The Xiaomi Redmi 7, which is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor, is still popular due to its reliability and availability. However, the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users by preventing them from removing system applications or fine-tuning power savings, which is why obtaining super-user rights, or root access, becomes a priority for many owners of this model.
The procedure for gaining full control of the file system requires careful and careful follow-up steps, as any errors can lead to the failure of the device. In this article, we will examine in detail the entire path from unlocking the bootloader to installing the modern rights manager Magisk.
Before you start taking action, you need to realize that tampering with the software code of a smartphone removes the manufacturer's warranty obligations. Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi leads to the complete removal of all data from the device, so creating a full backup is a must-have first step. Without saved photos, contacts and documents, you risk losing important information forever.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
You should start the process of software modification with careful preparation of the workplace and the gadget itself. You will need a personal computer running Windows, a serviceable computer. USB-cable and stable Internet connection, and you need to install special drivers ADB Fastboot, which provides low-level communication between PC and smartphone.
It is important to make sure that the battery is charged at least 60-70%, as the process of firmware and unlocking can take considerable time. Do not rely on the charge during critical operations, as a sudden power outage can turn the phone into a “brick”.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 7 with less than 50% battery drain – the risk of interruption.
- 💻 PC with Qualcomm drivers installed HS-USB QDLoader for deep recovery.
- 🔒 Mi Account with a linked phone number that is used on the device for at least 7 days.
- 📁 Original. USB-cable to ensure stable data transmission without interference.
You will need the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader and the archive from Platform Tools. Without these components, further manipulation will not be possible, since standard Android tools will not allow you to make changes to the system partition.
☑️ Preparation for modification
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader, which is locked by the manufacturer as standard to protect the device from unauthorized access, and to remove this lock, you need to apply through the security app on the phone itself and wait for the wait timer to expire.
Once the Factory Unlock feature is on the developer menu, the phone will suggest a reboot. The next step is to put the device into Fastboot mode, which is done by pressing the volume button when you connect the cable to the PC, and in this mode, an image of a hare repairing an android appears on the screen, indicating readiness to receive commands.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool will completely destroy all user data on the internal drive.
Run Mi Unlock on your computer, log in to your account and click the check button. If the device status is shown as "Locked", click "Unlock". The system will warn you of the consequences again. Confirm the action, and a process will begin, which can take from a few seconds to 360 hours (15 days) depending on the status of the account.
What to do if Mi Unlock is making an error?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The Recovery Menu in MIUI is limited in functionality and does not allow you to install third-party zip archives or make full backups of the system. To obtain superuser rights, we will need to install a modified version of the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which runs independently of the main operating system.
To install TWRP on Redmi 7 (codename onkel), you need to download the corresponding.img image from the official developer site. It is important to choose the version for your model, since firmware from another device can damage the display or touchscreen.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB. Enter a command to flash the recovery section:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-onkel.imgBut just flashing the image is not enough. Immediately after you execute the command, without releasing the button, you need to press the combination to enter Recovery mode (usually this is the volume button and power). If you just reboot the phone in the usual way, the stock MIUI will overwrite the TWRP back to the standard recavereator.
- 📥 Download the current image TWRP codename onkel.
- 🔌 Switch your smartphone to Fastboot (Volume Down) + Power).
- ⌨️ Run the firmware command through ADB.
- 🔄 Once completed, forcefully log in to Recovery (Volume Up) + Power).
Magisk installation for obtaining Root rights
Today, the gold standard for superuser rights is Magisk (from topjohnwu). Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and services Google Pay (now Google Wallet).
For installation download the current APK-Magisk file, rename its extension to.zip (or simply zip it). APK via Install function in TWRP, Select "Install Magisk" by downloading to the previously installed menu TWRP, Go to the “Install” section, select the file and confirm the swipe action.
Once you have successfully installed and downloaded it, you'll see the new Magisk app on the menu, and it will require a reboot to complete the setup, and then the superuser rights will be activated, and you can check them with any utility, like Root Checker.
💡
Magisk allows you to use modules to modify the system without changing the system partition, which preserves the integrity of security updates.
Importantly, once rooted, some applications may stop working properly, and Magisk’s “Magisk Hide” (or Zygisk in newer versions) features to hide the fact that the system has been modified from specific applications, which is critical for banking customers.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
Root rights are not always easy, especially on MIUI-enabled devices. Users often experience a cyclic bootloop, where the phone is constantly restarted without reaching the desktop, which can be caused by module conflict or system files being damaged.
If the device is bootlooped, don't panic. Try logging into TWRP, going to Wipe and doing a Dalvik/ART Cache cleanup. If that doesn't help, you may need to completely flash the stock version of MIUI through Emergency Download (EDL) mode, which requires an authorized service center account or special patches.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloop (Reboot Cycle) | Conflict of the Magisk module | Delete the module via TWRP (file manager) |
| Touch doesn't work in TWRP | Wrong version of Recaveri | Firmware of the correct version of TWRP for onkel |
| "Waiting for device" error | There are no drivers. | Install ADB/Fastboot drivers manually |
| Banking apps are not working | Root found | Enabling Zygisk and Hiding Magisk in Settings |
Another common problem is that you can’t unlock the bootloader because of the “Account isn’t bound” error, which means you haven’t waited 168 hours (7 days) from when you linked your account to your phone settings.
Security and Return to Stock Firmware
Using superuser rights carries certain risks: malware that gains access to root rights can cause irreparable harm to the system by deleting critical files or stealing data. Be extremely careful when granting rights to unknown applications.
⚠️ Attention: Root rights make some Android security mechanisms vulnerable.Do not install apps from questionable sources and regularly check your system with antivirus.
If you decide to return the device to its original state, for example, for sale or before contacting the service center, you will need to clear the sections and restore the original bootloader, this can be done through the Uninstall function in the Magisk application or by completely reflashing the stock image through the Mi Flash Tool.
When you select the Clean All option in the Mi Flash Tool, the bootloader is automatically locked and the device returns to the factory safety settings, the only guaranteed way to completely eliminate traces of software interference.