Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones have earned some of the most popular budget devices on the market due to their excellent price-performance ratio. However, the standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Obtaining superuser rights, or root, opens up access to system files, allowing you to remove preinstalled debris, overclock the processor and install specialized modules.
The process of rooting this device is not a trivial task and requires care, since interference with the system partition can lead to unstable operation of the gadget. Unlike simple application installations, you need to interact with the bootloader and recoverers. The key point is to unlock the bootloader, without which further manipulation is impossible. All responsibility for the consequences lies solely with the owner of the device, so before starting the procedure, we strongly advise you to weigh all the pros and cons.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at every step from tool preparation to final administrator privilege installation through Magisk, and learn what risks exist and how to minimize them to turn your Redmi 8 into a powerful tool with full control of the operating system.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start taking action, you need to prepare the workspace and the software. You need a Windows computer that is working. USB-A lack of stable connection or battery discharge at a critical moment can cause the device to go into a reboot cycle.
The first step is to activate hidden functions in the system. You need to enable developer mode and debugging over USB. Without this, the computer simply will not be able to recognize the phone in the desired mode. You will also need a Mi Account that must be tied to the device for at least 168 hours (7 days) to apply for unlock.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to at least 80% to avoid a sudden shutdown.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot on a personal computer.
- 🔒 Back up all important data as unlocking will completely clear the memory.
- 📥 Download the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool utility from the official website.
⚠️ Note: The bootloader unlock procedure initiates a full Factory Reset.All photos, contacts and apps will be deleted without recovery if you did not backup in advance.
It is important to use an original cable or quality analogue that supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap cables often cause connection errors when a PC sees a device as a charger but cannot establish command contact with it.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step without which installing a custom recavator and obtaining root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 8 is impossible. Xiaomi has implemented strict restrictions to protect users, so the process takes time. Once you have an account in the Developer menu, you need to apply through the application “Mi Unlock Status”.
After 7 days of waiting, you can unlock the phone, switch to Fastboot mode by simultaneously pressing down and power, and in this mode, the logo of the hare repairing the android appears on the screen, connecting the device to the PC, launching the Mi Unlock utility and following the instructions on the screen.
☑️ Checklist of unlocking the loader
Successful unlocking is confirmed by the appearance of the corresponding label on the phone screen and in the program. If the process is hung on 99%, do not panic - this is a common situation. USB-port.
| Phase | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account binding | Status in settings: "Connected" |
| 2 | Waiting. | It's been 168 hours since the tie-up. |
| 3 | Launching Mi Unlock | The phone is determined in Fastboot mode |
| 4 | Unlocking | The appearance of the inscription “Unlocked” on the body |
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Stock Recovery is a very limited recovery mode that doesn't allow you to make changes to the system partition. To implement superuser rights, we'll need TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which has a user-friendly touch interface and supports the installation of zip archives and img images.
The twrp.img image file, specially assembled for the Redmi 8 model (codename: olive), must be placed in the folder with ADB tools on the computer. Then the phone is again transferred to Fastboot mode. The command to run the time recover firmware is executed through the command line.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_olive.imgOnce you've successfully run the firmware, you can't just restart the system the normal way, otherwise the custom bootloader will rewrite the TWRP back to the stock one, you have to immediately, hold the volume button up and power, enter recovery mode, and if you see the TWRP menu, half the way is already gone.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Getting Root rights through Magisk
The most relevant and secure method of obtaining administrator rights on modern devices is the use of Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games.
First, download the current one. APK-Magisk file and rename its extension to.zip (although newer versions often allow you to patch images directly, for example, to use the name "Magisk" in the file). TWRP It is more convenient to use a zip archive or patch boot.img). Upload the file to the phone's internal memory. TWRP select “Install”, find the file and confirm the installation of the swipe.
- 📂 Copy the file. Magisk.apk (or.zip on a smartphone.
- 🔧 V TWRP press the "Install" button».
- 📲 Select the downloaded file from the list.
- ✅ Confirm the action with the swipe "Swipe to confirm».
After the installation process is completed, which will take a few seconds, you need to restart the system. The first time you turn on the process may take longer than usual - this is normal, application optimization is underway. After loading the desktop, the Magisk icon will appear on the menu.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing Magisk, the phone goes into a bootloom (reboot cycle), boot into the bootloom. TWRP And do "Wipe" again. Dalvik/Cache», Then reboot. In rare cases, you need to restore the original boot.img via Fastboot.
License Check and Basic Setup
When you boot the system successfully, the first thing you need to do is make sure that the rights are actually active. Open the Magisk app. If you see the superuser version and the "Normal" status at the top of the screen, and the menu displays switches for different modules, congratulations, root access is obtained.
For more detailed verification, you can use specialized tools like Root Checker, run a test, and the app will confirm that you have superuser rights, and now you can install applications that require deep integration into the system, such as AdAway for blocking ads or Greenify for aggressive battery saving.
It is important to configure Magisk itself to hide rights from applications that can block work if you have a root. In the Magisk settings, turn on "Zygisk" and "DenyList." In the DenyList, mark banking apps and Google Pay. This will allow you to use them without restrictions.
Possible problems and solutions
The rooting process of Xiaomi Redmi 8 can encounter technical difficulties, one of the common problems is the “Waiting for device” error in Fastboot. USB-And antivirus software on PCs can block the operation. ADB-Drivers, so they should be temporarily disabled.
Another common scenario is a broken sensor in TWRP. This is solved by typing a command into the console (Terminal button in TWRP): touch off, and then touch on. If that doesn't help, maybe the recovery version isn't suitable for your firmware version, and you need to look for another build.
💡
Save the original boot.img of your current firmware before any manipulations.This is the only way to quickly return the phone to working condition through Fastboot in the event of a critical failure.
If after all the manipulations the camera or sound does not work, most likely, the vendor or modem partitions are damaged. In this case, only a complete flashing of the stock firmware through the Mi Flash program with the cleaning of all data (Clean All) will help.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Will the warranty fly off after receiving the Root?
Will the banking apps work with Root?
Can I get it? OTA-post-rooting?
Is this a problem for the Snapdragon 439 processor?
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Getting Root on Xiaomi Redmi 8 gives you full control over the device, but it requires responsibility: always make backups and carefully check the compatibility of files before you run the firmware.