Why do you need a developer rights to the Redmi Note 10S?
Xiaomi Redmi Note Smartphone 10S (codename mojito/sweet) — Popular device among Android enthusiasts thanks to balanced performance: MediaTek Helio processor G95, 6–8 GB of RAM and AMOLED-But the factory firmware. MIUI It limits customization and debugging. Developer rights allow access to customization:
✅ Unlock the bootloader for installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience); ✅ Root rights through Magisk for deep system customization; ✅ Debugging by ADB and testing of their own applications; ✅ Removing embedded software (bloat) and optimizing performance.
But there are risks involved, from loss of warranty to irreversible “brick” when you have a firmware bug, and this article highlights the latest methods for the Redmi Note 10S for 2026, tested on MIUI 14-15 and Android 12-13.
Step 1: Preparing the device and PC
Before unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root rights, you need to perform basic steps. Skipping any point can lead to failures!
- 📱 Backup data: Use the settings → Google → Backup or Mi Mover. Manually copy photos, contacts and files to your PC.
- 🔋 Battery charge: Level must be at least 60%. When discharged during firmware, the device may turn off.
- 🖥️ PC Tools: Install Android SDK Platform-Tools (includes fastboot and adb). Download Xiaomi drivers for your OS (official website). Windows: disable the driver signature check (bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on the command line on behalf of the administrator).
- 🔑 Xiaomi Account: Link the device to your account in Settings → Xiaomi account. This is a must to unlock the bootloader.
☑️ Preparation of the Redmi Note 10S unlockable
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 10S region-wire CN (China, the process of unlocking may be different. MIUI In Settings → The phone, for the global versions (Global/EEA/RU) universal.
Step 2: Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)
The Xiaomi bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step for custom firmware installation or recovery, which takes 7-14 days due to Xiaomi’s security policy.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some versions. MIUI). 🐞 Debugging by USB.
Link the device to your account:
In the same Developer menu, select Unblock Status → Add account and device. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool:
Download the utility from the official website, log in under the same Xiaomi account and connect the phone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then pinch Power + Volume down).
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool shows "Couldn't unlock" error
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be reset (full wipe!
| Status of loader | What can I do? | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Blocked. | Use standard MIUI functions, update via OTA | It is impossible to install TWRP, root, custom firmware |
| Unlocked. | Install TWRP, sew custom ROM, get root | Data is dropped, warranty is lost, the risk of "brick" |
| Re-blocked | Return the guarantee (if there are no changes to the system) | Full reset and official firmware required |
Step 3: Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – an alternative recovery that allows you to install ZIP-Files (firmware, kernels, Magisk) For Redmi Note 10S Use the version from XDA Developers with Mojito Support.
Instructions:
- Download the current twrp-3.7.x-x-mojito.img (check compatibility with your version of MIUI!).
- Move the file to the platform-tools folder and rename it to recovery.img.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery The device should boot into TWRP.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI post-installation TWRP standard recovery is restored on the first load, to avoid this, immediately after entering the system. TWRP Go to Advanced. → Flash Current TWRP.
fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgStep 4: Getting root rights through Magisk
Root access allows you to modify system files, but makes it impossible to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet). For the Redmi Note 10S, Magisk is recommended, a tool that hides root from some applications.
Step-by-step installation:
- Download the latest version of Magisk-v26.x.zip from GitHub.
- Move it. ZIP-file on the phone (for example, internal memory).
- Download to TWRP, select Install → point the way to Magisk-v26.x.zip → swipe for confirmation.
- Reboot. After download, install APK-Magisk file (also known as root rights manager).
How to stitch:
- Download firmware (.zip format) and GApps (if you need Google services) from the XDA site.
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
- First, run the firmware, then GApps (if required).
- Reboot. It can take 10 to 15 minutes to download the first one.
💡
Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with the mojito/sweet model and the Android version. The firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) will not work for the Note 10S (mojito)!
Step 6: Developer Alternatives Without Unlocking
If unlocking the bootloader seems risky, consider legal ways to develop:
- 💻 ADB-Debugging: Connect your phone to your PC and use adb commands to test applications (e.g. adb install) app.apk).
- 🔧 Developer Mode: Turn on Do not turn off the screen while charging, Show presses and other options in Settings → For developers.
- 📦 Xiaomi EU ROM: Unofficial firmware on the base MIUI without Chinese services, installed via fastboot without unlocking (but requires wipe).
- ☁️ Android Emulators: Android Studio or Genymotion for Testing Without Risk to the Device.
⚠️ Note: Even without unlocking the bootloader, some actions (for example, changing system files through the bootloader) ADB) Always test commands on an emulator before using them on a real device.
Risks and how to minimize them
The Redmi Note 10S has consequences, and here are the key threats and ways to avoid them:
| Risk | Reason. | How to prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Brick (incapacity) | Wrong firmware, interrupted process | Use only proven ROMs, monitor battery power |
| Loss of IMEI | Damage to the modem partition when firmware | Save a backup of NVRAM via TWRP |
| Blocking of Mi Account | Frequent unlocking of the loader | Use one account, do not violate the rules of Xiaomi |
| SafetyNet problems | Root access or modified recovery | Install MagiskHide or Universal SafetyNet Fix |
Backup of NVRAM (IMEI):
Do it on TWRP:
dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 of=/sdcard/modemst1.img
dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst2 of=/sdcard/modemst2.imgFiles. modemst1.img and modemst2.img store data.