How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T opens up access to hidden Android features, from removing system applications to fine-tuning performance. But the process requires caution — a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a brick. This instruction is updated for 2026, taking into account the latest versions of MIUI and changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.

Many users are afraid of losing their warranty or facing security issues. Indeed, unlocking the bootloader resets all data, and root access makes the device vulnerable to malware. However, with the right approach, the risks are minimal. We will look at the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom TWRP recovery, and Magisk firmware for managing root rights - without left-handed utilities and viruses.

⚠️ Note: The procedure will void the Xiaomi warranty. If your device is warranty, weigh the pros and cons. Also note that once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will not be able to use Google Pay services and some banking applications (due to SafetyNet requirements).

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before proceeding with unlocking, make sure your Redmi Note 8T is ready for the procedure.Missing any of these steps could cause crashes or inability to continue installing.

First, check the MIUI version in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version). Successful unlock requires a version no older than MIUI 14 (Android 12/13). If you have older firmware, update it through Settings → Software Update. Recent versions of MIUI often block vulnerabilities used to bypass protection, so using MIUI 12.5.7.0 (Android 11) firmware is considered optimal for the Redmi Note 8T today.

Second, turn on the debugging of USB and unlock OEM-unlock:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, activate the developer mode.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include:
• 🔒 In the Security section → Device protection disable Find My Device (find device).

Finally, back up all your data. Unlocking the bootloader erases everything from your internal memory, including photos, contacts, and apps. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or a physical backup on your PC. Also charge your phone to at least 60%, which will prevent you from suddenly shutting down during the procedure.

Update MIUI up-to-date|Enable debugging on USB and OEM-unlock|Turn off "Find My Device"|Backup all the data.|Charge the phone. ≥60%|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC-->

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing a TWRP or obtaining root rights. The process takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi’s policy, which requires waiting after linking an account to the device.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock (use version 5.5.224.30 or later). Install it on a Windows 10/11 PC (macOS/Linux will require a virtual machine).

Follow the instructions:

1. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone (Settings → Xiaomi Account). Use the same account as you used in the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
3. Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator, sign in to the same Mi Account.
4. The utility will offer to link the account to the device, after confirmation, a waiting message (usually 72 hours) will appear.
5. After the expiration date, reconnect, the Unlock button will become active. Press it and wait until it is completed (the phone will restart).

⚠️ If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", check the error:

• 🔄 Is the Mi Account on your phone and the Mi Unlock Tool matched.
• 📡 Internet connection stability (the utility checks Xiaomi servers).
• ⏳ Has enough time passed since the binding (sometimes the wait is extended to 168 hours).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the phone, try switching mode. USB-Connection to File Transfer (MTP) notice-curtain.

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is firmware. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This custom recovery will allow you to install ZIP-files (e.g. Magisk for root rights) and create backups of the system. 8T (codename willow, use the version TWRP 3.7.0 or newer.

Download the TWRP image from the official website: twrp.me (file with the extension.img). You will also need the tool fastboot (part of the Android SDK Platform-Tools). Unpack the archive in the root of the disk C:\platform-tools for convenience.

Installation instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (press Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the phone.
4. Switch the TWRP command (replace twrp.img to your file name): fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
5. Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume up (otherwise the system will overwrite the Recovery!).

In TWRP, first of all, make a backup of the Boot partition (in case of rollbacks).

• 📁 Go to Backup. → Select sections and mark Boot.
• 💾 Click Swipe for backup and save the backup to the memory card.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal root rights management tool that masks them from verification systems (e.g. SafetyNet).The latest stable version as of 2026 is Magisk v26.4. Download it from the official repository: GitHub Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).

Firmware via TWRP:

1. Downloaded ZIP-Copy the Magisk file to a memory card or internal phone memory.
2. In TWRP, select Install → Find Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to confirm.
3. After installation, restart to the system (Reboot → System).

Check the root rights using the Magisk Manager app (set automatically) or through the terminal:

su

If you request permission, the root is installed successfully. To check SafetyNet, open Magisk, click SafetyNet Check. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk → Modules if you make a mistake.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Google Pay or Sberbank Online) may block work on root-righted devices. To get around this, turn on Magisk:

• 🔄 MagiskHide (Hidden Root Rights for Selected Applications).
• 📱 Zygisk (advanced disguise, works with Android 12)+).

Yeah, on this phone.|Yeah, but on a different model.|No, it's my first experience.|I tried it, but it didn't work.-->

5. Solving common problems

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

If after receiving the root rights, the phone began to overheat or discharge quickly, check:

• 🔋 Background activity of root-access applications (e.g. Greenify or Battery Guru).
• 🔄 Excess modules in Magisk (remove unnecessary modules through Modules).
• 📉 Version of the kernel: some custom kernels conflict with MIUI. Go back to the drain through TWRP.

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If the root rights are installed, don't panic, and 90% of the time, it helps to run the stock MIUI through Fastboot and then repeat the procedure.

6. Alternative methods of obtaining root rights

If the standard method with Magisk is not suitable (for example, because of SafetyNet locking), consider alternatives:

Method 1: Patched Boot Image Image

Instead of Magisk firmware, you can patch boot.img manually via TWRP:

1. Download the stock firmware for the Redmi Note 8T from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove boot.img from the firmware archive.
3. Transfer it to your phone and patch it through Magisk (Install → Select and patch the file).
4. Squeeze the result. magisk_patched.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img

Method 2: LineageOS (Pixel Experience)

Some custom firmware (like LineageOS 20) already include root access, and installation requires:

• 📌 Unlocked loader.
• 🔄 Firmware through TWRP (pre-do Wipe → Format Data).
• 🔒 Separate firmware GApps (Google services).

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may contain bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC Check the forum reviews before installing. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

7.Security after obtaining root rights

Root access not only opens up opportunities, but also risks, and here's how to minimize them:

1. Control of root access applications

In Magisk, regularly check the list of applications that have been granted root rights (Super User → Logs). Remove access for suspicious or unnecessary programs.

• 🎮 Chetam for games (risk of account ban).
• 📱 Applications from unknown sources.
• 🔍 "Optimizers and accelerators (many of them contain malicious code).

Updating components

Update regularly:

• 🔄 Magisk (via Settings) → Update).
• 🛡️ Magisk modules (especially security related modules, such as SafetyNet Fix).
• 📱 Firmware MIUI (not through OTA — manually through TWRP, Otherwise you'll lose the rut!).

3.Backups.

With TWRP, backup critical partitions (Boot, System, Data) before any changes. Store copies on your PC or cloud. For automatic backups, use Swift Backup.

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To hide root rights from banking applications, activate Zygisk in Magisk and add the app to the DenyList list (formerly MagiskHide).

8.Returning Change: How to Bring Everything Back

If the root rights are no longer needed (for example, to sell a phone or restore a warranty), return the device to a stock state.

Step 1: Remove Magisk

In the Magisk app, select Delete → Complete Delete. The phone will reboot without root rights, but the TWRP and unlocked bootloader will remain.

Step 2: Firmware of stock MIUI

Download the official firmware for the Redmi Note 8T (for example, Fastboot firmware from Xiaomi website).

1. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
2. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the folder with the firmware.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and press Refresh.
4. Select Clean All and press Flash.

Step 3: Lock the bootloader (optional)

To return the warranty, block the bootloader with the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Note: After blocking the loader, install custom firmware or TWRP It will be impossible to unlock again (and wait 72 hours).

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If the phone doesn’t turn on after returning to stock firmware, flash it in EDL (Emergency Mode) mode using the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware file marked EDL.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi Note 8T