How to get root rights on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 opens up access to hidden Android capabilities, but requires care.This process involves unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom TWRP recap and Magisk firmware - every step is important. Errors can lead to a device "brick," so before you start, make sure you have a backup of the data and understand the risks.

The Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) supports unlocking the bootloader officially through the Mi Unlock Tool, but since 2026 Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires an account to be linked to the device and waits 72 hours after the first binding. This complicates the process, but does not make it impossible. In this article, current methods for obtaining root with all the nuances in mind.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. All data (photos, contacts, messages) will be deleted. Create a backup via Mi Cloud or locally to your computer.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start the process, make sure your Redmi Note 8 meets the following key requirements:

• 📱 Android Version: The firmware should be on the base MIUI 12/13/14 (Android 9-11). For older versions (Android) 8) methods may differ.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60%. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the middle will cause a failure.
• 🔑 Mi Account: The device must be linked to a Xiaomi account with a confirmed phone number.Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not allow unlocking.
• 💻 Computer: You will need a Windows PC (7/10/11) and USB-cable (preferably original) Virtual machines are not supported.

Also disable all protections:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account and make sure the device is tied.
2. In Settings → Special Features → For developers, activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
3. In Settings → Password and security, disable Find Device.

⚠️ Note: If you have updated the firmware through Fastboot or installed custom ROM The anti-rollback counter could have increased before. Check it out in the Fastboot by the team:

fastboot getvar anti

If the value is higher than 3, unlocking can be blocked, in which case you will need to roll back to the stock firmware.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The official tool from Xiaomi – Mi Unlock Tool – the only safe way to unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8. Download the latest version from the official website (pay attention to the build date – outdated versions may not work).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and run on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in to your Xiaomi account (must match the one on your phone).
3. Turn off the Redmi Note 8 and press Power + Vol Down to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the Device Manager.
5. In Mi Unlock Tool, click Unlock. If you see a wait message, wait 72 hours (since 2026, Xiaomi has increased the time from 360 to 72 hours).

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset, and you can now start installing TWRP.

Is the Mi Account linked to the device?|Is debugging activated on USB?|Is Find Device disabled?|Is the device charged at more than 60%?|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version?-->

3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative Recovery that allows you to sew ZIP-Files (including Magisk for root) For Redmi Note 8, use the version TWRP 3.7.0 or newer from the official developer on the site TWRP.

How to flash TWRP:

1. Download the twrp-3.7.0-ginkgo.img file and rename it to recovery.img.
2. Place the file in a folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Power + Vol Down).
4. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery.img
5. After successful firmware, go straight to TWRP by clamping Power + Vol Up when you reboot.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware TWRP The phone loads into the stock recavator, so the system overwrote it. TWRP file disable_force_encrypt.zip (download XDA This will disable the forced encryption that interferes with the custom Recovery.

4. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. The latest version can be downloaded from the developer's GitHub (look for Magisk-v26.4.zip or later).

Installation instructions:

1. Download. Magisk-vXX.X.zip Put it on the phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
2. Download to TWRP (Power + Vol Up)
3. Click Install, select the Magisk file and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.
5. Install. APK-Magisk file (from the same archive) for root rights management.

To check that root works, open Magisk and run SafetyNet, if Basic Integrity: PASS is a success, and if it isn't, you may need to adjust it further (e.g., hide root for certain applications).

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If after installing Magisk phone is fixated on download, try flashing the file boot.img via Fastboot with a patch from Magisk. Instructions: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img.

Possible problems and solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

• 🚨 "Couldn't unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool: Make sure your account is tied to your device and 72 hours have passed. → The phone. → Version. MIUI No beta firmware (it can block unlocking).
• 🔄 Logo obsession MI: That means that TWRP Solution: Fastboot, run the stock firmware and start over.
• 🔒 SafetyNet does not work: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk.
• 📱 The sensor is not activated in TWRP: For the Redmi Note 8, it's a known problem.Solution: plug in. OTG-Mouse or use volume keys to navigate.

If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped seeing SIM-Check if the modem firmware has crashed, and you can restore it with the firmware of the file. modem.img via Fastboot:

fastboot flash modem modem.img

6 How to hide root from banking applications

Many apps (e.g. Sberbank Online, Google Pay) block work on root devices. To get around this, use the Magisk features:

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → MagiskHide (called Zygisk in the newer versions).
2. Enable the option and add to the list of apps you need to hide (e.g. com.sberbankmobile).
3. Install the Shamiko module (available in the Magisk repository) that improves root camouflage.
4. Reset the device.

Google Pay will also require:

• 📱 Installation of MagiskHide Props Config.
• 🔧 In the module settings, select the Edit device fingerprint and specify the supported device (e.g., Pixel 5).
• 🔄 Reboot and clear Google Play Services data.

Important: Since 2023, Google has tightened root checks, so some apps (like Netflix) may still not work, in which case only rolling back root or using alternative methods (like Island for app isolation) will help.

7. How to get it all back: a rollback to stock firmware

If you need to return your phone to its original state (for example, for warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

1. Download the stock firmware for Redmi Note 8 from the official Xiaomi website (choose the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder with fastboot.
3. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot.
4. Connect to the PC and launch the firmware script: flash_all.bat (for Linux/Mac use flash_all.sh).
5. After completion, the phone will automatically reboot to the stock firmware.

⚠️ Note: If you have been using custom ROM, Before the scaling, execute the command:

fastboot erase userdata

This will clean up the data section and prevent conflicts.

After the rollback, the bootloader will remain unlocked. To lock it back, use the command:

fastboot oem lock

But remember:

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The rollback to the stock firmware deletes all data, including photos and apps. Always back up before you start manipulating the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Redmi Note 8