Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, also known as Whyred, is still popular due to its price-performance balance. However, the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users by blocking access to system files. Obtaining superuser rights or root rights gives you full control over the operating system, allowing you to remove embedded debris, install specific modules and fine-tune the processor.
The rooting process in 2026 requires care, as methods are constantly updated, and old methods can lead to locking the device. You will go through several stages: from unlocking the bootloader to installing a specialized TWRP recavator. The key is the exact matching of the firmware version and the bootloader used, since incompatibility of Android and Bootloader versions is the most common cause of failure.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of the risks. Any interference with the software code of the device is potentially dangerous. We'll look at safe and proven methods that minimize the likelihood of a smartphone becoming a brick. Prepare for all data from the device to be permanently deleted in preparation.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the gadget itself. You need a personal computer running Windows or Linux, a serviceable computer. USB-High-quality cable and stable Internet connection. All available system updates must be installed on your smartphone if you plan to unlock the bootloader officially through Xiaomi servers.
Make sure to back up all your important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader completely cleans the device's internal memory. Photos, contacts and documents are best copied to a cloud drive or computer in advance. Also make sure that the battery is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of firmware.
☑️ Preparation for rooting
To work with the command line and debugging, you will need special ADB and Fastboot drivers. They can be downloaded as part of Platform Tools from the official Android developer website. Without these components, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in boot mode, and all further manipulations will be impossible.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is unlocking Bootloader, a mechanism that checks the bootloader’s digital signature and prevents unofficial software from running, a process that is strictly regulated on Xiaomi devices and requires a Mi Account account to be linked to the device.
⚠️ Note: After applying for an unlock, you may have to wait 7 to 15 days.This is Xiaomi’s standard security procedure, and it’s almost impossible to speed it up.
To start, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version. After you have become a developer, go to Advanced Settings → For Developers. Here you need to enable USB Debugging and Mi Unlock status.
Next, you should link your account. In the Mi Unlock Status menu, enter your SIM card and account details. Make sure that mobile Internet is on and Wi-Fi is off, as the link is via the operator's mobile network. Once successfully linked, turn off your phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding down volume and power buttons simultaneously.
On your computer, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode. If done correctly, the program will show the status of "Phone connected." Press the "Unlock" button. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow installing third-party packages or modifying system partitions. This requires installing the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), a modified recovery that has touch control and supports installation of zip archives with superuser rights.
Download the current recovery.img image for the Redmi Note 5 (Whyred) model. Using an image from another model, for example, from the Redmi Note 5 Pro, is guaranteed to cause a touchscreen failure or a complete system breakdown. Place the image file in the folder with ADB tools on your computer.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB folder and enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, you can stitch the Recovery.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-whyred.img💡
After TWRP firmware is installed, do not allow the phone to boot into the regular system immediately. Press the volume button "up" and power to force you to enter Recovery mode, otherwise the system will overwrite the TWRP with the stock bootloader.
It's important to understand the difference between a temporary and a permanent installation: the fastboot boot team runs the image once, and the fastboot flash records it forever. To get permanent rights, we need the second option. After a successful recording, immediately go to the recovery menu.
The process of obtaining Root rights through Magisk
The current standard for superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike older methods like SuperSU, Magisk works systemlessly, allowing you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games, you will need to download the current Magisk manager apk file and rename it to.zip.
When you boot up to TWRP, you'll see the main menu. If the screen doesn't respond to touch, you may be using the wrong version of the recovery for your Android version. Go to Install and select the previously prepared Magisk.zip archive. Swipe to confirm the firmware.
During the installation process, Magisk modifies the boot image by embedding its scripts, which takes no more than 30 seconds, and when it is completed, the message "Successful" will appear.
💡
Magisk Manager hides root rights from applications using MagiskHide, which is critical for banking software.
Reboot the device by selecting Reboot → System. It can take up to 5-10 minutes to boot first. After you turn on, look for the Magisk icon in the app menu. If it is available and shows the version when you open, you have successfully obtained root access.
Magisk configuration and modules
Once installed successfully, you get new features. Go to the Magisk menu and turn on Zygisk, a replacement for the old Riru, allowing modules to be embedded in the Zygote process, which is essential for many modern plugins to work.
You can also activate the hide feature of the Magisk app itself. In the settings, select Hide the Magisk app, set a new name (such as Settings or Calculator) and the package, which will help hide the fact that root rights are available from applications that do not like modified systems.
To extend functionality, you can install modules. These are small packages that change the behavior of the system, such as modules to improve sound, change fonts or control the frequencies of the processor. Be careful: installing incompatible modules can lead to a bootloop.
What do you do with a bootloop?
Possible problems and solutions
Although the instructions are clear, errors can occur in the process, most often users are faced with the inability to unlock the bootloader or the failure of TWRP to mount partitions. Below is a table of common problems and ways to solve them.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock error 10009 | Problems with the server or network | Use the mobile Internet or change the DNS |
| TWRP does not see internal memory | Encrypting Android Data | Execute Format Data (enter the word yes) |
| Banking applications are not working | Root found | Enable Zygisk and configure DenyList |
| Touchscreen doesn't work for TWRP | Wrong version of Recaveri | Download TWRP strictly for Whyred |
Another common problem is the Widevine L1 reset, which causes Netflix and other services to stop showing high-quality content. This happens when you unlock the bootloader. It is almost impossible to return the L1 on an unlocked Xiaomi bootloader without complex manipulation of dumps.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to stitch persistent or modem partitions from other regions' stock firmware, which can cause network signal loss and Bluetooth failure, which are extremely difficult to restore.
If you’re stuck with the Redmi logo, try TWRP and make Wipe Dalvik/Cache. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to reflash the device in Fastboot mode via the Mi Flash Tool utility, selecting “Clean all” (but not “Clean all and lock” if you want to keep root).