Getting root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones gives you access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing root comes with risks, from loss of warranty to the deviceβs βbrickβ. In this guide, we will discuss three officially supported methods (via Mi Unlock Tool, Fastboot and TWRP), as well as alternative solutions for models with a locked bootloader.
Itβs important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened security policies after 2020. On new devices (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), unlocking the bootloader requires binding the Mi Account to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days). Older models (Redmi Note 8/9/10) unlock faster, but even there are nuances. We will discuss in detail at each stage β from preparation to root health check.
Why Xiaomi is blocking root rights and what it means for users
Xiaomi initially blocks the bootloader on all Redmi Note devices for two reasons:
- π Data security: A blocked bootloader protects against system-level malware installation (such as spyware or viruses masquerading as updates).
- π± License compliance: Many pre-installed services (e.g. Google Play Services or Widevine) DRM Netflix requires you to verify the integrity of the system.
- π‘οΈ Warranty obligations: Any firmware change will automatically void the warranty β even if the problem is not software related.
On the other hand, root gives Redmi Note users features that arenβt out of the box:
- β‘ Removing system applications (com.miui.analytics, com.xiaomi.midrop and others that eat resources).
- π§ Core tuning CPU/GPU Increased productivity or battery savings.
- π± Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) with pure Android.
- π Bypassing regional restrictions (e.g. unlocking bands) 5G model-on).
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ And HyperOS (2026) unlocking the bootloader resets the encryption. All files on the internal memory will be deleted - be sure to back up to your PC or cloud!
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, you need to perform a number of actions to minimize the risks, and skipping at least one point can lead to data loss or inability to restore the phone to work.
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone to 80% or higher
Make sure that the ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed on the PC
Disable antivirus and firewall (they can block Mi Unlock Tool)
Link the Mi Account to the device (Settings) β Xiaomi account)-->
Letβs take a closer look at each step:
- Backup: Use the settings β The phone. β Backup or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy on PC via adb backup: πΈ Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM/.thumbnails). π Contacts and call log (export to) VCF). π¬ Communications SMS/MMS (apps SMS Backup & Restore).
Battery charge
hard brick
ADB/Fastboot Drivers
Platform Tools
Redmi Note
Mi Flash Tool
| Redmi Note model | MIUI/HyperOS version | Required version of Mi Unlock Tool | Waiting time to unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8/9/10 | MIUI 12-14 | 5.5.224.30+ | 72-168 hours |
| Redmi Note 11/11 Pro | MIUI 13βHyperOS 1.0 | 6.5.406.24+ | 168-720 hours |
| Redmi Note 12/12 Pro+ | HyperOS 1.0+ | 7.0.801.5+ | 720 hours (30 days) |
Linking your Mi Account is a critical step. Without it, Xiaomi won't allow unlocking. Go to Settings β Xiaomi Account β Sync and make sure the device is tied. Also check what's in Settings β Additional β Developer included:
- USB debugging
- Unlock OEM (on some models this item is hidden β see spoiler below).
What to do if there is no βOEM Unlockβ item?
Method 1: Official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool (for all models)
This is the most reliable method approved by Xiaomi, but also the longest, suitable for all Redmi Note devices, including new models on HyperOS. The main drawback is the mandatory wait (3 to 30 days).
Step-by-step:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version should match your model - see the table above).
- Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool with the same Mi Account as your phone. If the accounts don't match, unlocking won't be possible.
- Turn your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device. Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect your phone to your PC
Press "Unlock"
After the waiting period has expired:
- Repeat steps 3-5. This time, unlocking will be successful (it will take ~10 seconds).
- The phone will automatically reboot with the bootloader unlocked. You can now install TWRP and Magisk.
β οΈ Attention: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G HyperOS may lose Widevine support after unlocking L1 (Netflix HD It's incorrigible without flashing it on the runoff!
1. Use another. USB-cable (preferably original).
2. to run the program on behalf of the administrator.
3. Disable driver signature verification in Windows (via bcdedit) /set nointegritychecks on).-->
Method 2: Install TWRP and Magisk (for power users)
If the bootloader is already unlocked, you can start installing a custom recavator (TWRP) and root rights manager (Magisk), which gives you more control, but requires care.
What you need:
- π± Unlocked loader (see Method 1).
- π» PC with installation ADB and Fastboot.
- π Files: Official TWRP for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img For the Redmi Note 10 The latest version of Magisk (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip).
Instructions:
- Installation TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img After the second command, the phone will be loaded into TWRP.
- Magisk firmware: In TWRP, click Install β select downloaded Magisk-v26.4.zip. Swipe for confirmation. After installation, click Reboot System.
Root check
Root Checker
On the Redmi Note. 11 Pro+ 5G (veux) TWRP It might not work with encryption, and in that case, you need to format Magisk before you run the firmware. /data into TWRP (Settings β Format data β enter").
π‘
If the phone is stuck with the MI logo after installing Magisk, then the firmware is incompatible with your version of MIUI/HyperOS. Solution: run the stock boot.img through Fastboot, then repeat the process with another version of Magisk.
Method 3: Alternative methods for devices with locked bootloader
If you don't want to wait 30 days, or Xiaomi refuses to unlock the bootloader (for example, on corporate devices), you can use workarounds. They are less reliable, but sometimes work.
Option 1: DirtyCOW exploit (for older models on MIUI 10-12)
- π οΈ It works on the Redmi Note. 8/9 firmware MIUI 12.5.3.
- π Tool: DirtyCOW for Xiaomi.
- β οΈ Risk: High chance of soft brick (device is powered on but not booted).
Option 2: EDL-The mode (for advanced users)
- π§ Requires a special cable (EDL cable) or contact rations on the board.
- π± Suitable for Redmi Note 10/11 loader-damaged.
- π» Mi Flash Tool is used in mode flash_all_lock.bat (But it'll dump all the data!).
Option 3: Temporary root via ADB
If you need root for a short time (for example, to remove system applications), you can use:
adb shell
su -c "pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics"This method does not provide permanent root, but allows you to execute commands on behalf of the superuser before rebooting.
How to check that root rights are working correctly
Successful root installation is only half the battle.
- Magisk Manager shows the "Installed" status and version.
- SafetyNet is being checked (important for banking applications).
- System changes are applied (e.g., removing the Bloatware).
To verify:
- Install Magisk Manager (download APK from GitHub).
- Start Root Checker and the message βRoot access properly installedβ should appear.
- Check SafetyNet: adb shell su -c "magisk --check-safetynet" If the result of ctsProfile: true - all right.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Root is there, but SafetyNet doesn't pass | Installed incompatible module Magisk | Disable all modules in Magisk Manager |
| The phone does not boot after TWRP firmware | The Incompatible Version of Recaveri | Swipe stock Recovery through Fastboot |
| Banking applications are not working | Found root (even with Magisk Hide) | Use Island or Shelter for isolation |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users have trouble getting rooted on the Xiaomi Redmi Note, and here are the most common errors and solutions:
- π« "Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see device": Check that the phone is in Fastboot mode (a screen with a rabbit and a Fastboot label). Update the drivers via Mi Flash Tool. Try another one USB-port USB 2.0).
- β³ "Waiting to unlock is not reduced": Make sure that Mi Account is tied to the device for at least 7 days. Check that the phone is synced to Mi Cloud. Sometimes changing the account region to "China" in the settings helps.
- π "After the firmware TWRP phone looped": "Most likely incompatible version of recaveri. boot.img: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot
β οΈ Warning: On the Redmi Note 12 with HyperOS, installing the wrong version of Magisk could cause a loss IMEI (The serial number of the communication module can only be restored through Qualcomm. QPST service-centre.
π‘
If NFC or Wi-Fi stopped working after receiving root, the vendor module was damaged. Solution: run the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode (but this will delete all data!).