How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited to stock firmware MIUI. Getting root rights opens up access to hidden functions from uninstalling system applications to installing custom firmware. However, the process requires caution — a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will discuss the current way to obtain root rights to Redmi 8 in 2026, given the changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.You will learn how to prepare the device, unlock the bootloader, install TWRP and Magisk, and avoid typical errors. The instructions are suitable for all versions of Redmi 8 (including Redmi 8A and Redmi 8A Dual), but require careful follow-through of each step.

What is the root access on Xiaomi Redmi 8?

Root rights turn your smartphone from a closed system into a platform for experimentation.

• 🔧 Remove embedded software: get rid of unnecessary system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) that can not be uninstalled by standard methods.
• ⚡ Overclocking of the processor: changing frequencies CPU/GPU through Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager for improved performance (but at risk of overheating!).
• 📱 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS for pure Android without shell MIUI.
• 🔒 Deep rights setting: blocking internet access for individual applications via AFWall+ Change the hosts file to block ads.
• 📲 Backup: Creating a complete system backup (Nandroid) through TWRP, including application data and settings.

However, there is a downside: loss of warranty, the risk of disrupting the Widevine L1 (Netflix HD issues), and vulnerability to malware if you do not follow su permissions. On Redmi 8 with MIUI 12+ firmware, unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings - keep this in mind when preparing.

⚠️ Note: After obtaining a root license, banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before starting the process, make sure your Redmi 8 is ready to be manipulated.Missing any of these steps could cause crashes or data loss.

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone to at least 70%

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version

Disable the antivirus (it can block unlock utilities)

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First, check the MIUI version and device model:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔄 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

If the OEM Unlock option is inactive, it means that the device has a Mi Account without a phone link.

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Sign in or create a new account.
3. Link the device to your account (a notification of successful linking should appear).

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Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 8: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi has made it harder to unlock the bootloader in the latest MIUI, requiring not only a bundle with the Mi Account, but also a wait of 72 to 168 hours after the device is tied.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock (version must be at least 5.5.224.30).
2. Connect Redmi 8 to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Press "Unlock"

Couldn’t unlock. Wait for 168 hours

The waiting period depends on the activity of the account:

⚠️ Warning: If the phone does not turn on after unlocking or hovers on the logo MI, So, you can download it to Fastboot and you can run the command: fastboot erase userdata Then restart the device.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you an error of 0x80070490, try running it in Windows 8 compatibility mode or disable the driver signature check via the command line (bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on).

Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi 8

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install a custom TWRP recavator. This is an alternative recovery environment that allows you to install.zip files (including Magisk for root rights).

For Redmi 8 (codenamed olive) and Redmi 8A (olivelite), use the respective versions of TWRP:

• 📱 Redmi 8 (Olive: official page (version) 3.7.0_9-0 or newer).
• 📱 Redmi 8A (Olivelite: Download here.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img (or olivelite for 8A) and rename it in recovery.img.
2. Place the file in a folder with ADB/Fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img
4. After successful firmware, immediately boot into TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power.

In the first run, TWRP will suggest allowing modifications to the system partition. Swipe right to confirm (this is necessary for further installing the root rights).If you miss this step, Magisk will not be able to infiltrate the boot section.

Install Magisk for root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, and it also allows you to bypass SafetyNet checks, which is critical for banking applications.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip or later) from the official repository: GitHub.
2. Transfer the.zip file to your phone (you can use MTP to TWRP or adb push).
3. In TWRP, click Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

To check the success of the installation:

1. Install the Magisk Manager app (you can download it here).
2. Open it and make sure that the top displays a green checkmark with the inscription Installed: 26.4 (26400).
3. Run SafetyNet check in Settings → SafetyNet Check.

⚠️ Note: If SafetyNet fails (ctsProfile: false), install Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk and restart the device.

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After installing Magisk, DO NOT update MIUI through the standard menu! This will result in the loss of root rights. Use only custom firmware or patches through Magisk.

Solving Typical Problems After Rooting

Even with the correct following of the instructions, there can be difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to eliminate them:

If your phone starts to overheat or discharge quickly after rooting, check the activity of processes through BetterBatteryStats or top in Termux. Often the fault is Magisk background services or incorrect modules.

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To return the warranty, you just need to flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

How to remove root rights and return stock firmware

If you need to return your phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model: 📱 Redmi 8 (olive): official website (choose Stable or Recover version). 📱 Redmi 8A (Olivelite: Use the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

Unlock the firmware

C:\platform-tools

Fastboot

Mi Flash Tool

Refresh

clean all

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically reboot to the stock MIUI without rooting permissions.

1. Open Termux and type: su If a message Permission denied appears, root deleted successfully.
2. Check SafetyNet status through SafetyNet Test (green ticks must be lit).

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 8