How to get root on Xiaomi Mi 5: step-by-step instructions

The Xiaomi Mi 5, released in 2016, is still one of the most popular devices in the development community. Despite its age, it has huge potential for modifications, allowing owners to significantly expand the functionality of standard firmware. The main obstacle to full freedom of action is a closed bootloader and the lack of superuser rights by default.

Root permissions allow you to access system files, remove pre-installed debris, block system-level ads, and install specialized modules, but this process requires careful and follow the instructions, as any errors can lead to a device failure. In this article, we will discuss in detail the secure firmware method through TWRP Recovery and the installation of the Magisk rights manager.

Before taking action, you need to be aware of the risks, and modification of the system partition always carries the potential for data loss or software failure. The official warranty on the Xiaomi Mi 5 has long expired, but the risk of turning the phone into a “brick” remains relevant if the technology is broken. USB-port.

Preparation of the device and the workplace

The first step in the modification process is to prepare the environment and the gadget itself. You will need a Windows computer, as most ADB and Fastboot utilities work best in this environment. It is also critical to make a full backup of all important data, since unlocking the bootloader will lead to complete removal of information from the internal drive.

Be sure to check the battery charge. The device must be charged at least 60-70% so that the energy does not run out at the most critical moment. Use an original or quality certified USB cable, as cheap analogues often do not provide a stable connection, which can interrupt the firmware process.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader permanently erases all data from the device. Before starting the procedure, be sure to copy contacts, photos and documents to an external medium or to cloud storage.

To work, you will need the following software components:

• 📱 Drivers. ADB and Fastboot (installed on PC)
• 💻 Mi Unlock Tool (official program from Xiaomi)
• 🔧 Recovery image TWRP, Adapted specifically for the Gemini model
• 📦 Magisk firmware file (Zip or apk archive renamed zip)

Download all the necessary files in advance and place them in a separate folder on the computer’s root disk, for example. C:\XiaomiRoot\. This will make it easier to navigate when executing commands in the command line. Make sure that the smartphone is debugging on. USB, The menu is in the hidden menu for developers».

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Without an unlocked Bootloader, a modified recavator cannot be installed. Xiaomi has implemented a security system that requires waiting a certain period of time after an account is linked, which is designed for security, but for enthusiasts, it becomes the first hurdle.

Go to the phone settings and find About. Click on the MIUI version several times until you have become a developer. Then go to the advanced settings, select Developer's, and find Mi Unlock Status, where you want to link your Mi Account to your device over a mobile network (Wi-Fi may not work).

Once you have an account attached, you have to wait until the application indicates that it will be 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases the waiting period can be reduced to 36 hours or, conversely, extended. Re-submitting the application resets the timer, so act only after the specified time has expired.

When the wait period expires, turn off the phone and press the volume button along with the power button to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the smartphone to your computer and launch the Mi Unlock Tool. If all the data is correct, the program will allow you to unlock the device. Remember, after this step, the phone will be completely cleared.

Installation of TWRP Recovery

The standard recovery menu does not allow you to make changes to the system partition, so it must be replaced by the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). This custom recovery has a convenient touch interface and supports the installation of zip archives. For the Xiaomi Mi 5 model (codename gemini), there are specific versions that you need to select carefully.

Copy the downloaded image file (usually with the.img extension) into the ADB tool folder. Rename it to twrp.img for convenience. Open the command prompt in this folder. Make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode and connected to the PC. Enter the connection check command:

fastboot devices

If you get the serial number of the device in response, the connection is correct, so you can start writing the image in memory.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

Once the command is successful, don’t restart the phone in the usual way. On some devices with MIUI firmware, a standard boot can overwrite TWRP back to stock recovery. Instead, use a button combination to enter recovery mode or command:

fastboot boot twrp.img

This will trigger the recaveri temporarily, and if the TWRP is still there after the reboot, it's a success, otherwise you'll need to fix it through the recaveri menu or use additional patches.

Getting root rights through Magisk

The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the fact of modification from banking applications and Google services. To install, you will need a Magisk installer file in format. ZIP.

Upload the current version of Magisk to your device. If your phone doesn't already have access to the network in recovery mode, copy the file through the device. USB-cable, connecting the phone to the PC while active TWRP. In the main menu, select "Install" (Install).

Find the copied Magisk archive and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few seconds. Once completed, a successful installation message will appear. Now you need to restart the system. When you first start, the system can generate a cache of applications, which will take longer than usual.

Once you download, look for the Magisk icon in the app menu. Open it. If the app offers a component reset, agree and restart. The version number in the main window opposite the Magisk should be the version number, which confirms that the superuser has rights.

Configuring and checking access rights

Getting rights is just the beginning. Now you need to make sure that the system is stable and the applications have access to the necessary functions. Open the Magisk settings and turn on "Zygisk" (if required for new modules) and "DenyList" to hide the root from selected applications. This is especially true for banking programs that can block work on modified devices.

To test the effectiveness of the application, you can use specialized tools, such as Root Checker, run the test, and the application will confirm the presence of rights, and it is worth checking the camera, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as sometimes modifications to the kernel can affect the operation of communication modules.

💡

Use the MagiskHide Props Config module if some apps fail due to security certificates or the Android version.

Don't forget to update Magisk Manager regularly. Developers often release patches that close vulnerabilities and improve compatibility with new versions of Android. XDA Developers.

Possible problems and solutions

While modifying the Xiaomi Mi 5, users may encounter various difficulties, and one of the common problems is a “bootloop” (cyclical reboot), which may be due to the incompatibility of the TWRP version with the firmware version or corrupted system files, in which case cleaning the Dalvik and Cache partitions through the Wipe menu in the recovery will help.

Another common problem is network failure or a broken fingerprint after unlocking the bootloader, which is solved on some global firmware by flashing the relevant partitions or installing patches. If your phone has stopped responding to Fastboot commands, try using another one. USB-port or cable, and reinstall drivers.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless reboot and doesn’t enter Recovery mode, you may need to flash through mode EDL Using an authorized Mi Account.

In case of serious errors, you can always go back to the original state, just download the official firmware for your model and restore it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode, which will return the device to the factory state, but delete all data and root rights.

💡

Returning to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool is a guaranteed way to restore the device to work after unsuccessful experiments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)