Modern smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 8 Pro, have powerful hardware, but the software limitations of the MIUI 12 shell often prevent them from realizing their full potential. Users seek super-user rights to remove system debris, install specialized modules and fine-tune the power consumption of the Helio G90T processor. This process is not without risks, but with a competent approach it opens the door to a world of limitless customization possibilities.
Before you start modifying your firmware, you must be aware that you take full responsibility for the condition of the device. Unlocking the bootloader is the first and mandatory step that irrevocably changes the status of the warranty and requires careful data preparation. In this article, we will discuss each step, from applying to installing Magisk, to minimize risks and avoid turning the gadget into a brick.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
You should start with creating a backup of all important data, since the procedure of unlocking the bootloader will completely remove information from the internal memory of the smartphone. USB-The cable, preferably original, that came with the package, and the computer running the Windows operating system. Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment of firmware.
To work, we will need specialized software that must be downloaded and installed on the PC in advance. The absence of drivers or the wrong version of the Mi Unlock Tool utility can lead to connection errors and inability to continue the process. Download the latest version of the program from the official manufacturer's website, as older versions may not support the security protocols used in MIUI 12.
⚠️ Note: Once the account is linked to the device through the developer settings, the system will require a wait of 168 hours (7 days.
It is also important to enable USB debugging and allow applications to be installed from unknown sources. Without activating these features in the hidden menu For developers, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in the desired mode. Enter the password from your Mi Account when you first start the developer mode to unlock access to advanced settings.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
This is the most critical stage, after which the phone will go into a state that allows you to modify the system partition. Transform the smartphone to Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons on the switched off device at the same time, and the image of a hare repairing an android will appear on the screen, which signals readiness to receive commands.
Connect the cable to your computer and run the Mi Unlock utility. The program will automatically detect the device and check the status of the account's association. If all the conditions are met and the waiting period has passed, you will see the Unlock button, pressing which will start the process of erasing data and unblocking.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
When you unlock it, the phone can reboot several times, and you'll see security alerts on the screen, and don't panic or turn off the cable until the utility on your computer reports that it's successfully completed, and then the device will boot into the clean system, and you'll need to reset the original setup.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to system files, so you need to install Team Win Recovery Project. the image file twrp.img should be strictly consistent with the model Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), as firmware from other Xiaomi models will lead to the inoperability of the touchscreen or sensors.
Place the image file in the folder with installed ADB-Put your smartphone back into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in this folder and type a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you get the serial number of the device in response, the connection is correct, and now you need to execute a command to temporarily load the Recovery without installing it permanently, to avoid problems with data encryption at first:
fastboot boot twrp-begonia.img⚠️ Note: At the first loading in TWRP The system can ask for a password. Enter your screen unlock pin. If you haven't set a pin, try entering your Mi Account password or leave the field blank.
After successfully loading into the TWRP menu, it is recommended to immediately back up the current (partitions), especially Persist and EFS. These sections contain unique calibration data for cameras, sensors and IMEI. Their loss can lead to the fact that the phone will no longer see the network or take quality photos.
Root rights process through Magisk
Magisk is used to manage superuser rights in modern versions of Android. APK-file from the official GitHub repository and rename its extension from.apk to.zip (in some versions it is required zip, in new versions - installation via apk, but for the purpose of the extension, the file file is not used in the file. TWRP Often use zip-method or patching boot image).
Nuances of Magisk's work at MIUI 12
Boot to the TWRP menu you installed earlier. Connect your phone to your computer and copy the Magisk firmware file to internal memory. From the recovery menu, select Install, find the file, and confirm the swipe installation.
An alternative and more reliable method for MIUI 12 — Patching the boot image. You need to extract the file. boot.img From the stock firmware opened through the Magisk app on your phone, select “Install» → «Select and patch a file. Received file magisk_patched.img You need to run it through Fastboot:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgOnce you have patched the image, restart the device. If the Magisk icon appears in the app list and the status-root shows "Installed," then the procedure is successful. You now have full control of the file system of your Redmi Note 8 Pro.
Solving Typical Errors and Problems
During the modification process, users often experience a cyclic bootloop or no internet connection. One common reason is that the TWRP version is incompatible with the Android version or security patch. Always check the release date of the recovery and make sure it supports the specific version of MIUI 12 you have installed.
| Problem. | Probable cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloop (load cycle) | Incompatible Module Magisk | Download to TWRP, delete the module folder or use Safe Mode |
| The Internet is not working (4G/5G) | Persist section damaged | Restore the Persist partition backup from TWRP |
| Errors in banking applications | Defined Root rights | Enable Zygisk and DenyList in Magisk settings |
| Fingerprints are not working. | Driver conflict | Refuse stock boot image without a patch |
If the automatic screen rotation or proximity sensor stops working after the superuser rights are granted, the calibration data is likely the problem, in which case only the restoration of the Persist backup made before all manipulations begin will help.
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Use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module in Magisk to bypass Google security checks and run Netflix in HD quality or pay for purchases through Google Pay.
Safety and return to the original state
Having root rights reduces the security of your device by making it vulnerable to malware that can request administrator rights.Be extremely careful when giving apps access and install software only from trusted sources such as Google Play or F-Droid.
If you need to sell the device or return it to the service center, you can completely restore the factory condition. This requires downloading the full stock firmware (Fastboot ROM) for your regional version and using the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean All mode.
⚠️ Warning: When selecting Clear All and Lock mode in the Mi Flash Tool, make sure that stock firmware is installed.Blocking the bootloader with custom firmware or recovery will result in a hard lock of the device (Hard Brick).
The return process takes about 10-15 minutes, after which the phone will look like it just left the factory.All traces of interference, including the unlocked bootloader, will be removed, which is important to maintain warranty obligations in some cases.
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The main key to success is the exact matching of software versions, bootloader and image files used for a particular Begonia model.