How to Root Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G

Rooting your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G gives you superuser access to the Android system, letting you remove bloatware, install custom ROMs, use root-only apps, and tweak performance. This guide walks you through unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery, and flashing Magisk to root your device. Before starting, back up your data and ensure your phone has at least 70% battery.

What You’ll Need

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G (also known as Redmi Note LTE) with an unlocked bootloader
• A Windows PC (or Mac with appropriate drivers) and a USB cable
• Xiaomi USB drivers installed on your PC
• ADB and Fastboot tools (platform-tools) downloaded and extracted
• Magisk APK (latest stable) and the Magisk patched boot image (or the TWRP flashable Magisk zip)
• A custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) for the Redmi Note 4G
• Unlock bootloader permission from Xiaomi (if not already unlocked)

Step-by-Step

1. Unlock the bootloader (if not already done): Go to Settings > About Phone and tap MIUI version 7 times to enable Developer Options. Then go to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options and enable “OEM unlocking� and “USB debugging�. Apply for bootloader unlock via Xiaomi’s official unlock tool (Mi Unlock). This may take a few days for approval. Once approved, follow the tool’s instructions to unlock. This wipes your phone, so back up first.
2. Set up ADB and Fastboot: Download the platform-tools zip from the Android developer site and extract it to a folder like C:\adb. Open a command prompt in that folder (Shift+Right-click > “Open command window hereâ€�). Verify ADB works by connecting your phone (with USB debugging enabled) and running adb devices. Your device should appear.
3. Install TWRP custom recovery: Download the TWRP image file for the Redmi Note 4G (codename: “diorâ€� or “gucciâ€� depending on region – confirm your exact model). Rename it to twrp.img and place it in the same folder as ADB. Power off your phone. Boot into fastboot mode by holding Volume Down + Power. Connect to PC. Run fastboot devices to confirm. Then flash recovery with fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. After flashing, boot into TWRP by holding Volume Up + Power (or using fastboot boot twrp.img for a temporary boot).
4. Backup your current system (optional but recommended): In TWRP, tap “Backup�, select System, Data, Boot, and swipe to back up. This creates a restore point if anything goes wrong.
5. Download and prepare Magisk: Download the Magisk APK from the official Magisk GitHub releases. Transfer it to your phone’s internal storage. Also download the stock boot image for your exact MIUI version (from Xiaomi’s firmware archive).
6. Patch the boot image (if not using a pre-patched one): Install the Magisk APK on your phone. Open the Magisk app, tap “Install� next to Magisk, select “Select and Patch a File�, and choose the stock boot.img. The app will generate a patched boot image (usually in Download). Copy that patched file back to your PC.
7. Flash the patched boot image via fastboot (alternative to TWRP method): Reboot to fastboot mode again. Run fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (replace with your file name). Then run fastboot reboot.
8. Alternative: Flash Magisk via TWRP: If you prefer, download the Magisk zip (magisk.zip) and place it on your phone. Boot into TWRP, tap “Install�, select the zip, and swipe to flash. This method requires the boot image to be patched automatically by Magisk during the flash.
9. Reboot and verify root: After flashing, reboot your phone. Install the Magisk Manager app if it wasn’t installed automatically. Open it – it should show “Magisk installed� and “SafetyNet� status. To confirm root, download a root checker app from the Play Store and grant it superuser permissions when prompted.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong TWRP image: The Redmi Note 4G has multiple variants (dior, gucci, etc.). Check your exact model under Settings > About Phone. Flashing a mismatched recovery can cause boot loops.
• Skipping bootloader unlock: You must unlock the bootloader first. Attempting to flash without it will fail or brick your device.
• Not backing up: Unlocking and flashing wipes your data. Always back up important files and contacts.
• Using an outdated or mismatched boot image: The patched boot image must match your current MIUI version. A mismatch can cause boot loops or WiFi issues.
• Forgetting to enable USB debugging: Without it, ADB won’t recognize your device. Ensure it’s on before connecting.

Tips

• Always use the latest versions of TWRP and Magisk for better compatibility and security.
• Keep a copy of the stock boot image and TWRP backup on your PC for easy restoration.
• After rooting, avoid using banking apps that detect root unless you use Magisk Hide (now called DenyList) to hide root from them.
• If you plan to install custom ROMs, a TWRP backup is essential for a safe rollback.
• Use a high-quality USB cable and a direct USB port on your PC to avoid connection drops during flashing.

Troubleshooting

• Device not recognized by ADB/Fastboot: Install the correct Xiaomi USB drivers, try a different USB port, and ensure USB debugging is enabled. In fastboot, check if the device shows as “fastbootâ€� in Device Manager.
• Boot loop after flashing: Boot into TWRP (Volume Up + Power) and restore your backup. If you don’t have a backup, flash the stock boot image via fastboot (fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img) and then redo the process.
• Magisk Manager says “Magisk not installedâ€�: The patched boot image may not have flashed correctly. Re-flash the patched boot image via fastboot, ensuring the command completes without errors.
• WiFi or Bluetooth broken: This usually indicates a mismatched boot image or kernel. Flash the correct stock boot image for your MIUI version and then re-patch with Magisk.
• Unlock tool stuck at 50%: Ensure you’re logged into the same Mi account on the phone and the tool. Wait a few days if the request is pending, or try again with a different USB port.
• SafetyNet fails: Enable “MagiskHideâ€� (or DenyList) in Magisk settings and add the apps you need to hide root from. Also, ensure your device is not running a custom ROM that breaks SafetyNet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will rooting void my warranty?

Yes, rooting typically voids the manufacturer warranty. You can usually restore the warranty by unrooting and relocking the bootloader, but this is not guaranteed.

Can I unroot later?

Yes. You can unroot by flashing the stock boot image via fastboot or by restoring a TWRP backup. To completely return to stock, you may need to relock the bootloader using Mi Unlock tool (which wipes data).

Is it safe to root my Redmi Note 4G?

Rooting itself is safe if you follow the steps correctly. The risk is in flashing wrong files or interrupting the process, which can cause boot loops. Always back up and use the correct files for your model.

Will I still receive OTA updates after rooting?

No, OTA updates will fail because the system partition is modified. You can manually update by downloading the full ROM and flashing it via TWRP, then re-rooting.

What is the difference between TWRP and Magisk?

TWRP is a custom recovery that allows you to flash zips, back up, and restore. Magisk is a systemless root solution that modifies the boot image to grant root access while keeping the system partition untouched.

Can I root without a PC?

No, you need a PC to unlock the bootloader and flash the patched boot image. Some apps claim to root without a PC, but they are unreliable and risky on this device.

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