Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have a powerful hardware, but often the software limitations of MIUI prevent them from realizing their full potential. Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, opens the door to deep customization of the system, removing system debris and installing specialized modules that are physically impossible in standard mode.
The process of obtaining administrator rights on Xiaomi devices has become much more complicated in recent years due to the strengthening of the company’s security policy. If previously it was enough to use a single application, now the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader and using the computer. On devices with Snapdragon processors, unlocking the bootloader is officially possible, while on MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity), this procedure is often blocked at the manufacturer level.
Before you take action, you need to be aware of all the risks. System partitioning operations can lead to loss of warranty, device lock or malfunction of banking applications. However, by following the exact sequence of steps and using proven tools, you can safely modify your firmware.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The foundation of a successful procedure is quality training. Without fulfilling the preconditions, the next steps can lead to an error or a "brick" of the device. USB-cable and stable internet connection.
The first thing you need to do is activate the hidden system features. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version field. After you see the "You've become a developer" box, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → For Developers. Here you need to enable USB Debugging and Allow Unlock.
☑️ Checking readiness for Root
A critical step is to link your Mi Account. In the Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. The system will require confirmation via the SMS. After that, the countdown will begin, which is usually 168 hours (7 days). SIM-the card during this period, otherwise the timer will reset.
⚠️ Warning: All data on the device will be permanently deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Pre-save photos, contacts and files to external media or to cloud storage.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The standard Xiaomi bootloader blocks the launch of untested software. To install root rights, it must be unlocked, which is performed exclusively through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility on the computer.
Download and install Mi Unlock from the official website. Launch the utility, log in to your Mi Account (the same one that is attached to the phone) and transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to press the device off with the buttons Loudness down + Power until the rabbit logo or Fastboot inscription appears.
What to do if Mi Unlock is making an error?
Connect your phone to your PC and press the Unlock button in the program. It takes a few minutes, after which the device will restart and clear all data. Successful unlocking is confirmed by the appearance of an open lock icon when you turn on the phone.
There are several methods of obtaining rights, but the most relevant and secure to date is the use of Magisk.This tool provides system-less modification, which allows you to hide root from banking applications and Google Play services.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Stock Recovery is not enough to implement superuser rights. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a specialized environment that allows you to install ZIP-archives and make full backup sections.
Find and download the twrp.img file that matches your smartphone model, files from other models can knock your device out, and you’ll need a Magisk.apk firmware file that you’ll need to rename to Magisk.zip (or just transfer it to your phone if TWRP can mount storage).
The process of installing TWRP is as follows:
- 📱 Put your phone in Fastboot mode (Loudness down). + Nutrition).
- 💻 Connect the device to the computer and open the command line in the folder with ADB-driver.
- 📥 Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices
- 🔧 Record the image of the Recavér team: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- 🔄 Immediately after the recording is completed, press the Volume upwards. + Food to enter TWRP.
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It's important to keep the phone from booting into the normal system after you have TWRP firmware, otherwise the stock loader will replace the modified recovery back with the original. Sign in to Recovery right away.
Once you log in to TWRP, you'll see the touch interface. First, the system can request the unlock password for the screen -- enter a digital code. If the sensor doesn't work, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection.
Magisk firmware and obtaining Root rights
Being in the environment TWRP, You need to copy the Magisk installer file to the phone's internal memory. If the computer can't see the phone in recavery mode, use it. OTG-cable and flash drive, or download the installer in advance.
From the TWRP main menu, select Install. Find the downloaded Magisk.zip archive (or Magisk.apk, renamed zip) in the file list. Swipe the installation by slider, and it takes a few seconds.
After successful installation, press the Reboot System button. When you first boot, the system can update — this is normal and can take up to 5-10 minutes. After turning on Android, find the Magisk icon that appears in the application menu.
Open the Magisk app. If you have the version and installation number in the center of the screen, and the green indicator on the top, congratulations, root rights have been successfully obtained. Now you can install modules like LSPosed or manage system files.
⚠️ Attention: Having root rights makes some apps vulnerable.Banking programs, Google Pay and anti-cheat games may not work. To solve this problem, use the Configure feature in the Magisk app, turn on Zygisk and add unnecessary apps to the exclusion list (DenyList).
Comparison of methods: Magisk vs KernelSU
There are two major leaders in the Android world: traditional Magisk works in user space, masquerading as a system process. KernelSU is a newer solution that works directly at the kernel level, which provides better stealth.
KernelSU requires a supported core or GKI firmware (Generic Kernel Image).For most older and medium-sized devices, Xiaomi remains more relevant classic Magisk. KernelSU is suitable mainly for flagships released after 2021, and requires more complex manipulations with the compilation of the core.
| Characteristics | Magisk | KernelSU |
|---|---|---|
| Level of work | User-generated (Userspace) | The core (Kernel) |
| Secrecy | Requires customization (Zygisk) | Built-in by default |
| Compatibility | High (Android 5.0+) | Low (GKI/new core only) |
| Complexity of installation | Medium | Tall. |
The choice of tool depends on your model. If you own a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or older model, Magisk is your only stable option. Flagships on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and later can already try KernelSU to bypass the most stringent detectors.
Possible problems and solutions
It doesn't always go smoothly. Often users experience a cyclical bootloop or no Internet after the rights are set, and these are solvable problems that require a return to Recovery mode.
If the phone is stuck on the MI logo, go to TWRP and try to make Wipe Cache/Dalvik. In more complex cases, you may need to clean the Data partition (Format Data), which will delete all data but save the system. Also check if the firmware file is damaged when downloaded.
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The main reason for errors in obtaining Root is the use of files (recovery images or zip archives) intended for other models or versions of Android. Always check compatibility.
The lack of internet after firmware is often due to the wrong version of TWRP or a module conflict.Try resetting your network settings or removing newly installed mods through the file manager in Recovery mode.
Below is a table of common errors and methods of their elimination:
| Mistake. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloop (Reboot Cycle) | Incompatible module or kernel | Remove modules in Safe Mode (clip the volume down at start) |
| Fingerprints are not working. | Security conflict | Reinstall stock image boot.img |
| Mistake 1 (in Mi Unlock) | Wrong account or time | Check time on PC and phone, re-link the account |
| No network after Root | Damaged section persists | Restore the backup persist or reflash the stock ROM |
Safety and Return to Factory Settings
Using root rights requires enhanced digital hygiene: Do not give superuser access to applications from unverified sources; update Magisk regularly and remove unused modules as they may contain vulnerabilities.
If you decide to sell your phone or return it to the service center, the root rights must be removed, and the most reliable way is to open the Magisk app, click the Remove Magisk button, and select "Full Deletion" and then the phone will restart in its clean state.
⚠️ Note: Simply removing Magisk does not remove root rights completely. Be sure to use the full removal function inside the application or scrub through the stock image boot.img via Fastboot to avoid launch issues.
To return to the factory state, it is recommended to flash the official global or regional firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. This is guaranteed to close the bootloader and return the device to the factory appearance.