Obtaining super-user rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (codename: whyred) is a popular procedure among enthusiasts, allowing you to fully control the Android operating system. The smartphone owner is freed from the manufacturer’s restrictions, getting the ability to remove system debris, install specialized modules and finely adjust the power consumption of the processor.
Unlike simple application installation, obtaining administrator rights affects the deep layers of the file system. Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory first step, without which any further manipulation is impossible. It is important to understand that once the procedure is completed, the software warranty may be lost, and some banking applications will cease to work without additional security settings.
This guide is designed to take into account current firmware modification techniques for Snapdragon 636-based devices. We will look at time-tested tools such as TWRP Recovery and Magisk that ensure that the device is stable after the modification. Follow the instructions Step-by-step to avoid errors.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of the software code of the smartphone, you need to carefully prepare the workplace and the device itself. You will need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, as well as a serviceable computer. USB-Backing up all the important data — photos, contacts and documents — is critical, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the internal memory.
You also need to make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 60-70%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible consequences, up to turning the device into a brick.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
To work with the command line and debugger, the following components will be needed:
- 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro with a tied Mi Account.
- 💻 PC with installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.
- 📂 Recovery image files (TWRP) and the Magisk archive.
- 🔓 Application for unblocking of the loader (expected) 7-168 hours).
⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader permanently deletes all data from the internal drive. Make sure you copy everything important to an external medium or to the cloud storage.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
The standard Android protection procedure does not allow you to make changes to the system partition without special permission. For Xiaomi, this means using the official Mi Unlock Tool utility. First, you need to activate the developer mode by going to Settings → About phone and quickly clicking 7 times on the MIUI build number. Then, in the Developer menu, we include the "Factory Unlock" item and link the device to the account.
After submitting an application through the Mi Unlock Status application, you must wait for the manufacturer's deadline, it can be from 7 to 168 hours, during which time you can not log out of the Mi Account on your smartphone and change the time. SIM-If you're not going to have a card, the timer will reset, and when the waiting time is up, you can go to the immediate unlock.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
The unlocking process is as follows:
- Turn off your smartphone and press the button combination Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot mode.
- Connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone and click the Unlock button.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed, after which the phone will restart.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The regular recovery menu is limited in functionality and does not allow you to install modified files. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a de facto standard for modifying Android, providing a touch interface and access to the file system. For the Redmi Note 5 Pro, it is important to use a stable build that is compatible with the Snapdragon 636 processor architecture.
The installation is done via Fastboot mode using a computer. The image firmware command looks like fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. However, if you just flash the image and reboot, the standard Android system can rewrite the custom recaveri back to stock. To avoid this, you need to immediately switch to Recovery mode after the firmware, holding the Volume up + Power buttons.
| Component | Appointment | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot | Low-level firmware mode | Critically. |
| TWRP Image | Image of the recovery menu | Tall. |
| Magisk ZIP/APK | File for obtaining Root | Tall. |
| USB Cable | PC connection | Medium |
💡
When you first download to TWRP, the system may request a screen unlock password, enter your pin or pattern lock, otherwise access to the data will be limited.
Magisk installation for obtaining Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk (formerly known as SuperSU), whose main advantage is the systemless system, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and services Google Pay. To install, you need to copy the installer file (usually.apk or.zip) to internal memory or SD-smartphone-card.
By downloading into the previously established TWRP, Select "Install" and find the downloaded Magisk file and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few seconds. APK-file, in some versions TWRP You may need to rename the file extension to.zip before installing, although modern versions of the recovery often understand the format. APK.
- 📂 Copy the file. Magisk.apk or Magisk.zip phone-on.
- 🔄 Reboot to Recovery Mode (TWRP).
- 🔽 Click the "Install" button and select the archive from Magisk.
- ✅ Confirm installation and press "Reboot System".
⚠️ Warning: Do not install older versions of SuperSU alongside Magisk.This can cause file conflict and a bootloop of the device.
Set up Root Hiding and Work with Modules
Once the operating system is successfully loaded, the Magisk icon will appear in the application menu. When the application starts, it can request completion of the installation and restart, agree with this. Then, in the Magisk settings, you should activate the Zygisk function and "Enforce DenyList" function, which will hide the presence of modifications from applications that check the integrity of the system.
DenyList requires you to add all banking apps, Google Pay, and anti-cheat games, and once you add apps to that list, they will no longer see root rights, and you can install font-changing modules, audio profiles, or system interfaces through Magisk without completely reflashing.
You can use special tools to verify the rights, such as Root Checker, and if the application shows a green icon and confirms the presence of superuser rights, then the procedure was successful, otherwise you should check the installation logs in the Magisk application itself.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There are a number of errors that can occur during the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro modification process. One of the common problems is Bootloop, which is the endless reboot of the phone. If this happened after installing Magisk, try booting into TWRP and removing the /data/adb/modules folder or making a full Wipe Data swipe if the system is having a problem.
Another common problem is a broken proximity sensor or fingerprint scanner, often solved by running a correct Modem image firmware or updating the vendor section via Fastboot. Also make sure that the Android version and the TWRP version are fully compatible.
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase sbl1
fastboot erase sbl2
fastboot erase rpm
fastboot erase tz
fastboot erase aboot
fastboot reboot💡
Most software errors are solved by returning to stock firmware through the MiFlash Tool in Clean All mode.