Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the full guide from unlock to Magisk

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires carefulness - a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a "brick." In this article, we will discuss three officially supported root methods relevant to MIUI 14/15 based on Android 12/13, taking into account the features of the Xiaomi bootloader and security requirements of 2026.

It’s important to understand that unlocking the bootloader resets all data, and installing custom recovery (TWRP) and Magisk can be insecure. We’ll detail every step from getting your PC ready to the final root validation, and provide links to verified files (firmware, fastboot scripts, patches). If you’re a beginner, start by reading the Risks and Consequences section, which explains why not all apps will work after getting the root (e.g., banking customers and Google Pay).

Preparation: What to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, make sure your Redmi Note 8 meets the key requirements:

• 📱 Device model: only M1908C3JG (global version) or M1908C3JH (Chinese. Go to Settings to check. → The phone. → Model.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. Unlocking process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharge during operation will lead to failure.
• 💻 Computer: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) MacOS may have problems with fastboot drivers.
• 🔌 Cable: Xiaomi's original USB-Type C. Cheap cables often don't transmit data in fastboot mode.

Also prepare:

1. Backup of data (photos, contacts, messages) – unlocking the bootloader erases everything from internal memory.
2. Mi Account linked to the phone (required with a confirmed phone number and email).
3. ADB/Fastboot drivers for your OS (you can download from the official Android website).
4. Archive with firmware TWRP and Magisk (links in the section "Necessary Files").

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 is purchased in China M1908C3JH), Unlocking requires waiting 168 hours (7 days) after linking your Mi Account to your device (M1908C3JG) unlocked in 72 hours.

Required files and tools

For successful root rights to Redmi Note 8 download the following files (all links checked for viruses in June 2026):

After downloading:

1. Unpack the Platform Tools archive in the C:\platform-tools folder.
2. Rename the TWRP file to twrp.img and place it in the same folder.
3. Magisk file (Magisk-v26.4.zip) copy to the outside SD-The card (internal memory will be cleaned!).

Download Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.51| Download TWRP 3.7.0 for ginkgo| Download Magisk 26.4 (zip)| Unpacked Platform Tools in C:\platform-tools|Magisk copied to SD-card-->

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before installing TWRP and Magisk. Xiaomi officially allows this, but with limitations:

• 🔓 Requires to link your Mi Account to your device (at least 72 hours before unlocking).
• 📅 For the Chinese versions (M1908C3JH) Expectation increases to 168 hours.
• 🔄 Once unlocked, all data will be erased (including photos and apps).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

File transfer

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

fastboot

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a “Couldn’t unlock” error, check if the phone is connected to the port. USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 may not work. Are fastboot drivers installed (device manager should not have yellow exclamation points) Is the antivirus disabled (it can block Mi Unlock Tool work).

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If you're 99 percent locked, don't turn off the cable! Wait 10 to 15 minutes, you can complete the process on your own.

Step 2: Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to install TWRP Recovery, an alternative recovery menu that will allow you to flash Magisk to obtain root rights. It is important to use the correct version of TWRP for ginkgo, otherwise you risk getting a brick.

Step-by-step:

1. Restart your phone to fastboot: adb reboot bootloader or turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds.
2. Open the command prompt in the C:\platform-tools folder (press Shift + right mouse button → Open PowerShell window here) and execute the command to check the connection: fastboot devices Must display the serial number of the device.
3. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img Then reboot immediately to TWRP (this is important!): fastboot boot twrp.img

If it's successful, you'll see the TWRP menu with touch control. Don't reboot to the system. You'll need to flash Magisk first, or the standard MIUI recap will overrun TWRP.

Step 3: Magisk firmware to obtain root rights

Now that TWRP is installed, it remains to flash Magisk, a root rights management tool, and it is important to use the correct version (26.4) as newer versions of MIUI can block outdated patches.

Instructions:

1. In the TWRP menu, select Install.
2. Go to the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip on SD-card (internal memory cleared!).
3. Swipe to confirm installation.
4. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download can take up to 10 minutes, which is normal. Once you start, check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app (it should appear on the menu) or third-party software such as Root Checker.

⚠️ Note: If after rebooting TWRP It's gone, and instead of it, the standard Recovery. MIUI, So you missed the Magisk firmware step right after installation. TWRP. In this case, repeat the process with step 2, But at the firmware stage Magisk additionally install the patch Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (download XDA Developers).

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The successful installation of Magisk is confirmed by the presence of the Magisk Manager application in the menu and the green tick in the Superuser section.

Root rights verification and problem solving

Once you get the root, you need to make sure that everything works correctly.

• 📱 Install the Root Checker app from Google Play and run the check.
• 🔍 Open Magisk Manager and check the status in the Superuser section.
• 🛠️ Try uninstalling a system application (such as Mi Browser) via Titanium Backup or adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser.

Typical problems and solutions:

If SafetyNet fails to be verified (e.g. for Google Pay), install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk:

1. Download the Universal-SafetyNet-Fix-2.4.0.zip file from GitHub.
2. Install it through Magisk Manager (Module section).
3. Reboot the phone.

Recovery of the system after a failed firmware

If something goes wrong (the phone doesn't turn on, hovers on the MIUI logo or hits the bootloop), don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored via fastboot. You'll need the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo).

Instructions for remediation:

1. Download fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (select the Global Stable version).
2. Unpack the archive in the folder C:\platform-tools.
3. Connect the phone in fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
4. Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, run the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: The fastboot erase userdata command completely clears internal memory! If you need to save data, use fastboot flash userdata userdata.img (This can cause errors if the file system is damaged).

If the phone still doesn't turn on, try flashing it. TWRP Re-install a clean firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS for ginkgo) through it. XDA Developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi Note 8