Released in June 2018, Xiaomi Mi 8 is a feature packed, ergonomically designed smartphone. Launched with MIUI 9.5 (Android 8.1 Oreo), Mi 8 will soon update to Android 9 Pie based MIUI 10. Xiaomi has already started beta testing Android 9 Pie on the device. While Xiaomi’s MIUI offers great features and experience, some users might want to step further with unlocked bootloader, TWRP recovery and root on their Mi 8.
The good news is that Xiaomi Mi 8 (code-named dipper) already has TWRP recovery, unofficially though. It means you can easily gain root access on the device by flashing Magisk. The below guide explains how to unlock bootloader, install TWRP and root Mi 8.
Mi 8 is Xiaomi’s flagship of 2018. The phone powers by the latest Snapdragon 845 Octa-core processor and available in 64GB/128GB/256 GB storage options as well as 6GB/8GB RAM options. The phone features 6.21 inches Super AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, 12Mp+12MP dual camera, 20MP front camera, Infrared face recognition, and more. Regarding the battery, it comes with 3400 mAh battery with Quick Charge 4.
Comes to the TWRP recovery and root access on the device, if you have enough reason to unlock bootloader, get root access and TWRP custom recovery on your Mi 8, then follow the steps below. Before proceeding with any steps, back up all data you have on the phone.
Warning: Keep in mind that the below given procedures are risky and may brick your device. These will also void your device’s warranty. Follow the instruction at your own risk. We will not be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.
Contents
How to Unlock Xiaomi Mi 8 Bootloader
1. Go to Mi website and apply for unlocking permissions. It will take few days to get permission.
2. Download the Mi unlocking tool to your PC from Mi Unlock page.
3. On your phone, enable ‘OEM Unlock’ and ‘USB debugging’ options in Developer Options.
4. Now, boot your Mi 8 into fastboot mode.
5. Run the Mi Unlock app on your computer, login to your account, connect your device and follow the unlock procedure. Once done, reboot your device.
How to Install TWRP on Xiaomi Mi 8
Note: This guide assume that ADB and Fastboot drivers installed on your computer (If not follow this guide).
1. Install proper driver for your device on your computer. Get it from official website.
2. Download TWRP (twrp-3.2.3.0.-dipper.img) for Mi 8 from development page [here] and DM verity disabler [here] [mirror] to your PC. Transfer both files to your phone.
3. On your PC, rename the ‘twrp-3.2.3.0.-dipper.img’ to ‘recovery.img’ and save it inside the ADB installation folder on your computer.
4. On your Mi 8, go to Developer Options menu and enable ‘USB Debugging’ and ‘OEM Unlock’.
5. Connect Mi 8 to your PC, open a command window inside the ADB folder and run the command: adb reboot bootloader
6. Now, run the command ‘fastboot boot recovery.img’ that will temporarily boot your Mi 8 into TWRP.
7. If asking “Allow for modifications”, swipe to allow modifications.
[To change the language from Chinese to English, follow this guide]
8. If you want to install TWRP permanently, flash twrp recovery.img inside TWRP.
9. Once done, select Wipe and format data. Now, select ‘Install’ option again, navigate to DM verity disabler zip file and swipe to flash it.
10. Once done tap Reboot system to restart the device.
You have now successfully install TWRP on your Mi 8. If you need root access on the phone, then follow below guide.
How to Root Xiaomi Mi 8
1. Download Magisk 16.7.zip file from here and save it on your phone.
2. Boot your phone into TWRP, select ‘Install’, navigate and flash magisk 16.7.zip file.
3. Return to TWRP main menu, tap on Reboot > System to restart your phone.
Your Mi 8 is rooted now. You can verify root access using a root checker app. [Source – XDA]
