complete.

Let's start with the hardware requirements:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when unlocking the device should not turn off).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables often don't transmit data to fastboot).
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (macOS does not support official Xiaomi tools).

Now on the program part:

• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).
• 🔓 Link your Mi Account to your device: Settings → Mi Account → Synchronization.
• 🛠️ Install the Mi Flash Tool drivers and ADB/Fastboot (references).

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI|Disable antivirus on PC|Download Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24|Prepare. SIM-mobile internet card (required to link an account)

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Critically, if you’re using Redmi 4X with firmware for CN (China), first stream it to the global version (Global or EEA).

Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the safest way, but also the longest. Xiaomi artificially delays the unlock for 3-7 days to "change their minds." Here's how to circumvent this restriction legally:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.24 or later) from the official website. Install the program on your PC.

2. Launch the phone in Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.

3. Connect Redmi 4X to your computer. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool with the same Mi Account as your phone.

4. The program will show a waiting timer (usually 168 hours). There is a life hack: if you link the account to the device in advance (2-3 weeks before unlocking), the timer can be reduced to 72 hours or disappear altogether.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t verify device” error, check that the developer settings have enabled the OEM Unlocking (OEM) option.

After the timer is completed:

1. Reconnect your phone in Fastboot mode.
2. Press Unlock in the program.
3. Wait for the Unlocked Success message (usually 2-5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stops turning on after unlocking, don't panic. upload it to Fastboot and run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All Mode).

Method 2: Install TWRP and Magisk (for power users)

This is a way to get more control, but it requires a command line, and we're going to use TWRP 3.7.0, the only stable version for santoni, and newer versions (3.8+) may cause encryption issues.

Steps:

1. Download. TWRP for Redmi 4X (file twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with fastboot.
3. Open the command line in this folder and execute: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
4. The phone will boot into TWRP. Don't restart it back to the system - go straight to Magisk installation.

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest Magisk ZIP (version 26.4+).
2. Transfer the file to the phone (can be done through the ADB push OTG-cable).
3. In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk → Swipe to confirm.
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

⚠️ If after the reboot the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, then you used an incompatible version. TWRP. Repeat the process from 3.7.0 and disable the data encryption in the settings before installing Magisk.

Method 3: Unlock without waiting (alternative method)

If you do not want to wait 7 days, you can use the "bypass" method through the EDL-This method works even on blocked downloaders, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account with the right to use it. EDL.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model (for example, santoni_global_images_V12.5.1.0.NCFMIXM).
2. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Turn off the device, press Volume up + Loudness down + Power for 10 seconds (the screen will remain black).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. The Device Manager should have a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
4. In Mi Flash Pro, select firmware, select Clean All mode and press Flash.

After the firmware is installed, the bootloader will be unlocked and you will be able to install TWRP and Magisk according to the instructions from Method 2.

Official (Mi Unlock)|TWRP + Magisk|EDL-regime|I haven't decided yet.-->

How to check if root rights are obtained

After you reboot, install the Root Checker app from Google Play. Launch it and press Verify Root. If you see the message Congratulations! Root access is properly installed...

You can also check manually:

1. Open the terminal (install from the Play Market if not).
2. Enter the command: su
3. If the cursor has changed to #, the root works.

Important: Once root permissions are obtained, disable automatic MIUI updates in the settings. The "over-the-air" update can remove Magisk and block the bootloader.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Most of the problems with getting a root on Redmi 4X are due to three errors:

• 🔄 The "Couldn't verify device" error in the Mi Unlock Tool means that the Mi Account is not tied to the device. Solution: log in to your phone account, enable sync, and try again in 24 hours.
• 🚫 TWRP It doesn't run -- you used the wrong version. Santoni only runs 3.7.0.
• 📵 Loss of network after firmware means the base has flown IMEI. Restore it through SN Write Tool (instruction below).

If banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) stop working after installing Magisk, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hiding for these applications.

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Never install Magisk via fastboot - only via TWRP! installation via fastboot results in a looped reboot 90% of the time.

IMEI Recovery After Firmware

If after manipulation with firmware, the mobile Internet disappeared or the phone does not catch the network, most likely, the IMEI flew off.

Method 1: Engineering Mode (for non-critical cases)

1. Dial on the phone keyboard: ##4636##.
2. Select Information → IMEI.
3. If the fields are empty, enter the correct IMEI (they are indicated on the box or under the battery).

Method 2: Using the SN Write Tool (if the first method didn't work)

1. Download the SN Write Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
2. Transfer the phone to EDL-mode (as in Method 3).
3. In the SN Write Tool, specify the correct IMEI and press Start.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect input IMEI Use only the original values from the box or stickers under the battery.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 4X