Why you need root rights to Redmi Note 5 and what they give
Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) opens up access to Android system files, allowing you to remove embedded applications, optimize performance and install modified firmware. However, the process has nuances — especially if you want to do without a computer. In this article, we will discuss current ways to obtain root rights without a PC, their pros and cons, and the risks that are rarely warned about.
The main advantages of root rights on Redmi Note 5:
- 🔧 System garbage and bloatware removal (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video)
- ⚡ Acceleration of work through FrancoKernel or ElementalX cores
- 📱 Possibility of installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
- 🔒 Blocking Ads at System Level via AdAway or Blokada
But there is a downside: loss of warranty, risk of "bricking" the device and problems with the Mi Account (if the bootloader is not unlocked), then detailed instructions with all the pitfalls.
Preparing the device: what to do before getting root
Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi Note 5 meets the key requirements. First, check the MIUI version – older builds (below MIUI 10) may not work the current methods. Second, unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool (yes, this step still requires a PC, but we will do without it).
Preparation checklist:
☑️ Preparing Redmi Note 5 for rooting
⚠️ Warning: If you miss unlocking the bootloader, all further actions will result in a soft breeze (the device will only boot in Fastboot!
Also note that when you unlock the bootloader, you will reset all data (full wipe). So transfer important files to a memory card or cloud beforehand. If you have MIUI Global Stable installed, we recommend you switch to MIUI China Developer, which is easier to modify.
Method 1: Getting root through Magisk + TWRP (without PC)
This method involves the installation of custom recavery TWRP And then the firmware for Magisk, a universal root rights management tool, and the main advantage is that you don't need to connect to a computer once you unlock the bootloader: TWRP For the Redmi Note 5 You need to download strictly to your model (whyred for the global version, whyred_cn Chinese).
Step-by-step:
- Download the current version of TWRP for Redmi Note 5 from the official website twrp.me (file with the extension.img).
- Rename the file to twrp.img and move it to the root of the phone’s internal memory.
- Install the Official TWRP App from Google Play (or download the APK from the official website).
- Open the app, grant root rights (if requested), and select TWRP Flash → specify the path to downloaded twrp.img.
- After the reboot in TWRP, you can swipe Magisk (you can download the latest version here).
| Step. | Action. | Possible errors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download TWRP | Model inconsistency (whyred vs. whyred_cn) |
| 2 | Rename the file | Copying error (lack of memory) |
| 3 | Installation of the TWRP App | The application does not see the.img file |
| 4 | Firmware through the app | Hanging on the Mi logo (requires firmware re-run) |
⚠️ Note: If after firmware Magisk phone loads into an endless bootloom (cyclical reboot), try flashing Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip You can download it here.
💡
If the phone doesn't load into the recavator after installing TWRP, try pinching Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds. Sometimes it helps to re-running TWRP through the app itself.
Method 2: Root via boot.img (alternative to MIUI 12+)
Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has tightened its protections, and the classic TWRP method may not work, in which case patching a boot.img file through Magisk and then running it through Fastboot will help. Unfortunately, you can't do without a PC 100%, but you can do most of the work on your phone.
Algorithm of action:
- Download stock ROM for your Redmi Note 5 model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Remove the boot.img file from the archive (you can use any archiver on your phone).
- Install Magisk Manager and select Select and Patch a File → select boot.img.
- After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img memory-card.
- Reboot to Fastboot (Food) + Volume down) and run the patch boot through the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img This step requires a PC, but the patching itself is done on the phone.
Important: On MIUI 13+, this method may not work due to the boot image signature verification, which would require a rollback to an older version of MIUI or a custom core.
What if Magisk doesn't see boot.img?
Risks and how to minimize them
Getting root rights is always risky, but on the Redmi Note 5, you can minimize them if you follow the proven instructions.
- 💀 Device Brick (full or partial) with incorrect firmware boot or recovery.
- 🔒 Blocking Mi Account if the bootloader is not officially unlocked.
- 📵 Loss of loss IMEI (rarely, but occurs when modifying the modem partition).
- 🛡️ SafetyNet problems (banking apps, Google Pay, etc. will not work.).
How to reduce the risks:
- 📌 Use only official sources for downloading TWRP, Magisk and firmware.
- 🔄 Make a backup. NVRAM (section IMEI) through TWRP before any manipulation.
- 🔍 Check it out. SHA-256 hashes of downloaded files (for example, through the Hash Droid application).
- 📱 Make sure the battery is at least 80% charged – interruption due to discharge is almost guaranteed to lead to a breeze.
💡
If banking applications stop working after obtaining root rights, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root hiding mode for specific applications.
What to do if something goes wrong
Even with strict adherence to the instructions, problems can arise, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone not turned on (black screen) | Failed firmware boot.img or TWRP | Switch the original boot.img through Fastboot (requires PC) |
| Hanging on the Mi logo | Magisk module conflict or corrupted data | Make Wipe Dalvik/Cache in TWRP or reflash Magisk |
| Touchscreen does not work in TWRP | The Incompatible Version of Recaveri | Swipe another TWRP build (e.g. from brunodles) |
| Error: This package is for whyred devices | Trying to sew firmware for another model | Download the correct version of the firmware for whyred |
If the phone has turned into a hard brick, and even the Fastboot does not respond, there is only one option left - firmware through the phone. EDL-(Access loading mode) This will require:
- 🖥️ Computer with Qualcomm drivers installed.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C with data support (not all cables are suitable!).
- 📂.mbn firmware for Redmi Note 5.
- 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Resets all data without recovery, including IMEI. Use this method only as a last resort!
How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and alternatives)
Many apps (banking, Google Pay, some games) refuse to work on root devices. To get around this lock, Magisk has a built-in MagiskHide module. However, with the release of MIUI 13 and the tightening of Google SafetyNet, its effectiveness has decreased.
Steps to set up MagiskHide:
- Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings.
- Activate the MagiskHide option.
- In the MagiskHide section, tick the apps you want to hide root (e.g. com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel for Google Pay).
- Reset the device.
If MagiskHide is not working:
- 🔄 Install MagiskHide Props Config and select the signature of a rootless device (e.g. Google Pixel 3).
- 📱 Use Island or Shelter to isolate apps in a separate profile.
- 🔒 For banking apps, try Shamiko (MagiskHide's alternative for newer versions of Magisk).
Check SafetyNet status through the SafetyNet Test app (available on Google Play). If the test fails, try:
- Disable all Magisk modules except MagiskHide.
- Remove the Xposed Framework (if installed).
- I want to use Universal SafetyNet Fix from kdrag0n.