How to install a root on Xiaomi Redmi: a safe guide with error analysis

Why Xiaomi Redmi is always a compromise

Getting root rights on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a task that simultaneously beckons opportunities and scares risks. On the one hand, the root opens access to hidden MIUI functions, allows you to remove system applications, configure the kernel and even extend the life of the battery through AccA. On the other hand, Xiaomi actively blocks informal firmware at the bootloader level, and an unlocking error can turn the phone into a “brick” without the possibility of recovery via EDL.

In 2026, the process became more complicated: the company tightened its policy of unlocking the bootloader, and in new models (for example, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+) used anti-Rollback protection, which makes downgrading the firmware impossible. However, workarounds exist — and we will disassemble them without the template phrases about “attention” and “caution.” Instead, you will receive specific warnings about what exactly actions lead to blocking IMEI and how to avoid it.

This is the same for all Redmi Snapdragon-based products (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) and Mediatek (e.g. Redmi 10C), but with reservations for HyperOS models (formerly MIUI 15).If your device is released after 2023, check for custom firmware support on XDA Developers – some chips (e.g. Dimensity 1080) may require unique solutions.

Preparation: What to do before unlocking the loader

The first and most critical step is unlocking the bootloader, without which no custom recovery or Magisk will work. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but with a number of restrictions:

• 🔗 Linking your Mi Account to your device (unblocking is impossible without this).
• ⏳ Wait 7–168 hours after binding (depending on model and region).
• 📱 Support only official firmware (castom can block the process).
• 🔧 Availability of original USB-Cheap cables often cause fastboot error: error: Failed to boot into fastbootd).

Before you start, check the bootloader lock status:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume Down to log in to Fastboot.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. Look for the lines Device unlocked: false (locked) or true (unblocked).

⚠️ Warning: If the command response has an Anti-Rollback line: 3 or higher, try flashing the old version. MIUI will result in a complete lockdown EMMC (repair only through authorized service Xiaomi for 5-15 thousand rubles).

Unlock bootloader: bypassing the restrictions of 2026

The official unlock tool is the Mi Unlock Tool, but it often gives out errors like Couldn't unlock or This Mi Account is not bound to this device.

• 📛 Mi Account is not linked to the device (you need to go to Settings) → Xiaomi account → Synchronization and wait for completion).
• 🕒 168 hours after the link (even if the tool shows 72 hours, the server may require more than that).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions (e.g., Redmi from India may be required) VPN s IP country).
• 🔄 The device has previously unlocked and locked again (Xiaomi limits the number of unlocks).

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t work, try an alternative method via Fastboot:

Make sure that MIUI is below 12.5.2 (older versions may not support the new unlock protocol)

Disable Find My Device in Xiaomi Account Settings

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking in developer settings

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (not from the forums!)

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1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and unpack the archive.
2. Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (see previous section).
5. If the tool gives an error of 0x80070490, try: fastboot oem unlock-go (works on some models with Snapdragon 7xx/8xx).

⚠️ Note: On models with Mediatek Helio G88/G96 (Like Redmi. 10 2022) The unlock-go command can lead to loss. IMEI. Before using, make a backup of the nvram partition through MTK Client.

TWRP Installing: Why Standard Methods Don't Work

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to flash custom recovery — TWRP. However, users are waiting for two problems:

1. Official TWRP builds are not updated for new Redmi models (for example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed, you will have to look for unofficial ports).
2. Xiaomi uses dynamic partitions, which is why standard commands like fastboot flash recovery twrp.img lead to an error in the Invalid sparse file format at header.

The solution is to use TWRP in.img format with fastbootd support.

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from twrp.me or trusted sources (for example, the Telegram channel TWRP Russia).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot.
3. Execute commands in order: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot reboot fastboot fastboot flash recovery twrp.img # repeat for the second slot (on the A/B-devices) fastboot reboot recovery

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If after the firmware TWRP The phone is loaded into stock recovery, which means your model is used. A/B-Solution: After the first command, fastboot flash recovery, immediately run fastboot reboot fastboot and repeat the firmware.

Magisk Installation: How to Avoid Cycle Boot

Magisk is not just a root tool, but a framework that allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking) and modify system files without changing the system partition. However, many users face a problem: after installing Magisk, the phone hangs on the MI logo or bootloop.

The reason is the wrong firmware boot.img or conflict with Dynamic Partitions.

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub) and unpack APK-file.
2. Remove boot.img from the official firmware for your model (you can download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
3. Patch boot.img via Magisk: adb push boot.img /sdcard/ In Magisk, click "Install" → "Select and Patch a File"
4. File: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

For Android devices 12+ Dynamic partitions (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) instead boot.img need to patch init_boot.img:

fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with HyperOS (MIUI 15) Magisk may not work because of a modified sepolicy mechanism, so the solution is to use KernelSU instead of Magisk (but that requires a custom core).

Error bypass: What to do if something goes wrong

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur.

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons), try to recover through the phone. EDL-regime:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
2. Connect your phone to your PC by clamping Volume Up + Volume Down (some models need to close the test points).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select Clean All and flash the official firmware.

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If the phone is not identified in EDL, check the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers. On Windows 10/11, they need to be installed manually through Device Manager.

What to do after obtaining root rights: security and optimization

Now that the root is received, it is important to set up the system correctly to avoid performance and security issues. First, disable the automatic MIUI update - it can overwrite patched files and deprive you of the root.

1. Remove or freeze the com.miui.systemAdSolution application (responsible for updates) via Titanium Backup.
2. V /system/etc/security/otapreconfig create an empty file disable_ota.

Second, set up Magisk to hide the root from apps:

• 🔒 Enable Enforce DenyList in Magisk Settings.
• 📱 Add to the list banking apps, Google Pay, Netflix and Pokémon GO.
• 🔄 Install Universal SafetyNet Fix to pass SafetyNet certification.

To optimize productivity, we recommend:

• ⚡ Remove system applications via Debloater (but don’t delete com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice – this will result in network loss!).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery via AccA (requires a root and working BMS chip).
• 🎯 Set up CPU Governor via Kernel Adiutor (Snapdragon is an optimal schedutil profile).

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To return the original boot.img and remove the root, simply flash the stock boot.img via Fastboot. the data on the phone will not be affected (unless formatted /data).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions