Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete guide with a security guarantee

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular device due to its balanced performance and support for custom firmware. Getting root permissions on this device gives you access to advanced system settings, the ability to remove embedded applications (bloatver), install modified cores and even extend the battery life. However, the process requires care: improper actions can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device or loss of warranty.

In this article, we will discuss three officially supported methods for getting root on Redmi 4X in 2026: through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, using the Mi Unlock Tool utility, as well as an alternative method for firmware based on LineageOS. Particular attention will be paid to critical errors that users make during the unlocking stage of the bootloader, and how to avoid them. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you carefully study the section with warnings before starting the procedure.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start rooting, you need to prepare your smartphone and your computer, which is often missed, which leads to failures in the unlocking process.

• 📱 Backup: Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires temporary root, SMS files from internal memory.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 70%. When the bootloader is unlocked, the device can reboot up to 10 times, and the low charge will cause the process to interrupt.
• 🖥️ Install drivers: download Mi Unlock Tool and Qualcomm drivers for Redmi 4X (available on the forum XDA Developers).
• 🔑 Mi Account binding: Unblocking is not possible without a confirmed Xiaomi account. Make sure your device is synced to your account.

Also check the firmware version: Redmi 4X is only suitable for official global or Chinese MIUI builds based on Android 6.0/7.1. If you have custom firmware installed, first go back to the stock through Fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all settings, including fingerprints and a pattern lock, will be reset. If you used data encryption, the device may require a password after the reboot — write it down in advance!

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 4X

The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step before getting root, which takes 3 to 7 days due to Xiaomi’s policy, which requires waiting for confirmation.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the line with the version.
2. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Settings menu → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in under the same Mi Account as you do on your smartphone.
4. Follow the instructions of the program. During the check-up phase, you will receive a waiting message (usually 168 hours).

After the waiting period, try again to unlock. The utility should show the progress bar and the message Unlocked successfully. If the process is frozen by 99% - do not turn off the device, wait for the automatic reboot (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB and OEM Unlock|Qualcomm drivers installed|Battery charge >70%|Data backup made.-->

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4X "hand, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account from the device, otherwise unlocking will not be possible without his data!

Install TWRP Recovery and Get Root through Magisk

Once unlocked, you can start installing a custom TWRP recavator and obtaining root rights using Magisk, which is considered the most reliable method for Redmi 4X, as it allows you to easily update the firmware and manage root access.

Download the current files for santoni:

• 📁 TWRP for Redmi 4X (version 3.7.0 or later).
• 📁 Magisk (last stable build in.zip format).
• 📁 Disable Force Encryption (if you use encryption).

Follow the instructions:

1. Reboot the phone to Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-santoni.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-santoni.img
3. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data (required!), then copy Magisk.zip to your phone.
4. Install Magisk.zip via Install, then restart.

After the reboot, check for root using the Magisk Manager app or the su command in the terminal. If the device is stuck with the logo, repeat the installation of Magisk by formatting the Data partition beforehand.

Alternative method: root without TWRP (for power users)

If you can’t install TWRP (for example, due to compatibility issues), you can get root directly through Magisk in Fastboot.This method requires patching boot.img and is only suitable for stock firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the Redmi 4X firmware from MIUI and remove boot.img from the archive.
2. Move boot.img to your phone and open it in Magisk Manager (Install → Select and Patch a File).
3. Copy the received file magisk_patched.img On PC and run it through Fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

This is less reliable than TWRP, because you have to repeat the patching procedure when you update the firmware, and some Magisk modules may not work properly.

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If after the firmware magisk_patched.img The phone is not loading, try replacing the flash boot command with flash boot. boot_a flash boot_b (for devices with a split load structure).

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, errors can occur, and the following are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the device stops turning on (brick), try to restore it using the Mi Flash Tool using Fastboot firmware. 90% of the time, this helps bring the smartphone back to life, but all data will be lost.

Security after rooting: how not to lose data

Root rights give you complete control of the system, but they also open up opportunities for malware and random errors.

• 🛡️ Disable Magisk for banking applications: Many banks block access when root is detected. Use the MagiskHide Props Config module to mask.
• 🔄 Update Magisk regularly: new versions fix vulnerabilities. Stay tuned on GitHub.
• 📦 Avoid questionable modules: install only verified modules from the Magisk repository or XDA Developers.
• 🔒 Encrypt backups: if you do backup through TWRP, Set a password to the archive to protect the data.

Remember: with root rights, you lose the ability to receive OTA-update MIUI. To update the firmware, you will have to manually download the full package and stitch it through TWRP (Pre-delete Magisk to avoid conflict).

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Once you have root, never update your firmware through the standard update menu! This will result in root loss and possible blink. Always use manual firmware through TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions