How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X 2026: From Unlocking to Magisk

Xiaomi Redmi Note Smartphone 4X (The codename mido is still popular among Android customization enthusiasts, and despite the release of newer models, its balanced characteristics are the Snapdragon processor. 625, 3/4 GB of RAM and removable battery make it the perfect test bed. Getting root permissions opens up access to deep system tuning: from removing embedded software. MIUI before installing custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

However, the process of obtaining root access on the Redmi Note 4X In 2026, it's nuanced. Xiaomi has tightened its bootloader unlock policy, and the old methods using KingRoot or SuperSU have long since become obsolete. Today, the only reliable way is to unlock through the official Mi Unlock tool and then install Magisk. In this article, we will take a step-by-step look at the whole process, including bypassing common bugs like β€œCouldn’t unlock” or β€œDevice not connected,” and how to minimize the risks of β€œbricking” your device.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights will void Xiaomi's warranty and could lead to data loss. MIUI 14 When you unlock, Google Pay and banking apps stop working (due to SafetyNet activation).If you depend on contactless payments, consider alternatives like MagiskHide or Universal SafetyNet Fix.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

The first step is to prepare your smartphone and your computer, and without the right setup, you'll get errors in the unlocking or installation phase. TWRP. Let's start with the device requirements:

  • πŸ“± Version. MIUI: The firmware must be official (not custom) and not lower MIUI 10. On older versions (MIUI 9 and below) Mi Unlock Tool may not work. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: At least 60% Unlock and firmware TWRP It can take up to 30 minutes and a sudden shutdown will result in hard brick damage).
  • πŸ“ Backup: All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be erased! Use Mi Cloud or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can copy important files manually to your PC).
  • πŸ–₯️ Computer: Needs a Windows PC 7/10/11 (on Mac/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not officially supported, and you will need administrator permissions to install drivers.

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. Without this, unlocking is impossible:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Mi Account and log in.
  2. Enable Data Sync and Device Search (this is required to confirm ownership).
  3. B Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, activate the debugging by USB and Unlocking OEM (The last item may not be on some firmware).

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a Redmi Note 4X "hand, make sure the previous owner untie his Mi Account! Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without his data. β†’ Mi Account β†’ Devices.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Battery charge >60%|Backup of important data is made|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC-->

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4X. The process consists of two steps: linking the device to the account and actually unlocking:

Step 1 Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

  • 🌐 Download the latest version of the utility from the official Xiaomi website (only for Windows).
  • πŸ“₯ Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect your smartphone to your PC USB (Use the original cable!) and confirm the debugging permission on your phone screen.

Step 2: Linking the device to your account

Here, many users are faced with the error "Couldn't unlock. Wait" 72/168/360 hours” to avoid delays:

  1. Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under the same Mi Account as your phone.
  2. The utility will suggest linking the device. Press "Bind account" and follow the instructions.
  3. After binding, be sure to restart the smartphone and reconnect it to the PC.

Step 3: Direct Unlocking

If the binding is successful, the Mi Unlock Tool will have an "Unlock" button. Press it and wait until the process is complete (usually takes a long time). 10-15 At the end of the smartphone automatically restarts in Fastboot mode with unlocked bootloader.

⚠️ If you see a message "Current account is different from the account info on the device:

  • You are logged into Mi Unlock Tool under a different account than your phone.
  • There are several accounts on the phone (only one must be left).
  • Xiaomi servers are temporarily unavailable (try later or use it) VPN China-bound).

Less. 24 hours|3-7 days|More 7 days|Unlocked immediately.|Failed to unlock.-->

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is installation. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This custom recovery will allow you to flash Magisk and other modifications. 4X (mido) official assembly is appropriate TWRP, But it's important to choose the right version:

TWRP versionSupport for MIUIFeaturesDownload link
3.7.0_9-0MIUI 12/13/14Support FBE (File-based encryption, working with Android 10/11/12Official website
3.6.2_9MIUI 10/11Stable version for Android 9/10, without support FBEOfficial website
3.5.2_9MIUI 9/10Older version may not work with new firmwareOfficial website

Instructions for installing TWRP:

  1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img (or the current version, and rename it in recovery.img convenienceally.
  2. Place the file in a folder with fastboot (usually this is the case). C:\platform-tools\, If you have Android installed SDK).
  3. Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command in the terminal: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
  5. After successful firmware, execute: fastboot boot recovery.img to load up immediately TWRP.

⚠️ Critical error: If after the firmware TWRP The phone is loaded into standard recovery, so there was a rollback (stock recovery rewritten). TWRP). To avoid this, immediately after installation TWRP Go to the Wipe section β†’ Format Data, type yes and restart. This will disable the encryption that interferes with custom recovery.

πŸ’‘

After installation TWRP Try flashing Disable Force Encryption (DM-Verity) through fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img. File. vbmeta.img You can find it in the archives with firmware for Redmi Note. 4X.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is the most reliable way to get root access on modern versions of Android. Unlike the outdated SuperSU, it supports root hiding from applications (for example, banking) and works with SafetyNet. 4X Magisk v26.4 or newer.

Step 1 Download Magisk

  • πŸ“± Download the last one. Magisk-v26.4.zip official repository.
  • πŸ’Ύ Transfer the archive to your smartphone (you can use it) MTP into TWRP or by adb push).

Step 2. Firmware through TWRP

  1. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on).
  2. Click Install, select the Magisk-v26.4.zip file and swipe for confirmation.
  3. After installation, press Reboot System.

Step 3: Root rights verification

Once you download the system, install the Magisk Manager app (you can download from GitHub) and check root status. If it goes well, you will see:

  • βœ… Magisk: Installed
  • βœ… SafetyNet: Pass (if it doesn't work out, install Universal SafetyNet Fix)

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 After Magisk is installed, Google Pay and other financial applications stop working:

  1. In Magisk Manager, enable MagiskHide (renamed Zygisk in newer versions).
  2. Add apps (like SberPay or Tinkoff) to the hide list.
  3. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.

πŸ’‘

Use only official Magisk builds from GitHub. third-party versions (e.g., Magisk official builds, 4PDA) May contain malicious code or outdated patches.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often face problems, and consider the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Error 1: "Couldn't unlock. Wait X hours"

Reason: Xiaomi limits the unlock frequency for new accounts.

  • πŸ•’ If the waiting time is less than 72 hours, wait until the timer ends.
  • πŸ”„ If the error appears after the binding, try: fastboot oem clean_all Then re-attach the account.
  • 🌍 Use it. VPN servers in China or Hong Kong (sometimes bypassing regional restrictions).

Mistake 2: TWRP is stitched but not launched

Reason: Data encryption is enabled (FBE), It's a solution that blocks custom recovery:

  1. Right after the firmware. TWRP Run in the terminal: fastboot format userdata
  2. Then load in. TWRP And do the Wipe. β†’ Format Data (this will delete all data!).

Error 3: After installing Magisk, the phone won't boot

Reason: Incompatibility of the Magisk version with the firmware kernel.

  • πŸ”„ Boot in. TWRP and sew Magisk-uninstaller.zip (You can download it from the same GitHub).
  • πŸ“₯ Install an older version of Magisk (for example, the same as the one you use, v25.2 instead v26.4).
  • πŸ”§ If the problem persists, run through the original core (boot.img) stock-stack.

Error 4: SafetyNet is not going to pass

Reason: MIUI It modifies system files, which works on Google checks:

  1. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
  2. Enable Zygisk in the Magisk settings.
  3. Clear the data of the Google Play Services and Google Play Store apps.
What to do if your phone turns into a brick?
If after manipulations the smartphone does not turn on (black screen, no reaction to buttons), try: 1. Hard Reset: Press the Volume Up + Meals for food 10-15 seconds. 2. Fastboot Firmware: Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 4X From Xiaomi and run it through MiFlash (instructions are available on the site) 4PDA). 3. EDL-In extreme cases, you can restore the phone through Emergency Download Mode, but this requires an authorized Mi Account and a special cable (or closing test points on the board).

6. Alternative methods of root obtaining (if Magisk is not suitable)

In rare cases, Magisk may not work due to specific firmware modifications, and alternative ways to do this might be considered:

Method 1: Patched Boot Image Image

If Magisk doesn't go through TWRP, try patching boot.img manually:

  1. Download the stock firmware for your version MIUI and get it out of her. boot.img (You can use MiFlash or Archival).
  2. Move it. boot.img On your phone and open in Magisk Manager: press Install β†’ Select and Patch a File.
  3. After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img On PC and run it through fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

Method 2: Castom firmware with pre-installed root

Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Havoc-OS) already include Magisk in the build.

  • πŸ”„ There is no need to separate Magisk.
  • πŸ“± Often better optimized for Redmi Note 4X, stock-like MIUI.
  • πŸ”‹ Support for new versions of Android (up to Android 12 for mido).

Cons: There may be bugs with a camera or sensors (especially on GSIs).

Method 3: Temporary Root (through the ADB)

If you need root for a short time (for example, for backup), you can use temporary access:

  1. Download Magisk Manager and activate the option "ADB Temporary Root".
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and do: Adb shell su
  3. Root access will be valid until reboot.

7.What to do after obtaining root rights?

Now that you have root, you can customize the Redmi Note completely. 4X. Here are some useful actions:

  • 🧹 Remove embedded software: Apps like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps can be removed via Titanium Backup or ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser
  • ⚑ Performance optimization: Install Kernel Adiutor to fine-tune the kernel (e.g. change the I/O scheduler to bfq for smooth interfaces).
  • πŸ”’ Ad Blocking: Magisk modules like AdAway or Blokada will completely remove ads from the system and applications.
  • πŸ“± Install custom firmware: From root you can flash LineageOS, Pixel Experience or crDroid. For Redmi Note 4X Relevant builds based on Android 10/11.
  • πŸ”‹ Improved autonomy: Battery Charge Limit will limit the charge to 80%, extending the life of the battery.

⚠️ Note: After removing system applications (especially MiuiSystemUI or SecurityCenter) you may experience problems with your work. MIUI. Always backup in. TWRP before!

It is also worth installing several key Magisk modules for the Redmi Note. 4X:

ModuleAppointmentReference
ViPER4AndroidAdvanced sound setting (e)QUALIZER, effects)XDA
Universal SafetyNet FixSafetyNet for banking applicationsGitHub
MiuiCamera2Camera port from Xiaomi.eu with improved processing4PDA
FDE.AIAI-optimized performance and batteryXDA

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi Note 4X

❓ Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?
No, on the Redmi Note. 4X (As with all modern Xiaomi smartphones, unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for installation. TWRP Alternative methods like KingRoot or exploits (like DirtyCOW) either don't work on current versions. MIUI, Or it causes an unstable system, except for a temporary root through adb, but it disappears after a reboot and doesn't allow you to install modules.
❓ Why contactless payments stopped working after unlocking the bootloader?
This is due to the SafetyNet mechanism, which detects changes in the system partition. Banking applications (such as Google Pay or SberBank Online) block work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or root. Solutions: Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module in Magisk. Enable MagiskHide (or Zygisk in new versions) and add banking applications to the hide list. Use alternative payment methods (such as Samsung Pay on the Galaxy Watch).
❓ How to return the guarantee after obtaining root?
Xiaomi is cancelling the bootloader unlock warranty, and it's recorded in service centers. However, you can hide root traces before visiting the service: In Magisk Manager, click Uninstall. β†’ Complete Uninstall.Sweep the original recovery through fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img. Run a factory reset in Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache Block the bootloader back (Fastboot oem lock command, but this will erase all data!). ⚠️ Even after that, some service centers may find traces of unlocking logs. EDL.
❓ Which firmware is better for Redmi Note 4X after rooting?
The choice of firmware depends on your goals: Maximum stability: Official MIUI With Magisk, the downside is Xiaomi's advertising and restrictions, Pure Android: LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) or Pixel Experience. Pros: no ads, quick updates. Cons: some features (e.g., some features may not work (e.g., no ads, quick updates, IR-Performance: crDroid or Havoc-OS with FrancoKernel kernel, optimized for gaming and multitasking. Maximum running time: MIUI With Battery Charge Limit and background processes disabled. For beginners, we recommend starting with Xiaomi.eu - this is a modified version of the system. MIUI without advertising and support of the Russian language.
❓ Can I update you? MIUI after rooting?
Yes, but with caution, when updating through OTA (by air) root and TWRP will be deleted as the system will overwrite the boot partition.To save root: Download the full service pack (.zip) from the Xiaomi site