The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still a popular smartphone among Android modding enthusiasts, despite the release of newer models. Getting root permissions opens up access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove embedded applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process requires caution: wrong actions can turn the device into a brick or deprive you of warranties.
In this guide, we will analyze three key stages: unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool, installing a custom Recovery TWRP And the final firmware for Magisk to get super-user rights, and we'll focus on the specifics of the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo), including bypassing common unlocking errors.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start manipulating the system, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to loss of data or inability to restore the functionality of the smartphone.
First, back up all your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local storage on your PC.
- 📱 Contacts and Messages (Export through Settings) → Google → Backup)
- 📷 Photos and videos (copy to external drive or cloud)
- 🎮 Game saves (use built-in sync or Helium features)
- 🔑 Passwords from apps (write them manually or use Bitwarden)
Second, check the version. MIUI and the build number. Go to Settings for that. → Redmi Note 8 should run on global or European firmware (prefix version) EEA). Chinese versions (CN) Additional steps are required to unlock.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China or has firmware with a region CN, First, run the global version through the Mi Flash Tool. Using Chinese firmware to unlock the bootloader is fraught with Couldn't unlock error by 50% of the process.
Also prepare:
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool)
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection)
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60%
- 🛠️ Utilities: ADB & Fastboot, Mi Unlock Tool, Xiaomi drivers
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
Official unlocking of the bootloader is a mandatory step before installation TWRP Xiaomi requires an account to be linked to a device and waits for 7 days (sometimes longer) to confirm the right to unlock, a mechanism designed to protect users from data theft, but creates inconvenience for enthusiasts.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Activate Developer Modes: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Return to the main settings, there will be a paragraph for developers.
- Put the debugging on. USB unlock OEM Please note: optional OEM Unlocking can be hidden if the device is tied to a Mi Account.
- Link your Mi Account to your device: in Settings → Xiaomi account log into your profile and confirm the link via SMS.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and authorize debugging USB (On the phone screen will be a request for confirmation RSA-key).
Now download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website) and follow the instructions of the program. During the checkout phase, you may encounter errors:
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock 50% | It has not been 7 days since the account was linked. | Wait for the specified deadline or use the workaround method (see spoiler below) |
| Current account is different from the account info on the device | The account on the PC and the phone do not match | Sign in to the same Mi Account on both devices |
| Device is locked. Unable to unlock | The device is locked after unsuccessful attempts | Wait 72 hours or change your Mi Account |
| Network error | Problems with connecting to Xiaomi servers | Use a VPN or try again later |
Waiting bypass 7 days (unofficial method)
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the device will automatically reset to factory settings, and all data will be deleted, so make sure you have a backup again.
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Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official way. Alternative methods (for example, through the use of the Mi Unlock Tool) EDL) Require an authorized Xiaomi account and are only suitable for service centers.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recaveri that allows you to sew custom ZIP-Files, backups, root rights. Redmi Note 8 has a special build adapted to the code name Ginkgo.
Download the current version TWRP official website:
https://twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomiredminote8.htmlNote the Installation section, which lists supported firmware versions. Redmi Note 8 is recommended for use. TWRP 3.7.0 or newer.
Installation instructions:
☑️ Installation TWRP on the Redmi Note 8
- Unpack the downloaded archive and place the file twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img file ADB & Fastboot.
- Reboot your smartphone to fastboot mode, holding power + Turning down the volume.
- Connect the device to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the phone.
- Please. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img
- Immediately after the firmware reboot to the Recovery team: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img Don't reboot to the system, or the stock recaveri will re-write. TWRP.
⚠️ Note: If after the firmware TWRP The screen stays black for more than 5 minutes, force the device to restart with 15 seconds of power. Then try again using the command fastboot boot instead of fastboot flash.
V TWRP You may need to enter a pattern lock if it was installed earlier. If you forgot the combination, reset via Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).
For reliability, it is recommended to create a backup of the current firmware:
- In TWRP, go to Backup.
- Select the Boot, System, Data and Vendor sections.
- Click Swipe to Backup and wait until it is completed. 10-15 minute).
- Copy the folder. TWRP/BACKUPS PC-only.
Getting root rights through Magisk
Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet checks and use banking applications (although there is no guarantee of 100% operability).
Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releasesYou're gonna need a file. Magisk-v26.4.zip (version may differ).
Installation instructions:
- Copy. ZIP-a Magisk file for internal memory or SD-smartphone-card.
- Reboot to TWRP (hold on to food + Increased volume when switched on).
- In TWRP, click Install, select the Magisk-v26.4.zip file and swipe for confirmation.
- After installation, press Reboot System.
The first boot after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes.If the system doesn't start longer, try:
- 🔄 Re-flash Magisk again through TWRP.
- 📱 Delete the file /data/adb/magisk.db (through TWRP File Manager).
- 🔧 Restore the Boot backup and repeat the installation.
To check root rights, install the Magisk Manager app (download only from the official website!) and run the check through SafetyNet Check. If Basic Integrity status shows False, use the modules to mask:
- 🛡️ Universal SafetyNet Fix (for certification)
- 🔍 MagiskHide Props Config (to change device fingerprints)
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If banking apps stopped working after installing Magisk, try turning on the MagiskHide option in the settings and adding problematic apps to the hide list.
Solving common problems after getting root
Even with a successful Magisk installation, Redmi Note 8 users may face a number of challenges, including the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not coming through SafetyNet | There is no root masking. | Install Universal SafetyNet Fix and MagiskHide Props Config |
| The phone is not loaded (bootloop) | Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP | Go through the stock. boot.img via fastboot, then re-install |
| The camera's not working. | The seller section is damaged when firmware | Restore the Vendor backup through TWRP or sew the stock firmware |
| No network (IMEI lost) | The modem or nvram partition is damaged | Restore the Modem backup or run through SP Flash Tool |
| Fast battery discharge | Magisk background processes or modules | Disable unnecessary modules in Magisk Manager and check the load through AccuBattery |
If after the manipulation of the system disappeared IMEI If your mobile network is no longer working, use the following recovery method:
- Download the stock firmware for Redmi Note 8 from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Remove files from the archive nvram.img and modem.img.
- Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img
- Reset the device.
Use Logic to diagnose other problems TWRP And Magisk, to get a log in. TWRP, Connect your phone to your PC and use the command:
adb pull /tmp/recovery.logHow to get it all back: a rollback to stock firmware
If you need to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps: Full rollback includes:
- 🔄 Removal of Magisk and TWRP.
- 📱 Firmware of stock Recovery and boot.img.
- 🔒 Locking the loader (optional).
Instructions for rollback:
- Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website. Choose the version that fits your region (Global, EEA Russia).
- Unpack the archive and place the image.tar.gz file in the folder with fastboot.
- Restart your phone to fastboot and connect to your PC.
- Run the firmware of all sections with the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nvram nvram.img A script can be used to accelerate flash_all.bat (file-in).
- Next PostNext Firmware Reset: Fastboot Erase Userdata Fastboot Erase Cache
- Reboot the device with the command fastboot reboot.
To completely block the loader, use the command:
fastboot oem lock⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader after firmware custom components can lead to a permanent device blink.Do this step only if you are sure that all partitions are returned to stock state.
After rollback, it is recommended:
- 🔄 Perform reset to factory settings through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
- 🔒 Disable the developer modes and debugging by USB.
- 📱 Check the operation of all functions (camera, network, sensors).
Safety and Risks: What to Know Before Getting Root
Root rights give you complete control of the system, but they also open up a number of vulnerabilities, and here are the key risks to keep in mind:
Security vulnerabilities:
- 🛡️ Root-access applications can gain control over all data (passwords, messages, photos).
- 🕵️ Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the kernel to remotely execute code.
- 🔓 Some banking apps and services (like Google Pay) refuse to work on rooted devices.
Loss of warranty:
- 📄 Xiaomi officially removes warranty if unlocked bootloader or root rights are detected.
- 🔧 Even after a rollback to the stock firmware, the service center can determine the fact of interference by logs or the state of the boot partition.
System instability:
- 🐌 Incorrectly configured Magisk modules can cause lags or sudden reboots.
- 🔋 Some modules for optimizing the battery may, on the contrary, increase its consumption.
- 📡 Modifications to the kernel or network settings may result in loss of communication or GPS.
To minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:
- 🔒 Install Magisk modules only from trusted repositories (e.g. Magisk Module Hub).
- 🛡️ Regularly update Magisk and the system kernel.
- 📱 Before installing a new module, create a backup through TWRP.
- 🔍 Use LSPosed or XPrivacyLua to control application rights.
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Root rights are a tool for power users, and if you are not sure about your actions, it is better to abandon the idea or seek help from profile forums (for example, for example, for example, for example, for the first time in the world, 4PDA or XDA Developers).