Link2SD could not get root rights to Xiaomi: reasons and solutions

Why Link2SD doesn’t get rooted on Xiaomi and what to do about it

You are trying to transfer applications to SD-map Link2SD, But the software persists in making the error "failed to get superuser rights"? The problem is typical for Xiaomi smartphones, especially on firmware. MIUI 12-14. It's not the app itself, it's the root access features of the brand's devices, even if you unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, Link2SD You may not see the rights due to security restrictions MIUI or misconfigure.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to solve the problem, from basic checks to advanced Magisk settings and the kernel. Importantly, some methods require technical training, so read the warnings carefully before you act. If your Redmi or POCO isn’t unlocked yet, start with this — without root Link2SD, it just won’t work.

Before proceeding to the instructions, make sure that:

• 📱 You have an up-to-date version installed. Link2SD (download only from Google Play or XDA Developers).
• 🔓 Bootloader unlocked (checked by the command fastboot oem device-info).
• 🛠️ Magisk or other root manager is installed and running (check through the Magisk Manager app).

1. Root rights validation: Magisk and alternatives

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the root rights on the device actually work, and often people think they've unlocked the bootloader and installed Magisk, that's all set, but MIUI can block access to the superuser for individual applications, including Link2SD.

How to check:

1. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play.
2. If the status "Root access is properly installed" does not show, the problem is in the Magisk settings or firmware.
3. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings → Superuser. Make sure the "Enable MagiskSU" switch is on.

If you have root, but Link2SD doesn’t see the right, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device (sometimes Magisk does not apply the rights immediately after installation).
• 📥 Update Magisk to the latest version via Settings → Update.
• 🔧 Manually add Link2SD to the list of permitted applications in MagiskSU (Special User section) → Log).

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If the Magisk Link2SD has stopped working after the update, try rolling back to version 25.2, which is more stable in some MIUI firmware.

2. Magisk setup for MIUI compatibility

MIUI is known for its aggressive approach to security, which often conflicts with root access. If you use Magisk but Link2SD is not authorized, the problem may be:

• 🔒 DenyList (formerly MagiskHide) — MIUI It can automatically block access.
• 📁 Incorrect Sepolicy settings (kernel security policies).
• 🔄 Conflict with Magisk modules, for example, Xiaomi EU or disable MIUI Optimization.

Instructions for setting up Magisk:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings → Set up DenyList.
2. Add to the list all applications related to MIUI Security: com.miui.securitycenter com.miui.guardprovider com.xiaomi.permmanager
3. Reset the device.
4. After the reboot, open Magisk → Modules and make sure that the Zygisk module is active (if not, install it through the Repository).

If the problem persists, try disabling all Magisk modules and checking Link2SD. If it works, turn on modules one at a time to find the conflicting one.

3. Link2SD permissions in MIUI Security

MIUI has built-in security that can block root access even for authorized applications, and if you don't give Link2SD special permissions, the program won't be able to use the superuser.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Link2SD and open its settings.
3. Include all permissions, especially: 📂 "Warehouse” (for work with SD-card). 🔧 "Change of system settings” (for partition mounting). 🛡️ "Display on top of other applications” (for notifications).

Settings → Special permissions → Access to root

Permitted.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI Root Access section 14 can be hidden. To open it, you need to first turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version). MIUI" in "About Phone"), and then in "Additional Settings" find "Local Updates" and click on three times "MIUI".

4.Problems with SD-map: formatting and mounting

Link2SD requires that SD-The map was properly formatted and assembled as ext2/ext3/ext4 or FAT32 (depending on the version of the application, if the map is formatted in NTFS or exFAT, the program will not be able to create a second partition on it to store application data.

How to prepare SD-map:

• 📁 Save all data from card to computer – formatting will delete them.
• 🔧 Use the official utility from Link2SD Formatting: Open up Link2SD and select "Settings" → Format SD-map. Select the file system ext4 (recommended FAT32. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

PC

MiniTool Partition Wizard

ext4

After formatting, restart the device and check if Link2SD has an "Create Link" option for applications. If not, the problem may be mounting the partition.

Save data from the map|Format in ext4 through Link2SD|Reboot the phone|Check the mounting in the settings→Warehouse-->

5. Firmware conflicts: MIUI EU, Global and China

Firmware version MIUI It has a strong impact on root rights, such as Chinese firmware (China). ROM) often block access to the superuser for third-party applications, and European (MIUI EU) They may have bugs with mounting SD-Here's how to fix the map:

If you have MIUI China, the most reliable way to do this is to reflash the device on MIUI EU or Global.

1. Download the firmware from Xiaomi.eu or the official website.
2. Use TWRP to install (instruction: Wipe → Format Data → Install ZIP).
3. After the firmware is installed, re-install Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing with China ROM on Global/EU This can lead to data loss and blocking. IMEI Some models (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 Before the procedure, make a backup copy through TWRP → Backup.

6. Alternative ways to transfer applications to SD

If none of the methods worked and Link2SD still doesn’t get root, consider alternative memory release options:

• 🔄 Built-in function MIUI: Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. Select the application and click "Move to" SD-map" (not available for all programs).

App2SD

:

Android 6.0+

ADB-team:

Android SDK

adb shell pm set-install-location 2

(install SD-map as default installation location).

Cloud storage:

Google Drive

Mi Cloud

Critical information: On devices with MIUI 13/14 Android 12+ portability SD-The card can be locked at the kernel level, in which case the only way out is to use clone applications (like Island or Shelter) that create isolated copies of programs.

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If Link2SD not working MIUI 14, try to roll back on MIUI 12.5 – less restrictions on working with SD-map.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Link2SD on Xiaomi