Root on Xiaomi Redmi 4: unlock, TWRP and Magisk in 2026.

Getting the root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada) in 2026 remains a challenge for enthusiasts, despite the age of the device. This smartphone, released in 2016, is still used thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, the process of obtaining the root has changed significantly: official unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool now requires a wait of 720 hours (30 days), and older versions of utilities and firmware may contain vulnerabilities.

Today we’re going to look at three current ways to get root on Redmi 4: through official bootloader unlocking. + Magisk, bypassing the waiting by EDL-It is important to understand that each of these methods has its own risks of turning the device into a brick if you do not do the right thing, especially on modern versions. MIUI. Therefore, before starting, we recommend you to carefully study all the steps and prepare backup copies of data.

In this article you will find:

• 🔓 Step-by-step instructions for unlocking the Xiaomi Redmi 4 bootloader in 2026 (taking into account new restrictions)
• 📱 Current versions TWRP and Magisk for prada (links to verified sources)
• ⚠️ List of critical mistakes that will turn your smartphone into a brick and how to avoid them
• 🔄 Methods of System Recovery after Failed Firmware or Root
• ⚡ Alternative ways to get root without official unlocking (for advanced users)

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and getting root, you need to follow a number of mandatory steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, system failure or even hardware damage to the device.

First, check the model and firmware version of your Redmi 4. → About the phone, in the "Version" section. MIUI» The current firmware must be specified and the “Device Model” must be Redmi 4 (or Redmi). 4X, Please note that the instructions in this article are only suitable for the prada (Redmi 4 standard version). 4X process will be different!

Next, create a complete backup of all the data. Use this:

• 📲 Built-in function MIUI: Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup
• 🖥️ Mi programme PC Suite (official utility from Xiaomi for backup on PC)
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) – but note that after unlocking the bootloader, all data from the device will be erased!

Also charge the battery at least 70% and prepare the following tools:

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China or has regional firmware (e.g., a local firmware, MIUI China Stable, before unlocking the bootloader, be sure to flash the global version MIUI Otherwise, the Mi Unlock Tool may not recognize the device or lock it during the verification phase.

Unlock the bootloader: the official method (720 hours of waiting)

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its bootloader unlock policy, requiring even older devices like Redmi 4 to wait 30 days after an account is tied, a step that cannot be missed or accelerated by legal means.

Official unblocking instructions:

1. Link Xiaomi account to device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and log in. 🔗 Make sure your phone number is linked to your account (without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow unlocking). 🔒 Enable Developer Options (7 times click on Version) MIUI» In Settings → About the phone) and activate Unlock OEM and debugging. USB.
2. Connect your device to your PC and run Mi Unlock Tool: fastboot devices, make sure your Redmi 4 is identified in the device list.
3. Start the unlocking process: 🖱️ In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action. ⏳ The system will show a waiting timer (720 hours. 📅 Every 24 hours, connect your device to the Mi Unlock Tool to confirm your account activity (otherwise, the timer will reset!).

After 30 days, you can finally unlock the bootloader, and it's important that once you unlock it, it'll be completely reset to factory settings!

⚠️ Warning: If you are trying to unlock the bootloader on a firmware device MIUI 14+, You may need to retract further to MIUI 12.5 via Fastboot. MIUI Block unlocking on older devices due to vulnerabilities in the bootloader.

Installation TWRP Getting root through Magisk

After successful unlocking of the loader, you can start installing a custom Recovery TWRP And it's called rooting through Magisk, which is considered the most reliable method for Redmi 4 in 2026.

Step 1: Please TWRP via Fastboot

• 📥 Download the current version TWRP for prada (see table above) and rename the file to twrp.img.
• 🖥️ Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where installed) ADB and Fastboot).
• 📱 Transfer the device to Fastboot mode (clip Volume down) + Nutrition).
• 💻 In the command line, run fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Install Magisk

• 📱 V TWRP Choose Advanced → ADB Sideload.
• 🖥️ On PC, run the command: adb sideload Magisk-v26.4.zip
• ✅ After installation, restart the device to the system.

Step 3: Check for root availability

• 📱 Install Magisk Manager from the official repository.
• 🔍 Start it and make sure that root status is Installed.
• 🛠️ To check the health of the command in the terminal: su If there is a request for rights – root installed successfully.

Data backup made|

Battery charge > 70%|

The device is unlocked via Mi Unlock Tool|

Updated versions downloaded TWRP Magisk|

Antivirus on PC is disabled (can block) ADB)-->

4. Alternative methods of obtaining root (without official unlocking)

If you're not happy with the 30-day wait, there are informal ways to root Redmi 4, but they require deep knowledge and carry increased risks.

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL (9008 mode)

This method is suitable for devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 430/435 (redmi 4 Snapdragon is used 430). The essence of the method is to flash a patched firehose file that bypasses the check of the Mi Unlock Tool.

• ⚙️ It will: 🖥️ QFil or Mi Flash Pro 📄 Patch firehose for prada (see forums) 4PDA or XDA) 🔌 Cable USB supportive EDL (Best Original from Xiaomi)
• ⚠️ Risks: 🚨 Hard-brick (irreparable damage to the loader) 🔒 Xiaomi could be blocked IMEI Devices upon detection of unofficial firmware

Method 2: Patched Bootloader

Some developers offer ready-made firmware with already sewn root and unlocked bootloader, such as firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience for Redmi 4.

• ✅ Pluses: 🔓 No need to wait 720 hours. 📱 Clean system without excess Xiaomi software
• ❌ Cons: 📵 Possible problems with the communication module (especially on firmware for other devices) 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized core

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems getting rooted on Redmi 4, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

The most critical error is hard-brick, when the device stops responding to any commands, and 90 percent of the time it does so because of:

• 🔌 Interrupting the firmware process (for example, turning off) USB-cable)
• 📥 Using the wrong version TWRP or the scaling up (for example, for Redmi) 4X instead of Redmi 4)
• ⚡ Firmware of a modified bootloader without a backup of the original

1. Enter in TWRP (Loudness up + Nutrition).

2. Delete the file /data/adb/magisk.db.

3. Reflash Magisk over the existing one.

If it doesn’t help, do a full reset (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, Data, System and Firmware Re-Stripe.-->

6.Restore the system after a failed root

If something goes wrong and your Redmi 4 stops booting or is not running smoothly, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be restored. Let's consider two scenarios.

Scenario 1: The device turns on but doesn't work properly

If the system is booting but there are errors (such as a constant reboot or no network), follow the following steps:

1. Remove Magisk: 📱 Boot in. TWRP. 🗑️ Install. ZIP-Magisk Uninstaller file (available on GitHub).
2. Return the stock firmware: 📥 Download Fastboot firmware for your model from Xiaomi website. 🖥️ Fly it through the command: fastboot flash all [name file].tgz

Scenario 2: Device not turned on (soft-brick or hard-brick)

If the screen is black or the device does not respond to buttons, try the following methods:

• 🔌 EDL-Mode: Connect the device in 9008 mode (see spoiler above). Sweat the stock firmware through Mi Flash Pro with Clean All option.
• 🔄 Test Point (extreme method): Requires disassembly of the device and closure of contacts on the board. 4PDA (theme for Redmi 4).

⚠️ Note: If your device was released after 2019, using Test Point may result in a lockdown IMEI Before using this method, specify the date of manufacture of the device (on the box or in the settings).

7 Security After Getting Root: What to Do

Root rights offer a lot of options for customizing Redmi 4, but also pose security risks.

1. Update Magisk and modules

• 🔄 Check for updates in Magisk Manager regularly.
• 🛡️ Remove unnecessary modules – they may conflict with each other.

2. Set up backups

• 📱 Install. TWRP and create a full backup section /data.
• ☁️ Use Swift Backup (requires root) to back up applications and data.

3. Protect yourself from malware

• 🛡️ Root rights make your device vulnerable to viruses. Install anti-malware with root support (e.g. Malwarebytes).
• 🔒 Turn it off. ADB Wi-Fi and debugging. USB Developer settings if you don’t use them constantly.

4. Optimize the system

• ⚡ Remove unnecessary system applications with Titanium Backup or App Systemizer.
• 🔋 Use Magisk modules to improve autonomy (e.g. Greenify or Battery Optimizer).

💡

Once root is received, never update the firmware through OTA (It's going to lead to root loss and possible brick-y. Instead, download the full firmware and hand-stitch it through the root. TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Redmi 4