Xiaomi Redmi 7A is still a popular budget smartphone, but its capabilities are limited by standard MIUI firmware. Getting root permissions gives you access to fine-tuning the system, removing embedded software and installing custom firmware. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn a phone into a βbrick.β This guide includes proven methods for unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP and Magisk, as well as parsing typical errors specific to the Redmi 7A (codename pine).
Itβs important to understand that on the Redmi 7A with a Snapdragon 439 processor and MIUI 14+, the standard method of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool may not work due to changes in Xiaomi policy. Weβll look at workarounds, including the use of fastboot and alternative tools. The guide is relevant for Android 9/10/11 firmware (depending on the regional version of the device).
What is the root of the Xiaomi Redmi 7A and what are the risks?
Root rights to the Redmi 7A allow:
- π Remove system applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music and GetApps, which can not be disabled by standard means.
- π§ Modify system files: modify build.prop to trick apps (e.g., to make Netflix work in the system) HD), customize init.d scripts.
- π± Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or kernels to improve performance and autonomy.
- π Use apps like AdAway for system ad blocking or Greenify for deep battery optimization.
But there's a downside.
- β οΈ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support unlocking the bootloader, and any firmware manipulations void warranty obligations.
- π‘οΈ Security vulnerabilities: Root opens access to system files for all applications, which increases the risk of malware infection.
- π Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root, automatic updates MIUI They can break the system. You'll have to install the firmware manually.
β οΈ Attention: On Redmi 7A s MIUI 12.5+ Unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool requires you to link your Xiaomi account to the device and wait 7-15 days. If you bought a used phone, the previous owner must remove the device from your i.mi.com account.
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start unlocking, follow the mandatory steps:
Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)
Charge your phone at least 70%
Make sure that the ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed on the PC
Download the official firmware for your version of MIUI
Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool)
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First, check the MIUI and Android version: Settings β About Phone β MIUI version. The following combinations are relevant for the Redmi 7A:
| MIUI version | Android | Firmware code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 | 9.0 Pie | V10.2.3.0.PCMIXM | The most stable for the rut |
| MIUI 11 | 10.0 Q | V11.0.8.0.QCMIXM | Requires a patch for Magisk |
| MIUI 12.5 | 11.0 R | V12.5.1.0.RCMMIXM | We need to roll back on MIUI 11. |
| MIUI 13/14 | 11.0 R | V13.0.4.0.SCMMIXM | Difficulty unlocking |
If you have a MIUI 12.5 or newer, it is recommended to roll back to MIUI 11 via the Mi Flash Tool.
- Download the archive with the firmware V11.0.8.0.QCMIXM from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
- Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
- Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect your phone in fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and select the Clean all option.
β οΈ Note: If you roll back on the old firmware, all data will be dropped, including photos in internal memory. Use Google Photos or a physical drive to back up.
Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 7A: official and alternative methods
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, so the first step is to unlock it. The official way works through the Mi Unlock Tool, but since 2022 Xiaomi has tightened the requirements.
The official method (via Mi Unlock Tool)
Download Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30)
- Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and activate: π Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on new versions. MIUI). π Debugging by USB.
Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
Mi Unlock Tool
fastboot
Loudness down + Nutrition
Unlock
Alternative method (via fastboot)
If the official tool doesnβt work, use the fastboot oem unlock command:
- Download Googleβs Platform Tools and unpack the C:\platform-tools drive root.
- Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM β Open the PowerShell window here).
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Enter the unlock command: fastboot oem unlock-go On some versions of MIUI, fastboot flashing unlock can work.
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If the fastboot oem unlock-go command doesnβt work, try first to run fastboot oem unlock, then confirm unlock on your phone (if you see a request).
Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi 7A
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required to install Magisk and create backups. For Redmi 7A, use a special build from the developer yrs:heart, as the official version may not support data encryption.
Installation instructions:
- Download the current one. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pine.img s XDA Developers.
- Place the file in the platform-tools folder.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pine.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pine.img
- The phone will reboot to TWRP. Don't reboot to the system! First you need to flash Magisk or Disable Force Encryption, or stock recovery will reboot TWRP.
β οΈ Attention: MIUI 12.5+ post-installation TWRP may need to be sewn disable_forceencrypt.zip, To avoid hanging on the Xiaomi logo, the file can be found on the XDA.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Install Magisk and obtain root rights
Magisk is a modern root tool that masks changes from apps (like Google Pay or banking services).Redmi 7A is suitable for Magisk 26.1+.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of Magisk-v26.1.zip from GitHub.
- Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
- In TWRP, select Install, search for Magisk-v26.1.zip, and swipe for installation.
- After completion, press Reboot System.
- Install Magisk Manager from the repository (app-release.apk file).
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If the phone is stuck on the logo after installing Magisk, reboot to TWRP and swipe Magisk-uninstaller.zip. Then re-install, but pre-disable the "Preserve force encryption" option in TWRP.
Typical errors and their solutions
When getting rooted on Redmi 7A, users often face specific problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn't unlock the Mi Unlock Tool | The account is not tied to the device or has not passed 7 days | Wait for the specified time or use an alternative unlock method via fastboot oem unlock-go |
| The phone does not turn on after TWRP firmware | Stock recovery re-raised TWRP | Repeat TWRP installation, then immediately run Magisk without restarting. |
| Invalid ZIP file in TWRP | A damaged archive or incompatible version of Magisk | Download the archive again, check the checksum (MD5) |
| Banking applications are not working | Magisk doesn't hide root from SafetyNet | Enable MagiskHide in the settings and add apps to the list |
| No network after firmware | IMEI or baseband module damaged | Scroll persist.img from the official firmware via fastboot flash persist.img |
If after all the manipulations the phone does not turn on or hung on fastboot, try:
- Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean all and lock option).
- Use it. EDL-Download emergency mode with Xiaomi Authorized Account box (requires an authorized account).
π‘
If Google services stop working after getting root, install the Magisk module called Universal SafetyNet Fix and restart the phone.
What to do after getting root?
Now that you have root rights, set up the system to work smoothly:
- π Create a backup: In TWRP Select Backup and save Boot, System, Data partitions to SD-map.
- π§Ή Remove Bloatware: Use Titanium Backup or SD Maid to remove system applications. Be careful - removing critical services (com.android.phone) will lead to system failure.
- π‘οΈ Set up SafetyNet: In Magisk, activate MagiskHide and add apps that shouldnβt see root (banks, PokΓ©mon GO).
- β‘ Optimize the battery: Install the Battery Charge Limit module to limit charge to 80% and extend battery life.
To improve productivity, we recommend:
- Switch the Perseus Kernel (available on XDA)
- Use the Tuner CPU to adjust the CPU frequencies (caution: incorrect settings can cause overheating).
- Install ViPER4Android to improve sound (requires additional Magisk modules).
β οΈ Attention: On Redmi 7A s MIUI 14+ Some Magisk modules may conflict with the system. XDA Developers.