Obtaining super-user rights on the Xiaomi Redmi 7 smartphone opens up completely new horizons in the management of the device. Standard shell MIUI, despite its functionality, often limits access to system files, blocks the operation of powerful applications for cleaning memory and does not allow you to remove preinstalled software. Root access removes these restrictions, turning your gadget into a flexible tool ready for deep customization.
However, the firmware process requires care and understanding of the risks associated with intrusion into code. Mistakes can lead to loss of warranty or turn a smartphone into a brick, so it is important to follow the algorithm strictly. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing the Magisk rights manager.
It should be noted that the Redmi 7 is based on the Snapdragon 632 processor, which makes it quite popular among enthusiasts of modifications. This means that the development community has created many stable solutions for this platform. However, before starting any actions, be sure to create a full backup of all important data, since the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely remove all information from the internal drive.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for modification
The first step is to prepare the workplace and the device thoroughly, and you'll need a Windows computer that's working. USB-cable and stable Internet connection. All available system updates must be installed on the smartphone via the Settings menu → About the phone to make sure the current version is up to date MIUI.
Then you activate the hidden developer menus, go to MIUI Version and quickly click on it seven times in a row until the activation notification appears, and then the debugging settings will be available in the Additional menu.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking
In the Developer menu, you need to include two critical settings: USB Debugging and Factory Unlock. Without activating these features, you won't be able to take any further steps. Also make sure that the device is enabled to transfer data, not just charge when you connect to a PC.
You need to install the ADB and Fastboot driver package on your computer, as well as Qualcomm specific drivers that are often required to work with Snapdragon chipsets. Lack of the right drivers is the most common reason why a computer does not see a phone in bootloader mode.
Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock
The most difficult and longest step is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure, so you can't just flash a custom Recovery. You'll need the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and the Mi Account, which should be linked to the device.
The binding process takes place in the "Factory Unlock" menu on the smartphone itself, and after entering the account and password, the system will give a message about the successful link. Importantly, after this procedure, you need to wait 168 hours (7 days) without leaving your account and resetting your settings.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your phone or logging out of your Mi Account during the standby period will cancel the unlock timer. You will have to re-link the device and wait a week for it to re-enable.
After seven days, connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode. Turn off your smartphone and press down and power buttons simultaneously until the tooled hare logo appears. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and press Unlock.
The program will warn you that all data will be deleted, confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed, and successful unlock will be confirmed by the message "Unlocked successfully" and the corresponding inscription on the phone screen when you boot.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s standard recovery menu doesn’t allow third-party installations ZIP-archives, so it must be replaced by TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project.Redmi 7 has multiple versions TWRP, But it is recommended to use a stable build compatible with Android 9 or 10, depending on your firmware.
The downloaded image of the recovery (file with the extension.img) should be placed in the folder with the installed tools ADB. Open the command line in this folder and connect the phone in Fastboot mode. Enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you get the serial number of the device in response, you've got the connection, and you can download the TWRP image with a temporary command to check it's working, or you can flash it permanently.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-onclite.imgWhat happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Once you've successfully recorded an image, you need to immediately switch to Recovery mode. Press the volume button "Up" and power. You should see the TWRP touch-controlled interface. If the menu is in English, you can switch it to Russian via Settings → Language, if this option is available in the build.
Root rights installation process through Magisk
Modern versions of Android use the Magisk manager to obtain superuser rights. Unlike the old SuperSU, Magisk works in a systemless way, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file and rename its extension from.apk to.zip. Throw this file into the phone's internal memory or onto the phone's internal memory. SD-On the menu. TWRP Select "Install" and specify the path to the archive with Magisk.
Once you select the file, move the slider to confirm the installation. It takes a few seconds. When you complete the process, click "Reboot System." If you're successful, the Magisk icon will appear on the app menu.
- 🚀 Systemless Root: Modifications do not affect the system partition, making it easier to remove.
- 🛡️ MagiskHide: Hiding Rights from SafetyNet-Protected Applications.
- 🧩 Modules: The ability to install add-ons without flashing the entire device.
When you first start a Magisk application, you may need to set up additional components or update yourself.Agree to updates, as they contain important security patches.
Comparison of methods for obtaining access rights
There are several approaches to modifying a system, and it is important to understand the difference between them: some users confuse the engineering menu with a full root, while others try to exploit vulnerabilities that are already closed in new security patches.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Compatibility with MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (via TWRP) | Tall. | Yeah (unlocking) | Complete. |
| KingRoot / OneClick | Low. | No. | Low/Unstable |
| Engineering menu | Medium | No. | Limited. |
| EdXposed / LSPosed | Very high. | Yes. | Demands Magisk |
As you can see from the table, using tools like KingRoot on modern versions of Android 9+ makes little sense. They either don't work or install advertising junk. The only reliable way is to bundle Unlock + TWRP + Magisk.
Using the engineering menu only gives you access to hardware tests and some network settings, but does not grant permission to write to system folders, so this method is not suitable for deep modification.
License Check and Basic Security Setup
After you first boot the system, check for permissions. Open the Magisk app. If the green "Installed" sign is on the top of the screen and the version number is on, then the Root rights are active. For additional verification, you can download the Root Checker app from Google Play.
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Enable Zygisk in Magisk settings for better module compatibility, but remember that this may require a reboot.
Now you need to set up a concealment of rights if you plan to use banking applications. In Magisk settings, turn on "Zygisk" and "DenyList." In the DenyList, tick all banking applications, Google Pay, and any anti-cheat games.
⚠️ Note: Once DenyList is enabled, apps may stop seeing root, but they may stop running if the dependency on system libraries is too high.
It is also recommended to install a root-enabled file manager, such as MT Manager or Root Explorer, which will allow you to see hidden system folders and edit configuration files that were previously denied access.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
When you modify the Redmi 7, you can have unexpected situations, and one of the common problems is a bootloop. If your phone is stuck on MI or Android logos, try going to TWRP and making Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
If the touch screen in TWRP doesn’t work, it means that the recovery version is incompatible with your Android version, so you should look for a different recovery image that is specifically tailored to your security patch.
- 🔋 Battery problems: Some cores may not work properly with the power controller, causing a quick discharge.
- 📡 Lack of network: If you run the wrong modem file, it can disappear IMEI.
- 🔒 Account lock: Don’t forget to log out of your Mi Account before flashing, otherwise the security will work FRP.
In case of serious errors, when the phone does not turn on at all, only EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode will help. Entering it usually requires disassembling the phone and closing contacts on the board or using a special ADB command if the bootloader is at least partially working.
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Return to stock is possible only by completely flashing through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
Xiaomi's community is huge, and there are lots of stock firmware backups for the Redmi 7 (codenamed onclite) that are built, and the main thing is to have the original system image on hand.