Root on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T gives you access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires carefulness - an error at any stage can turn a smartphone into a "brick." This instruction is relevant for MIUI 12/13/14 based on Android 10/11 and takes into account the features of the Redmi Note 8T model (codename willow).

Unlike universal guides, here we will discuss three key steps: unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock tool, installing a custom TWRP recap and Magisk firmware for root rights management. Particular attention will be paid to bypassing Xiaomi restrictions that block unlocking for new MI accounts. If you are a beginner, do not miss the section with preparation: 80% of success depends on it.

⚠️ Critical warning: After unlocking the bootloader, the Redmi Note smartphone 8T Backup data via Mi Cloud or locally on the PC is mandatory. Also note that root rights void the warranty and may disrupt the operation of banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger).

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking, make sure your Redmi Note 8T meets the following key requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Update your smartphone to the latest stable firmware through Settings → The phone. → System update. For the Redmi Note 8T current-age — MIUI 14.0.4.0 (Android 11) or later.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%. Unlocking and firmware can take up to 40 minutes, and power cuts in the middle will cause permanent damage to the boot partition.
• 🖥️ Computer: You will need a Windows PC 10/11 (for Mi Unlock Tool or Linux/macOS (Virtual machines are not recommended due to driver issues.
• 🔑 Mi Account: Register a Xiaomi account and link your smartphone to it in Settings → Mi Account: For new accounts, there is a 72-hour lock to unlock.

Download the necessary files in advance:

• 📁 Official firmware for Redmi Note 8T (Choose a Global Region or EEA).
• 🛠️ Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).
• 🔧 TWRP Willow (check compatibility with your version of Android!).
• 🧙 Magisk (last stable version,.zip format).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 8T firmware-based (CN), The unlocking process may require additional steps, including changing the region via fastboot.This is due to Xiaomi's policy to limit unlocking for Chinese devices.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing TWRP or Magisk. The process consists of two parts: linking the account to the device and directly unlocking through the PC.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

On a smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Connect the smartphone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a request will appear on the phone screen).

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Step 2: Immediate Unlocking

If done correctly, the Mi Unlock Tool will be able to unlock, but there are pitfalls.

• ⏳ 72-hour wait: For new accounts, Xiaomi blocks unlock for 3 days.This timer is reset when you change your account or reset your smartphone.
• 🔄 99% error: If the process is 99 percent stalled, turn off your smartphone, restart your PC, and try again. USB-port-line.
• 🔒 Region-Blocked: China firmware devices may require region-to-Global change via fastboot:

fastboot oem region Global

Once successfully unlocked, the smartphone will automatically wipe. Don't worry, that's okay. You can now start installing TWRP.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Smartphone charged at 60%+|Download Mi Unlock Tool and drivers|Backup copy of data created-->

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recaveri that allows you to sew custom ZIP-files (such as Magisk or custom firmware) For Redmi Note 8T There is a special assembly with support for willow.

Step 1: Firmware TWRP via fastboot

Downloaded file twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img (or a newer version, you need to flash through fastboot:

1. Turn off your smartphone and press Power + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the device to the PC and check for driver detection command: fastboot devices Must appear serial number of the device.
3. Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow.img
4. Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume up. Don't boot into the system! Otherwise, the stock recavator will overwrite TWRP.

Step 2: Preventing TWRP overwriting

MIUI's stock firmware tries to restore the original Recovery at each boot.

1. V TWRP Go to Mount. → Enable MTP And copy the file to your smartphone. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (You can download it here).
2. Flip this file through Install to TWRP. This will disable system integrity check (dm-verity) and forced encryption (forceencrypt).

⚠️ Warning: Disabling dm-verity reduces the security of the device.Do not use your smartphone to store sensitive data (such as passwords from banking applications) without additional security measures.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a root rights management tool that masks them from verification systems (like SafetyNet). TWRP.

Step 1: Magisk firmware in TWRP

1. Copy the Magisk-v26.4.zip file (or newer version) to your smartphone.
2. In TWRP, select Install, find the Magisk.zip file and confirm the firmware.
3. Once completed, press Reboot System. The first download can take up to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Root rights check and SafetyNet

After the system is loaded:

1. Install Magisk Manager from Google Play.
2. Open the app and check the Magisk status – it should be written Installed: 26.4 (26400) (or another version).
3. To check SafetyNet, use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module (available in the Magisk repository), without which banking applications (such as SberBank Online) can block work.

Critical information: On the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 13+ firmware, Magisk may not pass SafetyNet even with the fix module, in which case you will need to roll back to MIUI 12 or use custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).

💡

If after installing Magisk smartphone is fixated on the boot, try flashing Magisk to another slot (slot B) through the command fastboot. --set-active=b. then re-installation.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the instructions followed accurately, errors can occur, and the following are the most common ones for the Redmi Note 8T and how to fix them.

⚠️ If after all the manipulations the smartphone stopped turning on (black screen, vibration without a logo), this may indicate damage to the boot partition. In this case, only the firmware of the full fastboot-ROM through the Mi Flash Tool with the choice of the clean all and lock option will help (but this will delete all data and block the bootloader again).

6. Alternative methods of obtaining root

If the standard method with Magisk is not suitable (for example, due to problems with SafetyNet), consider alternatives:

• 🔄 Custom firmware: Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS already includes root rights and does not require a separate installation of Magisk. MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
• 📦 Patched Boot Image: You can manually patch boot.img It's going to be a Magisk Manager on a PC, and then flashing it through fastboot. This method keeps the stock firmware, but it requires skills to work with it. ADB.
• 🔓 Temporary root: Apps like KingRoot promise to root without unlocking the bootloader, but on the Redmi Note 8T They don't work because of a protected core. MIUI. The use of such tools is fraught with the installation of malware.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Download the appropriate build (e.g. Pixel Experience for willow).
2. Run it through TWRP (pre-made Wipe → Format Data).
3. Install Gapps (if the firmware is without Google services) and Magisk (optional).

💡

Castom firmware on Redmi Note 8T Often devoid of full-power camera support (due to closed Xiaomi drivers).Before installing, check for reviews about a particular build on the forum XDA.

7. How to get it back (reversed)

If you no longer need root rights or want to return your smartphone to its original state (for example, for sale), follow the following steps:

1. Remove Magisk: Open Magisk Manager and press Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.Reboot your smartphone. Root rights will be removed, but the bootloader will remain unlocked.

Stock recaveri recovery:

fastboot flash recovery recovery_stock.img

(file recovery_stock.img You can get it from the official firmware. MIUI).

Locking the loader:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Warning: This command will delete all data and return the smartphone to factory condition, and once locked, you can unlock the bootloader again only after 72 hours.

If you need to return the smartphone to the factory state (for example, for warranty repairs), run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option. This will remove all traces of root rights and custom changes.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)