How to enable root access on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) is a task that requires care and understanding of risks. This smartphone, released in 2019, is still popular thanks to the powerful MediaTek Helio G90T processor and 64-MP camera, but its potential is fully revealed with only administrative rights. However, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery is an irreversible process that deprives warranties and can lead to a “brick” of the device if errors occur.

In this article, we’ll break down the current ways to get root on the Redmi Note 8 Pro in 2026, given the changes in Xiaomi’s policy (including the mandatory binding of Mi Account and the 7-day wait for unlocking). Particular attention will be paid to root alternatives that can solve your problem without risks - from the inclusion of debugging to the root. USB beforehand ADB-commands for deep system tuning.

We warn you right away that the procedure is only suitable for power users. If you have never worked with fastboot, do not know what TWRP is, or are not ready for possible data loss, it is better to stop at this paragraph. For the rest of us, the following is a step-by-step algorithm with all the pitfalls, including the “This device is locked” error and working with MIUI 14.

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

The first and most important step is data backup: unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi erases all user files, including photos, contacts and installed applications. Use Mi Cloud or third-party solutions like Titanium Backup (requires root, but you can backup on another device).

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 60 percent. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and a sudden power outage will interrupt it.
• 🔗 Cable USB — Use an original or certified Type-C cable. Cheap analogues can cause errors when transferring data in fastboot mode.
• 💻 Computer - Windows 10/11 or Linux (macOS may have problems with MediaTek drivers.

Be sure to install drivers for MediaTek (even if you already have ADB drivers). For Redmi Note 8 Pro, the platform-tools package from Google (unpack into the root of the C:\ drive) and MediaTek Driver Auto Installer will suit.

⚠️ Note: If you previously blocked the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, re-unlocking can take up to 30 days to wait. Xiaomi extends time for devices with frequent manipulation.

2. Unlock the bootloader: bypassing the restrictions of Xiaomi

Xiaomi has made it harder to unlock the latest versions of MIUI.

1. Link the device to your Mi Account (required to have a confirmed phone number).
2. Enable OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version – Tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers.
3. Wait 7 days after the account is linked (even if the device has already been unlocked).

After these conditions have been met:

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator, log in to your Mi Account.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Vol−).
4. Press Unlock in the program. If the error "Couldn't unlock", try again in 24 hours.

Important: Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 14.0.3+ firmware may require additional confirmation via SMS even after 7 days of waiting. If the utility produces error code 86012, try:

• 📱 Change your account region to India (in Mi Account settings).
• 🌐 Use it. VPN China and India with Mi Unlock Tool.
• ⏳ Wait a while. 3-5 Days (sometimes extended to days) 14 days).

3. TWRP installation: custom Recovery for root

After unlocking the loader, you need to install a custom Recovery (TWRP), Because the standard one doesn't allow you to flash Magisk to get root. 8 Pro current version — TWRP 3.7.0_9-0 mauronofrio.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-begonia.img and rename it in recovery.img.
2. Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where fastboot.exe is located).
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img
4. Immediately after the firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Vol+ (otherwise the system will overwrite the Recovery).

TWRP requires:

• 🔐 Backup of the boot section (in case of errors).
• 📁 Format Data (if reset is required).
• 🚫 Do not touch modem, efs or persist partitions – damage to them leads to loss IMEI!

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 TWRP It can't see the internal memory. It's the solution to flash. disable_forceencrypt.zip (jump on XDA) immediately after installation of the recavery.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a versatile root tool that doesn’t break SafetyNet (which is needed for banking applications), and the latest stable version as of 2026 is Magisk v26.4.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Magisk-v26.4.zip (not.apk!).
2. Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
3. Download to TWRP (Power + Vol+).
4. Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
5. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root:

• 📱 Install Magisk Manager (download only from the official repository).
• 🔍 Launch Root Checker from Google Play.
• 🛠️ Try to remove the system application through ADB: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics

If root doesn't work,

• 🔄 You can check out Magisk through TWRP again.
• 📥 Check the integrity of the file boot.img (You can get out of the firmware with the help of MTK Droid Tools).
• 🔧 Install MagiskHide Props Config to bypass SafetyNet.

💡

If the phone is stuck with the logo after installing Magisk, run the original boot.img through fastboot, and then repeat the procedure with the Android Verified Boot (AVB) turned off.

5 Risks and how to minimize them

Root access opens up opportunities, but also creates vulnerabilities:

To reduce the risks:

• 🔒 Do not remove system applications without a backup (especially com.qualcomm.qti.telephonyservice – responsible for communication).
• 🛡️ Install XPrivacyLua to control application permissions.
• 🔄 Update Magisk and modules regularly through Magisk Manager.

⚠️ Watch: Redmi Note 8 Pro with MediaTek Helio G90T recover IMEI It's a standard method (unlike Snapdragon) if you lose it. IMEI — The phone will be a “call caller” without a mobile network.

6. Root Alternatives: What You Can Do Without Unblocking

You don’t always need root to customize the Redmi Note 8 Pro to suit you.

Through ADB (no root):

• 📵 Turn off the adverts in MIUI: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.systemAdSolution
• 🔕 Remove preinstalled applications: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop
• 🎵 Activate Dolby Atmos: Download the module ViPER4Android (rootless MIUI 12+).

Through the developer settings:

• ⚡ Speed up animation: turn on debugging by USB, Adb shell settings put global settings window_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global transition_animation_scale 0.5 adb shell settings put global animator_duration_scale 0.5
• 📶 Force it. 4G: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network Select Only LTE.

Third-party annexes:

• 📁 File Manager with access to the root: FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (partial access via the ADB).
• 🔧 Setting up CPU: Kernel Adiutor (works without root on some cores).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems.

Error: "This device is locked" in fastboot

• 🔹 Make sure that the Mi Unlock Tool displays the status "Unlocked".
• 🔹 Refuse the stock recaps through fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img, Then re-open the lock.
• 🔹 Use it. MTK Bypass Tool for bypassing lock (only for power users!).

Error: "Invalid IMEI" after firmware

• 🔹 Check if the nvram partition is damaged (use this). MTK Engineering Mode for Recovery).
• 🔹 Stitch the original modem.img stock-stack.
• 🔹 Contact the Service Center – Self-Recovery IMEI MediaTek often results in total network loss.

Error: "Magisk not installed" after rebooting

• 🔹 Install Magisk in both slots (Slot A and Slot B) via TWRP.
• 🔹 Turn it off. AVB 2.0 (plough vbmeta.img flag-headed --disable-verity).
• 🔹 Check if the settings have reset after the update MIUI (Sometimes you need to re-install Magisk).

💡

If you have to root the phone to stop loading, try booting into fastboot (Power + Vol−) and flashing the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which restores performance in 90% of cases.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions