Xiaomi’s Redmi series is famous for its value for money, but the standard Android operating system is often limited by the manufacturer. Getting root rights on a Xiaomi Redmi 8 device removes these restrictions by opening up access to system files, removing pre-installed debris and fine-tuning the processor.
The rooting process is not trivial and requires care, as any errors can lead to a loss of warranty or inoperability of the device. You will need not only the smartphone itself, but also a computer, a special cable and a set of software to interact with the bootloader. We will consider the current method, which involves unlocking the bootloader and implementing superuser rights through Magisk.
Before you start taking action, you need to be aware of the risks and prepare the device properly. Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi 8 irreversibly erases all user data, so creating a backup is a must first step. Below we will detail each step, from tool preparation to the final permission check.
Preparation of equipment and software
To succeed, you will need a stable Internet connection and a computer running Windows. Using virtual machines or laptops with unstable power is not recommended, as a communication break at a critical moment can turn your phone into a “brick.” Also make sure that your Redmi 8 battery is charged at least 60-70%.
Specialized drivers must be installed on the computer ADB And Fastboot, which allows the PC to interact with the phone at a low level, and without these components, the computer simply won't see the device in firmware mode. USB-cable capable of transmitting data, not just the current for charging.
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone with a charged battery.
- 💻 Computer or laptop with Windows 7/10/11.
- 🔌 Original. USB-data-line.
- 📥 Mi Account Account Registered at least 7 days ago.
⚠️ Note: Using unoriginal or damaged cables often leads to firmware errors, as Fastboot power interruption is critical to the system.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, which is blocked by Xiaomi for security reasons, which prevents you from making changes to the system partition. First, activate the developer mode on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI version.
Once the developer mode is activated, a new menu will open in Advanced Settings → For Developers. You will need to find Mi Unlock Status and enable it. The system will alert you to the risks and require you to link your account to your device. Make sure you use the same Mi Account you will use on your computer and that at least 168 hours (7 days) have passed since the link.
When the timer is up, you can go to the unlocking procedure. Turn off the phone and press down and power buttons at the same time to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool utility. Once authorized, press the unlock button. The process can take some time, after which the device will restart and completely clear the data.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi's standard recovery mode does not allow third-party files to be installed, so a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is required. This custom recovery has a graphical interface and supports the installation of zip archives, which is necessary for the implementation of superuser rights. The twrp.img image file must be downloaded specifically for the Redmi 8 model (codenamed olive).
Place the downloaded image file in the folder with the installed tools ADB. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (volume down + power buttons) and connect to the computer. Open the command line in the tool folder and enter a command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the device is determined, you can go to the firmware recovery.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-olive.imgImmediately after a successful recording, you need to put the phone in recovery mode, preventing it from booting into regular Android, otherwise the standard system will overwrite TWRP back to stock. To do this, use a button combination or command: fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-olive.img. If you see the TWRP graphics menu, then the stage is successfully passed.
- 📂 Download the current version TWRP for Redmi 8.
- 🔗 Connect the device in Fastboot mode.
- ⌨️ Run the firmware command via fastboot flash.
- 🔄 Download to the Recavator immediately to save the changes.
What happens if TWRP is not installed?
Magisk installation to get a Root
The most modern and secure way to obtain root rights is to use the Magisk manager. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemically and carelessly, modifying the boot image in memory rather than changing the system partition directly, which hides the rights from banking applications and Google Pay services.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository.Put this file on the internal memory of the smartphone or SD-Loading into the map. TWRP, Select Install, find the file Magisk.apk (You can rename the extension to.zip for easy search if the recavery does not see the apk and confirm the installation of the swipe.
Once the process is complete, press the Reboot System button. The first download may take longer than usual (up to 5-10 minutes), as the system reassembles the boot image. Once turned on, find the new Magisk icon in the application menu. If the application opens and suggests you add components, agree and restart.
| Parameter | Meaning | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Magisk version | Up-to-date (Stable) | Required. |
| Method of installation | Direct installation (Install) | Recommended |
| Impact on OTA | Blocks automatic updates | Attention. |
| Security | Systemless (does not touch the system) | Tall. |
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To hide root rights from banking applications, open Magisk settings, turn on "Zygisk" and add the desired applications to the list "DenyList".
License Check and Basic Setup
Once installed successfully, you need to make sure that the rights actually work: download the Root Checker app from Google Play or use the built-in verification feature in Magisk itself. Run the check, and if you see a green checkbox or a message about the existence of superuser rights, then the procedure was successful.
Now you can install modules that extend the functionality of the system, which can be changing fonts, improving sound, overclocking the processor or completely blocking ads at the system level, but remember that with greater rights come great risks: any application that gains access to root can harm the system.
Magisk's settings recommend enabling Hide Magisk App (formerly called Hide Magisk) to rename the package and hide the icon from the eyes of curious or malicious software, and this also helps in bypassing some security checks in apps.
- ✅ Start Root Checker for Verification.
- 🛡️ Set up an exception list in Magisk.
- 📦 Install the required modules (optional).
- 🔄 Make a full backup of the system through TWRP.
⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, some applications (banks, anti-cheat games) may refuse to work.Be prepared to set up root hiding or use alternative payment methods.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There can be a variety of difficulties in rooting Xiaomi Redmi 8. One of the common problems is a “bottleup” (infinite reboot). If this happened after installing TWRP or Magisk, try booting into recovery mode and doing Wipe Cache/Dalvik. If this does not help, you may need to flash the stock firmware through Fastboot.
Another common mistake is not being able to unlock the bootloader due to an account or timer error. SIM-A card of the operator that has the account registered to and that the Internet connection is stable. Sometimes it helps to re-link the account: untie the device in the developer menu, log out, reboot and re-attach, waiting 7 days.
If your computer doesn't see your phone in Fastboot mode, check Windows Device Manager. You may need to manually install Android Bootloader Interface drivers. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) and another cable. Often the problem lies in the physical connection.
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The main reason for failure is inattentive reading of instructions and using files intended for other models.