The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Plus (also known as the Redmi Note 5 Pro in some regions) is still popular due to its balanced features and deep customization capabilities, which allow root permissions to access system files, remove embedded applications, optimize performance, and install modified firmware, but the process comes with risks ranging from loss of warranty to complete failure of the phone.
In this article, we will discuss the current method of obtaining root rights in 2026, taking into account the features of the Redmi Note 5 Plus (codename whyred). Importantly, the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom TWRP recap and Magisk firmware. If you are a beginner, follow the instructions carefully and do not miss warnings.
What are root rights and why do they need on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Plus
Root rights (or superuser rights) give you full control of the Android operating system. On the Redmi Note 5 Plus, this allows you to:
- 🚀 Remove system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) that cannot be uninstalled in standard ways.
- ⚡ Optimize performance through cores and settings CPU/GPU (For example, with Kernel Adiutor).
- 🔧 Install modified firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 📱 Block ads systemically (via hosts file or AdAway).
- 🔒 Recover deleted files using tools like DiskDigger.
But there are also serious disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Loss of warranty – Xiaomi does not officially support root and may refuse service.
- 🛡️ Security risk – some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff) will stop working due to SafetyNet.
- 💥 Possibility of “bricking” – wrong actions can make the phone inoperable.
⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 5 Plus with firmware MIUI 12/13/14 The newer unlocking of the bootloader may take up to 720 hours (30 Expectations due to Xiaomi policy, consider this before starting the process.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root rights, follow the mandatory steps:
- Back up all the data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local storage. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will be reset to factory settings.
- Check out the MIUI version. Go to Settings → About Phone. Up-to-date firmware for whyred can be found on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Make sure that your Mi Account is linked to the device, and without that, unlocking is impossible.
- Charge your phone at least 60% – the process can take several hours.
Also prepare:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better than the one that came with the kit).
- 📱 Debugging by USB (included in the settings → For developers).
Backup created|Mi Account tied to phone|Debugging by USB included|Phone's 60-charged%+|Xiaomi drivers installed-->
⚠️ Note: If you update your phone through OTA (Before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to run the full firmware version through the Mi Flash Tool. otherwise you risk an anti-rollback error.
Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 5 Plus
The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default, and unlocking it is the first and most important step, a process that involves two steps: linking the account to the device and actually unlocking it through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your phone
1. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and turn on OEM-unlock.
2.In the same menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device.
3. Confirm the binding via SMS or email.
Step 2: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool
1 Download the official Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. Log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed. If you receive a message to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 168 or 720 hours).
| Status. | Action. | Waiting time |
|---|---|---|
| Account untied | Tie in the phone settings | 5 minutes. |
| New device (first unlock) | Post-binding waiting | 168-720 hours |
| The device has already been unlocked before | Instant unlocking | 0 hours |
| The "Couldn't unlock" error | Check the drivers/cable | — |
Not ready to wait, I will give up the root rights|1 week (168 hours)|2 weeks|1 month (720 hours)|Already unlocked before.-->
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery on Redmi Note 5 Plus
Once you unlock the bootloader, install TWRP Recovery, a customized recovery that allows you to flash Magisk and other modifications. For Redmi Note 5 Plus (whyred), use the official TWRP version from twrp.me.
Installation instructions:
1. Download the latest version TWRP for whyred (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-whyred.img).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB/Fastboot.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img5. After successful firmware reboot to the Recovery team:
fastboot boot recovery.imgIf the TWRP does not start or the phone loads into a standard recavator, repeat the process by pre-disabling signature verification in the TWRP (Settings → Disable DM-Verity) settings.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI post-installation TWRP It can trigger automatic recovery of the stock recavator, so to avoid this, immediately after loading into the TWRP plough disable_dm_verity_forceencrypt.zip (download XDA Developers).
💡
If after TWRP firmware the phone is stuck on the MI logo, press Volume Up + Power for 10 seconds for a forced reboot. Then repeat the entrance to the recoveries via fastboot boot recovery.img
Install Magisk for root rights
Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, and it also allows you to bypass SafetyNet checks, which is important for the operation of banking applications.
Step-by-step:
1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: GitHub Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip or later).
2. Move the archive to the internal memory of the phone or to the SD-map.
3. boot into TWRP (turn off the phone, then press Volume Up + Power).
4. In TWRP, select Install, find Magisk-v26.4.zip and confirm installation.
5. Once completed, press Reboot System.
The first download after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes. If the phone is getting stuck on the MIUI logo, wait until the application optimization is complete.
Root-rights check
After the system is loaded:
- Install Magisk Manager (you can download from GitHub).
- Open the app and check the Magisk status – it should be written Installed.
- Install Root Checker from Google Play and run the check.
What if Magisk is not installed?
Solving common problems after getting root
Even if you successfully obtained root rights, you can have difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone doesn't pass SafetyNet | Magisk Hide not activated | Enable Magisk Hide in Settings and Reboot |
| Banking applications are not working | Root or uncertified device detected | Use Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk |
| Telphon accidentally loaded into stock Recovery | MIUI re-records TWRP | Please. disable_dm_verity_forceencrypt.zip |
| No network after firmware | Modem section damaged | Swipe stock modem through Fastboot |
If after receiving the root rights, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, check:
- 🔋 Background processes through BetterBatteryStats.
- 🛠️ Magisk modules – some (e.g., some, ViPER4Android) may increase the load.
- 📱 Core – If you have sewn a custom core, go back to stock.
💡
If the bootloop stops loading after installing the root rights, try flashing boot.img from stock firmware through Fastboot. This often helps restore functionality without completely flashing it.
How to Get Everything Back: Remove Root and Restore Warranty
If you need to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:
Step 1: Remove Magisk
1. Download to TWRP.
2.Sweep Magisk-uninstaller.zip (download on GitHub Magisk).
3.Reboot.
Step 2: Restoring the stock river
1. Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 5 Plus from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove the recovery.img file from the archive.
3. Sweat it through Fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgStep 3: Complete Firmware with Mi Flash Tool
1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the latest stable firmware for whyred.
2 Unpack the firmware and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
3.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.
4.Once completed, the phone will be completely stocked.
⚠️ Note: If you unlock the bootloader, it is impossible to return it to a locked state without an official Xiaomi service center. However, after full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, the phone will look like a new one.