How to Get Root Rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: A Complete Guide to Risks and Solutions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to the balance of performance and price. However, standard MIUI restrictions do not allow users to fully control the device: you can not remove system applications, change the processor frequency or install modified firmware. The solution is root rights, but this process requires caution: a mistake can turn the phone into a brick.

In this guide, we will discuss the current ways to unlock the bootloader and obtain root rights for the Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) on MIUI 12-14 and Android 9-11, including the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool and alternative solutions using Magisk and TWRP.

What are root rights and why do they need them on the Redmi Note 8?

Root rights (or “superuser rights”) give you complete control of the Android operating system, and you can use them to:

• 🧹 Remove built-in system applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps.
• ⚡ Change the parameters of the processor (CPU) and graphics accelerator (GPU) to improve productivity or save charge.
• 🔧 Install custom firmware (Custom) ROM), LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
• 📱 Block ads at the system level with AdAway or Blokada.
• 🔒 Modify system partition files, such as replacing fonts or animations.

However, along with the opportunities come the risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support unlocking the bootloader, and this voids warranty obligations.
• 🛡️ Security Vulnerability: Root-accessing Apps Can Gain Control of Your Data.
• 💥 Possibility of “bricking”: incorrect actions lead to a break in the firmware, and the phone stops turning on.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8 firmware MIUI 13/14 Android 11 The process of unlocking the bootloader has become more complicated. Xiaomi has introduced additional checks, and now you need to link the Mi Account to the device on the device. 7–30 days before unlocking.

Preparation for root rights: checklist and requirements

Before starting the process, make sure all the preconditions are met:

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Install Xiaomi USB Drivers on PC

Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version

Link your Mi Account to your phone and wait 7-30 days (for MIUI 13/14)

Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking in the developer settings-->

Pay special attention to backup. Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP/Magisk will result in a complete reset of the device.

• 📱 Mi Cloud for synchronizing contacts, notes and photos.
• 💾 Local copying on PC through MTP or ADB.
• 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root, but can be used after obtaining rights).

Also check the firmware version:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Remember the Android version (9, 10 or 11) and the build number (e.g., V12.5.3.0.RCOCNXM).
3. If you are using MIUI Global, switch to MIUI China (via the Mi Flash Tool) to make it easier to unlock.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step before obtaining root rights. Xiaomi officially allows this, but with restrictions.

1. Enabling the developer mode and linking the account

Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
3. Link your Mi Account to Settings → Mi Account → Sync.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 After the account is attached, you need to wait. 7–30 Check the lock status with the command: adb shell getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate If the answer is orange - bootloader is unlocked, if green - blocked.

2.Installation of Mi Unlock Tool and unlocking

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only).

1. Start the program on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
3. Connect the Redmi Note 8 in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume Down).
4. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 minutes).

If you have a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• 🔌 Cable USB (Use the original).
• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (Update to the Last).
• ⏳ Waiting period after account link (7-30 days).

Step 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP)

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to install a custom recovery — TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) — which will allow you to flash Magisk and other modifications.

1. Download the correct version of TWRP

For Redmi Note 8 (ginkgo), use informal builds as official support is terminated.

• 🔗 XDA Developers (proven builds).
• 🔗 Telegram channel with current versions.

Download a file with the.img extension (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img) And save it to a folder with fastboot.

2. TWRP firmware via fastboot

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute commands:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ginkgo.img

After that, the phone will boot into TWRP. Don't reboot it to the system! First you need to flash Magisk, otherwise the standard recovery will overwrite TWRP.

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If after the firmware TWRP phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, press Power + Volume increase for 10 seconds for a forced reboot in recovery.

Step 3: Install Magisk to get root rights

Magisk is a root rights management tool that allows you to hide them from applications (such as banking) and update the system without losing root access.

1. Download Magisk

Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository:

• 🔗 GitHub Magisk (select a file) Magisk-v26.4.zip).

Transfer the archive to your phone or flash drive (you can use ADB push):

adb push Magisk-v26.4.zip /sdcard/

2. Magisk firmware via TWRP

In TWRP, follow the following steps:

1. Click Install → select Magisk-v26.4.zip.
2. Swipe to confirm the firmware.
3. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download can take up to 10 minutes. Once enabled, install the Magisk Manager app from the same archive (or download from GitHub).

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If the phone doesn’t boot after Magisk firmware, repeat the process by pre-formatting the Data partition to TWRP (Wipe → Format Data → enter yes).

Solving problems after obtaining root rights

Even with the right actions, there can be mistakes, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If your phone has turned into a brick, try restoring it through a brick. EDL-Mode (Emergency Download Mode):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume + Volume Reduce for 10 seconds.
3. Connect to your PC and run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new devices).If you do not have access, contact the service center.

How to hide root from banking apps and games

Many applications (e.g. Sberbank Online, Google Pay, PUBG Mobile) block access when root rights are detected.

1. MagiskHide (built-in module)

In the Magisk Manager app:

1. Go to Settings → turn on MagiskHide.
2. In the MagiskHide section, mark the apps that need to hide root.
3. Reboot the phone.

Modules for circumvention of protection

Install additional modules through Magisk:

• 🔒 Universal SafetyNet Fix – for SafetyNet (Google Pay).
• 🎮 GameGuardian Hide – to bypass security in games.
• 🏦 BankApps Patch – for banking applications.

You can download the modules in the Magisk Modules repository.

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Before installing the module, check it is compatible with your version of Magisk and Android. Some modules can cause freezes!

Alternative ways to get root without unlocking the bootloader

If you can’t unlock the bootloader (for example, because you wait 30 days), you can try temporary root rights through vulnerabilities in the system, but these methods are less reliable and require updates.

1.Use of KingRoot or KingoRoot

Apps like KingRoot and KingoRoot promise root without unlocking, but:

• ✅ It doesn't work on all versions. MIUI.
• ❌ Install malware or advertising.
• ⚠️ Root is temporary and disappears after reboot.

2. Exploits through ADB (e.g. DirtyCow)

Some vulnerabilities (such as DirtyCow) allow you to root on older versions of Android.

• 🐄 DirtyCow (Android 9–10).
• 🔓 CVE-2020-0041 (only for some assemblies).

Example of a team for the DirtyCow exploit:

adb push dirtycow /data/local/tmp/


adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/dirtycow




adb shell /data/local/tmp/dirtycow

⚠️ Note: Exploits can disrupt the system or cause errors, only use them if other methods are not available.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Redmi Note 8