How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 4A: a safe instruction with error analysis

Xiaomi Redmi 4A is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even 7 years after its release, its owners continue to look for ways to unlock the full potential of the device. Getting root-rights opens access to hidden settings, allows you to remove system applications, install custom firmware and optimize performance. However, the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk on this model has nuances that are rarely written in standard guides.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for obtaining root rights to Redmi 4A (codename rolex), including the official Mi Unlock Tool and alternative methods for devices with a locked bootloader. Particular attention will be paid to the critical errors that turn a smartphone into a brick in 80% of cases of unsuccessful attempts, from the wrong version of TWRP to conflicts with dm-verity. If you have never worked with fastboot or ADB before, start with the Preparation section, where we explained each step so that even a beginner can understand.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader or installing TWRP, you need to perform a number of mandatory actions. Skipping at least one point can lead to data loss, a restloop cycle (bootloop) or complete failure of the smartphone.

First, check the MIUI version and build number. Go to Settings → About Phone. Redmi 4A supports root only on firmware up to MIUI 12 (Android 6-7). If you have a newer version, you will need to roll back via Fastboot — see the instructions in section 4.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 70%

Install Xiaomi drivers (Mi PC Suite)

Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version

Disable the antivirus (it blocks ADB)

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (not mobile internet)-->

The second critical point is the binding of the Mi Account, and without that, you can't officially unlock the bootloader.

• 🔹 Xiaomi account added and confirmed on the phone (via the phone) SMS email).
• 🔹 In the account settings synchronization is enabled (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Synchronization).
• 🔹 The phone was not purchased in a “gray” way (linked to another region).

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi 4A With hands, the previous owner could not untie your account Mi. In this case, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible without his data. → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.

2.Official method: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The most reliable way to root on Redmi 4A is to unlock the bootloader through official Xiaomi software, but there are limitations to this method:

• 📅 Wait 72-360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy).
• 🔄 Requires a linked Mi Account with a confirmed phone number.
• 📱 Only global and Chinese versions of firmware (not custom) are supported).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings, the Developer Item will appear.
2. Enable USB debugging: in Settings → Additional → For developers, activate USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
3. Link the device to your account: in the same menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device.
4. Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version from the official website (Windows only).
5. Start unlocking: connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn off, then press Volume down + Power) and follow the instructions in the program.

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, you can start installing TWRP and Magisk. But remember, the unlocked bootloader resets all the data on the phone!

Official (Mi Unlock Tool)|Unofficial (via exploits)|Never tried |Another method-->

3. Alternative method: Getting root without unlocking the boot boot boot.img patch

If the official method does not work (for example, due to error 86006 or 86012), you can try to get root, patch boot.img through Magisk.This method is suitable for firmware based on Android 6.0-7.1 and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but has risks:

• 🔧 SafetyNet problems (bank applications will not work).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI You have to repeat the procedure.
• 🚨 Does not work on firmware with dm-verity (you need to disconnect separately).

Instructions:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Remove boot.img: Unpack the archive with the firmware and find the boot.img file in the images folder.
3. Patch the image through Magisk: 1. Install Magisk Manager on your phone. 2. Copy. boot.img memory. 3. In Magisk Manager, select "Install" → "Select and patch a file" → specify boot.img. 4. After the patching, the file will be saved as magisk_patched.img.
4. Swipe the patch boot: connect the phone in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
5. Reboot: Enter fastboot reboot.

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the reboot, it means that the firmware has dm-verity protection. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip through TWRP (if installed, or use an alternative patch for your version MIUI.

💡

If Magisk Manager doesn’t see the patched file, check that the original boot.img is downloaded for your version of MIUI. You can check the build number in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (for example, V12.0.2.0.MCCMIXM).

4. Installation of TWRP and Magisk: a step-by-step process

If the bootloader is unlocked, the most reliable way to get root is to install a custom TWRP recavator and flash Magisk through it. For Redmi 4A (rolex), only a special TWRP 3.2.3-0 build or a newer one with treble support is suitable.

Download the files:

• 🔗 Official TWRP for Redmi 4A (Choose a version for your region).
• 🔗 The latest version of Magisk (.zip file).
• 🔗 Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (if you need to cancel encryption).

Installation process:

1. TWRP: Connect your phone to fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.2.3-0-rolex.img fastboot boot twrp-3.2.3-0-rolex.img
2. Backup: In TWRP, select Backup and save Boot, System, Data.
3. Squeeze Magisk: In TWRP, click Install, select downloaded Magisk.zip and confirm the installation.
4. Turn off dm-verity: if the phone doesn't boot, swipe Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip.
5. Reboot: Select Reboot → System.

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If you automatically reboot your phone to the stock recave after installing TWRP, you have change protection on, and to fix this, you can immediately run fastboot boot twrp.img after you set up fastboot flash recovery, and that will boot TWRP without overwriting.

5. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users face problems getting root on Redmi 4A. Here's the top.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1. "This device is locked" error in Mi Unlock Tool

Reason: Mi Account is not tied to the device or the phone is purchased in another region. Solution: check the link in Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi Unlock status. If the status "Added" but the unlock does not pass, try changing the account region to "China" (via VPN).

2.TWRP is stitched but not launched

Reason: Incompatible version of Recaveri. 4A They only work on the assembly. 3.1.1-0 or 3.2.3-0 from brunof1983. Download files only from trusted sources (e.g, XDA Developers).

3.After Magisk firmware, the phone doesn't see SIM-map

Reason: The modem partition or conflict with Magisk modules is damaged, so you can run the modem.img stream via TWRP or run a full reset (Wipe → Format Data).

4 BankID and Google Pay are not working

SafetyNet detects changes in the system. Solution: Install MagiskHide Props Config and Universal SafetyNet Fix modules, then activate MagiskHide for problematic applications.

5.The phone overheats after receiving root

Reason: Magisk background processes or unoptimized modules. Solution: check the list of modules in Magisk Manager and disable the unnecessary ones. It is also recommended to calibrate the battery using TWRP (Wipe → Battery Stats).

💡

If your phone is slower after getting root, try disabling Zygisk in Magisk settings or installing KernelSU for more stable operation.

6. How do you check if root is working?

After all the manipulations, you need to make sure that the root rights are actually activated, and you can do this in several ways:

Method 1: Magisk Manager

Open the Magisk Manager app, and if you have a green checkmark at the top of the screen that says, "Installed," you have successfully installed root, and you can also click Check SafetyNet, and if you have Passed status, banking apps should work.

Method 2: Through the terminal

Install any terminal application (e.g., Termux) and type the command:

su

If you have a request for rights or a # symbol instead of $, then root works.

Method 3: Through Root Checker

Download the Play Market app Root Checker and run a check, which will show you if you have access to a superuser, as well as a version of SU or Magisk.

Method 4: Verification of system files

Install a root-enabled file manager (like Root Explorer) and try opening the /system folder. If the content is displayed error-free, the permissions work.

⚠️ Note: If Magisk Manager shows root, but apps like Netflix or other apps like Netflix Pokémon GO If they don't start, MagiskHide doesn't work. Try manually adding these apps to the hidden list. → Select applications).

7.How to remove root and return the phone to stock state

If you want to put your phone in service, sell it, or just get it back, you'll need to completely remove root and restore the stock firmware. For the Redmi 4A, this is done in two steps:

Step 1: Removal of Magisk

1. Open Magisk Manager and click Uninstall.
2. Select Complete Uninstall (Complete Uninstall).
3. Reboot the phone.

Stage 2: Restore the stock firmware

Download fastboot firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater and run it through the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect the phone in fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and click Refresh → Flash.
5. Wait until the end (green tick) and restart the phone.

After that, the bootloader will remain unlocked, but root and TWRP will be removed. To block the bootloader back, use the command:

fastboot oem lock

Warning: Locking the bootloader erases all data!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions