Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often face the limitations of the standard shell MIUI, which does not allow you to remove system applications or fine-tune the work of the processor. Getting root-rights opens access to the Android file system, allowing you to modify the kernel and install specialized software.
However, the process is not without risks and requires careful attention to detail. Incorrect unlocking of the bootloader can lead to a complete loss of warranty on the device. Before starting manipulations, you need to weigh the pros and cons, since returning to the factory state will require complete flashing.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps, from applying for Mi Unlock to installing Magisk’s rights manager, and learn what tools you’ll need and how to avoid common mistakes that turn a smartphone into a brick.
Preparation of the device and the necessary software
The first step is to carefully prepare the workplace and the gadget itself. You'll need a Windows computer that's working. USB-cable and stable Internet connection, without high-quality cable, communication with the bootloader can be interrupted at a critical moment.
All available system updates must be installed on the smartphone via the settings menu, which minimizes the risk of driver conflicts when connecting to the PC, and you should also create a full backup of the data, since unlocking the bootloader will lead to the complete removal of all information.
You'll need specific tools to download in advance, and the absence of any of these components can stop the process halfway, and you'll need to use the original manufacturer's drivers.
- 📱 Mi Unlock Tool (official unlock utility)
- 💻 Drivers. ADB and Fastboot (the latest version)
- 🔧 Image_recovery_ (TWRP Or OrangeFox for your model.
- 📦 Magisk firmware file (APK renamed ZIP)
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60% powered. interruption of the firmware process due to a dead battery is fatal to the system.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Without an unlocked bootloader, you can't get into the system partition, and it's a Xiaomi security mechanism that prevents you from installing untested software, and it requires you to link your Mi Account to your device and wait for a certain period of time.
Go to your phone's settings and find "About Phone." Click on the version several times. MIUI, To activate the developer mode. Then, in the advanced settings, turn on "Debugging by USB" Mi Unlock status.
After you have attached an account, you have to wait 7 to 168 hours, the exact waiting time is specified in the Mi Unlock app on your computer, and trying to bypass the timer through a data reset or reassignment of the account will result in a countdown.
When the timer expires, turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode by squeezing down the volume and power buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility. The process takes a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The regular recovery menu does not allow you to install modified files. To implement superuser rights, we will need TWRP Recovery. It is important to download the version designed specifically for the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo), since the firmware from the Note 8 Pro (begonia) will kill the device.
Upload the twrp.img image file to the ADB tool folder on your computer. Open the command line in this folder. Connect your phone to Fastboot mode.
Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number is displayed in response, the link is established.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_ginkgo.imgImmediately after completing the command, press the combination of power buttons and volume up to forcefully reboot to Recovery mode. If you release the buttons and let the phone boot into the system yourself, Xiaomi's regular firmware will replace TWRP back.
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When you first download to TWRP, the system can ask for a password, enter the screen unlock pin, and if you don't remember, swipe, but access to the internal storage will be limited.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Connection mode | Fastboot | High (wrong drivers) |
| Image file | twrp_ginkgo.img | Critical (brick) |
| Team team. | fastboot flash recovery | Medium (typo) |
| Post-firmware action | Vol+ and Power buttons | High (TWRP rally) |
Magisk installation and obtaining Root
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), it works systemless, which allows you to bypass some security checks and run banking applications.
Download the current version of Magisk in APK format to your computer and rename the file extension to.zip. Copy this file into your phone's internal memory. Go to the previously installed TWRP menu.
From the recovery menu, select "Install." Find the downloaded archive and confirm the swipe installation. The process will take a few seconds. Once the installation is successful, click "Reboot System."
☑️ Checklist of Magisk installation
Once you boot, look up the Magisk icon in the app menu, and if it shows up and the version is displayed when you run, congratulations, root access is activated, and you can now manage application rights through that interface.
License Check and Basic Setup
To make sure that the operation is successful, you can use specialized software. Install the Root Checker app from the Play Market. Run the test, and the program will confirm the presence of superuser rights with a green indicator.
An important step is to configure root hiding for banking applications and Google Pay. In Magisk settings, enable "Zygisk" and "DenyList." In the process list, mark the banks and services Google needs to hide from modifications.
Some applications may require additional modules to work properly. The module store inside Magisk allows you to install add-ons that change fonts, download animations or overclock CPUs.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install modules from unverified sources. An error in the module script can lead to an endless restart (bootloop).
What to do if your phone is in Bootloop?
Possible problems and solutions
Software modifications rarely go perfectly smoothly for all users, and drivers are often problematic when the computer simply can’t see the phone in Fastboot mode, in which case manually installing Xiaomi drivers through Windows Device Manager will help.
Another common bug is the Mi Unlock Tool 10008 error, which is usually associated with unstable Internet or Xiaomi servers, and the solution lies in using a mobile hotspot instead of Wi-Fi or changing the phone. USB-port.
If your fingerprint or camera stopped working after all the manipulations, you've used an incompatible version of TWRP or firmware, and the only way out is to go back to the runoff through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
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The most common reason for failure is inattention when choosing a device model. Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo) and Note 8 Pro (begonia) have different hardware and are incompatible with each other.
In conclusion, root rights give you complete control over your device, but they impose a responsibility for data security: backups regularly and don’t give superuser rights to suspicious apps unnecessarily.