How to get root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: from unlock to Magisk

Why Redmi Note 8T is still relevant for rooting in 2026

5 years after the release of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) remains one of the most popular candidates for root rights among budget smartphones. the reason is balanced “iron” (Snapdragon 665 processor, 4 GB of RAM) and active support for custom firmware. However, the rooting process has become more complicated: Xiaomi has tightened the policy of unlocking the bootloader, and old methods using vulnerabilities (for example, through EDL) ceased to work on the latest versions of MIUI.

This article provides an updated guideline for 2026, taking into account all the changes:

• 🔓 Officially unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (including bypassing the account binding restriction).
• 🛠️ Install TWRP for willow with Android 12/13 support.
• 🧪 Verified versions of Magisk (including SafetyNet bypass for banking applications)
• ⚠️ Risks and how to minimize them: from bricks to loss of warranty.

Important: the procedure will take from 3 to 7 days (because you're waiting for the bootloader to unlock), and if you want root rights right now, consider alternatives like Shizuku or ADB- commands for individual tasks.

Preparation: What to do before unlocking

The first step is to save all the data. Getting the root rights to the Redmi Note 8T requires a full factory reset, and in some cases, a flashshot through Fastboot.

• 📱 Local Copy: Settings → About Phone → Backup (saves contacts, SMS, settings).
• ☁️ Xiaomi Cloud: sync photos and documents through Mi Cloud (requires a Mi Account).
• 💻 ADB Backup: for a full backup of applications and their data (command: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab).
• 🔧 Titanium Backup (only if there is already root): backs up user and system applications.

Next, check the MIUI version and bootloader. Open Settings → About the phone and write down:

• MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5)
• Android version (12 or 13).
• bootloader status: Enter the fastboot oem device-info terminal and find the Device unlocked: false line (if true, the bootloader is already unlocked).

⚠️ Warning: If your Redmi Note 8T is purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without EDL- authorization. Check the model in Settings → About Phone → Model: If the title has CN – additional steps will be required.

Registered Mi Account (linked phone number)

USB Debugging enabled (Settings → For Developers)

Installed ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Backup of all important data is made

Battery Charge > 60%

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Unlock the bootloader: bypass the limitations of Xiaomi

Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions on unlocking the bootloader for the Redmi Note 8T:

• Linking your Mi Account to your device for 7 days (previously 72 hours).
• Unlocking ban for devices purchased less than 30 days ago (checked by IMEI)
• Blocking the Mi Unlock Tool for some regions (for example, Russia).

To get around these limitations, follow the algorithm:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Enable data sync and confirm phone number. In Settings → Additional → For developers, activate OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
2. Connect the device to your PC: Install the Mi Unlock Tool (at least 5.5.224.30). Launch the tool on behalf of the administrator and log in to the same Mi Account. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power).

Start the unlocking process:

• In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock. If the Couldn't unlock error appears, it means that 7 days have passed since the account was linked.
• If the tool writes Device not supported, use the patched version (at your own risk).

Critical information: Once successfully unlocked, the phone will perform a factory reset, and all data will be deleted, including files on internal memory.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you an error of 0x80070057, try running it in Windows 7 compatibility mode and disable the antivirus. Often the problem is conflicting with Qualcomm drivers.

TWRP installation: which receivers to choose for the Redmi Note 8T

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install a custom recavator - TWRP. For the Redmi Note 8T (willow), there are several builds, but not all work correctly with MIUI 14/15 and Android 12/13.

• 📌 Official TWRP from TeamWin: Version: 3.7.0_12-0-willow. Pros: stable operation with encryption FBE. Cons: no support MIUI 15 (requires a rollback to MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Unofficial TWRP from OrangeFox: Version: R11.1_5-A12-willow. Pros: Android support 12, built-in file manager. Cons: possible bugs with the sensor in the back.
• ⚡ TWRP with support for MIUI 15 (from the XDA community): Version: twrp-3.7.0_12-miui15-willow.img. Pros: works with the latest updates. Cons: requires manual installation via fastboot.

Installation instructions:

1. Download a TWRP image (for example, official) and rename it to twrp.img.
2. Place the file in a folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. Immediately after firmware, go to the recaveri, holding Volume up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite TWRP standard recaveri).

⚠️ Warning: If after installing TWRP, the phone is stuck on the MI logo, you've stitched an incompatible version. Solution: run the stock boot.img through fastboot and repeat the process with a different build.

Install Magisk: root without loss of functionality

Magisk is not just a root rights tool, but also a masking system (MagiskHide) that allows you to bypass SafetyNet checks and use banking applications. Magisk 26.1 and later versions are suitable for the Redmi Note 8T.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Magisk: Official version: GitHub. For Android 13, Magisk Delta is recommended (fork with advanced features).
2. Fly Magisk via TWRP: Copy the Magisk-v26.1.zip file to your phone or flash drive. In TWRP, select Install → Select file → Swipe to confirm. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check root and SafetyNet:

• Install a Root Checker to verify the rights of the superuser.
• For SafetyNet, use SafetyNet Test. If the test fails, activate MagiskHide and blacklist the applications.

If the phone does not boot after installing Magisk, then you have flashed an incompatible version of boot.img.

• Download stock boot.img for your version of MIUI (e.g. with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• Fastboot: fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
• Repeat installing Magisk, but this time patch boot.img through the Magisk app (Install → Select and Patch a File option).

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On the Redmi Note 8T with Android 13, Magisk may not pass SafetyNet even with MagiskHide enabled. In this case, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk.

Solving problems: from brick to IMEI loss

Even with the right instructions, you can fail, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the phone has turned into a hard brick, you will need to run the firmware through EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

1. Download Mi Flash Tool and stock ROM for Redmi Note 8T (for example, from the archive).
2. Install Qualcomm 9008 drivers (instructions here).
3. Connect the phone off to the PC, holding Volume up + Volume down, then insert a USB cable.
4. In Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash (clean all mode).

⚠️ Warning: Firmware through EDL will reset IMEI and the serial number. Recovery will require nvram backup or service center help. If you don't have a backup, don't use EDL unless absolutely necessary!

Root alternatives: when root is not needed

If you only need root rights for specific tasks (such as removing embedded applications or changing system files), consider alternatives:

• 🗑️ Rootless Bloat Removal: Use ADB- commands to deactivate system applications: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.globalminusscreen A list of safe packets for Redmi Note 8T can be found here.
• 🎮 Game cheats: GameGuardian and Lucky Patcher work rootless on Android 12 and below via Virtual Space (like Parallel Space). Android 13 requires Shizuku+ ADB.
• 📱 Interface moding: Substratum or Andromeda lets you change themes without root (requires ADB). Use iFont (works on MIUI without root) to change system fonts.

If the goal is to increase productivity, try:

• Disable animations via ADB: adb shell settings put global window_animation_scale 0 adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0 adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0
• Activate Force GPU Rendering mode in the developer settings.
• Use Greenify for hibernation of background applications (works without root on MIUI).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions