How to root on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro opens up access to advanced Android features, from uninstalling system applications to installing custom firmware. However, the process requires care — a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss three key steps: unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock recovery, installing custom TWRP and Magisk firmware to get a superuser.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) is powered by a MediaTek Helio G90T processor, not a Qualcomm Snapdragon, as most Xiaomi flagships do. This imposes limitations: for example, you can’t use standard tools like fastboot oem unlock for this device — only the official Mi Unlock Tool. Also note that unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone, including photos and apps.

If you're willing to take a chance, let's get started. But first check if your model fits: the manual is relevant for the MIUI-based Redmi Note 8 Pro (including global and Chinese versions). HyperOS devices (2026) may require additional steps, as we'll explain at the end of this article.

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met. Without them, the Mi Unlock Tool simply won't allow the process to continue.

First, check the MIUI version. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a stable global firmware installed (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5), there will be no problems. But the Chinese version (China ROM) may require a global firmware pre-routing through the Mi Flash Tool, otherwise unlocking the bootloader will not be available.

Second, link your Mi Account to your device. This is a prerequisite for unlocking. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and make sure your account is active and sync is enabled. If you have never used Mi Cloud, register a new account and confirm it via email or phone number.

• 📱 Back up all the data (photos, contacts, messages) and unlocking the bootloader erases internal memory.
• 🔋 The battery must be at least 60% charged, and the phone must not be turned off during the unlocking process.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for Xiaomi on PC. Download them from the official website or through Mi PC Suite.
• 🔗 Download the necessary files: Mi Unlock Tool (last version from the official website) TWRP Redmi Note 8 Pro (version 3.7.0 or later, check compatibility with your firmware) Magisk (last stable release in.zip format)

⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 8 Pro is purchased in China and is powered by China ROM, Unlocking the bootloader can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting.This is Xiaomi's restriction for Chinese devices.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the most critical stage. Mistakes here can lead to the blocking of your Mi Account or the "bricking" of the device. Follow the instructions carefully.

First, activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times. Then, in the Settings menu → Additional Developers will appear. Go there and turn on:

• USB debugging
• Unlocking OEM (important item! Unlocking is impossible without it)

Now connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-Cable (cheap cables may not transmit data) Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and sign in to your Mi Account. The program must identify your device:

• Check if the drivers are installed (the Device Manager should not have yellow exclamation points).
• Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• Disable the antivirus – it can block the Mi Unlock Tool.

If all is well, press Unlock. The program will begin the unlocking process. On global firmware, it takes 1-2 minutes; on Chinese firmware, it takes up to 30 days (you will receive a wait time notification), and once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart, and all data will be erased.

Mi Account linked to device | USB |OEM|OEBlock Battery >60% |Mi Unlock Tool, TWRP, Magisk-->

3. Installation of custom recovery TWRP

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start installing TWRP, a custom recovery that will allow you to flash Magisk and other modifications. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, use a special version of TWRP adapted for MediaTek.

Download the file. TWRP_3.7.0_begonia.img (or newer) and rename it in recovery.img Just for convenience, move it to the folder with ADB and Fastboot (if you don't have one, download Platform Tools from Google). Now:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume up to enter the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: fastboot devices If the phone is determined (its serial number will appear), continue.
3. TWRP: Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. After successful firmware, immediately go to TWRP, holding Volume up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite recovery to stock).

In TWRP, you'll be asked to allow changes to your system -- swipe to Allow Modifications. If you don't, Magisk's firmware won't be possible. We also recommend you back up your current firmware right away, press Backup and select Boot, System, and Data.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14+ post-installation TWRP You may have an OrangeFox error, in which case you can run the black screen. TWRP Repeat the recovery partition through fastboot erase recovery.

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Now that TWRP is installed, you have to flash Magisk, a root rights management tool. Download Magisk's latest stable release in.zip (not.apk!) and transfer it to your phone or flash drive.

In TWRP, follow the following steps:

1. Click Install and select the Magisk-v26.4.zip file (version may vary).
2. Swipe to Confirm Flash (Swipe to Confirm Flash)
3. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download after Magisk firmware can take up to 10 minutes, which is fine. Once you start, install the Magisk Manager app (download.apk from the official repository to GitHub) and check root status. If the application has a green tick and Installed sign, then everything went well.

To verify root rights, install any application that requires a superuser (such as Root Checker or Titanium Backup). If access is confirmed, congratulations, you have full control of the Redmi Note 8 Pro!

💡

If banking applications (such as Sberbank or Tinkoff) stop working after receiving root, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate root concealment mode. This will fool security systems such as SafetyNet.

5. What to do after obtaining root rights

Now that you have root, you can optimize the Redmi Note 8 Pro for your needs. Here are some useful steps:

• 🚀 Remove System Applications: With Titanium Backup or System App Remover, you can safely remove unnecessary Xiaomi services (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video).
• 🔧 Performance setting: Install Kernel Adiutor to fine-tune the core (e.g., processor frequency limits to save battery life).
• 🛡️ Ad Blocking: Activate the AdAway or Blokada module to system-block ads across all apps.
• 🔄 Installation of custom firmware: with root and TWRP You can flash LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom OS.

But remember, root rights cancel warranty and can create security issues, such as some malicious applications that can access system files, update Magisk regularly and keep an eye on security patches for your firmware.

Also note that once the MIUI is updated, the root rights will disappear from the OTA and you will have to re-acquire them, so to avoid this, disable automatic updates or manually flash updates through TWRP, having previously requested Magisk again.

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Once you get root, you lose the ability to update through OTA, and you have to manually install all updates through TWRP, otherwise the root will disappear.

6. How to get everything back: root removal and bootloader lock

If you decide to sell your phone or return it to the service center, the root rights and unlocked bootloader need to be removed.

First, remove Magisk. In the Magisk Manager app, click Uninstall → Complete Uninstall. The phone will reboot and root won't. However, the bootloader will remain unlocked.

To return stock recovery, download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi. Unpack it and find the recovery.img file.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

To completely block the loader, execute the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader erases all data and returns the phone to factory settings!

After locking the bootloader, the phone will return to the “out of the box” state, and no traces of root or custom firmware will be detected.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

• 🔴 Fastboot error: FAILED (remote: 'Token Verify Failed') Reason: Mi Account is not tied to device or two-factor authentication enabled. Solution: Disable 2FA in the Mi Account settings, link the device again and unlock again.
• 🔴 TWRP Is stitched but not started Reason: conflict with firmware or incompatible version TWRP. Solution: Try OrangeFox Recovery or rollback to an older version MIUI.
• 🔴 After Magisk firmware, the phone loads into bootloop Reason: damaged boot.img Or an incompatible version of Magisk. Solution: Sweep through the original boot.img from stock firmware through fastboot.

If none of the solutions worked, check out profile forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.There are separate themes for the Redmi Note 8 Pro where users share current fixes.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions