Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS provide users with extensive functionality, but often limit access to deep system settings. Getting root rights opens up limitless possibilities for customizing the interface, removing system debris and fine-tuning the processor performance. However, this process requires caution, since interfering with the system partition can lead to a loss of warranty or inoperability of the device.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand that unlocking the bootloader and then installing administrator rights is an irreversible change in the software part of the smartphone. Xiaomi has implemented many security mechanisms designed to protect the average user, but for enthusiasts they become a barrier to overcome. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, risks and the procedure for modifying the firmware.
It's important to understand that there's no universal "get access" button, and each step has to be done sequentially. Breaking the sequence can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot) or a complete "bricking" of the gadget. We'll look at current techniques that work on most models, from the old Redmi to the flagship Mi and Note series.
⚠️ Note: You make all actions to modify the system software at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible damage to the software of your device.
Risk and Benefits Analysis Before Starting Work
Getting privileged access is a double-edged sword, and on the one hand, you become the full owner of your device, and on the other, you lose some of the built-in security and stability guaranteed by the manufacturer, and Root access allows you to remove undeleteable applications like Mi Browser, Mi Video, or advertising services that are deeply embedded in the system.
On the other hand, having superuser rights makes a device vulnerable to malware if you don't control the issuance of permits. NFC-Payment (Google Pay, Mir Pay) may stop working or require additional manipulation to hide the fact of modification of the system.
Also worth mentioning is the loss of warranty. Although software can only be used to determine if you're granted a license, the fact that the bootloader is unlocked is recorded on the company's servers, and when you contact a service center with a software problem, you may be denied free service.
- 🚀 Full file system management and the ability to replace system fonts or animations.
- 🛡️ Installation of powerful firewalls and ad blockers at the system level (AdAway).
- 🔋 Deep energy optimization through processor frequency management.
- 💸 Failure to operate some banking applications without using special concealment modules.
📊 What is most important to you in the smartphone?
Stable work out of the box
Possibility of deep tuning
Camera and photo
Battery autonomy
Necessary preparation of the device and computer
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. You will need a Windows computer, an original or quality USB cable and a fully charged smartphone. The first step should always be to create a full backup of all important data, since the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely destroy all data on the internal drive.
Then you need to activate the developer mode. → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the item Version MIUI (or OS). After the notification “You became a developer” appears, go to the menu Additional → For developers, you need to include the "Debugging by" clauses here. USB» and "Unlock Bootloader" (Unlock Bootloader).
Be sure to link your Mi Account to your device. From the Mi Unlock Status menu, click Add Account and Device. This is a mandatory Xiaomi security requirement. Once attached, you may need to wait 7 to 168 hours (1 to 7 days) before the server allows you to unlock.
The procedure for unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Unlocking the bootloader is a critical step without which installing Magisk or other modification tools is impossible. To do this, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from miui.com/unlock. Install the program on your PC and launch it by logging into the same Mi Account as on your smartphone.
Turn your phone into Fastboot mode. Turn off the device, and then press the power and volume buttons simultaneously until the bunny in an orange cap or the words FASTBOOT appear on the screen. Connect the phone to the computer with a cable. The Mi Unlock program should show the "Unlock" button. If the countdown timer has expired, press it to start the process.
It's important to keep the cable running, and then you unlock it, and it automatically reboots and resets to factory settings, and when you first boot it can be slower than usual, which is normal, and it's optimized for applications, and make sure that the bootloader status is now Unlocked.
⚠️ Warning: After unlocking the bootloader, Find the Device and some secure features MIUI It may not work properly or be permanently disabled until it is blocked again.
What if Mi Unlock says "Couldn't verify device"?
If the utility does not see the device or gives a verification error, try changing the device. USB-port (better to use port) USB 2.0 on the back of the PC, replace the cable or reinstall the drivers ADB/Fastboot manually through device manager."> Install Magisk and obtain Root-rights The most relevant and safe way to obtain superuser rights today is to use Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the fact that root is from banking applications. APK-Magisk file from the official GitHub repository. Next, you will need a boot partition image (boot.img) It is for your version of the firmware that is currently installed on the phone. It can be removed from the full firmware (Fastboot). ROM) For your model or pull out with the help ADB Adb pull team /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot boot.img (The path may vary depending on the model. APK Magisk on the phone, rename it to.zip (if required by the installer) or simply open it. APK, press "Install» → «Select and patch the file and specify boot.img. After patching in the folder Download will appear file with a name like magisk_patched_....img. Copy it onto a computer. Put your phone in Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the tool folder. ADB and enter the command to firmware the patched image: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img After successful recording, type in the command fastboot reboot. After booting the system, install the Magisk application (if it is not installed automatically) and open it. If you see the green word "Magisk" and the version, you have successfully obtained root rights. You can check for rights through any terminal application by entering the su command. Comparison of modification methods and compatibility Not all methods are equally useful and safe. The table below compares the main approaches to modifying the Xiaomi system so that you can choose the best one for your tasks. Old methods like KingRoot or OneClickRoot on new versions of Android and MIUI practically do not work and may contain malicious code. Method Security Hiding from banks Magisk Complexity High Yes (via DenyList) Average KernelSU Very High Yes (at core level) High SuperSU Low (obsolete) No Low OneClickRoot Critical No Low For modern devices, especially on Snapdragon and MediaTek processors with newer ones With Android versions, KernelSU is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to Magisk, as it runs directly on the Linux kernel. However, for most users, Magisk remains the gold standard due to its huge number of modules and easy setup. It is also worth considering the differences between processors. On devices with MediaTek chips, you sometimes need to additionally patch the file. vbmeta.img, To disable the integrity check of the boot partition, the command for this looks like fastboot flash vbmeta. --disable-verity --disable-verification vbmeta.img. Qualcomm processors require this less often. 💡Magisk remains the most versatile solution supported by the community, while KernelSU offers deeper integration for advanced users.Possible problems and solutions. One of the most common is that the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop) after firmware is installed. boot.img. This means that the image was taken from another firmware version or damaged.Solution: re-enter Fastboot mode and flash the original (stock) boot.img, Another problem is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is broken after you get the license, and this often happens when you install custom cores (Kernel) without the proper drivers. In this case, only a return to the drain core or a search for a specific core, assembled specifically for your model and version, helps. MIUI. It's also possible to have artifacts on the screen or heat the case. If the Magisk app doesn't open or crashes, try clearing its cache in the app settings or reinstall it, saving data. Sometimes antivirus protections MIUI can block the work of the root rights manager, so after installation it is recommended to add Magisk to battery and security exceptions. ⚠️ Warning: If the phone has stopped responding to buttons and is not in Fastboot (Hard Brick) mode, the only way out may be to sell the memory or use paid programmers in the service center (FAQ) Will data be dumped from the phone when you get root rights? Root rights themselves (via Magisk) data doesn't delete data. However, the step of unlocking the bootloader, which is required to get root, completely clears the device's internal memory. Backup in advance. Will banking applications stop working after root? By default, many banks detect the presence of superuser rights. However, Magisk allows you to hide their presence through settings (formerly MagiskHide, now Zygisk). + DenyList. Once set up properly, most apps work normally. Can you get root on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader? No, official and secure methods. There are exploits for some older versions of Android, but on current firmware. MIUI/HyperOS It's impossible without unlocking. BL. How to return the phone to its original state? To do this, you need to unlock the bootloader again (if it was blocked after firmware), download the full stock firmware for your model and flash it through the Mi Flash Tool in “Clean all” mode (clean everything up). 💡Always keep the original files. boot.img vbmeta before making any changes is your insurance to restore the system to work.