How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 7: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited by standard firmware MIUI. Getting root rights opens up access to hidden functions from removing embedded applications to installing custom cores. However, the process requires caution – a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, you will find the current instructions for Redmi 7 (codename onclite) taking into account the changes of 2026: from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk via TWRP. We will analyze the official and alternative methods, and explain why since MIUI 14.0.3.0, the bootloader lock has become tougher – now you need to link Xiaomi account to the device 72 hours before unlocking.

What gives root on Xiaomi Redmi 7 and what is it risky

Root rights to Redmi 7 allow:

• 🔧 Remove system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, advertising services)
• 🔄 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• ⚡ Optimize performance through cores (FrancoKernel)
• 📱 Use Magisk modules (e.g, ViPER4Android sound-wise)
• 🔒 Block Internet access for individual applications without VPN

But there's a downside.

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – Xiaomi doesn’t officially support root
• 🛡️ Security risk – some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) will stop working
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates - after the update MIUI will not be installed
• 💥 Possibility of "bricking" - in case of an error in TWRP orthose

⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi blocks unlocking the bootloader if the device was purchased less than 7 days ago.It also requires linking the Mi Account account to the phone 72 hours before the procedure.Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will give an error Couldn't verify the device.

Preparation for unlocking the loader

Before you get a root, you need to unlock the bootloader. This is the official procedure, but with nuances:

1. Link Xiaomi account to phone: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account Log in and wait for sync (cloud icon should turn green) Enable Settings → Additional → For developers → Unlock OEM
2. Connect your device to Mi Unlock Tool: Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30) Run the program on behalf of the administrator Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone

Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode

(a) Turn off Redmi 7


(b) Press the power button + Volume down by 10 seconds




(c) Connect to the PC - the Fastboot logo should appear (robot with a gear)

If Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, wait 168 hours.

• 🔹 Mi Accounts were not tied in advance (72 hours waiting time)
• 🔹 The device was restarted after the account was tied (resets the timer)
• 🔹 Unofficial version of Mi Unlock Tool (only download from en.miui.com)

Unlocking the loader: step-by-step instructions

When preparation is complete, follow these steps:

1. Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
2. Connect Redmi 7 in Fastboot mode (as described above).
3. Press Unlock, the process will take 1-3 minute. ⚠️ Note: If the program is suspended during the stage 99%, Don't turn off your phone! 10 Sometimes Xiaomi servers are slowed down, interruption of the process can block the bootloader forever.
4. After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings.

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to Enter Fastboot.
3. In the command line of the PC, run: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: true, it was a success.

Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi 7

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required to install Magisk and get root. For Redmi 7 (onclite), use informal builds as official support is terminated.

Download the current version of TWRP for onclite:

• 🔗 Page on XDA-Developers (check user reviews)
• 🔗 AndroidFileHost (Look for files marked onclite)

Installation instructions:

1. Download the twrp-3.7.0-onclite.img file and rename it to recovery.img and put it in the folder with fastboot.
2. Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction).
3. Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Go to TWRP immediately after that, otherwise the standard firmware will overrun it: fastboot boot recovery.img

If the TWRP is not saved after the restart:

• 🔹 V TWRP Go to Mount. → Enable MTP and copy the file disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (download).
• 🔹 Install this one. ZIP via Install TWRP.
• 🔹 Reboot back to the TWRP (off-the-shelf!).

💡

If after installing the TWRP, the phone is stuck on the MI logo, don't panic! Press Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds for a forced reboot. Then re-enter TWRP via fastboot boot recovery.img.

Install Magisk and obtain root rights

Magisk is a modern root tool that masks changes from system checks (e.g. SafetyNet).Redmi 7 is suitable for version 26.1+.

Installation steps:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: 🔗 GitHub Magisk (see file search) Magisk-v26.1.zip)

MTP

TWRP

TWRP

Install → Choose. Magisk-v26.1.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash

After installation, reboot to the system.

How to check if root is obtained:

• 🔹 Install the Root Checker app.
• 🔹 Magisk Manager (set automatically) must have a green tick on the screen.
• 🔹 In the terminal, execute the command su – if an input invitation appears, root works.

⚠️ Note: If Google Pay or banking applications stop working after installing Magisk, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk.

💡

After getting root, be sure to make a backup EFS-section TWRP (folder /efs). This section contains IMEI Serial numbers: if it is damaged, the phone will lose contact!

Solving common problems

Even with the exact instructions, errors can occur. Consider the typical cases of the Redmi 7:

If the phone has turned into a brick (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons):

1. Try logging in to Fastboot (Power + Volume Reduction for 15+ seconds).
2. If it does not help - use Test Point (requires disassembly of the phone and closing contacts on the board).
3. In the last resort, go through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing Mi Flash Pro).

Alternative methods of root without TWRP

If installing TWRP seems complicated, you can get root through patching boot.img:

Steps:

1. Download the original firmware for Redmi 7 from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove boot.img file from archive (use 7-Zip or WinRAR).
3. Transfer boot.img to your phone.
4. Install Magisk Manager and select Install → Select and Patch a File.
5. After the patching, copy the received magisk_patched.img PC-only.
6. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ No, he doesn't. TWRP
• ✅ Less risk of damaging the system
• ✅ Opportunity remains OTA-Updates (but installing them will remove root)

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Update MIUI You have to repeat the procedure.
• ❌ Some Magisk modules may not work without TWRP

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 7