Xiaomi Redmi Go is a budget smartphone based on Android Go Edition, which is still popular due to its simplicity and reliability. However, standard system limitations often prevent users from realizing the full potential of the device. Getting root rights allows you to remove embedded applications, optimize performance and install modified firmware. But the process of unlocking on this device has its own nuances due to the specifics of Android Go and Xiaomi policy.
Unlike the flagship models, the Redmi Go does not support official unlocking of the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool after 2021, which means that the classic methods of obtaining root rights do not work here. In this article, we will look at the only current way to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk on Redmi Go in 2026, which is confirmed by experienced developers of the forum. XDA Developers and tested on the latest versions MIUI.
Before you start, keep in mind that the procedure requires basic knowledge of working with the ADB And Fastboot, and the readiness for possible loss of warranty, if you're a beginner, follow the instructions carefully and don't miss the compatibility check steps.
Why Standard Methods Don't Work on Redmi Go
The main problem with Xiaomi Redmi Go (codename tiare) is its unique Android Go Edition firmware, which is optimized for weak devices. Unlike full-fledged Android versions, here:
- π Hardware-level bootloader blocked β it cannot be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool after May 2021.
- π± Lack of support TWRP β The popular custom recavery is not adapted for this model due to limited memory capacity (1/8 GB).
- π Limited opportunities ADB β Many teams working for other Xiaomis are blocked by the system.
- π‘οΈ Enhanced protection MIUI β Even after unlocking the bootloader, the system can automatically roll back changes.
Another trap: forums often contain outdated instructions that suggest using the EDL-Emergency Download Mode via authorized Xiaomi accounts, which has been out of use for Redmi Go since 2023 due to security updates, and the only working option today is exploiting a vulnerability in the boot image, which we will discuss in detail below.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, you need to perform a number of mandatory steps, and skipping any of these steps can lead to soft-brick (the device will turn on, but not boot) or complete loss of data.
Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Make sure the battery is charged β₯ 70%
Download and install Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.24 (last working version)
Connect the device to the PC through the original USB-cable
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Critical: Version MIUI Your device should not be newer. MIUI 12.0.2.0. If you have a more recent firmware installed, you need to roll it back. You can download the stable version from the official Xiaomi website in the section MIUI Downloads (select Redmi Go, code tiare).
Also check if the debugging is included. USB:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
β οΈ Note: If the item Unlock OEM Inactive (gray), which means that the device has already blocked the bootloader at the hardware level, in which case further action is meaningless - you will need physical intervention (contact soldering). EDL), What is not recommended for beginners.
Unlocking the bootloader: bypassing the restrictions of Xiaomi
As mentioned earlier, the official Mi Unlock Tool doesn't work for Redmi Go after 2021, but there is a workaround through the exploit in the boot image that allows you to temporarily unlock the bootloader to install Magisk.
- π₯οΈ Computer running Windows 10/11 (on macOS/Linux There may be problems with drivers).
- π Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (You can download from the Android Developers website).
- π§ Archive with utilities to bypass the lock (link in the spoiler below).
Download the necessary files
The unblocking process consists of the following steps:
- Reversing the firmware to the version MIUI 12.0.2.0 (if a newer one is installed).
- Run the exploit through Fastboot to temporarily bypass the lock.
- Install a patched boot image with Magisk.
- Fixing changes through ADB system-prevention.
For a detailed step-by-step instruction with commands, see the next section. Before you start, make sure that your PC has turned off antivirus and firewall β they can block the utilities.
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If you unlock the device and it's stuck on the Redmi logo, don't panic. Connect it to your PC, run the fastboot reboot recovery command, and reset it through Wipe Data. The data will be lost, but the device will start working.
Step-by-step: from unlocking to installing Magisk
This section contains the exact commands and actions to obtain root rights. Follow the instructions in strict order. If there is an error at some stage, do not continue, but re-read the section.
Step 1: Reverse the firmware (if required)
If you have a version MIUI 12.0.2.0, perform the rollback:
- Download the official firmware on the link from the spoiler above.
- Unpack the archive and place the file tiare_images_12.0.2.0_... into a folder with platform-tools.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol Down when the device is off).
- Execute command: fastboot flashall tiare_images_12.0.2.0_...
Step 2: Launch an exploit to unlock
Download and unpack the archive with the spoiler utilities. unlock_tiare.bat. Run it on behalf of the administrator:
- Checks the connection of the device.
- Sends a command to temporarily unlock the bootloader.
- Creates the original backup boot.img.
If the script gives an error waiting for the device, check:
- π Connection to USB (Try another port or cable).
- π±οΈ Driver performance (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface).
- π Fastboot mode on the phone (screen with a rabbit and the inscription Fastboot).
Step 3: Patching a boot image through Magisk
After successful unlocking:
- Copy the file. boot.img (It will appear in the folder with the script on the phone.
- Install. APK-Magisk file on the device.
- In Magisk, select Install. β Select and Patch a File and show the way to the boot.img.
- After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img back-to-PC.
Step 4: Firmware patch boot and fix changes
Return to Fastboot mode and do:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
fastboot rebootAfter restarting, immediately connect the phone to the PC and perform in ADB:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
echo "persist.sys.force_sw_gpu=1" >> /system/build.prop
rebootThis command prevents automatic rollback of changes by the system MIUI.
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If after the reboot Magisk does not appear in the list of applications, but the root rights work (checked through adb shell su), then everything went well. Magisk is hidden for protection from detection by the system.
Checking Root Rights and Solving Possible Problems
To make sure that the root rights are obtained correctly, perform the following checks:
| Method of verification | Expected output | What to do if it doesn't work |
|---|---|---|
| Adb shell su team | There is an invitation to root@tiare:/ # | Repeat the step. 4 (firmware boot.img) |
| Root Checker app | Root access well installed message | Reinstall Magisk via Direct Install |
| Removing System Applications Through ADB | The application is removed without errors | Check the rights to /system (mount -o rw,remount /system) |
| Titanium Backup Launch | The app requests root rights and works | Update Magisk to the latest version |
If root rights donβt work, the most common reasons are:
- π The system rolled back changes - repeat step 4 with fixing through build.prop.
- π± The Wrong Version of Magisk β Use Only v26.4 or newer.
- π The bootloader is locked again β you will have to repeat the process from the beginning.
β οΈ Note: After obtaining the root license, do not update the device through OTA! This will lead to the loss of root and possible bricks, and all updates must be installed manually through the TWRP (If you can install it, or patch images.
What to do after getting root rights: optimization of Redmi Go
Now that you have the root rights, you can significantly improve the work of Redmi Go. Here are some useful steps:
- π Remove Bloat: Remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music) via Titanium Backup or ADB: adb shell su pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser
- β‘ Performance Optimization: Turn off animations and background processes via Build.prop Editor (add lines: debug.performance.tuning)=1 windowsmgr.max_events_per_sec=150
- π Extending your time: Use Greenify to hibernate unnecessary apps or disable Google Play services via Google Play ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms
- π¨ Customization of the interface: Install Substratum or Hex Installer to change themes and icons.
We also recommend that you install:
- FK Kernel Manager β for fine-tuning the kernel and improving performance.
Don't forget to back up before major changes! TWRP (If you can install it, or Swift Backup.
Risks and how to minimize them
Getting root rights is always fraught with risks, especially on devices with a locked bootloader.
| Risk | Reason. | How to prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-brick (the device does not load) | Incorrectly patched boot.img | Always check the hash amount of files before firmware |
| Hard-brick (full brick) | Interrupting the firmware process | Use a UPS or laptop with a full charge |
| Loss of IMEI | Damage to the modem partition | Create a backup of nvram and nvdata through MTK Droid Tools |
| Blocking of Mi Account | Frequent attempts to unlock | Use one account for all transactions |
If something went wrong:
- π Soft-brick: Try to re-flash the original boot.img via Fastboot.
- π Hard-brick: You will need a firmware through EDL (Only for experienced users!).
- π‘ Network Loss: Restore the nvram backup or flash the original firmware.
β οΈ Note: If banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online or Google Pay) have stopped working after unlocking, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate the root rights concealment mode. Instruction: 1. Install the module via Magisk. 2. Reboot the device. 3. In Magisk settings, enable MagiskHide. 4. Add banking apps to the Hidden List.