Root rights to Xiaomi: how to unlock in 15 minutes without the risk of “bricking” the phone

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is like opening a secret door to Android, and you have full control of the hardware and software, but you also take all the risks from losing warranty to potentially building up the device. In 2026, the process is easier than ever, but there are more pitfalls for newcomers.

In this article, we will discuss three officially supported methods (through unlocking the bootloader), as well as alternative ways for advanced users, POCO X5 And Mi 13, where the manufacturer has tightened the protection. MIUI Or install custom firmware -- you're right there, but first check if you really need root: 90% of the tasks (from uninstalling bloatware to porting apps to the Internet) SD-map) is decided without it.

Why Xiaomi is blocking root rights by default?

Xiaomi is making it harder to unlock for a reason, and here are three key reasons:

• 🔒 Data security: Root access allows malware to gain control of system files, passwords and payment data.
• 📱 Stability MIUI: Modifying system files often leads to crashes that users blame on the “curve firmware».
• 💰 Warranty obligations: The manufacturer has the right to refuse repairs if a hack of the bootloader is detected.

Since 2022, Xiaomi has tightened its policy: it now requires a device-based Mi Account and 72 to 168 hours of waiting (previously 72 hours for all models), to unlock the device, and to fight fraudsters who steal phones and try to unlock them.

Preparing your phone: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, follow these steps: skipping at least one item can result in the blocking of your Mi Account or the inability to complete the process:

Create a backup in Mi Cloud|Tie it down. SIM-card|Enable debugging on USB|Permission. OEM-unlock|Charge the phone to 60%+-->

Pay special attention to the point about OEM-On new models (Redmi Note 13 Pro)+, Xiaomi 14) this option can be hidden:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
3. Find the OEM Unlock option and turn it on.

If the option is inactive or not, your model requires additional authorization through a service center, which applies to devices sold in certain regions (for example, Xiaomi for the European market marked EEA).

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If you bought your phone in China, link it to your Mi Account before you restart, otherwise you won’t be able to unlock the bootloader without contacting the service.

Official method: unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi considers legal.Calls for all models, including the latest POCO F5 and Redmi K60.The process takes 3 to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting period.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and make sure that:

• 📱 Phone is linked to your account (in Device Management).
• 🔗 Two-factor authentication is enabled on the account.
• 📧 Confirmed email and phone number.

Step 2: Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

Download the latest version of the utility from the official website (Windows only). Install Xiaomi USB Drivers drivers if the phone is not detected in Fastboot mode.

Step 3: Unlocking the bootloader

Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (Plug Power + Volume Down when the device is off). Launch Mi Unlock Tool and sign in to your Mi Account. If done correctly, a message will appear:

⚠️ Note: If the utility shows a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, then your model requires additional waiting (up to 168 hours) or service unlock code.

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can start installing Magisk or TWRP to obtain root rights.

Alternative methods: when the official method does not work

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader (e.g., on the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G with EEA firmware), you can try workarounds. They are riskier, but sometimes remain the only option.

Method 1: Use of the EDL-The system (for qualified users)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash your phone through the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

• 🔧 Authorized Xiaomi account (to download firmware).
• 💻 Windows PC with QFil or Mi Flash Tool installed.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right EDL This method is recommended only for recovering devices after failed firmware, not to unlock the bootloader.

Method 2: Exploits for older models (until 2021)

On devices like the Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC, exploits sometimes trigger to bypass the wait for unlocking, such as the XiaomiTool V2 utility automates the process but requires:

• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI (via Fastboot).
• 🔓 Temporary disabling of verification of the bootloader's signature.

A list of supported models and current exploits can be found on the XDA Developers forum (look for themes marked [UNLOCK]).

Install Magisk: Getting root rights after unlocking

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, the final step is to install Magisk, the most popular root rights management tool, which also allows you to hide root status from banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Google Pay).

Step 1: Download the required files

You will need to:

• 📱 The latest version of Magisk (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip).
• 💾 Firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🖥️ Platform Tools from Google (to work with Google) ADB and Fastboot).

Step 2: Patching a boot image through Magisk

Remove boot.img from the downloaded firmware and transfer it to your phone. In the Magisk app, select:

1. Install → Select and Patch a File.
2. Point the way to boot.img.
3. Wait for the file to be created. magisk_patched.img download.

Step 3: Firmware patched boot image

Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and execute the command:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img


fastboot reboot

After the reboot, Magisk Manager will appear in the app menu. Check root status using the Root Checker app.

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If you've got a MI logo after Magisk, you've been using a boot image from an incompatible firmware. Solution: run the original boot.img through Fastboot and repeat the process.

Risks and how to minimize them

Root rights give freedom, but they also carry responsibility, and here are the real risks and ways to avoid them:

The most common question is, "Can we just take it back?" Yes, but with reservations.

1. Switch the original boot.img through Fastboot.
2. Perform a reset to factory settings (Wipe Data in TWRP).
3. Close the bootloader with fastboot oem lock (this will delete all data!).

However, some models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50 Ultra) may require re-unlocking after 7 days after the bootloader is closed.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even experienced users face challenges. Here's the top-5 errors and ways of correcting them:

• 🚫 Mi Unlock Says 50% Error: Means your account is not tied to your device.Solution: Wait 72 hours and try again.
• 🔄 The phone got obsessed with downloading: Most likely an incompatible version of Magisk or firmware. boot.img.
• 🔌 PC doesn't see phone in Fastboot: Install drivers manually or try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📵 After root stopped calling: Problem in the Magisk module, disable all modules and restart.
• 🔒 MagiskHide doesn’t work: Update Magisk to the latest version and enable the Zygisk option.

If none of the methods worked, check the logs through ADB:

adb logcat | grep -i "error"

FAQ: Answers to popular questions