How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited by the stock firmware MIUI. Getting root permissions opens access to deep system setup, removal of embedded applications, installation of custom firmware and modifications. However, the process requires care: an error at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will break down Magisk’s current 2026 root rights method, which works on all versions of Redmi 4X (including global and Chinese versions).

Preparation for unlocking the loader

The first step is to unlock the bootloader. Without this, installing custom recavator (TWRP) and root is impossible. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but with restrictions:

• 🔗 Link your Mi Account to your device (required!) without it, unlocking is impossible.
• ⏳ From the moment of account binding to unlock, it must take 168 hours (7 days.
• 📱 Make sure the latest version is installed on the phone. MIUI for your region (global, Chinese or EEA).
• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. When you unlock it, it'll reboot several times.

If you bought a Redmi 4X bpd, the previous owner may have unlocked the bootloader.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. If you see Unlocked at the bottom of the screen, the bootloader is already unlocked. If Locked, you'll have to wait 7 days.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or use Mi PC Suite.

Installation of necessary tools on PC

The work will require:

• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit). Nana Mac/Linux The process is similar, but fastboot commands may differ.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or quality) cheap cables often cause connection errors.
• 📂 Archive with tools: Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi) Platform Tools (includes fastboot and adb) TWRP for Redmi 4X (3.7.0 or later) Magisk (last stable version)

Unpack Platform Tools at the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\). This will make it easier to work with teams, and you can unpack the Mi Unlock Tool in any folder.

⚠️ Warning: Disable the Windows antivirus and firewall during installation.They may block fastboot and adb as suspicious programs.

Linked to Mi Account by phone |Data backup |Platform Tools and Mi Unlock |PlatformsPlatformTools and Mi Unlock |Platent drivers Xiaomi|Battachment charge >60%-->

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

When the 168 hours of waiting have expired, you can start unlocking:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification appears You became a developer!
2. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Sign in with the same Mi Account that's attached to your phone.
4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot Mode: adb reboot bootloader Or manually: turn off the phone and pinch Volume Down + Power.
5. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. It takes 1-3 minutes. Upon completion, the phone will reboot with the reset settings.

If the utility gives you an error, Cann't unlock or Device not supported:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔧 Reinstall Xiaomi drivers via Xiaomi Flash Tool.
• ⏳ Wait another 24 hours – sometimes Xiaomi requires extra time.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device, open Device Manager on your PC and check if there's an exclamation mark next to the Android Bootloader Interface. If there is, update the driver manually by specifying the folder with the platform-tools.

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can install TWRP, a custom recavator that will allow you to flash Magisk to obtain root rights. Download the current version of TWRP for santoni from the official website (link above) and rename the file to twrp.img.

Follow the instructions:

1. Place the twrp.img file in the platform-tools folder.
2. Open the command prompt in this folder (click Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. After successful firmware, restart to TWRP: fastboot boot twrp.img

If TWRP requests a password (due to data encryption), select Cancel and execute Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data but unlock access).

⚠️ Note: Do not restart your phone immediately after installation TWRP! Stock firmware MIUI You can overwrite the Recovery. You can first run Magisk).

Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass the SafetyNet check (necessary for banking applications and games).

Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip) and follow the following steps:

1. Copy the Magisk-vXX.X.zip file to your phone (you can use MTP to TWRP or memory card).
2. In TWRP, select Install → point the way to the Magisk archive.
3. Swipe to Confirm Flash (Swipe to Confirm Flash)
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

The first download can take up to 10 minutes. After turning on the phone, install the Magisk Manager app (download.apk from GitHub) and check the root rights status.

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after installing Magisk, try flashing the stock receivers back through fastboot: fastboot flash recovery. stock_recovery.img, And then repeat the process from scratch.

Root rights check and Magisk setup

To ensure that the root rights are obtained:

1. Open the Magisk Manager app.
2. Check the status at the top of the screen – it should be written Installed: XX.X (XXXXXX).
3. Install the Root Checker app and run the check.

If you have root rights, but applications (such as banking) refuse to work because of SafetyNet:

1. In Magisk Manager, go to Settings → MagiskHide and turn on the option.
2. Add problematic apps to the MagiskHide list (like Google Pay or Sberbank Online).
3. Reboot the phone.

For advanced users, you can install modules in Magisk (for example, to change fonts, sound or kernel) and do this carefully, as some modules conflict with each other.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, it can be difficult.

• 🔴 Phone does not turn on after firmware: Reason: version incompatibility TWRP and MIUI Solution: Flush the stock firmware through fastboot and start over.
• 📵 The network is missing or IMEI: Cause: damage to the modem partition or EFS. Solution: Restore IMEI through QCN Or run the modem from the stock firmware.
• 🔒 Magisk doesn't pass SafetyNet: Reason: Incompatible modules installed or debugging enabled Solution: Disable all modules in Magisk and turn MagiskHide on.
• 🔄 TWRP Resetting on stock Recovery: The reason: MIUI Recapitulates the Recovery when loaded. Solution: after installation TWRP immediately swipe Magisk and disable automatic update of the recovery in the settings MIUI.

If nothing helps, bring your phone back to life. EDL-This will require Xiaomi Flash Tool and an authorized Xiaomi account.

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If the phone starts to warm up or discharge quickly after getting root rights, check the active processes through BetterBatteryStats or AccuBattery. Often background tasks from Magisk modules or incorrect kernel settings are to blame.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi 4X