How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 4: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 4 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2016-2017, which is still actively used due to its reliability and deep customization. Getting root rights opens access to hidden Android functions, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process of unlocking the bootloader and getting root on Xiaomi devices has its own nuances, especially for models older than 5 years.

In this article, you will find the instructions for obtaining root rights on all Redmi 4 modifications (markw, pro, prime) that are relevant for 2026. We will analyze the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, bypassing Xiaomi restrictions on old accounts, as well as alternative methods using the use of the new version. TWRP Magisk, with a special focus on the challenges users face when working with legacy versions MIUI and solutions for circumventing them.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, you need to perform a number of mandatory actions, neglecting them can lead to a blink (complete inoperability) of the device or locking the Mi Account.

First, make sure your Redmi 4 has the latest MIUI installed. For 2016-2017 models, it is recommended to use firmware that is not newer than MIUI 12, as the latest versions may contain additional protections. Check the current version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 70%. The unlocking process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging at the critical moment will lead to failure.
• 📱 Back up all your important data. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy without it through the root). ADB).
• 🔑 Link the device to your Mi Account. Without this, unlocking the bootloader is impossible. Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website or use universal drivers ADB.

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 4 was bought hand-held and tied to someone else's Mi Account, unlocking the bootloader without the previous owner's data is not possible.

Also check if the bootloader has been unlocked before. To do this, turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is already unlocked, and you can skip the corresponding step.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

The official way to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4 is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility. However, since 2020, Xiaomi has tightened the requirements for accounts, and for older devices, errors such as “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device not supported” can occur.

To circumvent these restrictions, follow the instructions:

1. Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. Use only the original utility - modified versions may contain malicious code.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account on your PC and phone. Make sure it's the same account.
3. Connect Redmi 4 to your PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume Down + Power when your phone is off).
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and wait for the program to identify the device.

If you see an error "You need to bind your account to this device," it means that the account is not tied to the phone.

1. Connect to the internet via a mobile network (not Wi-Fi!) and wait 72 hours.This is a requirement for Xiaomi to new accounts.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. This is normal behavior - all your data will be deleted.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official method, but it may not work on accounts registered later than 2019, in which case you will need to use workarounds or alternative tools.

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) customized recovery, an alternative recovery environment that allows you to install informal firmware, backup and obtain root rights.

There are several versions of TWRP for Redmi 4, but the most stable is the build from brunobro, which can be downloaded on the XDA Developers forum. It is important to choose the version that matches your modification (markw, pro or prime).

• 📥 Download the image TWRP For your model (file with.img extension).
• 🖥️ Download. ADB and Fastboot (e.g. Minimal) ADB and Fastboot).
• 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and check the connection with the team:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified (a serial number will appear), run the command to install TWRP:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-0-markw.img

Replace twrp-3.7.0-0-markw.img with your file name. Once installed successfully, reboot to the recovery command:

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-0-markw.img

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI for Redmi 4 They contain protection against replacement of the Recovery, if after rebooting the standard Recovery has recovered, before installation. TWRP Execute the command: fastboot flash recovery_misc twrp-3.7.0-0-markw.img This will block the automatic recovery of the stock Recovery.

In TWRP, you should immediately make a full backup of your current firmware. To do this, select Backup, mark all partitions (Boot, System, Data) and save a copy to an external memory card.

Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a modern root-rights tool that allows you to bypass security checks (like SafetyNet) and use banking applications. For Redmi 4, it is better to use Magisk v25.2 or later, as older versions may not support MIUI 11/12.

The process of installing Magisk via TWRP:

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from the official GitHub repository.
2. Move the file to your phone (internal memory or SD-map).
3. Boot to TWRP (clip Volume Up + Power when the phone is off).
4. Click Install, select Magisk.zip and swipe for confirmation.
5. Reset the device.

Once you reboot, you'll see Magisk Manager on your phone, open it and check root status, and if it's successful, you'll see a green checkmark and Magisk is installed.

To check the validity of root rights, install the Root Checker app from Google Play. It is also recommended to check the status of SafetyNet in Magisk Manager - if it does not pass, install the MagiskHide Props Config module to bypass the checks.

Addressing common mistakes

When obtaining root rights to Redmi 4, users often face typical problems, and the following are the most common errors and ways to fix them.

If after installing Magisk, the phone boots to bootloop (infinite reboot), try the following steps:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
3. Delete the file /data/adb/magisk.db.
4. Reinstall Magisk.zip.

If the problem persists, your firmware may contain patches against modifications, in which case only flashing to custom build (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will help.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Device not supported” error, try rolling back the firmware to an older version of MIUI (e.g. 12 to 11).

Alternative methods of obtaining root

If the official methods don’t work, alternative methods are available, one of which is unlocking the bootloader via EDL (Emergency Download Mode), a method that requires USB-to-UART adapter hardware and soldering skills, but bypasses Xiaomi’s restrictions on older accounts.

Another option is to use the XiaomiTool V2 utility, which automates the process of unlocking and installing TWRP. However, this tool does not work on all Redmi 4 modifications, and its use can lead to a device blink.

For power users, the method is available through the DirtyCOW exploit, but it only works on firmware older than MIUI 9 and requires manual patching of the Boot image. Detailed instructions can be found on the 4PDA forum in the Redmi 4 theme.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should consult a proven craftsman or use official methods, albeit with limitations, remember that any informal means can lead to the loss of warranty (if it is still valid) or break the device.

What to do after obtaining root rights

After successfully obtaining the root rights to Redmi 4, you have a lot of options for customizing the device, and here are some useful steps you can do:

• 🧹 Remove system applications (bloat) Use Titanium Backup or System App Remover to free up space.
• ⚡ Performance optimization: Apps like Greenify or Servicely can help reduce background activity.
• 📱 Popular variants for Redmi 4: LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS.
• 🔧 Kernel configuration: Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel can overclock the processor or improve autonomy.
• 🔒 Ad Blocking: Install AdAway or Blokada to system-block ads.

But don't forget about security, because a root-righted device becomes more vulnerable to malware.

• Do not install applications from unverified sources.
• Update your Magisk and modules regularly.
• Use a reliable antivirus (such as Malwarebytes).
• Do not give root access to unknown applications.

With the Redmi 4 unlocked bootloader and root rights, you can extend battery life by 20-30% by disabling unnecessary background processes and optimizing the core, but incorrect settings can, on the contrary, reduce autonomy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Redmi 4