Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, despite its age, remains an incredibly popular device due to its reliable Snapdragon processor and deep customization. Obtaining superuser rights opens the door to a world of limitless possibilities: from completely removing system debris to installing the latest versions of Android that are no longer officially supported by the manufacturer.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the steps of the firmware modification, from unlocking the bootloader to installing the Magisk rights manager. You will learn how to prepare the computer, what drivers are necessary and what risks should be considered before starting the procedure. It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader automatically cancels the warranty and eras all user data from the device, so you need to approach the issue consciously and with a full backup of important information.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start modifying system files, you need to collect all the tools. You will need a smartphone with a charged battery of at least 60%, original or high-quality. USB-Windows cable and computer. It is also critical to back up all contacts, photos and apps, as the first step of the procedure involves completely resetting the device to factory settings.
You should install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. Without these components, the system will not be able to communicate correctly with your phone in bootloader mode. Download the Platform Tools package from the official Android developer website and unpack it to the root of the C drive for easy work with the paths. Also, make sure that the device is debugging over USB and file transfer is allowed.
To activate hidden developer functions, you need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone section, after which a new item will appear in the menu where you need to activate the USB Debugging switch and enable the Factory Unlock option. These actions are mandatory for further synchronization with Xiaomi servers.
- 📱 Redmi Note 4 (codenamed Snapdragon – midori, MediaTek – prada)
- 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot
- 🔌 Original. USB-stable-connection
- ☁️ Mi Account with a linked phone number and SIM card
⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader will result in the complete removal of all data from the phone's internal memory.
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
The most difficult and longest step is the official unlocking of the bootloader. Xiaomi has implemented a security system that requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours after submitting an application. First, you need to link your Mi Account to the device through the developer menu by clicking the Add Account and Device button.
After the binding, you have to wait. SMS-Notification that the waiting time has expired, only after this period, the Mi Unlock Tool will allow you to unlock the device, launch the program on your PC, log in to your account and put your phone into Fastboot mode, holding the volume buttons "Down" and power. Connect the cable and press the "Unlock" button in the program.
If it goes well, the bootloader will be unlocked and the android rabbit icon will appear on the greeting screen, which means that the path to install custom recovery and root rights is open, and some users try to bypass the wait through paid services, but this carries the risk of blocking the account or using malware.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to unlock the bootloader again or use third-party scripts while waiting.This may reset the timer or cause a temporary lock. IMEI.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard recovery does not allow you to make changes to the system partition, so you need to install TWRP Recovery. For the Redmi Note 4 model, there are many builds, but the most stable are versions from OrangeFox or official TWRP builds. Download the image file with the.img extension corresponding to your processor.
Place the image file in the ADB tool folder and rename it to recovery.img for simplicity. Open the command line in this folder and connect your phone to Fastboot mode. Enter the command fastboot flash recovery.img to write the image to the device memory. Once you record it successfully, you can't just reboot the phone in the usual way.
Immediately after you execute the command, press the power and volume buttons "Up" to vibration to force the TWRP to start. If you just restart the system, standard MIUI firmware can replace the custom recavator with its stock counterpart, and the procedure will have to be repeated. In the TWRP menu, select the language and allow modifications to the system partition swipe.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Magisk firmware to obtain Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk, which works on the principle of systemless, without directly changing system files, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and Google Pay services. APK-Magisk file and rename it to.zip if you plan to stitch through the Recovery, or just copy it APK installation after first start-up.
Load into TWRP Recovery and go to Install. Find a previously copied archive from Magisk and confirm the swipe installation. The process takes a few seconds, after which you need to clean Dalvik/Cache. After that, you can restart the system. Android can take a long time to boot on the first run - this is normal, since application optimization is taking place.
Once you boot the system, find the Magisk app installed. If it's not on the menu, install it. APK-The application will request permission to access root rights and offer to install components. Agree with all the offers and reboot. Now your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 has full administrator rights.
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot recoveryWhat if Magisk can't see the modules?
Comparison of methods for obtaining access rights
There are several approaches to system modification, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: The classic method through SuperSU is considered outdated and may not work on newer versions of Android, while Magisk provides better compatibility. The choice of method depends on your goals: whether you only need root or custom firmware.
The table below compares the main characteristics of different approaches to obtaining privileged access on Xiaomi devices, which will help you choose the best strategy for your use case.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Bank compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (Systemless) | Medium | Tall. | Tall (with concealment) |
| SuperSU | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| KingRoot (online) | Low. | Low. | Absent. |
| Without unlocking BL | Impossible. | Maximum | Complete. |
💡
Use MagiskHide Props Config if some applications fail to work due to a modified bootloader or security certificates.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The Redmi Note 4 may experience unforeseen situations, such as a cyclic bootloop or system failure, most often due to conflicting Magisk modules or damage to the system partition when installed improperly, most of which are helped by entering Recovery mode and removing problematic components.
If the phone goes into an endless reboot, press the power and volume buttons to get into TWRP. Go to Advanced -> File Manager and delete the /data/adb/modules folder. This will disable all installed modules, but save the root rights themselves.
In more severe cases, when even the recovery doesn't work, you'll have to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode) and MiFlash to return the stock firmware. This will completely remove the root and unlocked bootloader, returning the phone to its original state. Always have a link to the stable firmware version for your regional version on hand.
⚠️ Note: If your fingerprint stops working after installing root rights, check in Task Manager if the security application is blocked by the power saving system. MIUI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty be reset after obtaining Root rights?
Will the banking apps work with Magisk?
Can I get Root without unlocking the bootloader?
What is the risk of “bricking” Redmi Note 4?
💡
The main purpose of the modification is to extend the functionality, but the stability of the main system should always be a priority.