Root access on Xiaomi phone: what it is, why you need and how it works in 2026

Have you ever faced a situation where you wanted to remove a pre-installed app on Xiaomi, but the system stubbornly refused to do it? Or dreamed of installing custom firmware, but the phone blocked all attempts? All these restrictions of standard MIUI firmware that can be circumvented by obtaining root access — superuser rights. But what does this really mean for the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone in 2026?

Root access is the equivalent of administrative rights in Windows or sudo in Linux, but for Android. It gives you complete control over system files, kernels and settings that are usually hidden from the user. However, with the opportunities comes the risks from loss of warranty to bricking up the device. In this article, we will discuss how root works on Xiaomi, which models support unlocking the bootloader, and what happens to the phone once the superuser is granted permission.

What is root access in simple words?

Imagine your smartphone is a home. You can normally use the kitchen, living room and bedroom, but the basement and attic are locked. Root access is the key that opens all doors, including those that lead to system settings, hidden features and even potentially dangerous areas.

• 🗑️ Remove embedded applications (bloatwar) that cannot be uninstalled by standard means (e.g. com.miui.analytics or Mi Browser).
• ⚡ Speed up your phone by optimizing the kernel or disabling unnecessary services.
• 🔧 Install modified firmware (castom) ROM) LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
• 📱 Change system fonts, animations, sounds and even interface MIUI beneath.

However, with freedom comes responsibility. Root access violates the integrity of the Android system, which can lead to:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty (manufacturer has the right to refuse repairs).
• 🔒 Security issues (viruses or malware gain unrestricted access).
• 💥 "Brick (turning the phone into a brick) with incorrect actions.

How root affects MIUI firmware: technical details

Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware is built on Android, but has a number of proprietary modifications, including Mi Anti-Rollback protection and bootloader locking. Getting root access on modern models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and later) requires several mandatory steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account binding and waits 7-14 days).
2. Install a custom recap (e.g., TWRP) to manage system partitions.
3. Magisk firmware is a tool for managing root rights without changing the system partition (/system).

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi is actively fighting against unauthorized changes, such as on Dynamic Partition models like the Redmi K50, standard TWRP firmware methods may not work, and once the MIUI is upgraded through the OTA root access often flies off and has to be restored manually.

Official and Unofficial Root: What’s the Difference

Many users confuse unlocking a bootloader with getting root access, which are actually two different processes:

• Officially unlocking the bootloader (Mi Unlock) - allows custom firmware installation, but does not give root automatically. Xiaomi allows this, but with restrictions: Requires binding of the Mi Account to the device. You need to wait 7-14 days (on new models - up to 30 days).
• Unofficial root is the ability to gain superuser rights without unlocking the bootloader through exploits (e.g. DirtyCOW or CVE-2023-21036) and is risky: It can lead to a hard brick. It doesn't work on the latest versions of MIUI (patches closed). It often requires a rollback to the old firmware.

In 2026, the only reliable way to get root on Xiaomi is to unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock, install TWRP, and flash Magisk. All other methods are either outdated or only work on older models (up to the Redmi Note 10).

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Before unlocking the bootloader, check if your model supports official unlocking.Some devices (like the POCO F5 for the Chinese market) may have limitations.

Step-by-step: how to get root on Xiaomi in 2026

Warning: this process will reset all data on the phone and may result in a loss of warranty.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Charge your phone at least 60%|Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website|Make sure that the phone is on debugging USB and unlock OEM-->

1. Enable Developer Modes and USB Debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate: Debugging by USB OEM Unlock (may be called Factory Unlock)

Link your Mi Account to your device

Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not work.

Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC

Download the latest version from the official website (note the bitiness of Windows). Launch the program and log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.

Connect your phone to your PC and start unlocking.

Turn off your phone, press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. Connect to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If you see a message to wait, wait for the specified time (usually 7 days).

Install TWRP and Magisk

Once unlocked, download TWRP for your model (e.g. from twrp.me) and run through fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Then, in TWRP, you can swipe Magisk (download it on GitHub).

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On models with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K60), standard TWRP may not work, in which case you will need a special version of the recovery or alternative methods like OrangeFox.

What will happen to the phone after getting root: pros and cons

Root access is changing the way your phone works, but it's also increasing the risk.

✅ Advantages

• 🚀 Productivity: Unnecessary services can be disabled MIUI (For example, miui.analytics, which will speed up the work.
• 🎨 Customization: changing system fonts, icons, animations through Substratum or LSPosed.
• 🔧 Backup: Full backup of data applications via Titanium Backup or Swift Backup.
• 🛡️ Ad Blocking: System Blocking via Hosts or AdAway.

❌ Deficiencies

• 🔒 Security: some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) will stop working due to root detection.
• 📱 OTA-Updates: Automatic updates MIUI Fly or require manual patching through Magisk.
• 🔄 Instability: Accidental reboots or errors in the Magisk modules may occur.
• 🛠️ Guarantee: Official service centers will refuse repairs if they detect an unlocked bootloader.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Widevine L1 (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after unlocking the bootloader, the level of protection may decrease to L3, What will block Netflix viewing, Disney+ and other services in HD-quality.

Xiaomi models, which root is the most difficult to get

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally friendly to modifications, and some models have additional protections that complicate the process:

If your model isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean the process will be easy.For example, even on the Redmi Note 12, you might have problems with the Mi Anti-Rollback if you try to flash firmware older than the one installed out of the box.

⚠️ Note: On phones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. Always back up the nvram partition before you start manipulating it!

Frequent Root Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to a device's "brick," and here are the most common ones:

• 🔌 Interrupting the firmware process (for example, disabling) USB-This can lead to a hard brick when the phone doesn't even turn on.Solution: Use the original cable and port USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 is sometimes a problem).
• 📥 Installation of incompatible TWRP. For example, the firmware recovery from Redmi Note 11 on POCO X4 Pro. Solution: Always check the model and firmware version on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA.
• 🔄 Skipping the step with waiting to unlock. Mi Unlock Tool can show that the device is unlocked, but in fact it requires waiting 7-30 days. Solution: Don't try to get around the wait - this will lead to the blocking of the Mi Account.
• 🛡️ Lack of backup before manipulation. Many users lose IMEI Solution: Use adb backup or Swift Backup (after receiving root).

If the phone is still "bricking," don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored through a phone. EDL-Emergency Download Mode with tools like the Mi Flash Tool or QFil, but this will require an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Root Questions on Xiaomi