Modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 12, initially ship with closed access to the system partition, which limits the user’s ability. Obtaining Root rights (superuser) opens up access to deep operating system settings, allowing you to remove system debris, change the processor frequency and install specialized modules. However, this process requires care, since interference with the software structure can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable device operation.
Redmi Note 12 owners often look for ways to get around the limitations for the sake of expanding functionality, but not everyone understands the risks associated with unlocking the bootloader. Before you start taking action, you need to realize that any manipulation of system files you make at your own risk. In this article, we will discuss all the steps, from the preparation of tools to the final installation of the Magisk rights manager.
The procedure for obtaining administrator rights on Android is based on the use of vulnerabilities or regular debugging mechanisms, which manufacturers are trying to minimize. For the Redmi Note 12, the current method is the ADB Fastboot and custom recavator, or direct patching procedure through Magisk. It is important to understand that after a successful procedure, banking applications can stop working without additional security settings.
Necessary tools and smartphone preparation
The first step in the process of obtaining superuser rights is to carefully prepare the workplace and the device itself. You will need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-cable, preferably original, to avoid communication interruptions during critical firmware moments. All available system updates must be installed on the smartphone, since older versions of firmware may contain vulnerabilities that have already been closed, or, conversely, interfere with the correct operation of new tools.
You need to activate the hidden developer menu, which is hidden from the eyes of the average user by default. To do this, go to the settings, find the "About Phone" item and quickly click on the MIUI or HyperOS version seven times. Once the notification "You became a developer" appears, go back to the main settings menu, select "Advanced" and then "Developers." Here you need to enable debugging on USB and confirm the action with the code from the pop-up window.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations begin, be sure to create a full backup of all important data.The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a mandatory step to obtaining the Root, completely erases the internal memory of the device, including photos, contacts and messages.
You will also need a Mi Account that must be tied to the device for at least 7 days (168 hours) to unlock, a restriction Xiaomi has introduced to protect users from device theft, and it is impossible to bypass it by official means. Download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, as well as the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool utility from the official website.
The procedure for unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step without which installing a modified Recovery or obtaining Root rights is impossible. First, link the Mi Account to the device via the Mi Unlock Status menu in developer mode. Make sure the smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network, as the mobile network may not be able to link due to server constraints.
After waiting for the mandatory period of 7 days, turn off your smartphone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the volume down and power button at the same time. Connect the device to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool program. Log in the same akkaMi Account that is tied on the phone and press the Unlock button.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
The unlocking process can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the load on Xiaomi servers. If you see progress bar and percentages, the process has started, you can absolutely not interrupt it. Successful completion will be marked by the message "Unlocked successfully", after which the phone will automatically restart and begin to clean the data.
Importantly, once the bootloader is unlocked, a warning will appear on the power screen that the device is unlocked, which is a routine behavior that cannot be removed without being re-locked, which in turn will require the installation of stock firmware, and some applications, such as banking or payment systems, may change and fail to work.
Install custom Recovery and image patching
To implement superuser rights on Redmi Note 12, the most common use is TWRP Recovery (Team Win Recovery Project) or its analogues adapted to a specific model of the processor. You need to find the current image file (usually with the extension.img) for your version of the device, since firmware from another modification can lead to a “brick”.
Place the image file in the root folder on the computer where it is installed ADB-Drivers. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (volume button down) + Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder and type the command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If a serial number appears, you can proceed to the installation.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.img
fastboot boot twrp_image_name.imgThe first command records the image of the Recovery in memory, and the second command runs it once without a permanent installation, which is safer for the first time. Once the TWRP is running, the system can suggest you choose the language and mode of operation. Choose "Do Not Install" if you ask for Root access, because we will install it correctly through Magisk.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
The next step is to patch the boot image. APK-Magisk file from GitHub repository. Remove file from downloaded firmware boot.img (sometimes init_boot.img for new versions of Android 13/14), Tap it on your smartphone and open it in the Magisk app. Click "Install" →"Select and patch the file and specify the desired image.
Magisk final installation and getting Root
After Magisk created a patched file (usually called a file). magisk_patched_[random].Img, it's in the Download folder, and it needs to be returned to your computer, and then you can put it back into Fastboot mode, and now we're going to have to flash that modified image into the download section.
Use the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (or fastboot flash init_boot magisk_p3. If your model uses a section init_boot, The command will be similar, but with the correct partition. This is a critical point: firmware in the wrong partition can make the device unable to boot.
Once you've recorded successfully, type in the command fastboot reboot. When you first boot, it can take more than usual, sometimes up to 5-10 minutes. Don't panic or take out the battery (if it's not removable, just wait). Once you turn on the system, look for the Magisk icon in the application menu.
| Phase | Action. | Risk of error | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unlocking Bootloader | Medium. | Data reset, loss of warranty |
| 2 | Installation of TWRP | High-pitched | Possible Bootloop with the wrong image |
| 3 | Patching Boot.img | Low. | Creation of a modified loader |
| 4 | Flash via Fastboot | High-pitched | Getting Root rights or "brick" |
Open the Magisk app. If you see the version of the app and the Settings button in the center of the screen and the status bar says "Installed," then the procedure was successful. Now your Redmi Note 12 has full administrator rights. You can install modules, change the system kernel, and use applications that require deep access.
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Tip: Once you have Root rights, go to Magisk Settings and turn on the “Zygisk” feature, and hide the Magisk app (rename it) to bypass some basic security checks in games and apps.
Solving problems and bypassing the Root detection
Having superuser rights often conflicts with the security requirements of banking applications and services like Google Pay (now Google Wallet), and many programs, when a modified bootloader or présence Magisk is detected, refuse to run, and Magisk itself has built-in concealment tools to address this problem.
In Magisk, activate "Zygisk" and "Enforce DenyList." Then go to "Configure DenyList" and tick all banking apps, Google Play Services and Google Play Store. After that, you need to completely restart the device. Sometimes you also need to clear the cache of the tagged applications.
⚠️ Note: Even with hidden Root, some banking applications may not work if they use advanced detection methods. In such cases, additional modules such as Shamiko or Play Integrity Fix may need to be installed via the module menu in Magisk.
Another common problem is the loss of Widevine L1, which reduces the quality of content playback in streaming services (Netflix, Disney+) to SD (480p). Unfortunately, on modern Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, it is almost impossible to return L1 software methods, since this is tied to the level of the Fuse section and hardware keys.
If after installing Root, the phone goes into an endless bootloop, don't panic. Press the power and volume button to get back into Fastboot, and swipe through the original (not patched) file. boot.img Fastboot Flash Boot Team original_boot.img. This will return the system to its original state without Root rights, but with the unblocked bootloader saved.
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Hidden Root is a constant arms race between Magisk developers and app developers. Check for hidden module updates periodically, as old methods may stop working after updating Android or the apps themselves.
Possible risks and consequences of modification
Getting a Root license on the Redmi Note 12 is not just a technical procedure, but a change in the status of the device. The most obvious consequence is the loss of the official warranty. Xiaomi service centers easily detect the fact that the bootloader has been unlocked and the availability of modified software, which is a legal basis for refusing free repairs.
Data security also becomes your personal responsibility. Android uses sandboxing and other security mechanisms as standard. With Root rights, any application you grant these rights to has full control of the system. Malware can steal passwords, bank details and personal photos without using standard protections.
- 📉 Decreased stability: Custom cores and modules can cause accidental reboots, heating, or rapid battery discharge.
- 🔒 Problems with DRM: loss of Widevine certificates L1 Limits the quality of video in streaming.
- 🏦 Bank Blocking: Some Banks May Permanently Block App Access from Device with bootloader Unlocked.
- 🔄 Difficulty of updates: automatic OTA-System updates may stop coming or installing, requiring manual flashing.
In addition, some anti-cheat games (e.g., Pokémon GO, some shooters) can block launch on rooted devices. Bypassing these locks requires additional dances with diamond and is not always guaranteed.