[Guide] How to Gain Temporary Root on REDMAGIC Devices with a locked bootloader, GhostLock method
This guide is copied from my discord server so I apologize for any formatting issues that could happen from pasting it into reddit. AI was used to reformat and restructure the text to make it easier to read, I've manually checked that the information was still accurate.
It's also meant for people that knows what root is and can understand the limitations of this type of root, installing the wrong thing can brick your phone, be warned!
> ⚠️ Important: This method provides temporary root access. Root access is removed when you perform a normal reboot.
Requirements
Before starting, download and install:
Step 1 - Run GhostLock
- Open the GhostLock app.
- If your REDMAGIC phone is supported, press Run.
- GhostLock will start the root process.
- Wait for the process to finish. Do not restart or interfere with the phone while it is running.
- Once the process finishes successfully, KernelSU should open automatically.
⚠️ If your phone reboots
Don't worry! This means the root attempt failed.
Simply wait for the phone to boot back up and try the process again. It can sometimes take several attempts, and this is normal.
Step 2 - Verify Root
Once you are in KernelSU, you should already have root access.
You can now use root apps and install KernelSU modules.
⚠️ Do not press on install in KernelSu, it will patch your boot partition and make the phone unbootable with the bootloader locked
🔄 Important: Use a Soft Restart
This method keeps root access only until the phone performs a normal reboot.
Because of this:
- Installing a module → perform a Soft Restart to apply it.
- Normal restart → root access is lost.
- After a normal restart, you must run GhostLock again to regain root.
- Modules you installed will remain installed, but they will not be active until root is obtained again.
Known Issues
🔄 The phone may restart during the root process
This is expected if the exploit fails. Simply boot the phone back up and try again.
🌐 Network connection may stop working
In some cases, obtaining root can cause the network connection to stop working.
From our testing, running the GhostLock root process again without restarting the phone can fix the issue.
🚨 VERY IMPORTANT - Do Not Modify Partitions
DO NOT MODIFY OR FLASH ANY PARTITION WHILE USING THIS METHOD.
This method works while the bootloader remains locked. Modifying or flashing partitions can invalidate the device's secure-boot signatures and potentially brick your phone.
Generally safe
Most standard KernelSU modules should be safe to use as long as they do not modify or replace protected partitions.
❌ Avoid
Do not use tools or apps that modify the device's boot/kernel partitions, including:
- Magisk
- KonaBess
- Other tools that modify or flash partitions
If you are unsure whether a module or app modifies a partition, don't use it until you have confirmed what it does.
Quick Summary
GhostLock → Run → KernelSU → Root
- ✅ Root works until a normal reboot
- ✅ Use Soft Restart after installing modules
- 🔄 If the phone reboots during GhostLock, try again
- 🌐 If network breaks, try GhostLock again without rebooting
- ❌ Never flash or modify partitions
- ❌ Avoid Magisk, KonaBess, and similar partition-modifying tools
Credits & Support
Huge thanks to YuKongA for creating the GhostLock app! ❤️
📱 Currently supported REDMAGIC models
- REDMAGIC 10(S) PRO / Tablet 3 Pro
- REDMAGIC 11 PRO / Tablet 5 Pro
- REDMAGIC 11 Air
If you want to keep using this method please disable the auto system updates, this method will be patched soon.
Additionally if you have the boot.img from your phone you can import it in the app to gain root access if your version isn't currently supported and your kernel is vulnerable