How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 5: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 5 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even years later, its owners face the limitations of standard firmware. Getting root licenses opens up access to hidden functions from removing system applications to installing custom cores. However, the process requires caution - a mistake at the stage of unlocking the bootloader or firmware can turn the phone into a "brick".

In this guide, we will discuss three officially supported ways to obtain root rights to Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy): through Magisk, SuperSU (for older versions of MIUI), and an alternative method using TWRP. We will focus on training, from backup to checking the bootloader version. If you are a beginner, start with the section "What is root and why is it needed" to assess the risks.

What are root rights and why do they need to be on Xiaomi Redmi 5?

Root rights (or superuser rights) are the total control of the Android operating system.

• 📱 Remove embedded apps (bloatware) such as Mi Browser or Mi Music that cannot be uninstalled by standard means.
• ⚡ Install custom ROMs like LineageOS or Pixel Experience to update Android to current versions.
• 🔧 Configure hidden system settings through applications like BuildProp Editor (e.g., change screen resolution or disable forced encryption).
• 🔋 Optimize battery life with Greenify or Amplify by blocking background processes.

But there is a downside: loss of warranty (if it is still valid), risk of system disruption, and vulnerability to malware, such as some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) refuse to work on rooted devices due to security policies.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Redmi 5 with firmware MIUI 12+ And if you block the bootloader, trying to get root without unlocking it will trigger the Anti-Rollback protection, which can make the phone unusable!

Preparing for root: backup and unlock the bootloader

Before starting the procedure, be sure to follow the following steps:

Backup data (photos, contacts, SMS) via Mi Cloud or local | Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone | Make sure battery power > 60% | Download ADB/Fastboot drivers for your OS | Get permission to unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool-->

The most critical step is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and wait for 7 days (for new accounts) or 360 hours (for old ones).This step is not to be missed: without an unlocked bootloader, you can not install TWRP or Magisk.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
3. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a “Couldn’t unlock” error when unlocking, check that your Mi Account is linked to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi account.Also make sure that the device does not have firmware with a regional restriction (e.g, MIUI China Stable for Global Models).

Method 1: Getting root through Magisk (recommended method)

Magisk is the most reliable tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet check and use banking applications. Magisk 26.0+ is suitable for Redmi 5.

Installation steps:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository.
2. Install. TWRP Recovery for Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) can be found on the website. TWRP.
3. Reboot the phone to TWRP mode (clip Volume Up + Power) and back up the Boot section.
4. In TWRP, select Install → specify the downloaded Magisk file (.zip format) → swipe for confirmation.
5. Once installed, restart. The Magisk Manager app will appear on the menu.

To check if the installation is successful, open Magisk Manager and run SafetyNet. If the Green root status is correct, if Red, try installing Universal SafetyNet Fix.

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If after installing Magisk, the phone is stuck with the Redmi logo, reboot to TWRP and re-sweeten the original boot.img from the backup. Then try another version of Magisk (for example, 25.2 instead of 26.0).

Method 2: Install SuperSU (for older versions of MIUI)

SuperSU is an outdated but still working method for MIUI 9-11 firmware, and its main drawback is modification of the system partition, which leads to SafetyNet and problems with banking applications.

Instructions:

1. Download SuperSU (version 2.82 SR5) and TWRP for Redmi 5.
2. Reboot to TWRP and back up the Boot and System partitions.
3. Install SuperSU.zip via Install in TWRP.
4. After the reboot, check for root through the Root Checker app.

If the phone does not boot after installing SuperSU, use the command in ADB:

fastboot flash boot twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Then restore the backup of the Boot section.

Method 3: Rooting through custom firmware (for power users)

If you want not only root, but also a current version of Android, consider installing custom firmware such as LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) or Pixel Experience.

Algorithm of action:

• 📌 Download the firmware for rosy from the site XDA Developers.
• 🔄 Install. TWRP and make a full backup (including Data, System, Boot).
• 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Advanced Wipe (tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
• 📱 Flush the firmware through Install, then install Magisk (if it is not included in the composition).
• 🔄 Reboot. The first launch can take up to 10 minutes.

The advantage of this method is an updated version of Android and the absence of unnecessary Xiaomi services, but be prepared for possible bugs (for example, a broken NFC or camera problems).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can fail, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them:

If none of the methods did not help, try to return the phone to factory state through the Mi Flash Tool with Fastboot ROM firmware. You can download the official firmware on the Xiaomi website (select the Redmi 5 model and the Global region).

Magisk (systemless root)|SuperSU (classic root)|Castom firmware with root|I haven't decided-->

How to hide root from banking applications

Many applications (e.g. Google Pay, SberBank, Yandex.Money) block work on rooted devices.

1. Install MagiskHide Props Config through Magisk Manager.
2. In Magisk settings, activate MagiskHide and add banking apps to the Hidden List.
3. Restart your phone and check the SafetyNet status in Magisk Manager.

If SafetyNet doesn't work anyway, try:

• 🔄 Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
• 📱 Use alternative versions of applications (e.g. SberBank Online Lite).
• 🔒 Turn off root temporarily via Magisk → Turn off Magisk (reboot will be required).

⚠️ Note: Some banks (such as Tinkoff) use additional checks, such as build.prop analysis. If the app still doesn’t work, try changing the device fingerprint (fingerprint) through the MagiskHide Props Config module to the fingerprint of a certified device (for example, Pixel 5).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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Before any firmware manipulation, always check that files are compatible with your device’s code name (rosy for Redmi 5) and installing files for another model (e.g., Redmi 5 Plus with the name vince) will cause your phone to fail.