The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed g2n) has been one of the most popular devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem for several years, but the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Getting root permissions opens up access to system files, allowing you to remove preinstalled debris, configure the processor and install specialized modules. However, this process requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions, since careless interference can lead to software locking the device.
The basis for modifying the firmware in this case is Magisk, which allows you to hide the presence of administrator rights from banking applications and games. It is important to understand that the procedure begins long before the rights are directly installed, namely, with unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite for any manipulation of the system partition. Without this step, all further actions are technically impossible.
Before you take action, you need to understand the risks: unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the manufacturer's warranty on the software. In addition, the process of erasing all data from the device is an inevitable stage of preparation, so creating a full backup on an external medium or in the cloud is the first thing you should do. Ignoring this rule will lead to the irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and correspondence.
⚠️ Note: Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader requires waiting 7 to 168 hours (usually 7 days) after submitting your application.Do not try to bypass the timer with repeated requests, this may result in the blocking of your Mi Account.
To successfully complete the operation, you will need a high-quality USB-cable, preferably original or certified, and Windows computer with drivers installed ADB The stability of the connection at the critical moment of the boot image firmware directly affects the final result, so the use of serviceable ports. USB 2.0 or 3.0 on the motherboard is preferable to the front panels of the body.
Preparation of the device and unlocking the loader
The first step is to activate the hidden capabilities of the system. You need to go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times until the developer mode activation message appears. Then the menu Additional → For developers should include “Debugging on USB” and “Factory Unlock” items. These are the settings that allow the computer to interact with the phone at a deep level.
Next, link your Mi Account to your device. In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Make sure you use mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi, as this is a Xiaomi security requirement. Once you successfully link, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer and log in to it under the same account.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode by squeezing the power and volume buttons on the device that is turned off at the same time. Connect the cable to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility. If not enough time has passed since you linked your account, the program will report this and indicate the number of seconds remaining. Try again at the specified time, not earlier.
☑️ Checklist of preparations for unlocking
It's important to note that unlocking the bootloader completely cleans the device's internal memory, and it's a security mechanism to prevent data theft if the phone falls into the wrong hands. So before you do the final step, make sure that all the important files are copied, and once you unlock, the phone will boot into the clean system, and you can continue setting up.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Xiaomi recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to the system partitions, so you need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). For the Redmi Note 8 Pro model, there are several versions of the recovery, but it is recommended to use stable builds specially adapted for the MediaTek Helio G90T processor. Incorrectly selected version can lead to a broken touchscreen in recovery mode.
Download the twrp.img image file and place it in the root folder on your computer where the platform tools are installed. Open the command line in this folder and enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number of the device is displayed in response, the connection is correctly installed. Now you need to flash a temporary image of the Recovery.
fastboot boot twrp_g2n.imgUsing boot instead of flash allows you to load the receptacles without immediately recording them in memory, which allows you to check the performance. If the phone has successfully moved to the TWRP menu and the touch screen responds to touch, you can move to the next step, otherwise you will need to look for another recapita build.
What to do if TWRP requires a password?
For permanent installation TWRP You need to copy the firmware file to the phone (via ADB Sideload or plug in USB-However, there is a risk that the standard Xiaomi system will overwrite the custom Recovery with its stock counterpart on the first boot. TWRP You need to install a patch or go to install Magisk, which will fix the changes.
The process of obtaining Root rights through Magisk
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk, which, unlike the old methods, uses a system-based system.-less approach, modifying the boot image, rather than replacing system files directly. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository and install it on your smartphone as a regular application.
Launch Magisk and click the "Install" button in the Magisk section. In the menu that appears, select the "Select and Patch File" method. You will need a boot.img file that matches your current firmware version. It can be extracted from the full firmware (Fastboot ROM), the corresponding version of the system on the phone, or pulled out using ADB if you already have rights, but in our case it is easier to download the firmware from the aggregator site.
After selecting the file, Magisk will create a patched image. magisk_patched_[random].img in the download folder. This file needs to be copied to the computer. Then the phone is put into Fastboot mode, and the firmware command is executed:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgOnce you've recorded successfully, type in the command fastboot reboot. If you see a Magisk screensaver when you download, it's a success. When you open the app, you should see the green box and the version of the installed program, which confirms root access.
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Magisk works by patching the boot image, which allows you to maintain the integrity of the system partition and facilitates system updates.
Setup and Hiding Root Access
Getting rights is only half the battle. Many applications, especially banking and payment systems, detect root and refuse to work. To solve this problem, Magisk has built-in Zygisk and an exception list, you need to activate Zygisk in the application settings and reboot the device.
Then turn on Hide Magisk (now called Settings or another name of your choice) and add to the Denilist all apps that require no rights. This includes banking customers, Google Pay (Wallet), various anti-cheat games and corporate clients.
| Function | Appointment | Status for security |
|---|---|---|
| Zygisk | Integrating code into Zygote processes | Included. |
| Enforce DenyList | Forced concealment in selected applications | Included. |
| MagiskHide | Hiding the fact of root (obsolete in new versions) | Replaced with DenyList |
| Unmount modules by default | Disabling modules during loading | Off. |
It is also recommended to install Universal SafetyNet Fix if your phone fails Google’s security check, which is especially true after unlocking the bootloader, as the device status changes to “not certified.” Installation of the module is done through the Modules section of the Magisk app, followed by a reboot.
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Use the Shamiko module to more effectively hide root rights in modern versions of Magisk if the standard DenyList has ceased to cope with banking applications.
The opportunities and risks of a modified system
Superuser rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
However, there are risks, too: an error in editing system files through a root-access file manager can lead to a “bootloop” (cyclical reboot), which would require a TWRP reset or an Emergency Download (EDL) flashing of the device, which requires special cables and an account from an authorized Xiaomi service center.
In addition, some applications may not work properly even with hidden root. For example, high-resolution video streaming applications may limit picture quality, and OTA updates will no longer come automatically or will result in root rights being lost, requiring a repeat of the boot image patching procedure.
⚠️ Attention: If you have root rights, malware, if it does get into the system, gets full control of the device.
Return to stock condition
If you decide to sell the device or return it to the service center, you need to completely restore the original software. Simply removing Magisk is not enough. You need to download the official global firmware (Fastboot version) for your regional version of the phone.
Use the Mi Flash Tool to flash your device in Fastboot mode. Select the “Clean all” option to delete all data and custom partitions. Don’t choose the “Clean all and lock” option if you are flashing your device through another region (e.g. global to a Chinese phone) as this will result in hardware lock (Hard Brick).
It takes about 5-10 minutes, and once it's done, it's going to look like it just left the factory, with the original loader, the stock recavator, and no sign of interference, and it's the only guaranteed way to avoid warranty issues.