Xiaomi’s mobile devices have long proven to be a great platform for everyday use, but also for deep customization. Smartphone owners often face the limitations of the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell, which prevents you from removing system debris, changing the CPU frequency or using specialized modules. It is at this point that you need to activate root rights that allow access to the file system at the administrator level, which gives you full control over the device, but requires the user to be very attentive and understand the risks.
The procedure for obtaining superuser rights on Redmi and Poco devices is technically more difficult than on many other Android smartphones, due to the manufacturer's strict security policy. You will have to go through the unlocking of the bootloader, which will inevitably lead to a complete data reset. The process of unlocking the bootloader on new models can require waiting up to 7 days or having the status of a Beta tester in the Mi community. Before proceeding with active actions, you need to weigh all the pros and cons, since returning to the factory state is possible, but it will require time and skills.
⚠️ Attention: Root rights activation voids the manufacturer's official warranty. Any hardware breakdowns that occur during the experimentation, you will fix at your own expense.
Why do you need Root access and what risks do you have?
The main purpose of obtaining superuser rights is to remove the software restrictions imposed by the Android operating system. By owning a device with activated root, you can remove pre-installed applications that are usually hidden from the user. In addition, powerful data backup tools such as Titanium Backup or Swift Backup are available, allowing you to save the state of the system as a whole, including Wi-Fi passwords and game progress.
But with new capabilities, there are also serious security threats: Many banking and contactless payment applications (Google Pay, Mir Pay) default to operating on rooted devices, due to SafetyNet and Play Integrity, and although there are methods to bypass these checks, they require constant updates and customization, which can be a problem for less experienced users.
- 📱 Full control over system files and the ability to edit them in real time.
- 🚀 Installation of specialized modules to speed up the Internet and optimize energy consumption.
- 🔒 The risk of turning a smartphone into a “brick” when erroneously removing critical system components.
- 🛡️ Reducing the level of protection of personal data from malware.
Also, consider that some applications, such as streaming services with high-resolution content (HDR), may stop displaying correctly. The Widevine L1 digital content protection system when unlocked by the bootloader often drops to L1 level, which limits the quality of the video. So if you are critical to watching Netflix or Disney+ in 4K, it is worth thinking carefully before starting the procedure.
Preparation of the smartphone for the procedure of modification
Success of the operation 90% The first step is to back up all the important data, because unlocking the bootloader, which is a must, will completely clear the internal memory of the device. Copy photos, contacts and documents to a cloud server or computer. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical moment of firmware.
Then you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to the Settings → About the phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version (or OS version). After the notification “You became a developer”, return to the main settings menu, select Additional → For developers. Here you need to include the items “Debugging by USB” and “Factory unlock”. Also in the menu “Mi Unlock Status” you need to link the Mi Account to the device.
☑️ Checklist of Xiaomi preparation for Root
It is important to use the original USB-cable and connect the smartphone directly to the motherboard port of the computer, avoiding USB-An unstable connection can interrupt the data transmission process and lead to errors during the firmware phase of the Recovery. ADB and Fastboot to your computer if they are not already installed in the system.
Unlock Bootloader bootloader on Xiaomi
Without the unlocked bootloader, you can't make changes to the system partition. This requires the official Mi Unlock Tool, which you can download from the developer's website. Run the program on your PC, log into your Mi Account (the same as your phone), and put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to pinch the device off simultaneously with the power button and the volume button until the bunny appears in the headphones.
Connect your phone to your computer and press the Unlock button in the utility. The program will warn you about the data reset. If less than 168 hours (7 days) have passed since the account was linked, you will get an error and a countdown timer. In this case, you will have to wait. If the time is up, the process will go well, the phone will restart, and the bootloader will be unlocked. The Unlocked sign will now appear on the boot screen.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, some features, such as Device Search or Steal Protection, may not work properly or be disabled by the manufacturer for security reasons.
There are exceptions for some models, especially those released for the Chinese market or with MediaTek processors, where the standard Mi Unlock method may not work. In such cases, vulnerabilities are often exploited (such as mtkclient), but this requires deeper technical knowledge and carries increased risks. For most global versions with Snapdragon processors, the standard Mi Unlock path is the only stable option.
What if Mi Unlock is 99% locked?
Installation of custom Recovery TWRP
The standard recovery menu Xiaomi does not allow you to install third-party zip archives, so you need to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Find the current version of the image.img for your device model on the official website or the verified forum XDA Developers. Using an image from another model is guaranteed to lead to breakdown.
The installation process takes place via Fastboot mode. Place the image file (rename it to twrp.img for convenience) in the ADB tool folder. Open the command prompt in this folder and execute a command to enter bootloader mode if the phone isn't already there:
adb reboot bootloaderAfter confirming the connection of the device by the fastboot device command, enter the command to temporarily load the recovery:
fastboot boot twrp.imgImportant: The boot team loads the recavers temporarily, without memory recording, so you can safely check the work. TWRP. If it's running correctly, you'll see the recaveri menu, so you can fix it permanently, on the menu. TWRP You need to choose Install. → Install Image → select the same file twrp.img And you can specify the Recovery section, and then you can go to the superuser rights set.
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
Today, the de facto standard for root rights management is Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the fact that you have rights from banking applications. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository.Pick the file onto your phone or download it directly in the environment TWRP, if you have access to the network.
In the TWRP menu, select Install, and find the Magisk.apk file (can be renamed.).