How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Why you need root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 6A and what risks they carry

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 6A opens up the hidden capabilities of Android, but requires careful attention. With root access, you can remove system applications, optimize performance through the kernel, install modified firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, and use powerful utilities like Titanium Backup or Greenify. However, with freedom come risks from loss of warranty to device blink if you do not do it correctly.

The Redmi 6A (codename cactus) model based on the MediaTek Helio A22 processor has its own peculiarities when obtaining root rights. Unlike smartphones on Snapdragon, the standard method does not work here via fastboot oem unlock - you will need a workaround using the SP Flash Tool utility and a patched bootloader. It is important to understand that after unlocking the bootloader, all data will be reset, and MIUI updates through OTA will stop working without additional manipulation.

This guide is relevant for Android 8.1 Oreo and Android 9 Pie (MIUI 10/11)-based firmware. If your device has upgraded to MIUI 12+, some steps may require adaptation. Before you start, make sure you have a backup of important data and at least 60% battery life – the process of unlocking the bootloader on MediaTek devices can take up to 30 minutes with multiple reboots.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start getting root rights, you need to follow a few critical steps. OEM-unlock in the developer settings. Go to Settings for this. → About the phone and 7 times click on the item Version MIUI, To activate the developer menu, then go back to the main settings menu, open the Additional. → For developers and include:

• 🔓 OEM-Unlocking (can be called Unlocking the bootloader")
• 🔌 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging)
• 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if there is such a point)

Second, install MediaTek drivers on your computer, without which the SP Flash Tool will not be able to correctly identify the device, download the MTK USB Drivers package from the official website or trusted sources (for example, XDA Developers).

• 💻 Python 3.x (for working with the mtkclient utility)
• 📦 ADB and Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools)
• 🔧 SP Flash Tool (version 5.2 or later)
• 📱 Stock firmware for your model (in case of recovery)

⚠️ Note: If you are using Windows 10/11, Turn off driver signature verification before installation MTK-To do this, reboot to debug mode (hold Shift when you select "Reboot" from the Start menu) and select "Disable Mandatory Driver Signature Verification".

Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 6A: bypassing the restrictions of Xiaomi

The official Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t support Redmi 6A because of Xiaomi’s policy on MediaTek devices, so you’ll have to use an alternative method with SP Flash Tool and a patched preloader image. This process is more risky than on Snapdragon devices, so follow the instructions carefully.

Steps to unlock:

1. Download the patched preloader and scatter file for your firmware version, which can be found on the XDA or 4PDA forums in Redmi 6A themes (see cactus).
2. Connect the phone to a PC without a battery (if it is removable) or hold Volume Down + Power to go to BROM mode.
3. Launch the SP Flash Tool, download the scatter file and select only the preloader item in the firmware list.
4. Press Download and wait for the process to complete (usually takes 5-10 seconds).

After successful firmware preloader bootloader will be unlocked, but the device may not boot into the system.

⚠️ Warning: An unprompted or mispatched preloader can result in a full breeze of the device that will require resweetening of the memory chip. Make sure the files are suitable for your board revision (check through fastboot getvar all).

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery on Redmi 6A

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install a customized recavator (TWRP) that allows you to flash modified images, create backups and obtain root rights through Magisk. For the Redmi 6A, there is an informal TWRP build that can be found on XDA or in Xiaomi-related telegram channels.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the image TWRP for cactus (e.g. for cactus, twrp-3.7.0_cactus.img).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with fastboot.
3. Move your phone to fastboot mode (hold Volume Down + Power when you turn on).
4. Connect the device to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
5. After successful firmware reboot to the Recovery team: fastboot boot recovery.img

If the TWRP doesn't start or the device goes into a bootloop, try an alternative build or run the stock Recovery back. Some versions of MIUI block the loading to the custom Recovery - in which case you will need to roll back to the older firmware.

Getting Root Rights through Magisk: A Step-by-Step Process

The most reliable way to get a root right to Redmi 6A is to use Magisk, which provides a system root without changing the system partition, allowing you to go through SafetyNet and use banking applications. The latest version of Magisk (26.0+) can be downloaded from the official repository on GitHub.

Installation process:

1. Download Magisk-v26.4.zip and place it on a memory card or internal memory.
2. Download to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when enabled).
3. From the TWRP menu, select Install, search for an archive from Magisk, and confirm the installation.
4. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes. After successful startup, install the Magisk Manager application (download APK from GitHub) and check the root rights status. If the application displays a green tick, it was successful.

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If your mobile data stopped working after installing Magisk, try flashing a patch for your modem through TWRP. This often solves the network problem on custom firmware.

Root rights verification and solving typical problems

After installing Magisk, you need to make sure that the root rights work correctly.

1. Install the Root Checker app from Play Market.
2. Run it and press Verify Root.
3. If you see a message, “Congratulations! Root access is properly installed...,” it’s okay.

Typical problems and their solutions:

• 🔄 Bootloop after firmware: Load into TWRP and sew Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (shut down system integrity check).
• 📵 Mobile network not working: Swipe stock modem through TWRP or update the firmware.
• 🔒 Banking apps don't run: Activate MagiskHide and add apps to the hidden list.
• 🔋 Fast battery drain: Disable unnecessary Magisk modules or return to the stock core.

If the root rights are not determined, check:

• Magisk version (should be at least 24.0 for Android 9)
• Integrity of boot.img file (if manually stitched).
• Presence of conflicting modules (remove all unnecessary in /data/adb/modules).

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If after obtaining the root license stopped working OTG or NFC, It's about changing the kernel access rights. OTG_NFC_Fix.zip for Redmi 6A.

How to return everything back: removing root rights and blocking the bootloader

If you need to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:

Removal of root rights:

1. Load to Magisk Manager and select Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
2. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Stock recaveri recovery:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi 6A from Xiaomi’s website (select the version for your region).
2. Remove the recovery.img file from the archive.
3. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img

Locking the loader (optional):

To completely lock the bootloader on MediaTek, you will need:

1. Download stock preloader for your firmware version.
2. Swipe it through the SP Flash Tool (similar to unlocking, but with the original file).

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is locked, you will not be able to re-unblock it through SP Flash Tool without the risk of a breeze. If you plan to go back to root rights, leave the bootloader unlocked.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 6A