Users of brand smartphones Xiaomi often face the limitations of the standard shell MIUIwhich does not allow the full potential of the device to be revealed. Receiving root access on Redmi with the Android 10 operating system opens access to system files, allows you to remove pre-installed software and install specialized modules. However, this process is fraught with risks that must be clearly understood before starting manipulations.
In this article we will analyze in detail the rooting procedure, starting from unlocking the bootloader and ending with installing a superuser rights manager. It is important to understand that MIUI 11 or 12 based on Android 10 has specific protection mechanisms that require strict adherence to the sequence of actions. Any deviation from the instructions may lead to loss of warranty or turn the smartphone into a “brick.”
Before you begin any active actions, make sure that your device is fully charged and all important data is saved in the cloud storage or on your computer. The process will require interaction with a computer running Windows and the use of specialized software. Being prepared for possible failures is the first step to successful completion of the operation.
Unlocking the bootloader as a mandatory step
Without unlocked Bootloader any attempts to implement third-party recovery or obtain superuser rights are doomed to failure. Xiaomi deliberately blocks this feature to protect users, so the procedure requires official permission through the manufacturer’s servers. This is not just a technical setup, but a legally significant action that removes part of the warranty obligations.
First, you need to link your Mi account to the device. Go to the smartphone settings, select the section About phone and quickly click on the item MIUI version seven times until a notification appears to enable developer mode. After that, go to Advanced → For developers and activate items Factory unlocking and USB debugging.
Next you will need a utility Mi Unlock Tooldownloaded from the official website. Connect your smartphone to the PC in Fastboot mode (by holding down the volume down and power buttons). The app will check the account linking status After successful binding, you may need to wait from 7 to 168 hours before attempting to unlock again. This is a security measure that cannot be bypassed programmatically.
⚠️ Attention: The bootloader unlocking procedure will automatically perform a complete data reset (Wipe Data) on your device. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
Installing custom TWRP recovery
Standard Android recovery does not allow installing unsigned system modifications, so replacement with TWRP Recoveryis necessary. Each Redmi model running Android 10 has its own specific firmware image that cannot be used on other devices. An error in choosing the version may disrupt the operation of the touch screen in recovery mode.
Download the latest image file .img for your model from a trusted resource, for example, XDA Developers. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the tools folder ADB and Fastboot. Enter the command to put the device into firmware mode:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, you can proceed with the installation. The firmware command is as follows:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImmediately after executing the command, do not press the power button to boot normally. You must press the button combination Volume up + Powerto forcefully enter the installed TWRP. If this is not done, the standard MIUI system will overwrite the custom recovery with its stock counterpart, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
Use the original USB cable included in the package to connect to the PC - low-quality wires often cause connection errors when flashing the firmware.
Installing Magisk to obtain Root access
Today Magisk is the most effective and safe tool for obtaining superuser rights on Android 10. Unlike old methods, Magisk uses the “Systemless” system, which allows you to hide the fact of rooting from banking applications and Google Pay services. This is critical for everyday use of the smartphone.
Download the latest version of the installation file Magisk.apk and rename the file extension to .zip. Copy this archive to the internal memory of your smartphone. Boot into TWRP Recovery mode that you installed in the previous step. In the main menu, select Install and find the downloaded archive.
Swipe to confirm the installation. The process will take a few seconds, after which a success message will appear in the log. Now you need to reboot the system. When you first launch the Magisk application, you may request additional environment settings - agree to the offer for full integration.
☑️ Verifying successful installation
Checking rights and access control
After rebooting the system, make sure that the rights are really active. To do this, you can use specialized utilities, such as Root Checkeravailable in the Google Play store. Launching the application and pressing the check button will give a result about the superuser status. However, the visual presence of the Magisk icon is already a primary indicator of success.
Access rights are managed directly through the Magisk application interface. When you run a app that requires privileges, a request to grant access pops up on the screen. You can choose the option Grant, Deny or Grant forever. This approach gives complete control over which processes have access to the system kernel.
In the Magisk settings, it is recommended to activate the function Zygiskif it is available in your version. This allows modules to be embedded into Zygote processes, which is necessary for many modern tweaks and root hiding modules to work. It is also worth enabling Enforce DenyList for maximum compatibility with protected applications.
| Parameter | Before rooting | After installing Magisk |
|---|---|---|
| System access | User only | Full (Superuser) |
| Deleting system applications | Impossible | Possible |
| Google Pay work | Works | Requires hiding settings |
| Update over the air (OTA) | Available | Root is blocked or crashes |
Possible problems and methods for solving them
The process of rooting Redmi on Android 10 does not always go smoothly. One of the common problems is the “bootlap” - an endless reboot of the device. This often happens when you install an incompatible version of TWRP or the system partition is damaged during recording. In this case, you need to enter Fastboot mode again and flash the stock recovery image.
Another common situation is when banking applications refuse to work. Even with root access, modern applications detect a modified environment. The solution is to use the function DenyList in the Magisk settings, where you need to add all banking apps and Google Play services. Sometimes additional installation of the module is required Universal SafetyNet Fix.
⚠️ Attention: If after flashing the smartphone no longer responds to touch input in Recovery mode, try using a TWRP version that supports your specific screen type or connect a USB mouse via an OTG cable.
What to do if Mi Unlock Tool does not see the phone?
Make sure that the ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed, try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0), disable the antivirus and firewall for the duration of the operation, and also reconnect the cable.
Return to stock and warranty
Many users are concerned about maintaining the warranty. Formally, unlocking the bootloader deprives you of warranty service at authorized Xiaomi service centers. However, if you return the device to its original state, identifying the fact of interference becomes extremely difficult for an ordinary technician.
To completely remove traces of rooting, you need to lock the bootloader back. Before this, it is critical to flash the stock firmware via Fastboot mode, clearing all data. The command fastboot oem lock will close the bootloader, but it will only work on completely clean stock firmware. An attempt to lock the bootloader with a custom recovery will brick the device.
Remember that re-locking and flashing does not guarantee 100% restoration of the warranty status, since the counter e-fuse in some models may be irreversible. Weigh all the risks before starting the procedure.
Returning to the stock state requires a complete flashing of the official ROM and subsequent locking of the bootloader, otherwise the device will not start.
Will all information from the phone be erased when Rooting rights is obtained?
Yes, at the stage of unlocking the bootloader, a complete data reset occurs (Wipe Data). It is recommended to back up all important files, photos and contacts to the cloud or to your computer in advance.
Will Google Pay stop working after rooting?
By default, the payment system will be disrupted. However, using Magisk settings (DenyList) and special modules, you can hide the presence of root access and restore the functionality of contactless payment.
Is it possible to get Root on Redmi without unlocking the bootloader?
No, this is not possible on modern versions of Android 10 and the MIUI shell. Unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for recording modified system images.
Is it dangerous to update the firmware over the air after receiving Root?
Yes, installing OTA updates on a rooted device often leads to the loss of superuser rights or a cyclic reboot. It is recommended to update manually via full firmware in Recovery mode.