Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that requires not only technical knowledge, but also an understanding of the risks. In 2026, the process was complicated by the tightening of the MIUI security policy, but it is still possible to circumvent the restrictions, and this article will help you understand how to unlock the bootloader, install custom recovery and gain full control of the device โ from the Redmi Note 12 to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
It's important to understand that root rights give unlimited access to system files, but they are not warranty-free and can lead to device locking if you make a mistake. We'll look at three current methods: official unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool, using Magisk to mask the root, and an alternative fastboot method for locked bootloaders. Each option is tested on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15.
Before you start, check:
- ๐ฑ Device model (not everyone supports unlocking)
- ๐ Status of the loader (in Settings) โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI Tap 7 times on the "core")
- ๐ Backup of data (process erases everything from internal memory)
1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking
The first and most important step is to prepare your smartphone, and without the right settings, even the official Mi Unlock Tool will fail to work. Start by linking your Mi Account to your device:
- Go to Settings โ Xiaomi Account and log in.
- Enable Data Sync and Find the Device.
- In Settings โ Additional โ For developers, activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
Critical detail: if the option Unlock OEM is inactive, then the device is locked from the operator (for example, Redmi for MTS / MegaFon), in which case you will first need to reset to the factory settings via fastboot with the removal of carrier applications.
Check out the MIUI version as well:
- ๐ด Global/European (minimum restrictions)
- ๐ก Chinese (requires additional steps to unlock)
- ๐ข Castomic (may already have an unlocked loader)
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI China Stable after 2023, unlocking the bootloader is blocked for 168 hours (7 days) after the first account is linked!
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Unlocking activated OEM|Data backup made.|Battery charge > 60%-->
2.Official method: Unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
The safest method is to use the official tool from Xiaomi: download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock (Windows only).
- Install Mi USB Driver drivers (come with the tool).
- Turn the phone into fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Connect the device to your PC and run the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
If done correctly, the tool will show Unlocked status in 3-5 minutes.
- ๐ On New Devices (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3) The waiting time may increase to 720 hours (30 days)!
- ๐ Once unlocked, the phone will automatically reset.
- ๐ซ Some models (POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12T) require additional confirmation through SMS.
| Xiaomi model | Waiting time to unlock | Whether Magisk supports |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 168 hours | Yeah (with patch) |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | 720 hours | Yes (TWRP requires) |
| POCO X5 Pro | 72 hours | Yes. |
| Redmi 10C | No waiting. | Yes. |
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check: Mi Account is tied to the device for more than 7 days. Antivirus is disabled on the PC (it can block drivers). USB-cable (not everyone supports fastboot data transfer).
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If the unlock is delayed, try connecting the phone to another. USB-port (preferably 2.0) or use an externally powered hub, which often solves device detection problems.
3. Alternative method: unlocking via fastboot (for experienced)
If the official tool doesnโt work, you can try to unlock the bootloader manually via fastboot commands, which is suitable for devices where the Mi Unlock Tool displays errors such as Mi Account not bound or Device not supported.
You'll need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ PC with installation ADB/Fastboot (download from Android)
- ๐ File. unlock_code.bin (You can get it through the Mi Unlock Tool at the waiting stage)
- ๐ Cable USB data-supported
Command sequence:
fastboot devices # Check the connection
fastboot oem unlock-go # Unlock (for older models)
Fastboot flashing unlock # Unlock (for new models)
fastboot oem unlock [code] # If you need to enter the codeImportant: On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 11), an additional fastboot oem enable-dm-verity command may be required to disable system integrity checks.
What if fastboot doesnโt see the device?
4.Install Magisk: How to get a root without losing functionality
Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start getting root rights. The most reliable way is to install Magisk via custom recovery (TWRP). Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub and follow the instructions:
- Download TWRP for your model (e.g. from twrp.me).
- Translate your phone to fastboot and run recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
- In TWRP, select Install โ specify the Magisk-v26.4.zip file โ swipe to install.
- Reboot to the system.
To mask root from applications (for example, banking), use the modules MagiskHide Props Config or Safetynet Fix.
- ๐ฆ Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) can block access.
- ๐ฎ Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact is often banned for root.
- ๐ OTA-Updates will stop working (you will have to update manually).
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Installing Magisk through a boot image patch (without TWRP) is possible, but requires boot.img extraction from firmware and manual patching. This method is more complicated, but works on non-custom recovery devices.
5. circumvention of restrictions: rout without unlocking the bootloader (risky!)
For some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), there are exploits that allow you to get a root without unlocking the bootloader, such as the vulnerability DirtyPipe or CVE-2022-20421.
- โ ๏ธ Unstable (may cause swelling).
- ๐ Temporary (after rebooting, the rout disappears).
- ๐ก๏ธ Dangerous (can be used by attackers).
If you do, use RootAWD (for MediaTek) or KingRoot (for universal but high-risk malware).
- Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources!).
- Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings โ Security.
- Launch the application and follow the instructions.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Unlocked methods often lead to a soft brick (the device is switched on but not loaded further than the logo) and can only be restored through a fastboot with full flashing.
6.What to do after obtaining a root license: setting up and security
Now that you have root, it's time to optimize the system. Here's what you should do first:
- ๐งน Remove System Garbage with the Help SD Maid or Root Explorer (Folders) /data/log, /cache).
- ๐ Disable unnecessary services through Disable Service (e.g., com.miui.analytics for tracking).
- ๐ Optimize your battery with Greenify or Battery Guru.
- ๐ก๏ธ Configure backups with Titanium Backup or Swift Backup.
For safety:
- Install AFWall+ to monitor network traffic.
- Use XPrivacyLua to restrict application rights.
- Regularly check the system for viruses through Malwarebytes (with root support).
Critical: Never upgrade to an OTA with root rights! This will result in a loss of root or even locking the device.
- Download full firmware from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.
- Install them via TWRP with the Magisk pre-patch.
7. Frequent problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool is 99% Freezing | Unstable connection to Xiaomi servers | Use a VPN (such as Japan) or try again later |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible version of TWRP or Magisk | Sweat the stock firmware through fastboot |
| Banking applications are not working | Root detected (SafetyNet does not pass) | Install MagiskHide Props Config and set up root cover |
| No network after unlocking | IMEI erased or modem modules | Restore your IMEI via Maui META or run a modem |
If the device has turned into a hard brick, don't panic.Most Xiaomi models can be restored through a hard brick. EDL-Emergency Download Mode with the Mi Flash Tool:
- Download the.tgz firmware for your model.
- Connect the phone to EDL (clip Volume Up + Volume Down + Power).
- Sweat through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
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EDL-The mode requires an authorized Xiaomi account with firmware rights. If you do not have such an account, contact the service center or use paid unlock services (for example, DC-Unlocker).