Root rights on Xiaomi: how to unlock the bootloader and get full control of the smartphone

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install modified firmware. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can turn a device into a brick or deprive you of warranties. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk, and also explain how to avoid typical errors and restore the health of the smartphone if something goes wrong.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi actively blocks attempts to obtain root rights: the company has tightened security policy, and from 2023 for new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) additional account confirmation via SMS is required. Old devices (up to Mi 11 inclusive) unlock easier, but even there are nuances. We will consider universal methods relevant for all MIUI 14/15 firmware based on Android 13/14, including ways to circumvent new restrictions.

What are root rights and why do you need them on Xiaomi?

Root rights are administrative access to the Android operating system, similar to the rights of a superuser in Linux.

• 📱 Remove embedded applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps that cannot be uninstalled in standard ways.
• ⚡ Optimize performance: disable unnecessary services MIUI, overclock the processor or vice versa – limit background activity to save battery.
• 🔧 Install modified firmware (custom ROM), such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, to get a “pure” Android without a shell MIUI.
• 🛠 Use powerful utilities like Titanium Backup to back up data applications or AdAway to block ads.

However, the medal has a downside:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support rooting and may be denied repairs when contacted by a service center.
• 🛡 Security risk: Some applications (e.g. banking) refuse to work on rooted devices due to potential vulnerabilities.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After obtaining root rights, automatic updates MIUI They may stop installing.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13/14 (e.g., Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro), Anti-Rollback is activated after unlocking the bootloader, which means you can’t return to an older firmware version without risking the device.

Preparing for root rights: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

1. Back up your data. Unlocking the bootloader causes a hard reset. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy on your PC via adb backup).
2. Check the model and firmware version. Go to Settings → About the phone. Write down: Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G codenamed veux); MIUI version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5); Android version (e.g. Android 13 TKQ1.221114.001).

Make sure the battery is over 60%.

Prepare a PC with Windows/Linux.

Mi Unlock Tool

ADB/Fastboot

Also check if your model is supported by official unlocking.Some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi Pad 6) may require additional action.A full list of supported models is available on Xiaomi's official website.

Make a data backup|Know the code name of the model|Charge the phone. >60%|Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC|Download Fastboot firmware for your model-->

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is the first and most critical step. Xiaomi requires confirmation through the Mi Account, and new devices (released after 2022) may require a phone number binding.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

1. Go to Settings → Mi Account and log in (if not authorized).

2. Enable data synchronization and wait for the process to be completed.

3. Return to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.

4. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable:

• 🔓 Unlock OEM (may not be available on newer models)
• 🔌 Debugging by USB.

5. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Step 2: Request Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility and install it on your PC.

2. Launch the program and log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.

3. Follow the instructions on the screen. If a message appears Couldn't unlock. Wait 168 hours, it means that Xiaomi has imposed a temporary lock. Wait for the specified time (usually 7 days) and try again.

4. Upon successful unlocking, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 14+, anti-rollback protection may work after unlocking the bootloader. This means you won't be able to install firmware older than the one on the phone originally. Check the version of Anti-Rollback in the Fastboot command: fastboot getvar anti If the value is greater than 3, be careful with the firmware.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is different from the account info on the device," try deleting the Mi Account on your phone, rebooting and re-authenticating. Sometimes changing the region of the account to "China" in the Mi Cloud settings helps.

Install Magisk for root rights

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start installing Magisk, the most popular root-rights tool without violating systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet checks and use banking applications.

Method 1: Installation via TWRP (recommended)

1. Download the official TWRP for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro - sweet). Make sure the recovery version is compatible with your firmware.

2. Reboot the phone to Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down).

3. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img


fastboot reboot recovery

4. In TWRP, go to Install and select the downloaded Magisk file (e.g., Magisk-v26.4.zip).

Method 2: Installation via Fastboot (for devices without TWRP)

1. Download the latest version of Magisk and extract the boot.img file from the firmware for your model (you can download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

2. Send boot.img to your phone and use Magisk (set as a regular APK) to execute Patch Boot Image.

3. Copy the resulting file magisk_patched.img on your PC and run it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img


fastboot reboot

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If the phone is stuck on booting after installing Magisk, try flashing the original boot.img back through Fastboot and then repeat the process with a different method.

Root rights verification and solving typical problems

After the reboot, check if root rights have appeared:

1. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play and run the check.
2. Open Magisk – if the status says Installed, and the Superuser section shows rights requests, then everything went well.

If root does not work, possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 The device is loaded into an infinite bootloom: Sweat the original boot.img through Fastboot. Try another method of installing Magisk (e.g., via TWRP instead of Fastboot).
• 🚫 Magisk is not required: Check the compatibility of the Magisk version with your firmware (e.g. Android 14 requires version 26.4+). Turn off signature verification in TWRP (Settings → Disable signature verification).
• 🔒 Banking apps don't work: Enable MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions) in Magisk. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix.

If after all the manipulations the phone does not turn on or if it gives an Orange State error, it means that the bootloader is unlocked, but the firmware is damaged.

1. Download the official Fastboot firmware for your model.
2. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
3. Repeat the process of obtaining root rights again.

How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and alternatives)

Many applications (such as Sberbank Online, Google Pay, or secure games) refuse to work on rooted devices.

Method 1: MagiskHide (for older versions of Magisk)

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings.

2. Enable the MagiskHide option.

3.In the Superuser section, find the app that needs to hide root and tick it.

Method 2: Zygisk + Universal SafetyNet Fix (new versions)

1. In Magisk, go to Settings → Enable Zygisk.

2. Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module through the Modules.

3.Reboot the device and check the SafetyNet status in the YASNAC application.

Method 3: Shamiko (to bypass detection)

If Zygisk doesn’t help, try the Shamiko module:

1. Download Shamiko (.zip file).
2. Install it through Magisk → Modules.
3. In Shamiko settings, select Enforce DenyList mode and add problematic apps to the list.

To check the efficiency, use:

• YASNAC is a SafetyNet test.
• RootBeer Sample is a root detection test.
• Play Integrity API Checker – Check compatibility with Google Play.

How to Remove Root Rights and Return Guarantee

If you need to return your device to the service center or simply change your mind about root rights, follow the following steps to completely remove rooting traces:

1. Remove Magisk: Open the Magisk app and select Delete → Complete Delete. If Magisk doesn't start, run the original boot.img through Fastboot.
2. Close the bootloader (optional): This is a reversible process, but requires re-unblocking if root is needed again. Use the command: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Warning: If the device has custom firmware installed, locking the bootloader will lead to building blocks. First, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the all clean option.

Reset the device to factory settings:

• Go to Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset → Resetting.
• Select to erase everything (including internal memory).

After this, the device will return to the “out of the box” state, and the service center will not be able to determine that it was rooted. However, some traces (for example, an unlocked bootloader) may remain in the Xiaomi logs, so it is better not to mention rooting for warranty repair.

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If you delete Magisk and your phone doesn't pass SafetyNet, try flashing the original boot.img and resetting it completely, which solves the problem 90 percent of the time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi

Through Fastboot:

• Download Fastboot firmware and run it through the Mi Flash Tool without locking the bootloader.
• Then re-install Magisk.

⚠️ Important: Do not upgrade through the standard OTA- menu, this will result in root loss and possible device locking!