How to install root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a safe way to 2026

Why Root Rights on Redmi Note 8 Can Be Useful (and Dangerous)

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 opens up the hidden capabilities of Android, but turns the warranty into a fantique, and security into a lottery ticket. On the one hand, you can remove embedded MIUI applications, overclock the processor, install custom firmware or block ads at the system level. On the other hand, one wrong step, and the smartphone turns into a brick with a flashing red LED.

The peculiarity of Redmi Note 8 (codename ginkgo) is that Xiaomi actively blocks unofficial manipulation of firmware. Even unlocking a bootloader now requires waiting 720 hours (30 days) of a Mi Account being tied up — not a manufacturer's whim, but a protection against scammers refrigerating stolen phones. If you're willing to wait and take risks, read on. If not, consider alternatives like ADB-Partial rights teams without full rut.

Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

Before you go into the system files, make sure your Redmi Note 8 is ready for experimentation.

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 80% (process can take up to 2 hours).
• 📱 Backup of all data (unlocking will reset the phone to factory settings!).
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (Linux with fastboot support).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap often does not transfer data in fastboot mode).

Also check the MIUI version in settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version). Redmi Note 8 only fits firmware based on Android 9/10. If you have Android 11+, you will have to roll back - new versions of MIUI block many exploits for root.

⚠️ Note: If your phone is purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without a Chinese phone number to confirm your Mi Account (Global/EEA) lacking this limitation.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the longest stage, Xiaomi obliges users to link Mi accounts to their phones and wait 30 days before unlocking, which is not a rule to be avoided (attempts to reset time or use other accounts lead to locking the device).

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official Xiaomi website).
2. Turn on the developer mode on the phone (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings).
3. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
5. If you see a message saying "Waiting for 720 hours," wait.

After 30 days, repeat the process: the program will unlock the bootloader and the phone will automatically reset. Do not interrupt the procedure - this can lead to a "brick" (inoperable state).

Step 2: Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Standard MIUI recovers do not allow you to install unofficial firmware or patches for root, so after unlocking the bootloader, you need to flash TWRP, an alternative Recovery with advanced functions.

For Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo), TWRP 3.7.0 or later is appropriate. Download the file twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img and execute in the command line (from the folder from fastboot):

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img

If the TWRP doesn't start after the restart and the phone goes back to the standard backup, MIUI has overwritten it.

1. Download the anti-rollback patch.
2. Write it through fastboot:

fastboot flash anti anti_rollback.zip

⚠️ Attention: Some versions TWRP They may not see the internal memory of the phone. If that happens, connect the phone to the PC in mode. MTP straight TWRP Copy the required files manually.

Step 3: Install Magisk to get root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without violating the integrity of the system partition (which is important for the operation of banking applications and Google Pay). TWRP:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
2. Move the archive to the phone's memory.
3. In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

To check for root rights, install the Root Checker app from Play Market, and if it goes well, you will see a message saying “Root access properly installed!”

💡

If the phone is bootloop-centric after installing Magisk, try flashing Magisk again by formatting the /data partition into TWRP (but that will delete all the data!).

Problem Solving: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Even with the correct instructions, the Redmi Note 8 can bring surprises.

If the phone has turned into a “brick” (does not respond to buttons, does not load), try emergency firmware through the phone. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).

Alternatives to full rut: when not to risk

If you only need root rights to remove embedded apps or block ads, consider less risky ways to:

• 🧹 ADB AppControl – Removing system applications without root (requires adb and debugging by USB).
• 🛡️ Blokada – Blocking Advertising through VPN (no need for ruth).
• ⚡ Shizuku - Access to some of the API Android without a full root.

These methods do not give full control over the system, but solve 80% of the tasks for which users usually get root. For example, ADB AppControl allows you to remove Mi Browser, Mi Music and other unnecessary MIUI applications without risking losing the warranty.

💡

If your goal is to simply make room or remove ads, try alternatives to root. Full root rights are only needed for deep modification of the system (castom cores, firmware, etc.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi Note 8