Owning a Xiaomi Redmi 8A offers a lot of options, but the standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, has a number of limitations. Many enthusiasts are eager to gain super-user rights to fully control the file system, remove system debris and install specialized modules. The process of obtaining root privileges based on Android in conjunction with MIUI requires care, but the result is worth it.
The main difficulty is the availability of a Bootloader, which blocks unauthorized interference with the operation of the operating system. To successfully perform the procedure, you will need not only a computer with the Windows operating system, but also a high-quality computer. USB-It's important to understand that you do everything at your own risk, although if you follow the algorithm carefully, you're less likely to make a mistake.
Before you go into technical manipulation, you need to realize that unlocking the bootloader will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all data from the internal memory of the device. Backup of contacts, photos and important documents should be done first, preferably on an external medium or in the cloud storage, not directly associated with the local memory of the phone.
Preparation of a smartphone and Mi Account
The first and most critical step is to link the device to your Mi Account and get permission to unlock, and without this step, further action is technically impossible, since Xiaomi servers will not issue an unlock token. SIM-A mobile internet card, as requests are sent via a mobile network, not Wi-Fi.
Go to your smartphone settings and find About Phone. Click on the MIUI version several times in a row until you see "You're a developer." Then go back to the main settings menu, go to Advanced Settings and select Developer's for "Debugging USB" and "Unlock bootloader."
The bootloader unlock menu will require you to enter your Mi Account login and password. The system will alert you to the risks and add the device to the waiting list. The account status will change to "Addd", but this does not mean instant availability. It usually takes a wait of 7 to 168 hours (week to two) before the server allows unlocking.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to bypass the waiting timer or use third-party paid services to instantly unlock.This often results in your Mi Account being blocked or your smartphone being turned into a brick».
During the waiting period, do not log out of your phone account or reset your settings. SIM-The card, the timer may reset and the procedure will have to be started again, so make sure the battery is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at the critical time of setting up.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
After the waiting time, you can start directly unlocking, which requires the Mi Unlock Tool utility, which you need to download from the official Xiaomi website and install on your computer, and run the program on behalf of the administrator to avoid driver problems.
Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn the device off completely, then press the volume down and power button at the same time. Hold them until you see an image of a hare repairing an android. Connect the phone to your computer via a computer. USB-port USB 2.0 or 3.0, preferably directly to the motherboard, without using hubs.
In Mi Unlock Tool, click the "Unlock" button. If the account status allows, the unlocking process will begin, which will take a few seconds, the phone screen will be cleared, and the device will restart in clean system mode. At this stage, Bootloader is considered unlocked, as evidenced by the words "Unlocked" when booting.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
After the first download, the system will be re-formed, you will need to re-enter your Google account and set up basic settings. Make sure the Internet connection is stable, because the system may require proof of identity. Now the path to installing superuser rights is open.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Recovery Recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to system partitions, so you need to install a modified TWRP bootloader (Team Win Recovery Project). You need to find the current version of the image (file with the extension.img) specifically for the Redmi 8A model (codename olivelite).
Copy the downloaded image file to your computer into the folder where the ADB and Fastboot tools are installed. Rename the file to recovery.img for convenience. Open the command prompt (cmd) in this folder. Make sure the phone is back in Fastboot mode and connected to the PC.
For installation, enter the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgOnce the process is successfully completed, do not press the reboot button on your phone or in the program. Instead, immediately press the power button and the volume button. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then release power, but continue to keep the volume until the TWRP menu loads.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
In the TWRP menu, the interface will be touch-sensitive. Select the language (if available), then go to Settings and make sure that you check the "Disable DM-Verify" box or a similar option to prevent system integrity check, which is critical for root rights to work.
Magisk firmware to get a Root
The most modern and safe way to obtain superuser rights is to use Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and games. Download the current Magisk apk file from the official GitHub repository.
Rename the file Magisk-vXX.X.apk into Magisk.zip. Copy this archive into the phone's internal memory. TWRP Does not see internal memory due to encryption, connect your phone to your PC in mode MTP directly from the menu or use the recap OTG-flash-drive.
From the TWRP menu, select "Install" (Install). Find the Magisk.zip file and slide it to confirm the installation. The process will take a few seconds. Once completed, a successful installation message will appear.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloader | Unlocked | Definitely TWRP |
| Recovery | TWRP 3.x.x | For the olivelite model only |
| Root Access | Magisk | Systemic method |
| Android Version | 9.0 / 10.0 | Depends on the MIUI version. |
Click the Reboot System button to reboot in normal mode. Once you boot, look for the Magisk icon in the application menu. If it appears, you have successfully obtained the rights of the superuser. You can open the application and check the status: the green version number indicator should be on the Magisk bar.
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Use MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions) in the app settings to hide root from banking apps and Google Pay. Without that, they may not work.
License Check and Basic Setup
For final verification, you can use the Root Checker utility from the Play Market or the built-in test in the Magisk app. Run the check, and the system will confirm the existence of superuser rights.
With specialized file managers like Root Explorer or MiXplorer, you can access the /system root folder, where you can delete Xiaomi apps that are not deleted in the standard way, change the system fonts, edit build.prop configuration files to change the density of the screen or device model.
However, be careful to remove system components. Deleting critical services can result in a cyclical bootloop. Before removing any package, make sure it is assigned using search engines or XDA Developers developer forums.
⚠️ Note: When you delete system applications through root rights, there is no "Cancel" button. The error may result in an interface failure or loss of communication.
Powerful audio tools like Viper4Android are also becoming available, allowing you to completely redesign your smartphone audio track by adding bass or improving voice clarity.
Possible problems and solutions
When modifying the Redmi 8A firmware, you may encounter unexpected situations. One of the common problems is a bootloop. If your phone is stuck on the MI or Android logo, try going to TWRP and doing Wipe Cache/Dalvik. If that doesn't work, you may need a full Format Data reset that will delete all the data.
Another common problem is that the camera or flashlight fails after getting root rights. This is often due to version conflict. Make sure the TWRP version is fully compatible with the Android version installed on the phone. Android 10 and MIUI 12 need more recent recover builds than Android 9.
If your computer stops seeing your phone in Fastboot mode, reinstall the drivers. In Windows Device Manager, the device can appear as "Unknown Device" or «QHSUSB_BULK». In this case, you will need to manually specify the path to the Qualcomm drivers or Android Bootloader Interface.
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The most common reason for failure is a mismatch between the TWRP version and the Android version. Always check file compatibility before firmware.