How to Enable Root Rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X: A Complete Guide to Security Guarantee

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (codenamed mido) is still one of the most popular smartphones for firmware and root rights experiments. Despite the launch of the model in 2017, its hardware platform (Qualcomm Snapdragon 625) and active community support make the device an ideal candidate for root access. However, the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk or SuperSU requires strict follow-the-instructions – a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a brick.

In this article, we will analyze three officially supported methods for obtaining root rights on the Redmi Note. 4X: loader-free + Magisk, using custom Recovery TWRP And you'll also learn how to check the success of the procedure, avoid common errors, and return the phone to its original state if something goes wrong. MIUI 12/13/14 Android 7–10 (including ported firmware such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root rights, you need to follow a number of mandatory steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account or even hardware damage to the device.

First, back up all the data. Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom TWRP will result in a full-scale reset of the phone. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive or local copying to your PC to save:

  • 📱 Contacts (export in.vcf format)
  • 📸 Photos and videos (especially from the folder) DCIM)
  • 💬 Messages (annexes of type) SMS Backup & Restore)
  • 🎮 Game saving (via Helium or manual transfer)

Second, check the MIUI version and bootloader. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version several times until you get the message You're a developer!. Then go back to the main settings menu, open Additional → Developers, and find the bootloader status bar. If it says Locked, you'll have to unlock it (on that in the next section).

Make a data backup|Check the version. MIUI Android|Enable the developer mode|Connect your Mi Account to your device|Charge your phone at least 60%|Install. ADB-PC-driver-->

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 4X: the official method from Xiaomi

Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader legally, but with a number of restrictions, the main one is the binding of the Mi Account to the device. If you do not do this in advance, after unlocking the phone will require you to enter a login / password, which may not work due to server restrictions.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Link your Mi Account: go to Settings → Mi Account and log in. Make sure that in the Cloud → Find the device, the phone appears as connected.
  2. Download Mi Unlock Tool: the official utility is available on the Xiaomi website (choose the version for Windows).
  3. Run the utility in administrator mode and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will automatically perform factory reset. If the utility gives you a Couldn't unlock or Wait 360 hours error, then your Mi Account is not tied to the device for long enough (minimum period is 7 days of active use).

What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool is 86012 error?
Error 86012 means that Xiaomi’s server has temporarily blocked unlocking for your account. Solutions: 1. Wait 30 days and try again (the lock time can be reduced to 72 hours). 2. Try using another Mi Account that is tied to the device for more than 7 days. 3. In extreme cases, use informal unlock methods (but this is risky!).

Installation of TWRP and Magisk: step-by-step guide

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start installing the custom TWRP and Magisk (the recommended method for obtaining root rights). It is important to use the correct version of TWRP for the Redmi Note 4X (mido), otherwise you risk getting a bootloop ( looped boot).

Download the necessary files:

  • 🔗 Official TWRP for mido (select version 3.6.0 or later)
  • 🔗 The latest version of Magisk (.zip format)
  • 🔗 ADB and Fastboot tools (for the Windows/Linux/macOS)

Follow the instructions:

  1. Move the files: Place the files twrp-3.6.0_mido.img To the folder with the platform-tools. Magisk-v26.4.zip internal memory of the phone (not in the folder!).

Fastboot

Open the command line.

platform-tools

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.0_mido.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.6.0_mido.img

TWRP.

Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe for confirmation

Reboot.

Reboot → System

⚠️ Note: If after installing Magisk phone is stuck on the logo MI, So you're using an incompatible version. TWRP Or firmware:

  1. Press Volume Up + Power to log back into TWRP.
  2. Remove /data/adb/magisk.db (via File Manager in TWRP).
  3. Refresh the Magisk.

Official unlock + Magisk|TWRP + custom firmware | Alternative methods (without unlocking) | Not yet decided-->

Root rights verification and problem solving

After the reboot, you need to make sure that the root rights are successfully activated.

  1. Install the Root Checker app from Play Market.
  2. Run it and press Verify Root.
  3. If you receive a message Congratulations! Root access is properly installed... then everything went well.

One of the working ways is to use the DirtyCOW exploit (for Android 7.0):

  1. Download a special APK (for example, KingRoot or TowelRoot).
  2. Install it by pre-allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security).
  3. Launch the application and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: This root will be temporary and disappear after the reboot.In addition, many banking applications and games (for example, for example, the game will be used in the future, Pokémon GO) They'll find that root and block access.

How to return the phone to its original state

If you need to remove root rights (for example, for warranty repairs or phone sales), follow the following steps:

  1. Delete Magisk: Open Magisk Manager. Click Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.

boot.img

fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img

(file stock_boot.img You can get it from the official firmware for your model).

Lock the loader.

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ This will result in a complete data dump!

After that, the phone will return to stock firmware without any root rights. However, note that some applications (such as Netflix or Google Pay) can store information about previous rooting in their services, in which case only a complete flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

💡

Even after deleting Magisk, some system files can retain traces of modifications. For complete "purity", it is recommended to flash the phone with official firmware through Fastboot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I get a root on the Redmi Note 4X without a computer?
Theoretically, yes, but with serious limitations. APK-Apps like KingRoot or Framaroot that can give a temporary root on older versions MIUI (for example, MIUI 8/9). However, MIUI 10+ The root will be incomplete (many system files will remain unavailable), and the risk of infection with viruses (many root-A) is high.PK" For full root access, you need a PC to unlock the bootloader and install Magisk.
Why doesn't the NFC or camera work after the root?
This is a typical problem when using incompatible Magisk modules or the wrong version of TWRP. Solutions: Remove all installed modules in Magisk Manager (Modules section). Re-flash TWRP to version 3.6.0 (newer ones can break the vendor). If the problem remains, restore stock vendor.img via fastboot. For Redmi Note 4X, it is critical to use the original vendor from your firmware. You can download it from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
How to avoid this MIUI version can't be installed on this device?
This error occurs when you try to install custom firmware through TWRP if: You are trying to flash MIUI for another model (for example, for the Redmi Note 4 Global instead of the Note 4X). The MIUI version is lower than the current one (downgrade without anti-rollback protection). The firmware file is damaged. Solutions: Check the phone model in Settings → About Phone (should be mido). Download the firmware from an official source (for example, archive for mido). If you need a downgrade, disable anti-rollback through fastboot (risky!).
Will Google Pay work after the root?
No, Google Pay (like other payment systems like Samsung Pay or Apple Pay) blocks work on rooted devices due to security requirements. However, there are workarounds: Activate MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the list of hidden apps. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk. check SafetyNet status in the app YASNAC (If Google Pay still doesn't work, try: Clear app data Settings → Annexes → Google Pay → Warehouse → Clear the data. Delete and re-add the bank card.
Can I upgrade MIUI after I get a root license?
Yes, but only manually! Automatically update via Settings → The system update will result in the loss of root rights, as MIUI re-write boot.img. To upgrade without losing root: Download the full service pack (.zip) from Xiaomi's official website. Copy it to your phone. TWRP Choose Install → Select the update file → Swipe to install. After updating, re-sweep Magisk (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip). ⚠️ If the update contains a new boot.img, The root rights will fly, and then you'll have to repeat the Magisk installation process.