How to get root rights on Xiaomi: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that requires careful and understanding of all the steps. Unlike most brands, Xiaomi devices have an additional layer of protection: a blocked bootloader, which means that before installing a superuser, you will have to go through the official unlock procedure through your Mi Account. Without this step, further manipulation of the system will be impossible.

In this article, we will discuss the current ways to obtain root rights to Xiaomi in the 2026 year, including models on MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14. You will learn how to unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool, install custom recavery (TWRP), Identify Magisk to manage root access and avoid common errors, and we will focus on the nuances of new devices with protection. ARB 4.0+, where the process is more complicated.

Why you need root rights to Xiaomi and what risks they carry

Root access gives users full control of the Android system, but with the capabilities come serious limitations. Here are the key reasons why Xiaomi owners are taking this step:

• 🔧 Remove embedded software: the ability to get rid of unnecessary system applications (bloatware), such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps, which can not be disabled by standard means.
• ⚡ Performance optimization: fine kernel tweaks, processor overclocking or, conversely, reduced power consumption to increase battery life.
• 📱 Install custom firmware: transition to LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative builds, devoid of branded "chips" MIUI (and her commercials).
• 🔒 Backup: Create full system backups through Titanium Backup or Swift Backup, including application data and settings.

However, along with the advantages, there are also critical disadvantages:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially prohibits unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerability: root access allows malware to gain control of the system, and even legitimate applications (such as banking) can block the operation of rooted devices.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-After the modifications, the system may stop receiving updates over the air.
• 💥 Risk of “bricking”: wrong actions at the stage of firmware or unlocking can turn a smartphone into a “brick” – an inoperable device.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with ARB 4.0+ (for example, Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12) unlocking the bootloader resets all data, including internal memory. Create a backup in advance!

If you're willing to take risks, follow the instructions further, but remember: on some models (e.g., on some models, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) after unlocking the bootloader may stop working encryption data, which will lead to loss of access to files during restart.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and getting root, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account account or the device is inoperable.

1. Creation of a backup copy of data

Unlocking the bootloader on modern Xiaomi devices results in a full reset.

• 📁 Photos and videos (use Google Photos or transfer to PC).
• 📱 Contacts (synchronize with Google Account or export to.vcf file).
• 💬 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore Helps to Keep History SMS).
• 🎮 Game data (if the game supports cloud saves, log in to the developer account).

2. Linking the Mi Account to the device

To unlock the bootloader, you will need a Mi Account with a confirmed phone number.

• 📱 Account added in smartphone settings (Settings) → Accounts. → Mi Account).
• 🔒 Data synchronization is enabled (this confirms the “binding” of the device to the account).
• 📧 Email in the account is valid (it will receive a letter confirming the unlocking).

⚠️ Note: If you have recently changed your password in Mi Account, wait 72 hours before unlocking. Xiaomi blocks unlock attempts after changing your credentials.

3. Verification of model and version MIUI

Not all methods work on all devices.

• 📲 Smartphone model: go to Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g, 2210132G For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
• 📌 Version MIUI: In the same section, find the line version. MIUI (for example, 14.0.8.0.TLMCNXM).
• 🔍 Protection ARB: device ARB 4.0+ Additional steps are required (see table below).

For devices with ARB 5.0 (e.g. Xiaomi 14) the unlocking process can take up to 14 days to complete after the account is linked.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi’s official tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader. EDL) require an authorized developer account and are only suitable for experienced users.

Step 1: Download and install Mi Unlock Tool

1. Go to the official unlock page and download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool (at the time of writing — v6.5.224.24).

2. Install the program on a Windows PC 10/11 (MacOS or Linux will have to use a virtual machine).

3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account that is linked to the smartphone.

Step 2: Preparing your smartphone

On the device, perform the following actions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the line Version MIUI.
2. Put the debugging on. USB: In Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate the debugging switches by USB and Unlock. OEM.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via the original cable USB Type-C (Use of unoriginal cables may cause connection errors).

Step 3: The Unlocking Process

1. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. The program will check if the account is linked to the device.

2 If a message appears "Added successfully. Wait XX hours" means the waiting time countdown has begun (from 72 to 336 hours depending on the model).

3. Upon expiration of the waiting period, try again to unlock. The device will restart to Fastboot mode and the bootloader will be unlocked.

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a 99% error, try it: 🔌 Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 🔄 Reinstall Mi Phone drivers manually through Device Manager. 📱 Reboot your smartphone in Fastboot manually (clip the power supply) + Loudness down).

Data backup created|Mi Account is tied to the device|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version|The device is connected by the original cable-->

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is to install a custom Recovery (TWRP), The official recavator from Xiaomi does not support installation of unsigned firmware.

Step 1: Download TWRP for your model

1. Go to the official website TWRP.

2. Enter your model name in the search box (e.g., "Redmi Note 12 Pro"+").

3. Download a file with the.img extension (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img for POCO X3 Pro).

⚠️ Note: For devices with dynamic partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Special version is required TWRP supportive super.img. Clarify this on the forum XDA Developers.

Step 2: Install TWRP via Fastboot

1. Reboot the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clip the Power). + Loudness down when the device is off).

2. Connect it to the PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the Mi Unlock Tool.

3. Check the connection by the command:

fastboot devices

4. Please. TWRP team (replace) twrp.img in the name of your file):

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After the instructions are executed, the device automatically restarts to TWRP.

Step 3: Conservation TWRP discharge

On some devices MIUI It overwrites the custom Recovery at first load, so it doesn't have to:

1. In TWRP, go to Mount → System.
2. Delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p file (if any).
3. Please. disable_force_encrypt.zip (encryption-based FBE).

💡

After installation TWRP smartphone hangs on the logo MIUI, clamp down on power. + Volume up for 10 seconds for forced reboot. Then repeat the recaveri firmware.

Install Magisk for root rights

Magisk is a versatile root access management tool that allows you to hide root status from applications (such as banking or games). Unlike the outdated SuperSU, Magisk supports a modular system and runs on modern versions of Android.

Step 1: Download Magisk

1. Go to Magisk releases page on GitHub.

2. Download the latest version Magisk-v26.4.zip (version may differ).

3. save the file to the internal memory of the smartphone or on SD-map.

Step 2: Magisk firmware through TWRP

1.Reset the device to TWRP (clamp down on power. + Loudness up).

2. Press Install and select downloaded Magisk-v26.4.zip.

3. Swipe to confirm the firmware.

4. Once completed, press Reboot System.

Step 3: Checking root rights

1. After booting the system, install the Magisk Manager application (download). APK same GitHub).

2. Open the app and check the status of Magisk: Installed.

3. Install any root verification app (such as Root Checker) and run the test.

⚠️ Note: If after firmware Magisk smartphone fixated on the download, then your version MIUI It has protection against modifications. Try flashing Magisk into the recovery section or using the patch method. boot.img.

Solving Typical Problems After Getting Root

Even if you've successfully obtained root rights, there may be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The smartphone does not boot (bootloop)

If the device is stuck on the logo MIUI or POCO, The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔴 The incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP firmware.
• 🔴 The damaged file boot.img patchy.
• 🔴 Conflict with Magisk modules (if you have installed additional modules).

Decision:

1. Reboot to TWRP and run through the original boot.img for your firmware.
2. Delete files in the folder /data/adb/modules (if there are).
3. Re-sweeten Magisk using the patch method boot.img.

2. Applications define root (SafetyNet)

Many applications (e.g. Google Pay, bank clients, Pokémon GO) They're blocking the operation of the rooted devices to get around it:

• 🛡️ Install MagiskHide Props Config and activate MagiskHide in Magisk settings.
• 🛡️ Enable Enforce DenyList and add problematic apps to the list.
• 🛡️ Check SafetyNet status through the app YASNAC. If you fail the test, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

3. They're not working. OTA-update

Once root permissions are granted, the system stops receiving updates over the air.

• 🔄 Download the full firmware (Fastboot) ROM) from the official website and install them manually through TWRP.
• 🔄 Use the tool. MIUI bootloader for automatic search of current firmware.
• 🔄 Before updating, temporarily remove Magisk (via Uninstall in Magisk Manager), update, and then re-sweeten Magisk.

💡

If you've manipulated the system, don't panic, and 90 percent of the time, you can restore it through mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode) with the Mi Flash Tool, but this will require an authorized Xiaomi developer account.

How to get it back: root removal and bootloader lock

If you need to return your smartphone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:

Step 1: Remove Magisk

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Uninstall.

2. Select Complete Uninstall (complete removal).

3. Reset the device.

Step 2: Firmware of the original firmware

1. Download Fastboot ROM For your model from the official website.

2 Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.

3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and select the Clean All option (complete cleanup).

4. Press Flash and wait for the process to be completed.

Step 3: Locking the bootloader

1. Reboot the device in Fastboot.

2. Connect to the PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.

3. Press Lock (some versions of the tool may not have this option – then the bootloader will remain unlocked, but without root).

⚠️ Note: Once you lock the bootloader, you won't be able to re-unlock it for 30 days.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi