Why you need root rights on Xiaomi smartphones and what risks they carry
Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Mi models) opens up access to Android system files that are usually blocked by the manufacturer, allowing you to remove pre-installed applications, optimize performance, and even change the MIUI interface at the code level. However, along with the opportunities come risks from loss of warranty to “brick” devices if you do not act correctly.
In this article, we’ll look at specific root rights scenarios for Xiaomi in 2026 that will really improve the smartphone experience — without abstract tips like “remove unnecessary apps.” You’ll learn how to reassign hardware buttons, block ads at the DNS level, increase battery life, and even restore deleted files directly from memory. And why some operations (such as changing build.prop) can lead to a boot cycle and how to avoid it.
Important: all instructions are checked on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) for devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. If your smartphone runs on HyperOS (the new firmware of Xiaomi), some of the features may require adaptation - we will mention this too.
1. Removal of embedded applications and bloatware
One of the main advantages of root is the ability to completely remove system applications that usually simply “disable” in the settings. On Xiaomi, this is especially true: even after resetting, Mi Browser, Mi Video, GetApps and other services that many users do not use return to the factory settings.
To delete, you will need a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer) or a command via ADB:
adb shell
su
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.midrop⚠️ Note: Deleting some packages (e.g. com.android.cts.priv.ctsshim) may disrupt Google Play Services.Before mass deletion, back up via TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.
- 🗑️ Securely Removable Packets: com.miui.analytics (statistics collection), com.miui.hybrid (hybrid applications), com.xiaomi.scanner (document scanner).
- ⚠️ Dangerous packages: com.miui.securitycenter (security center), com.android.phone (phone functions).
- 🔄 Alternative to Remove: Freeze via Titanium Backup or App Querent (retains recovery capability).
Create a backup in TWRP|Check the list of packages through `pm list packages`|Eliminate critical services|Use it. `pm uninstall` Instead of manually deleting files|Check the efficiency after removal-->
2. Performance optimization: overclocking and limiting processes
With root rights, you can change the kernel parameters that affect performance, such as increasing the CPU clock speed (overclocking), or, conversely, limiting background processes to save battery. On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this allows you to squeeze an additional 5-10% of power in games.
To set up, use the applications:
- 🔧 Kernel Adiutor – Frequency Control CPU/GPU, task-planner.
- ⚡ FrancoKernel Manager – Performance/Saving Profiles.
- 📊 Simple System Monitor – Real-time monitoring of resource usage.
Example of changing the governor (frequency control mode) through ADB:
echo performance > /sys/devices/system/cpu/cpu0/cpufreq/scaling_governor⚠️ Attention: Overclocking on passive cooling devices (such as the Redmi Note 12) can cause overheating and trottling.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | The effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| scaling_min_freq | 300,000 (300 MHz) | 725,000 (725 MHz) | Reduces lags when launching applications |
| scaling_max_freq | 2800000 (2.8 GHz) | 3000000 (3.0 GHz) | Increases FPS in games (risk of overheating) |
| tcp_congestion_control | cubic | bbr | Accelerates File Downloading over Wi-Fi |
To remove the Bloatware|To overclock the processor|To block ads|To customize the interface|Other-->
3. blocking of advertising and tracking at the system level
Even with personalized ads disabled, MIUI displays ads in system applications (such as Files or Themes). Root allows you to block ad domains through /etc/hosts files or using specialized tools.
Methods of blocking:
- Manual editing hosts: 127.0.0.1 ad.mi.com 127.0.0.1 tracking.miui.com (Add these lines to the end of the file via Root Explorer.)
- Annexes: 🛡️ AdAway – Automatically Update Lock Lists. 🔒 Blokada – Blocking at the Level VPN (It works without root, but it is more effective). 📵 App Ops – disabling permission to display ads for specific applications.
⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI The hosts file is reset. To avoid this, make it read-only through the command:
chmod 444 /etc/hosts💡
Before blocking ads, check the Google Play Services experience – some domains (e.g. googleads.g.doubleclick.net) may affect the app store.
4. Customization of the interface: changing fonts, animations and themes
With root rights, MIUI can be deeply modified, including:
- 🎨 Replacement of system fonts: copy.ttf files to /system/fonts/ (For example, replace Roboto-Regular.ttf with custom font).
- ⏱️ Change the speed of animations: edit the parameters in /system/build.prop: windows.animation.scale=0.5 transition.animation.scale=0.5
- 📱 Custom Theme Installation: Substratum or Hex Installer (requires OverlayFS support).
For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), some methods may not work due to a changed system file structure, in which case use Magisk Modules such as MIUI Blur or HyperOS Themes.
⚠️ Warning: Changing build.prop without a backup can lead to a download cycle.Always check the syntax of the file after editing!
How to return the standard interface settings?
5. Autostart and Background Process Management
By default, MIUI aggressively restricts the background of applications, which interferes with messengers and health trackers. With root, you can configure autorun at the system level:
- 🔄 Disable battery optimization: through ADB Battery Optimizer (requires root).
- 📱 Add applications to the whitelist: edit the file /data/system/deviceidle.xml.
- ⚡ Change the task scheduler: in Kernel Adiutor, choose cfq over bfq for better multitasking.
Example of a team to disable battery optimization for Telegram:
dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +org.telegram.messenger⚠️ Warning: Excessive battery optimisation shutdown can reduce battery life by 15-20%. Use this method only for critical applications.
6. Data backup and recovery
Root allows you to create complete backups not only of user data, but also system partitions, which is useful before experimenting with firmware or modifications.
Backup tools:
- 💾 Titanium Backup – Saving applications + Data (including game settings).
- 🔧 Swift Backup – a modern alternative with support for cloud storage.
- 📦 Hand backup through TWRP: Select the System, Data and Boot sections.
To recover SMS and calls, use:
adb backup -f /sdcard/backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system⚠️ Note: System partition backups (System, Vendor) may not recover on another version MIUI. Always check for compatibility!
💡
The best way to backup before modifications is to create a data partition image in TWRP and save it to the PC, which guarantees recovery even if internal memory is damaged.
7.Recover deleted files directly from memory
If you accidentally delete a photo or document, root allows you to scan internal memory at the block level.
- 🔍 DiskDigger – Recovery of Photos, Videos and Documents.
- 📂 Undelete – working with the file system F2FS/ext4.
- 💻 Manual method: connect the smartphone to the PC in mode MTP Use PhotoRec (included in TestDisk package).
Importantly, the fewer write operations you have after deletion, the better your chances of recovery are. Do not install recovery software on the same partition where you lost data!
⚠️ Attention: On devices with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption, for example, Xiaomi 12T) Recovery is possible only with a known unlock password.
8. Reassignment of hardware buttons and gestures
With root, you can change the physical button function (for example, double tap Volume Down to start the camera) or add new gestures.
Tools:
- 🔘 Button Mapper – Reassign power buttons, volume.
- ✋ Fluid Navigation Gestures – custom gestures (works even on HyperOS).
- 📱 Manual editing keylayout: files are in /system/usr/keylayout/.
Example of changing the Volume Up button to start a flashlight:
echo"key 115 WAKE_DROPPED VOLUME_UP WAKE" > /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl
echo"115 TORCH" >> /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F5) Button reassignment may conflict with system gestures MIUI. Before changing, check the work in safe mode.