Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 smartphone often face the limitations of the standard MIUI shell, which does not allow you to remove system applications or install specialized software. Obtaining advanced access rights, known as Root rights, opens up endless possibilities for customization and optimization of the device. However, the classic method of unlocking the bootloader through a PC can seem difficult or inaccessible due to the absence of a computer.
Modern methods allow you to bypass the need to use desktop utilities and USB-This requires special care and strict adherence to the algorithm of actions, since interference with the system partition carries certain risks. In this article, we will look at the current methods that work on the basis of the Snapdragon 625 processor, characteristic of the global version of the device.
Before you start, you need to be aware that you are responsible for the functionality of your device, and any deviation from the instructions can lead to software failures. However, a competent approach allows you to safely activate Superuser or Magisk, gaining full control of the file system of your Redmi Note 4.
Device preparation and risk assessment
The first step is to create a full backup of all the important data, as the process may require a complete memory cleanup. 70-80%, So the device doesn't turn off at the critical time of system file writing, and you also need to check the current version. MIUI, Some recent updates may have closed vulnerabilities used for exploits.
You will need to enable USB debugging even if you don’t plan to connect to your PC, as some system services rely on this option for internal interaction. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times to activate the developer menu. In the additional → For developers section, activate the USB debugging slider.
⚠️ Note: Enabling extended rights voids the manufacturer’s official warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications (Google Pay, Mir Pay) if you do not use special concealment modules.
Don’t ignore the importance of a stable internet connection, as installers will need to download binary files from servers. Wi-Fi connection is preferred over mobile traffic because of the amount of data being transferred. If you use a dual-sim device, make sure that you have a dual-sim device. SIM-Internet card selected by default for data transfer.
Unlocking the loader as a mandatory stage
Unlike many other Android devices, Xiaomi’s ecosystem requires you to unlock the bootloader before making any changes to the system partition. Without this step, installing a custom recap or patching a boot image is impossible. Unfortunately, the official unlock method still requires a single access to the PC, but if your bootloader is already unlocked (for example, buying a used device), this step can be skipped.
You can check the status of the bootloader by holding both the volume buttons (top and bottom) and the power button. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android with the inscription Fastboot. The bottom line will indicate the status: Unlocked (unlocked) or Locked (locked). If the Locked status, you still have to find a computer to undergo the official procedure through the Mi Unlock utility.
There are hardware unlock methods without a PC known as Test Point, but they require physical opening of the case and closing contacts on the board, which is extremely dangerous for an untrained user. We strongly recommend using such methods if you do not have experience in soldering and working with electronics, as there is a great risk of putting the device out of action forever.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
To implement superuser rights, a regular recovery menu is not enough, so you need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This third-party recovery has advanced functionality and allows you to install archives with modifications, sign them and manage memory sections. You can download the current image (.img) for your specific model (nikel or miden) on the official project website or verified forums.
If you already have an unlocked bootloader but no PC, you can use the Official TWRP App or similar utilities from the Play Market that can stitch recovery images directly. Once you install the app, select your device model from the list, download the firmware file, and press the installation button.
Once you have a successful firmware, you need to immediately go into recovery mode so that the system doesn't overwrite the changed partition back to stock. Press Volume + and Power before the MI logo appears, then release power, keep the volume up. If you see the TWRP menu with language selection and swipe to unlock, then the stage is successful.
☑️ Checklist before firmware TWRP
Magisk Method: The Modern Root Standard
Magisk is currently the preferred way to obtain rights, as it works on the principle of systemless, without changing the physical system partition, which allows you to hide the fact that there are root rights from banking applications and Google services. APK-Magisk file and rename its extension to.zip for installation via recovery, or use the built-in installation function.
When you boot into TWRP, go to Install and select the downloaded archive from Magisk. Swipe the slider at the bottom of the screen to confirm actions. The script will automatically insert the necessary files into the boot section. Once the procedure is complete, click the Reboot System button to reboot.
Once you turn on the system, find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. Open it and grant the permissions you request. If the application offers to install additional components or update a binary file, agree. The presence of a green tick and a version in the Magisk bar indicates a successful acquisition of superuser rights.
| Parameter | Description | Post-installation status |
|---|---|---|
| Binary file | Executable file of the su-demon | Active (v24+) |
| MagiskSU | Superuser Manager | Included |
| Zygisk | Introduction to Zygote | Optionally. |
| Bootloader | Loader status | Unlocked. |
⚠️ Note: When you first start Magisk, you may need to restart the device to apply the changes. Do not ignore this request, otherwise the rights may not be activated correctly.
Alternative methods: KingRoot and OneClickRoot
There are utilities that try to exploit vulnerabilities in the system to gain rights without unlocking the bootloader, such as KingRoot or KingoRoot. On older versions of Android and MIUI (such as Android 6.0), these methods sometimes work by installing their own rights manager. However, on newer versions of MIUI, such exploits are usually blocked by the security system.
Using such programs carries additional risks, as you transfer control of the device to servers of unknown origin. In addition, KingRoot often conflicts with Magisk, and switching to the latter requires a complete flashing of the device. If your goal is stable operation, it is better to avoid “one-click” solutions in favor of a proven Magisk.
In some cases, these applications can report success, but when you try to run a terminal or software that requires root rights, access will be blocked, which is a so-called "fake root" that only mimics the existence of rights, but does not give real access to system files. You can check the validity of rights through the Root Checker app from Google Play.
Configuring and managing access rights
Once Magisk is successfully installed, rights management is done through a built-in supervisor, and when you first start an application that requires root, you will see a request for permissions on the screen, you can choose Grant Forever, Grant For 10 Minutes, or Denie. You should use Ask Mode for unknown applications to monitor their activity.
In Magisk settings, you can activate Zygisk, which allows modules to be embedded in the Zygote process, which is necessary for modern root-rights hiding modules, such as Shamiko or built-in DenyList. Activating these functions requires a reboot and can be critical for banking applications.
You can also install modules that extend the functionality of the system through Magisk, from changing fonts and animations to overclocking the processor and improving sound. Be careful with modules that change system files (systemless does make changes to the virtual layer), and always backup before installing new add-ons.
⚠️ Attention: Installing incompatible modules can lead to a "boot loop" (cyclic reboot). TWRP and delete the module folder through the file manager or using the magisk command --remove-modules into ADB.
Possible problems and solutions
One common problem is the loss of broadband connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) after firmware, which is due to a change in the hash amount of the system partition.The solution is to firmware the boot.img stock image or use the fix modules corresponding to your version of MIUI. There may also be increased battery consumption in the first hours after installation, until the system re-indexes files.
If the device is cyclical reboot, don't panic. Press the button combination to enter Recovery mode (TWRP). If the menu loads, try doing Wipe Cache/Dalvik. In more severe cases, you will need to flash the device through your computer using the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean All mode.
Failure to use NFC and contactless payments is not a mistake, it is a security protection. To circumvent this restriction, use the DenyList feature in the Magisk settings, add Google Play Services, Google Play Store and banking applications, and then activate Zygisk.