How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires carefulness – a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss three officially supported root methods relevant for 2026, taking into account the features of the MIUI 12-14 firmware.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi actively blocks unauthorized firmware manipulation. The latest version of the bootloader on the Redmi 8 Pro (codenamed olivelite) requires mandatory unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, as well as installing a custom TWRP recoverer. We will describe each step in detail, including driver preparation, data backup and bypassing typical errors like the Fastboot Error 0x80004005.

Preparing for root rights: what to do in advance

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi 8 Pro meets the key requirements:

📱 Version. MIUI: The firmware should not be lower. MIUI 12 (Android 10). Check in Settings → Older versions may not support up-to-date tools.
🔋 Battery charge: At least 70% Unlocking process of bootloader and firmware TWRP It takes 30 to 60 minutes, and a sudden power outage will result in an inability to recover using standard methods.
💻 Computer: You will need a Windows PC 10/11 (64-bit) MacOS is not supported by the official Mi Unlock Tool.
🔌 Cable: Original USB-Type-C cable. Cheap analogues can cause data transmission errors.

Back up all important data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings!

📁 Mi Unlock Tool (Last version).
📁 TWRP Redmi 8 Pro (Select the Olivelite version).
📁 Magisk (to manage root rights).

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi 8 Pro is purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without a Chinese Mi Account. → The phone. → Version. MIUI — If there are characters, use alternative methods (described in the section on circumvention of restrictions).

📊 You already got the root rights to Xiaomi?

Yeah, more than once.

Yeah, but long ago.

No, it's my first experience.

I tried it, but it didn't work.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

The first and mandatory step is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi requires you to link the device to your Mi Account and wait 168 hours (7 days) for new devices.

Instructions:

Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Link the device to your Mi Account: in the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account. Use the same account as you do on your PC.

Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to go to Fastboot. Connect to the PC.

Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions. If you see a message saying you're waiting 168 hours, wait until the timer ends.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is an error, it can’t unlock or 0x80004005, check: 🔹 Is the phone connected to the original? USB-port (not via hub). 🔹 Are Xiaomi drivers installed (download Mi) PC Suite). 🔹 Is it not being used? VPN Proxies (they block access to Xiaomi servers).

Developer mode enabled |OEM |Device tied to Mi Account |Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Phone in Fastboot-->

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to flash TWRP, an alternative backup that allows you to install informal firmware and get root. For Redmi 8 Pro (olivelite), use TWRP version 3.7.0 or later.

Step-by-step:

Download the TWRP image for your model (a file with the.img extension) and save it to the folder with fastboot (from the Mi Unlock Tool).
Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder from fastboot: cd C:\path\k\folder\c\fastboot
Please. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0-olivelite.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-olivelite.img The phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.
In TWRP, reset Dalvik/ART Cache (wipe → Advanced Wipe), otherwise the system may get stuck on boot.

If the phone does not boot into the system after TWRP firmware, try:

🔄 Repeat the command fastboot boot twrp.img (time-load).
📥 Stock recovery with fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img, repeat.

💡

If TWRP Requests a password when mounting the partition /data, enter a pattern lock or PIN-the code you used in MIUI.

Install Magisk for root rights

Magisk is a universal root access management tool that does not break SafetyNet (necessary for banking applications) and once you install TWRP, you just need to flash Magisk.

Action:

Download the latest Magisk-v26.4.zip (or newer) and save it to your phone or microSD.
In TWRP, select Install, specify the path to the Magisk archive, and swipe for confirmation.
After installation, restart to the system (Reboot → System).
Install. APK-Magisk file (for module management).

Check for root rights:

Open Magisk and make sure that the status is written Installed.
Install the Root Checker app and run the check.

⚠️ Note: If banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) stop working after installing Magisk, activate the MagiskHide option in Magisk settings and add the application to the hidden list. → Modules.

💡

Magisk allows you to hide root access from apps, but some banks (like Tinkoff) can block access even from MagiskHide.

Alternative methods of obtaining root rights

If the standard method didn’t work, consider alternatives:

Method	Advantages	Deficiencies	Difficulty
Patched Boot	Does not require TWRP, works on a blocked bootloader	You need to patch boot.img for each firmware	⭐⭐⭐
Fastboot + Magisk	Faster than TWRP.	Requires an unlocked bootloader	⭐⭐
Castom firmware (LineageOS)	Clean Android without MIUI, longer updates	Loss of MIUI functions (e.g. IR port)	⭐⭐⭐⭐

For the Patched Boot method:

Download stock boot.img for your version of MIUI (can be retrieved from payload.bin via Payload Dumper).
Move boot.img to your phone and open it in Magisk (Install → Select and patch file).
Sweep the patchy magisk_patched.img fastboot:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img


fastboot reboot

What to do if the phone does not turn on after the firmware?

If, after the manipulation, boot.img or TWRP The phone hangs on the Redmi logo or goes to the bootloop, try it: 1. Re-sweeten stock ROM via fastboot flash system system.img. 2. Perform a full reset in TWRP (Wipe → Format Data, then reflash the firmware). 3. If nothing helps, use the Mi Flash Tool to recover from the EDL-Regime (Authorized Account Required).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

🚫 Mistake. 0x80004005 In the Mi Unlock Tool: Make sure you: 🔹 Phone linked to Mi Account in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking status of Mi. 🔹 You use the original cable and port. USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 can cause malfunctions). 🔹 Antiviruses are disabled on PC (they can block Mi Unlock Tool).
🚫 TWRP mount /data: 🔹 Enter your password/pattern lock in TWRP upon request. 🔹 If it doesn’t work, run Format Data (all data will be deleted!).
🚫 Magisk is not stitched: 🔹 Check the version. TWRP — Redmi 8 Pro needs 3.7.0+. 🔹 Download Magisk from the official repository (not from third-party sites).

If the phone does not turn on after all manipulations, try to return stock recovery:

fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img


fastboot reboot

What to do after obtaining root rights

Now that you have root, you can optimize the Redmi 8 Pro:

🧹 Remove Bloat: Use Universal Android Debloater to securely remove system applications MIUI (e.g. com.miui.analytics).
⚡ Performance optimization: Install Kernel Adiutor to customize the kernel (e.g., limit background processes).
🔒 Security: Disable unnecessary permissions for apps via App Ops (hidden menu, available via Magisk).
🎮 Game Chips: Activate Force GPU Rendering in the developer settings to speed up graphics.

However, keep in mind the risks:

🔴 Security: Root opens up system files for malware. Install antivirus with root-checking support.
🔴 Updates: After receiving root OTA-update MIUI They'll stop working. They'll have to manually update through TWRP.
🔴 Guarantee: Xiaomi’s official service may refuse warranty repairs if root is detected.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi 8 Pro

Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?

No, on the Redmi 8 Pro, unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. The only exception is temporary root through exploits (like DirtyCOW), but it works unstable and requires a reboot after each reboot.

How to get it back (remove root and block the bootloader)

To return the phone to its original state: Squeeze stock ROM Use the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all). Lock the bootloader with fastboot oem lock. Make factory reset. ⚠️ Once the bootloader is locked, custom firmware installation will be impossible without re-unlocking (and waiting 168 hours).

Will Google Pay work after you get root?

No, Google Pay is blocking your devices from working on the root because of SafetyNet requirements. However, you can get around this: Install MagiskHide Props Config. In Magisk settings, activate MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the list of hidden apps. Restart your phone and check SafetyNet status through the SafetyNet Test app. If it doesn't, use alternatives like Samsung Pay or virtual cards.

Can I update my MIUI after I get root?

Yes, but only manually: Download the full firmware package (.zip) for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater. TWRP (No Wipes!! After updating, re-sweep Magisk (root flies when updating). ⚠️ Don't use it. OTA-Updates – they will result in the loss of root or bootloop!

How to check if the bootloader is unlocked?

Two ways: Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume down. If you see a rabbit in a hat and say FASTBOOT, the bootloader is unlocked. Turn on your phone and check the status in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If there is an inscription Unlocked, the bootloader is unlocked.