How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk

Why you need root rights on Redmi 5 and what risks they carry

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 5 opens up access to Android system files, allowing you to remove embedded applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, this process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to complete bricking of the device. In 2026, the procedure was complicated by Xiaomi’s tightening security policy, but remains feasible with strict adherence to instructions.

The Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) was released in 2018, but is still popular thanks to its balanced specs: a Snapdragon 450 processor, 2-4 GB of RAM and a 3300 mAh battery. However, standard MIUI firmware limits the user’s capabilities. Root access solves this problem, but requires pre-unlocking the bootloader – a process that Xiaomi has made multi-day.

In this guide, we will look at three officially supported root rights methods: through Magisk (recommended), through SuperSU (outdated but operational), and an alternative way for users who fail to unlock the bootloader. We will focus on common errors such as Fastboot mode is locked or This. MIUI version cannot be installed on this device and how to get around it.

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 preparatory steps, and ignoring them can lead to the inability to restore data or even to physical damage to the device.

First, back up all data. Unlocking the bootloader erases Redmi 5's internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying to your PC. Note that some apps (like WhatsApp) require a separate backup through their settings.

Second, check out MIUI and Android. For Redmi 5, the current firmware is based on Android 8.1 Oreo (MIUI 12) or Android 9 Pie (MIUI 13-14). Outdated versions may not support current unlock methods. Update through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Model. Must be Redmi 5 (not to be confused with Redmi Note 5!).
• 🔋 Charge the battery: the charge level should be at least 70%. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will lead to failure.
• 💻 Install drivers: download Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Qualcomm from the official Xiaomi website. Without them, the PC will not recognize the phone in Fastboot mode.
• 🔗 Link Mi Account: Unblocking requires authorization to Mi Account. Make sure the account is confirmed by email and phone.

⚠️ Note: If you have previously locked your device through Find My Device or Mi Cloud, unlocking the bootloader may require additional verification.In some cases, Xiaomi requests a passport photo to confirm ownership.

Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instruction 2026

Unblocking a bootloader is a must before you get a root license. Xiaomi has made this process more difficult by introducing a 72-hour waiting period for new accounts. If your Mi Account was created less than 3 days ago, unlocking will not be available.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi (check out the version - v5.5.224.24 or later is suitable for Redmi 5). Install the program on a Windows 7/10/11 PC (virtual machine will be required for macOS or Linux).

Activate the developer mode (7 taps by build number in "About phone")

Enable "OEM Unlock" in the Developer Settings

Insert "Debugging by USB"

Link Mi Account to "Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud"

Reboot your phone in Fastboot (hold Power + Vol Down)

-->

Connect Redmi 5 to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Vol Down when you turn on). Launch Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account as your phone. The program should show Phone connected status. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete. If the Couldn't unlock error appears, try again in 24-72 hours.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Redmi 5 will be reset to factory settings. All data, including internal memory, will be erased. Do not attempt to restore backup via Mi Cloud immediately after unlocking - this can lead to a reboot cycle.

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery on Redmi 5

The Root Rights require custom recovery — usually a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) — the official version for Redmi 5 is available at twrp.me, but we recommend using a modified build from OrangeFox that works better with MIUI 14.

Download the latest version of TWRP for rosy (codename Redmi 5) and save the file with the.img extension to the folder with ADB Tools. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and follow the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-rosy.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-rosy.img

Once you've done the commands, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP. Don't reboot the device immediately after you've installed the recovery, it'll lead to a stock replacement!

1. In TWRP, go to the Wipe section and select Format Data. Enter yes to confirm.
2. Download Magisk (the latest version of v26.4 or later) on your PC and upload the Magisk.apk file to your phone via MTP to TWRP.
3. In TWRP, click Install, select Magisk.apk and swipe to install.

💡

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after installing the TWRP, hold the power button for 15 seconds to force the reboot. Then repeat the recavator login via Power + Vol Up.

Getting Root Rights through Magisk: A Step-by-Step Process

Magisk is the most reliable way to get root access on Redmi 5 without losing MIUI functionality. Unlike the outdated SuperSU, Magisk supports hiding root rights from banking applications and games (for example, Pokémon GO or Sberbank Online).

After installing Magisk via TWRP (described in the previous section), follow these steps:

1. Reboot your phone. After downloading, install Magisk.apk as a regular app.
2. Open Magisk and wait until you have setup completed. The app will request access to the superuser — grant it.
3. Go to the Modules section and install MagiskHide Props Config to mask root rights.

To check if you're successful in obtaining a root license, install the Root Checker app from Google Play. If the status shows Root access: Yes, the procedure was successful. If not, go back to the Root Checker app. TWRP Repeat the Magisk installation by clearing the cache (Wipe) → Dalvik/Cache).

Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work

In some cases, unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is not possible due to errors in Xiaomi servers or account limitations, and alternative methods such as the Mi Unlock Tool can be used to help. EDL-Emergency Download Mode or use of patched mode boot.img.

Method 1: Patch boot.img

This is a good way to do it if you already have a boot.img unlocked, but Magisk is not installed. Download the stock firmware for your MIUI version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Remove the boot.img file from the archive and transfer it to your phone.

1. Install Magisk as a regular app.
2. In Magisk, click Install → Select and Patch a File and select boot.img.
3. Copy the patch file (magisk_patched.img) PC-only.
4. Reboot your phone in Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

Method 2: EDL-The mode (for experienced users)

If the bootloader is locked and the Mi Unlock Tool is not working, you can use EDL. This method requires a special cable (Deep Flash Cable) or short circuit test points on the board.

💡

Use it. EDL This method violates Xiaomi’s rules and can lead to a lockdown. IMEI. For Redmi. 5 firmware rosy_images_*.tar.gz from the official server.

Typical problems and their solutions after obtaining root rights

Even after successfully rooting Redmi 5, there can be problems ranging from accidental reboots to broken camera modules, and let’s look at the most common bugs and how to fix them.

If the camera stopped working after rooting, check if you have removed the libarcore or libcamera system libraries. Restore them from stock firmware via TWRP (Mount → System section). To solve problems with Google Pay or Netflix, install modules:

• 📱 MagiskHide Props Config – to mask root rights;
• 🎬 Universal SafetyNet Fix – SafetyNet;
• 🔒 Riru - Core - for modules that require Riru.

⚠️ Note: If after rooting the phone stopped determining SIM-Cards, the cause may be file damage /efs. Restore them from backup or reflash the module through QFil to the EDL-No backup of the efs to restore IMEI It's very difficult!

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 5