Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 8: the full guide from unlock to Magisk

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 8 opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires care — a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a brick. In this article, we will discuss three officially supported root rights methods (via Magisk, SuperSU and LineageOS), and also explain how to get around typical problems such as a locked bootloader or an anti-rollback error.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi actively blocks unauthorized changes to the firmware. The latest version of MIUI on Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) requires you to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, as well as a Mi Account account with a tied phone number. If you have never worked with fastboot or ADB, we recommend that you first read the Preparation section to avoid fatal errors.

According to statistics from XDA Developers, about 30% of Redmi 8 users are experiencing a problem of “unlocking the bootloader” due to an outdated version of the Mi Unlock Tool or an improperly linked account, and we will detail how to fix this, as well as provide current links to tools (updated in May 2026).

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi 8 meets the key requirements. First, check out MIUI: root rights can only be obtained on firmware older than MIUI 12.0.3 (for olive). If you have a newer version, you will have to roll back - the instructions below.

Second, be sure to link your Mi Account to your device:

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Sign in (if not authorized) and add a phone number.
3. Activate the option “Find the device” (Settings → Additional → Find the device).

Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow unlocking.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 60%.
• 🔐 Backup data (unlocking will reset the phone!).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed unofficial firmware or modified boot.img, Mi Unlock Tool can block unlocking on the 720 hours (30 Check the lock status with the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for the line Device unlocked: false - if it says true, the bootloader is already unlocked.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi’s official tool is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader on Redmi 8. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (as of May 2026, version 5.5.224.30 is current).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same account as you do on your phone.
4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

If the program is unable to unlock or Current account is different from the account info on the device, do:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC, repeat authorization.
• 📱 Make sure that SIM-Card inserted and account linked to number.
• 🕒 Wait 72 hours if you have previously failed to unlock.

Linked to Mi Account with phone number|Developer mode is on|Debugging by USB permitted|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Data backup made.-->

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Redmi 8 will automatically reset to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted! If you use Google Authenticator or other device-bound apps, transfer it to another phone in advance.

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Standard Recavery MIUI It does not allow you to install modified firmware or Magisk. Therefore, after unlocking the bootloader, you need to flash TWRP — It's a root-enabled custom Recovery. 8 (Olive) current version — TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 (mauronofrio).

Installation instructions:

1. Download. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-olive.img official website TWRP.
2. Move the file to a folder from fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
3. Enter the command for firmware: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-olive.img
4. Immediately after the firmware reboot to the Recovery: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-olive.img

If after the reboot MIUI automatically replaces TWRP with stock Recovery, follow:

• 🔧 Install Magisk (instructions in the next section) – this will block the replacement of the Recovery.
• 📵 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is the most popular root-rights tool for systemless rooting, which hides root from applications (like banking) and makes it easy to update firmware. The latest stable version for May 2026 is Magisk 26.4.

Installation of Magisk:

1. Download Magisk-v26.4.zip from GitHub.
2. Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
3. Download to TWRP and select Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

To check for root rights, install Magisk Manager (or Magisk Alpha for Android 13+) and run the check. If the status shows Root: Yes, it went well.

• 🔄 Reinstall Magisk through TWRP.
• 📱 Check if the antivirus is blocking (e.g. Google Play Protect).
• 🔧 Make sure that in the settings → Special facilities → Full access to Magisk switched on tumbler.

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If the phone doesn’t boot after installing Magisk, try flashing Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP and then repeat the installation with the encryption turned off (/data).

5. Alternative methods: SuperSU and LineageOS

If Magisk is not suitable for some reason, two alternatives can be considered:

1. SuperSU (Outdated Method)

• ✅ Easy to install, but doesn’t support Android 10+.
• ❌ Not updated since 2018, security issues are possible.
• 🔗 You can download it from XDA (version 2.82-SR5).

2. LineageOS with pre-built root

• ✅ Fully custom firmware without bloatware from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Regular security updates.
• ❌ Requires full reflashing (loss of warranty).
• 🔗 Official assembly for olive: lineageos.org.

To install LineageOS, you will need:

1. Swipe vendor.img and dtbo.img from stock firmware (otherwise the camera/network modules will not work).
2. Install GApps (if you need Google services).
3. Disable encryption in TWRP (otherwise the system will not boot).

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LineageOS is the best choice for those who want to get rid of MIUI forever, but require more technical knowledge than Magisk.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, Redmi 8 users often face problems.

Error 1: Anti-rollback protection

If you're trying to flash a firmware older than the one already installed, Xiaomi blocks the process.

• 🔙 Reverse to stock firmware via Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
• 📥 Download firmware with the same or newer anti-rollback number (e.g, MIUI 12.0.3 → 12.0.5, but not vice versa).

Error 2: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Reasons:

• 🔐 Conflict with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption).
• 🔧 Incompatible version TWRP magisk.

Solution: boot into TWRP, execute Format Data (as in the spoiler above) and re-install.

Error 3: Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device

Check it out.

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another port on the PC).
• 🖥️ Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (downloadable SDK Platform Tools).
• 🔄 Restart your PC and phone, re-sign in to Mi Account.

7. How to hide root from applications (MagiskHide)

Many apps (banking, gaming, Netflix) block access when root is detected. Magisk offers a built-in masking mechanism called MagiskHide, but in recent versions it is renamed DenyList.

How to set up DenyList:

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → Hide Magisk (DenyList).
2. Add applications that don’t need to see root (like SberBank Online).
3. Activate the Enforce DenyList option.
4. Reboot the phone.

If the app still detects root,

• 🔄 Try to enable Zygisk in the Magisk settings.
• 📱 Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
• 🔧 Check if other modules conflicting with DenyList are installed.

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To pass SafetyNet (for example, for Google Pay), additionally install the MagiskHide Props Config module and select the Pixel 5 certificate in the settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 8