Modifying the Android operating system on Xiaomi devices has long since ceased to be the lot of select enthusiasts, becoming a standard way to expand the functionality of the gadget. Users seek full permissions to access the file system to remove system debris, change the themes of design and run specialized software. However, standard methods of setting superuser rights often lead to blocking banking applications or unstable device operation.
In today’s 2026, Magisk Manager remains the uncontested leader in the world of root access, thanks to its unique cloaking system, which allows you to implement changes to the system partition without modifying the system partition, which is critical for passing SafetyNet and Play Integrity security checks. The installation process requires care, but the result is worth it, opening the doors to full customization of your smartphone.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the risks and prepare all the necessary components for a successful procedure. Incorrect execution of the steps can lead to software errors, so it is important to follow the instructions as accurately and consistently as possible. In this article, we will discuss each step from unlocking the bootloader to configuring the modules.
Preparation of the device and necessary files
The first step to getting root rights is to build up-to-date versions of the software that guarantee compatibility with your model, and you’ll need to find the original firmware image that matches the version installed on your smartphone right now, as using old or new versions can cause a bootloop.
You also need to download the latest version of Magisk in APK format from the official developer repository on GitHub. Using third-party sites to download this critical component is unacceptable, as you risk infecting the device with malicious code or getting a non-working build.
Where to look for official firmware?
To connect your smartphone to your computer, you will need a good one. USB-cable and installed drivers ADB Without these components, the computer will not be able to properly interact with the phone in bootloader mode, making it impossible to firmware the modified image.
- 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi Smartphone / POCO battery-charged%.
- 💻 Computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-data-line.
- 📂 Firmware file (ROM) The same version as the current system.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to create a full backup of all important data, as unlocking the bootloader will lead to the complete removal of information from the device.
Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
The fundamental condition for installing Magisk on Xiaomi devices is an unlocked bootloader. The manufacturer has implemented strict restrictions, so simply stitching a modified partition will not work – the system will reject the signature.
The process starts by linking your Mi Account to your device through the settings menu. → The phone. → We're taping. MIUI/HyperOS 7 Once, then in the menu Advanced settings → Developer access to insert items "Debugging by USB" and “Unlocking the loader".
Once you have linked your account, download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. After you start the program and log in to your account, switch your phone to Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume buttons down) and connect it to your PC. The unlocking process can take from a few seconds to 168 hours (7 days), depending on the policy of the region.
- 🔒 Make sure that the phone is installed SIM-card to which the Mi Account is linked.
- 📡 Requires a stable Internet connection on a smartphone (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- ⏳ Be prepared for the wait: the countdown timer cannot be bypassed by official methods.
It is important to understand that once the bootloader is unlocked, the security system of the device considers it less secure, and some applications of banks may react to this fact, but Magisk Hide successfully hides this state from most services.
Extract and modify boot.img
The key to the whole process is to work with boot.img download image. This file contains the system kernel and ramdisk, which must be modified to implement superuser rights. Simple file replacement is impossible, you need to create a patch.
First, install the previously downloaded Magisk Manager on your smartphone. After installation, launch the application and click on the "Install" button in the Magisk section. In the menu that appears, select the "Select and Switch File" option.
You need to find a file in your phone memory. boot.img, If you have a device with dynamic partitions, you may need a file. init_boot.img, What is typical for new models based on Android 13-15.
Example of file structure in firmware archive:
/images/boot.img
/images/init_boot.img
/system/system.img
/vendor/vendor.imgOnce the file is selected, the app will start the patching process, which will take a few seconds. Upon completion, a new file with the name of the view will appear in the Download folder. magisk_patched_[random].This file must be copied to your computer for further firmware through Fastboot.
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If you have a smartphone with a MediaTek processor, instead of boot.img, you sometimes need to patch the vbmeta.img file to disable boot integrity checks.
Firmware patched image through Fastboot
The final step in root rights is to replace the original boot image with a modified one, and to do that, we put the smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to the computer.
Open the command line or terminal in the ADB/Fastboot tool folder. Make sure the computer sees the device by entering the fastboot device command. If the device serial number is displayed, you can go to the firmware.
The firmware command depends on the type of device you have. Most smartphones use the standard boot partition firmware command. Owners of dynamic partition devices (A/B partition) need to be more careful and flash both slots.
The command for standard devices:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
The command for devices with partitions A/B:
fastboot flash boot_a magisk_ppatched.img
fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img☑️ Checklist before firmware
Once you have successfully completed the command, type in fastboot reboot to reboot the device. The first run may last longer than usual, which is normal for a system with a modified kernel. If the boot is successful, open Magisk Manager, the version should be displayed in the center, and the green indicator should be lit at the bottom.
Set up Root Hiding and Work with Modules
Obtaining super-user rights is only half the battle: In order to make smartphone use more comfortable in 2026, you need to set up a hidden root from banking apps and anti-cheat game systems. Magisk provides powerful tools to do this.
In the application settings, enable the Zygisk option. This is a new code implementation environment that replaces the old MagiskHide and allows modules to work more efficiently and invisibly for the system.
| Module/Function | Appointment | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| DenyList | Hiding root from selected applications | High (Banks, games) |
| Shamiko | Improves Zygisk Hiding and Process Listing | Medium (for complex cases) |
| Universal SafetyNet Fix | Helps you pass the Play Integrity test | High (Google Pay, Netflix) |
| Systemless Hosts | Allows you to block advertising at the system level | Low (Of course) |
In the DenyList menu, you need to tick all apps that don't need to know that you have root rights, and you need to open each app and check all subprocesses, and then turn on "Follow DenyList" in Magisk settings.
⚠️ Note: Do not add Magisk to the DenyList list, otherwise you will not be able to manage access rights).
Possible problems and solutions
The process of modifying the system does not always go smoothly, especially on Xiaomi devices with their aggressive memory optimization, and most often users are faced with a situation where the phone goes into an endless reboot after firmware.
If the device doesn’t boot but enters Fastboot mode, you can always return the original one. boot.img, The team that we recommended to keep. original_boot.img Return the phone to factory status without root rights, but with a working system.
Another common problem is working banks, but not working Google Pay, which is solved by cleaning the data of the Google Play Services app and Magisk itself, as well as checking the certificate in the GMS Framework application, sometimes requiring waiting for an update of security modules.
- 🔄 Bootloop: Sweat down the original boot.img via Fastboot.
- 📉 Unstable operation: Remove conflicting modules through Safe Mode (clip the volume button when booting).
- 🚫 SafetyNet Error: Check for Universal SafetyNet Fix updates.
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The most common cause of problems is a mismatch between the patch version and the firmware version. Always use boot.img from the firmware you have installed right now.