How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: a safe guide with error analysis

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (codenames mido for the global version and santoni for the Chinese version) remains a topic even in 2026.This smartphone, released in 2017, is still used due to its reliability and the ability to upgrade through custom firmware. However, the process of obtaining root is significantly different from modern devices: there is no universal “one-click” solution, and errors in the unlocking stage of the bootloader or firmware can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this article, we will examine three officially supported root rights methods (via Magisk, TWRP, and Fastboot-), and analyze common bugs such as hanging on the Mi logo or cyclical reboot. We will focus on preparation, from checking the firmware version to backing up data with the limitations of MIUI. If you have never worked with ADB or Fastboot, don’t worry: the instructions are tailored to beginners, with explanations of each step.

⚠️ Critical Warning: After unlocking the bootloader on the Redmi Note 4 All data is dropped, including photos in the internal memory, and even if you back up through the Mi Cloud, it's not guaranteed that the camera or fingerprint will be restored after the firmware is installed. MIUI 14 Widevine support may also be missing. L1 (no HD into Netflix/Disney+).

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

The first step is to check the model of your Redmi Note 4. Open Settings → About your phone and find the Model line. If it says Redmi Note 4X codenamed mido, you are running a global version. For santoni (Chinese version), the instruction is similar, but the firmware references may differ.

Next, it is mandatory:

• 🔋 Charge your phone to minimum. 70% — The Unlocking and Firmware Process Takes 30-60 minutes, and a sudden power outage will lead to irreversible damage to the boot partition.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 4 with newer firmware MIUI 10 bootloader lock may require waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) after account binding:

fastboot oem device-info

If you have Device unlocked: false, and Waiting time is not zero, you have to wait, and you can't get around that limitation without the risk of damaging the device.

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

Xiaomi provides a legal unlocking tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, but the process is nuanced:

1. Download the latest version of the utility (at the time of 2026 - Mi Unlock Tool 5.5.224.30).
2. Launch it on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the phone.
3. Put the phone in Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and wait for the device to appear in the utility (if not determined – check the drivers).
5. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the utility produces a "Couldn't unlock" error with code 86006 or 86012, this means that:

• 🔗 Account is not tied to phone (check Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud).
• ⏳ It hasn’t been 720 hours since the tether (even if the phone was previously unlocked).
• 📱 Phone is not in Fastboot mode (check the connection).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't worry, that's okay. You can now start installing custom recovery.

Tied to Mi Account by phone | Battery charge >70%| ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool latest version | Backup of important data-->

3. TWRP Installing: Which Option to Choose for Redmi Note 4

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required to install Magisk and obtain root rights. There are several versions for the Redmi Note 4:

• 📱 Official TWRP from twrp.me – stable, but may not support new versions MIUI.
• 🛠️ OrangeFox – an alternative with advanced features (e.g., built-in file manager).
• ⚡ TWRP with support for trebles - for enthusiasts planning the firmware LineageOS.

We recommend the official TWRP for beginners. Download the latest image for your model (mido or santoni) and rename it to twrp.img for convenience.

Installation via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After the commands are executed, the phone will automatically boot into TWRP. If this does not happen, manually press Volume Up + Power when turned on.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14 Stock Recovery Can Be Re-Recorded TWRP When you first download it, to avoid that:

1. Immediately after you sign in to TWRP, go to Mount → System.
2. Delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p file (if any).
3. Reboot to recovery again.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk: a step-by-step process

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. For Redmi Note 4, Magisk 26.4 or later is suitable.

1. Download the latest Magisk ZIP and save it to your phone or flash drive.
2. Download to TWRP (as described above).
3. Press Install, select the downloaded Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root rights using the Root Checker app if root doesn't appear:

• 🔄 Reinstall Magisk through TWRP, pre-selected → Format Data (this will delete all data!).
• 📥 Try an alternative version of Magisk (e.g., Magisk Delta for devices with a Magisk-based device). MIUI 14).
• 🔧 Check if root is blocking the antivirus or MIUI Optimization (unplug in Settings) → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 4 firmware MIUI 13/14 After installing Magisk, access to banking applications may be lost (due to SafetyNet:

Install the Magisk Universal SafetyNet Fix module.


2. Enable MagiskHide in the Magisk settings.




3. Reboot the phone.

💡

If your camera or fingerprint sensor stops working after you get root rights, try flashing the MIUI Camera Fix module for Magisk, and you can download it on the XDA Developers forum in your model’s theme.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, Redmi Note 4 users are facing problems.

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn't turn on, it doesn't respond to buttons), don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds).
2. Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select the Clean All option).
3. If the phone is not identified, use it. EDL-Regime (Authorized Account Required).

💡

On the Redmi Note. 4 With the unlocked bootloader and root rights, Xiaomi warranty automatically loses. However, in most service centers, you can restore stock firmware before warranty repair (the cost of the service). ~1500-2000₽).

6.Alternative methods: without TWRP and Magisk

If installing TWRP or Magisk is difficult, consider alternative ways to obtain root rights:

Method 1: Patch boot.img via Fastboot

• 📥 Download stock firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• 🖥️ Extract. boot.img firmware-archive.
• 🔧 Patch it with Magisk Manager (Select and Patch a File).
• 📲 Sweep the patchy boot.img Team: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

Method 2: Single-click root applications (not recommended)

There are utilities like KingRoot or iRoot that promise root without unlocking the bootloader. But on Redmi Note 4, they're:

• ❌ Malware is often installed.
• ❌ Do not provide full root (only temporary).
• ❌ Could cause the system to freeze.

⚠️ Note: Use of "single-click" solutions for MIUI Often blocks access to the Fastboot, making it difficult to restore your phone. If you do decide to try, pre-create a full backup through the phone. ADB Backup:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

7. What to do after obtaining root rights

Now that you have root, you can optimize the Redmi Note 4:

• 🚀 Bloatware Removal: Use Titanium Backup or SD Maid to remove system applications (e.g. com.miui.analytics).
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Install the Magisk Battery Charge Limit module to limit charge to 80% and extend battery life.
• 🎮 Game Turbo Module Overclocks Snapdragon 625 CPU for Better Game Performance.
• 🛡️ Security: Set up MagiskHide to bypass detection in banking apps.

⚠️ Note: After removing system applications may stop working:

• 📸 Camera (if you delete com.android.camera).
• 🔑 Fingerprint sensor (depends on com.android.biometrics).
• 📶 Mobile network (if you touch com.android.phone).

Always create a backup before deleting files!

To back up the entire system, use TWRP Backup:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Pick Backup.
3. Check the Boot, System, Data sections.
4. Save the backup to the external memory card.

💡

Root rights to the Redmi Note 4 give you access to custom firmware like LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) or Pixel Experience. However, before you run the firmware, be sure to check the compatibility of the kernel and modifications for the Snapdragon 625!

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi Note 4