How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Why do you need a root rights on Redmi Note 4 and what is the risk?

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenamed mido) opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. However, along with the opportunities come risks – wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick”, deprive warranties or disrupt key modules (such as NFC or cameras).

This instruction is relevant for the Redmi Note 4/4X based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor (models with the MediaTek Helio X20 require a different approach!).We will look at the official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom TWRP recovery and Magisk firmware for root rights management. All steps are tested on the current versions of MIUI 14 and Android 7-9 firmware.

⚠️ Critical warning: after unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings - copy important data to the PC or cloud in advance. Also note that some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block work on rooted devices.

Step 1: Preparing the device and PC

Before you start the process, make sure your Redmi Note 4 meets the following key requirements:

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (the phone should not be switched off during the process).
• 📱 Version. MIUI 14.0.5 (newer versions may require rollbacks).
• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 10/11 (Mi Unlock Tool requires Qualcomm drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables can cause connection errors).

Download and install the following tools on your PC:

1. Official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24)
2. The latest version of TWRP for mido (file with.img extension).
3. Magisk (version 26.4+) for root rights management.
4. ADB/Fastboot platform tools (part of the Android SDK)

⚠️ Please note: if your Redmi Note 4 It was purchased in China (the global version is referred to as the mido_global), Check the firmware region in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. For Chinese devices (mido_images) Additional conversion to global firmware may be required.

Step 2: Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all devices, so the first step is to officially unlock it, a process that takes between 72 hours and 1 week due to account verification.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (You may need to enter a password from your Mi Account). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization

Mi Unlock Tool

Unlock

Couldn’t unlock

Linked to Mi Account on phone|Debugging is on. USB|Unblocking permitted OEM|Qualcomm drivers installed|Battery charge >60%-->

⚠️ Warning: once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset! All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. If you use Google Authenticator or other device-bound apps, be sure to untie them in advance or save backup codes.

Step 3: Installation of custom TWRP recaveria

Standard Recavery MIUI It does not allow you to flash unofficial files, so we will need to TWRP — Alternative recovery with root rights support. for Redmi Note 4 recommended 3.7.0_9-0 or newer.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Copy the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img file ADB/Fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
2. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader or turn off the device and press Volume Down + Power.
4. Please. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-mido.img
5. Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise the system will overwrite the Recovery!).

🔹 Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 FAILED (remote: unknown command - check the version of Fastboot (must be at least 33.0.3).
• 🔄 phone is stuck on startup Mi logo - reset through TWRP (Wipe → Format Data).

💡

If the phone doesn’t boot after TWRP firmware, try installing it again by pre-formatting the recovery section with the fastboot erase recovery command.

Step 4: Magisk firmware to get root rights

Magisk is a versatile root access management tool that allows you to hide root from banking applications and update the system without losing rights. Redmi Note 4 is suitable version 26.4 or later.

Instructions:

1. Copy the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip internal memory of the telephone or SD-map.
2. Boot to TWRP (hold Volume Up + Power when turned on).
3. Select Install → Specify the path to Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, press Reboot System.

🔹 Root rights check: After you boot, install the Root Checker app and run the check. If Root Access: Yes status is successful, it's a success.

Step 5: Set up Magisk and Hide Root Rights

By default, Magisk provides full root access to all applications, which can cause security or banking issues. To avoid this, set up root hiding:

How to hide root from specific applications:

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings section (⚙️).
2. Activate the MagiskHide option (called Configure DenyList in the newer versions).
3. Add to the list of applications that do not need root (for example, Sberbank, Google Pay).
4. Reset the device.

🔹 Additional modules for Magisk:

• 🎵 ViPER4Android — sound-improvement.
• 🔋 AccA – Optimization of battery life.
• 📱 App Systemizer – transferring user applications to the system partition.

💡

Hiding root rights through MagiskHide does not guarantee 100% bypass of the protection of banking applications. Some services (for example, Google Pay) can block payments on rooted devices even after cloaking.

Step 6: Solving Common Problems

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur. Below is a table with typical problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the camera or fingerprint sensor stopped working after the root rights manipulation, it is likely that incompatible firmware was installed. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi Note 4