Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users a huge opportunity, but the standard shell MIUI or the new HyperOS often restrict access to system files. Many enthusiasts are looking to expand the functionality of the device by removing system debris, installing deep themes or specialized modules to improve sound and autonomy, which is why root access is required, which opens the doors to the depths of the Android operating system.
Obtaining superuser rights is not so much a complicated process as it requires carefulness and strict follow-up of instructions. Wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty or software failures, so it is important to understand each step. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely unlock the Xiaomi bootloader, install custom recovers and implement the Magisk rights manager, while maintaining the functionality of the gadget.
Before taking action, you need to understand the risks: Root rights give you full control of the phone, but remove the manufacturer from responsibility for software errors caused by user intervention, and some banking applications and services with a high degree of protection can stop working without additional manipulation to hide the modifications of the system.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for modification
The initial stage is the foundation of the entire operation. You will need a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone, a stable Windows computer and a high-quality smartphone. USB-The first thing you need to do is activate the hidden capabilities of the system. → About the phone and seven times quickly click on the build number MIUI. After that, the menu will appear item “For developers».
Inside the developer menu, you need to turn on some critical options. Find USB Debugging and activate it. Then select Unlock status and link your Mi Account. The system will warn you of the risks, we agree. Also, be sure to turn on the option "Allow change via USB" if it is available in your firmware version.
- 🔌 Charge the device to at least 60% to avoid turning off at a critical time.
- 💾 Make a full backup of the data, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the memory.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot on the computer.
⚠️ Note: The process of unlocking Xiaomi bootloader requires waiting from 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) after the account is linked.Do not try to circumvent this restriction by changing accounts or firmware - the timer will reset.
After you have completed all the settings in your phone, you need to download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer, launch the program on behalf of the administrator and log in to the same Mi Account that is linked to your smartphone, a prerequisite for successful device authorization.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Without an unlocked bootloader, third-party installing is impossible. Xiaomi, like many other manufacturers, blocks this feature by default. To put the phone into firmware mode, turn it off completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears.
Connect the device to the PC through USB-The Mi Unlock Tool should display model and lock status information. Press Unlock. If enough time has passed since the account was linked, the program will warn you of the complete deletion of the data and start the process. The phone screen will be a progress bar to show the progress of the operation.
What if Mi Unlock is giving an authorization error?
If the utility says "Couldn't verify device," try using mobile internet instead of Wi-Fi on your phone before entering Fastboot mode. Also, reassigning your account in the developer settings helps: untie the device, turn off Wi-Fi, turn on mobile data and reassign it.
Once it's successfully unlocked, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take more than usual -- that's OK, the system adjusts the new security settings. Now the bootloader is open to make changes, and we can move on to installing TWRP.
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Unlocking the bootloader is the only point of no return after which the software warranty is lost, but it is mandatory to obtain root rights to Xiaomi.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The Recovery Menu does not allow you to install third-party zip files or access system partitions. We will need a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) to find the exact version of the Recovery for your model on the official website or trusted forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA).
Place the image file in the ADB tool folder on your computer. Rename it to recovery.img for convenience so you don't type long names in the command line. Open the terminal (CMD or PowerShell) in this folder and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is determined, transfer it to Fastboot mode (as described above) and enter a command to temporarily load the Recovery:
fastboot boot recovery.imgThe phone will reboot immediately from the TWRP menu. Important: don't restart the system in the usual way until you install root, otherwise the regular firmware will rewrite the Recovery back to the factory. From the TWRP menu, select the language (Russian is available) and go to install files.
- 📂 Copy the file. Magisk.apk (or.zip in the memory of the phone.
- 🔘 V TWRP Press the "Install" button (Installation).
- 📲 Select the downloaded Magisk file and confirm the swipe.
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
Magisk is a modern superuser rights standard that works on the principle of systemless (does not change the system partition directly), which hides the presence of root from banking applications and Google Play services. Once installed via TWRP, the processor will terminate work, and the phone can be restarted as normal.
When you first turn on, you'll see a notification from the system that you've attempted access. Allow all requests. Magisk will appear in the application list. Run it. If the green "Root:..." is on the top of the screen, then the rights have been successfully obtained. Now you can manage permissions for each application separately.
☑️ Verification of successful installation
Some modules may require additional components to be installed through the Magisk menu to work properly, and it is also recommended to immediately go to the Magisk settings and activate “Zygisk” and “DenyList” to hide the root from demanding applications.
Checking rights and working with system files
To make sure you have access, you can use specialized tools like Root Checker, but Magisk itself is the best indicator. Now you can remove system applications that were previously uninstallable, and you can use root-enabled file managers like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer to do this.
When you first log in to the /system or /data folder, the file manager will request permission for the superuser to access. Provide it. Be careful: deleting critical files can lead to a bootloop. Always backup before deleting unknown files.
| Android folder | Description | Risk of removal |
|---|---|---|
| /system/app | System applications | High (may not load UI) |
| /data/data | Application data | Average (data loss) |
| /system/priv-app | Critical services | Critical (system brick) |
| /cache | Temporary files | Low (cache loss only) |
Possible problems and solutions
In the process of modifying Xiaomi, users often encounter typical errors. One of the most common is "Bootloop" after installing the module. If the phone is stuck on the logo, press Volume Up. + Food to get into TWRP, And do the section cleaning. Dalvik/Cache Remove the problem module through the file manager.
Another problem is a broken fingerprint or FaceID after unlocking the bootloader. On some global firmware, this is solved by flashing stock recovery before logging in, but on modern HyperOS models, biometrics often turn off at the security level when the bootloader is open.
⚠️ Warning: If the sound is gone or the microphone is no longer working after installing Magisk, don't rush to reflash the phone. Try Magisk to remove all modules and reboot. Often the conflict is caused by audio modulators.
It is also worth mentioning the problem with Widevine. L1. After unlocking the loader, the level of protection DRM may fall to L3, loss-making HD-Quality in streaming services (Netflix, Disney)+). Bring it back. L1 On an unlocked bootloader, it is almost impossible without deep modification of proprietary files, which is not always safe.
Safety and return to factory condition
Using root rights requires enhanced digital hygiene. Don't give superuser access to applications that aren't 100% sure of, root-enabled malware can steal all your passwords and data. Check your Magisk query log regularly.
If you decide to return the device to its original state (for example, for sale), you will need a complete flashing. Just remove Magisk is not enough - the bootloader will remain unlocked. Download the full firmware (Fastboot ROM) for your model from xiaomirom.com and use the MiFlash utility in Clear all and lock mode.
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When flashing with the bootloader lock, use the original USB-cable USB 2.0 on the computer motherboard to avoid data transmission errors.
Remember that fastboot oem lock should only be done on a clean firmware. If you block a bootloader with a modified bootloader or recovery, the phone will turn into a brick and require repair through a programmer.