How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a safe guide with unlocking the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) opens up hidden Android features, but requires care. This process involves unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery (TWRP) and installing Magisk, a popular root access management tool. It’s important to understand that the manufacturer cancels the warranty after such manipulations, and improper actions can turn the smartphone into a “brick”.

Redmi Note 8T

Snapdragon 665

MIUI

Xiaomi

Mi Account

TWRP

MIUI

Before you start, make sure that:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 70% – the process can take up to 1 hour.
• 📱 Backup data created (photos, contacts, messages) Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 💻 Drivers are installed on the PC ADB/Fastboot Mi Unlock Tool (official software from Xiaomi).
• 🔑 Mi Account is linked to the device and confirmed by SMS/email.

1. Device Preparation: OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging

The first step is to activate hidden developer options. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears. Go back to the main settings menu, find a new section for developers.

In this section, insert:

• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (without this, the loader will not unlock).
• 🖥️ Debugging by USB (work-in ADB).
• 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if there is such a point).

Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your PC via a cable (preferably the original one), and you'll see a request for debugging permission on your smartphone screen, confirm it by checking the checkbox "Always Allow from this computer." Check the connection with the command:

adb devices

If you see the serial number of the device in response, the connection is installed correctly.

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If the adb device command doesn’t show the device, try reinstalling Google USB Driver drivers or using a USB 2.0 port (sometimes USB 3.0 causes problems).

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Note: Xiaomi has introduced a limit on unlocking the bootloader for new accounts. If your Mi Account was created less than 30 days ago, you will have to wait or use workaround methods (risky!).

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30) and run it on behalf of the administrator, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC. Press Unlock in the utility.
3. Wait until the process is complete (usually 10-15 minutes), and warnings about the data reset will appear, confirm them.

⚠️ Note: If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" with code 86006 or 86012, then your account is not properly linked to the device. → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account, reboot, then re-attach and try again in 72 hours.

3. Install TWRP Recovery on Redmi Note 8T

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to flash custom recovery. 8T (willow fits TWRP version 3.7.0_9-0 Download the image from the official website twrp.me (file with the extension.img).

The firmware is performed via fastboot:

1. Place the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img To the folder with the platform-tools (where adb.exe is located).
2. Download your smartphone to Fastboot (Power + Volume Down).
3. The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img
4. Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img

If the TWRP is not saved after the reboot (replaced with stock recovery), then anti-rollback protection is enabled. Solution: re-squeeze the TWRP, then immediately execute the command in the recovery:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for root access without breaking SafetyNet (important for banking applications) download the latest version of Magisk (e.g. Magisk-v26.4.zip) from the official GitHub repository.

Installation instructions:

1. Copy the Magisk-v26.4.zip file to the internal memory of the smartphone.
2. Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
3. Click Install, select the Magisk file and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app (should appear in the menu) or the command in the terminal:

su

If a command entry invitation from a superuser (#) appears, the root is installed successfully.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI If you don't start the system after you restart, you can run the Magisk installation. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (download XDA Developers, right after Magisk.

5. Solving common mistakes

Root rights are rarely easy to get, and here are the typical problems and solutions:

If after all the manipulations the smartphone hung on the Redmi logo, try:

• 🔄 Ask me again. TWRP Repeat the Magisk installation.
• 📥 Install the full firmware MIUI via Fastboot (download from official website).
• 🛠️ Contact the forum XDA Developers (Redmi Note) 8T) assist.

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If the smartphone does not turn on after a failed firmware, do not panic: in 90% of cases it can be restored via Fastboot or Fastboot. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

6. Security after obtaining root rights

Root access gives you complete control of the system, but it also opens it up to threats.

• 🔒 Install MagiskHide (in Magisk Manager settings) to hide root from banking apps.
• 🛡️ Do not install Magisk modules from unreliable sources – they may contain malicious code.
• 🔄 Update Magisk regularly and TWRP last-minute.
• 📱 Turn off root for unnecessary apps in Magisk Settings → Superuser.

To check the integrity of the system, use the SafetyNet Test app (available from the Play Market). If the ctsProfile test fails, activate MagiskHide and restart.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Magisk Manager → Battery.
2. Select "No Limits."

Important: After the MIUI update through OTA root rights will disappear! To save them, before the update:

1. Download the full service package (.zip) manually.
2. Sweat it through TWRP, then re-install Magisk.

7. Alternative methods of root production

If the standard method didn’t work, consider alternatives:

• 🔧 Patched Boot Image: Download the modified boot.img with the already sewn Magisk (see for the XDA for your version MIUI). Flip it through fastboot flash boot patched_boot.img.
• 📦 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS or Pixel Experience – these often come with a pre-rooted system.
• 🔓 EDL-Mode: Extreme method for "brick" devices, requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable (Deep Flash Cable).

For the Redmi Note 8T, there is also a method of unlocking the bootloader through the EDL without waiting 30 days, but it requires:

• A paid Xiaomi Authorized account (around $5-10).
• Mi Flash Pro and Qualcomm 9008 drivers.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Without official permission, it can lead to permanent blocking. IMEI. This method is recommended only by experienced users.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi Note 8T