Xiaomi smartphones have long proven to be a great platform for enthusiasts, offering high performance at an affordable price. However, the standard MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often limits the capabilities of the advanced user, hiding system files and prohibiting deep customization. This is where the need for root rights, which opens up full access to the Android operating system, comes into the scene.
The procedure for superuser rights imposition is not a trivial task and requires some technical training, as well as an understanding of the risks associated with interference with the operation of software. Unlike simple interface settings, this process affects the bootloader and system partition, which makes it critical to follow all the steps of the instruction. Below we will discuss in detail whether the game is worth the candle and how to safely perform the modification.
Many users are wondering why they should take such measures when standard functionality seems to be enough, and the answer lies in the desire for complete control over the device, from removing undeleteable system debris to installing specialized modules that change the logic of the kernel.
Why you need root rights on Xiaomi devices
The main reason that encourages owners of Redmi and Poco to modify the firmware is the desire to get rid of pre-installed software that can not be removed by regular means. System applications such as Google services, MIUI analytics and various Chinese utilities take up space and consume resources in the background. With superuser rights, you get the opportunity to permanently remove this software, freeing up space and increasing autonomy.
Another powerful argument is the use of specialized tools to fine-tune the system. Programs like Titanium Backup or Swift Backup allow you to make full copies of any application’s data, including its settings and cache, which is impossible without accessing the root of the system. In addition, Magisk modules are available that can change interface behavior, improve sound or even emulate. GPS-coordinates for any program.
And don't forget that you can overclock the processor or undervoltage it to reduce heat. Standard monitoring tools often have limited functionality, whereas root access allows you to control core frequencies directly through the Linux kernel, which makes it possible to squeeze the most out of the iron in games or, conversely, significantly extend the life of the battery in standby mode.
- 🚀 Complete removal of system debris and advertising from embedded applications.
- 🛠 Installation of low-level modules to change the logic of the OS.
- 💾 Create full backups of any data and restore the system.
- 🎮 Emulation of controllers and setting up gamepads at the driver level.
However, as you expand the functionality, you should be aware that you take responsibility for the stability of the gadget. Error in editing system files can lead to a cyclical reboot or complete failure of the device.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for modification
Before you start taking action, you need to carefully prepare the workplace and the device itself. The first step is to create a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite, will lead to the complete removal of data from the internal memory of the smartphone.
Next, make sure that the computer has all the necessary drivers and utilities. To work with Xiaomi devices, most often you need ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as specific Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers, depending on the processor of your gage. Without properly installed drivers, the computer simply will not see the phone in bootloader mode.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
An important step is to link your Mi Account to your device, so you need to log in to your phone, select the Mi Account section, and log in. Then you need to include the Factory Unlock and USB Debugging menus, and then you need to request confirmation via SMS, and only after you successfully link it can you apply for unlocking.
⚠️ Warning: After applying for the bootloader unlock through the Mi Unlock Status app, it may take 7 to 168 hours to wait.Don't try to bypass the timer by re-submitting the application - it will only reset the wait.
Also worth checking is the Android version and firmware build number. Often newer versions of MIUI will close vulnerabilities used to gain rights or change partition structure. Make sure you use current versions of tools that are compatible with your version of the operating system.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step without which installing a modified backup or obtaining root rights on modern Xiaomi is impossible. The bootloader is a small program that runs to the operating system and checks the integrity of its signature. By default, it is blocked, which prevents the launch of any unofficial software.
To do this, you'll need the official Mi Unlock Tool, which you can download from the developer's website, and the process starts with the smartphone switching to Fastboot mode, where you'll need to press the device that's off with a combination of down volume and power buttons before the image of the hare appears in the eardress cap, and when the cable is connected to the PC, the program will display the status of the device.
If the account is tied correctly and the waiting period has expired, the Unlock button will become active, and clicking on it will trigger a process that will erase all data on the device, a security measure to prevent data theft if the phone has been stolen, during the process the phone can reboot several times, and the progress bar will be displayed on the screen.
What to do if Mi Unlock is making an error?
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open padlock icon or the words “Unlocked” on the screen, from which point the device becomes vulnerable to outside software but open to any experimentation. It is important to understand that some of Google Pay’s banking applications and services (now Google Wallet) will no longer work with the unlocked bootloader unless additional protection measures are taken.
- 🔓 Removal of restrictions on writing in the system partition.
- 🔄 Possibility of installing custom recavers (TWRP, OrangeFox).
- 📉 Reduced security of the device for attackers during physical access.
- ⚙️ Need for re-flashing to return to the original state.
Some users try to use third-party unlock methods without waiting, but on new models with Snapdragon 8+ processors and later, such methods hardly work or require paid service accounts.
Install Magisk and get root access
Today, the gold standard for obtaining superuser rights is the use of the Magisk utility. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works in a systemless way, which means that it does not change the system partition directly, but patches the boot image (SafetyNet/Play Integrity).
The first step is to download the current version of Magisk APK and rename the file extension to.zip if you plan to flash it through the recovery, or simply install the APK if you patch the image manually. For Xiaomi owners, the most common method is the boot extract image patch (boot.img).
adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot boot.imgThe resulting image boot.img copied to the phone, where the Magisk app selects the option “Install» → «Select and patch a file. Once the process is complete, the file will appear on the phone. magisk_patched_[random].Img, which you want to return to your computer, and then you put it into Fastboot mode, and you run it through the command:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[random].imgOnce you execute the command, you need to immediately restart the device, and if everything goes well, the Magisk icon will appear in the application menu, and the status "Installed" will be displayed inside, which means that the kernel of the system has now been modified and the superuser rights are active.
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Magisk hides root rights from applications thanks to the DenyList feature, which allows you to use banking services even on a modified system.
It is worth noting that on devices with a split boot partition (A/B partition), typical for many modern Xiaomi, the fastboot team may require the slot to be specified, although usually the system itself switches the active slot. If after firmware the phone goes into a bootloop (cyclic reboot), you need to re-enter the Fastboot and flash the original (not patched) boot.img to return performance.
Comparison of methods for obtaining superuser rights
In the Android world, there are several approaches to privileged access, each with its own specifics in the Xiaomi ecosystem, depending on the device model, the Android version and the user’s goals.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk | Medium | Tall. | Android 6.0 - 14+ |
| KernelSU | Tall. | Very high. | Only the 5.10+ core |
| SuperSU | Low. | Low (outdated) | Android 2.3 - 7.0 |
| OneClickRoot | Low. | Risk of viruses | Old models |
KernelSU is gaining popularity among owners of new flagships Xiaomi, because it works at the kernel level and is almost not defined by security systems. However, its installation requires a compatible kernel or compile its own kernel, which is a task for experienced developers. For the average user, Magisk remains the most balanced solution.
Using outdated methods like SuperSU or one-click universal programs on modern Redmi Note or Xiaomi Mi devices is strongly discouraged, these tools do not support new Android security mechanisms and may contain malicious code that will steal your personal data.
⚠️ Warning: Never use questionable PC software that promises 1-click Root without unlocking the bootloader. On modern Xiaomi devices, this is technically impossible without a data reset, and such programs are often styling viruses.
When choosing a method, always focus on the relevance of information in profile forum branches (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers) for your model. There are no universal instructions for all Xiaomi devices due to the huge variety of iron.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The root rights process rarely goes perfectly smoothly, especially if you're doing it for the first time. One of the most common problems is a bootloop - the device gets stuck on the manufacturer's logo. In the case of Magisk, this is often treated by removing all modules through Safe Mode (clip the volume button down when the MI logo appears) or flashing the stock image.
Another common problem is a broken Internet or Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module after a kernel patch. This may indicate an incompatibility of the Magisk version with your kernel or an error when removing boot.img. In such cases, a rollback to the previous version of the magick or using the full firmware of the device through the Mi Flash Tool program in Clean All mode helps.
And users often find that banking apps stop working once they get the license, and the solution lies in Magisk’s own settings: turn on Zygisk, add bank apps to DenyList, and possibly hide the Magisk app itself by renaming the package. Sometimes you need to install the Play Integrity Fix module to bypass new Google checks.
If the phone has stopped responding to buttons and is not in Fastboot or Recovery mode, the EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) disaster recovery method remains. Logging in it often requires disassembling the phone and closing test points on the board, or using a special ADB command if debugging was enabled. In EDL mode, the firmware is restored only by authorized Mi-Flasher accounts, which may require access to the service.
If the phone is stolen, an attacker can reset it and access data if it wasn't encrypted with a strong password, so setting a complex password to unlock the screen becomes even more important.