How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is still a popular smartphone among Android modding enthusiasts, despite the release of newer models. Getting root permissions opens up access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove embedded MIUI applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process of obtaining root rights on this device has nuances related to Xiaomi’s policy of blocking the bootloader and the features of the hardware platform.

In this article you will find the instructions that are relevant for 2026, taking into account all changes in the procedure for unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk. We will examine formal and informal methods, assess risks (including loss of warranty and possible device shredding), and offer root alternatives for those who are not willing to take drastic measures. 8T (codename willow, as instructions for other Xiaomi devices may not be appropriate.

What is the root of the Redmi Note 8T and should you get it?

Before you start the procedure, it is important to understand why root rights on the Redmi Note 8T are needed at all and what real benefits they provide:

• 🔧 Removing System Applications: Ability to Get Rid of Unnecessary MIUI-Bloata (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video) that takes up space and consumes resources.
• ⚡ Performance Optimization: Using Magisk modules to fine-tune the kernel, control CPU/GPU, Increased Autonomous Work Time.
• 📱 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other AOSP-Firmware for pure Android without shell MIUI.
• 🔒 Advanced security features: System-level Ad-Blocking (AdAway), changing hosts, partition encryption.
• 🎮 Game cheats and modifications: Working with GameGuardian, Lucky Patcher (but be aware of the risks of ban in games!).

However, root rights have serious disadvantages, which are often ignored:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi doesn’t officially support unlocking the bootloader, and it automatically voids the warranty.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Root opens access to system files for all applications, which increases the risk of malware infection.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root, automatic updates MIUI stop working.
• 💥 Risk of “brick”: Wrong actions can turn a smartphone into a “brick” (inoperable device).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8T firmware MIUI 13/14 And the new process of unlocking the bootloader is complicated. Xiaomi has introduced mandatory binding of the account to the device and increased the waiting time for unlocking to the device. 720 hours (30 If your Mi Account was created less than a month ago, unlocking will not be available.

Preparing for root: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root, you need to follow several critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss or the inability to restore the device.

First, back up all the data. Unlock the bootloader and TWRP firmware erase the device's internal memory. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📷 Photo and video (copy on PC or external drive)
• 📄 Documents and files from the Download folder
• 🎮 Game savers (use Swift Backup or analogues)

Second, check the firmware version and the device model. Go to Settings → About the phone. Make sure that:

• Model: Redmi Note 8T (M1908C3XG)
• Codename: willow (this is important for choosing the right TWRP)
• MIUI version: not newer than 14.0.4 (newer versions may have unlock issues)

Also prepare a PC with:

• 🖥️ Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• 🔌 USB-cable (original, without damage)
• 📥 Installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (Download Platform Tools from Google)
• 🔐 Unblocked Mi Account (at least 30 days linked to your device)

Data backup created|Verified model and firmware version|Installed ADB/Fastboot driver|Mi's account is older 30 days|Battery charged. ≥70%-->

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 8T: the official way

Xiaomi provides the official tool to unlock the bootloader, the Mi Unlock Tool. However, the process has become much more complicated than before, now requiring an account to be linked to the device and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) for new accounts.

1. Activate Factory Unlock: Go to Settings → About Phone, Tap 7 times on MIUI to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on: Debugging on USB OEM Unlock (important item!)

Connect the device to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Link your Mi Account to your device

In the same Developer Menu, look for Mi Unblock Status and link your account. If your account is new (less than 30 days), you will see a countdown timer.

Download the Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility can be downloaded here (select the latest version, at the time of writing - v6.5.224.24). Install it on your PC.

Launch unlock.

Turn off your phone, press Power + Vol Down to log into Fastboot. Connect to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and log in to your Mi Account.

If your account is older than 30 days, you will unblock immediately, otherwise you will see a waiting message (for example, 720 hours left).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing TWRP and Magisk.

⚠️ Warning: If you see an error when unlocking "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", it means that the account is not tied to the device. → Accounts. → Mi, reboot and re-attach.

Less than a month.|1-6 months|More 6 months|I remember.-->

Installation of TWRP Recovery on Redmi Note 8T

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recaverie required to install Magisk and obtain root rights. For the Redmi Note 8T (willow), there is an informal build of TWRP, as official support has been terminated.

1. Download the correct version TWRP: We recommend using the build from the developer yrs (proven version: twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow-mauronofrio.img). You can download it. XDA Developers or Telegram Channel.
2. Install. TWRP via fastboot: Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power) mode + Vol Down, connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow-mauronofrio.img Then, immediately do: fastboot boot. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-willow-mauronofrio.img It'll load the phone into TWRP without re-recording stock Recovery (otherwise) MIUI Restore it at the first loading).
3. Turn off the recovery check in MIUI: In TWRP, go to Mount → System, then in the TWRP terminal, run: echo "setprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate green" > /data/local.prop This will turn off automatic stock Recovery recovery.

If after installing TWRP, the phone loads into the stock recavator, then you missed the step from local.prop.

💡

If TWRP requests a password and you didn't set it, it means that the Data partition is encrypted. To get around this, in TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).

Install Magisk and obtain root rights

After successfully installing TWRP, the final step is to flash Magisk, which provides root access without changing the systemless root, which is important for the passage of SafetyNet and the operation of banking applications.

1. Download the latest version of Magisk: We recommend using Magisk v26.4 or later. Download on GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
2. Fly Magisk via TWRP: In TWRP, select Install, find the downloaded Magisk.zip, and confirm the firmware. Once complete, press Reboot System.
3. Check root access: Once you boot, install Root Checker from Google Play and run the check. Magisk Manager will also appear in the app menu.

These methods are less risky, but their capabilities are limited compared to full root.

💡

If your goal is simply to remove the browser or change the appearance of the system, try alternative methods first without unlocking the bootloader. Root is only needed for deep changes, such as custom kernel firmware or system files modification.

Frequent problems and solutions after rooting

Even if you successfully root, there may be unexpected problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

If you have to root the phone and stop loading (bootloop or breek), don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored:

1. Download the Redmi Note 8T (willow) firmware from MIUI Download.
2. Unpack the archive and run through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. If the phone is not identified by the PC, use EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer a phone after you get root, make sure to put it back in stock:

1. In Magisk Manager, select Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
2. Swipe the stock recap through fastboot.
3. Perform a full reset to Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset.

FAQ: answers to frequent root questions on Redmi Note 8T