Why do users want to get root rights to Xiaomi – and should they?
Superuser rights on Xiaomi smartphones allow access to system files, allow you to remove embedded applications (bloatware), install custom firmware and optimize performance. However, along with the opportunities come risks from loss of warranty to “bricking” the device. In 2026, the process of obtaining root became more difficult due to the tightening of the security policy of MIUI, but remained feasible — if you know the nuances.
This article will be suitable for both beginners and experienced users, and we will discuss the official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, alternative methods for older models, as well as how to avoid typical errors. 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5, And we warn you beforehand, the procedure requires patience, and at some stages you'll have to wait until it's done. 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi restrictions.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking the bootloader, you must follow a number of mandatory steps, and neglecting them can lead to the blocking of your Mi Account or the inability to complete the process.
First, check your device model and compatibility. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi for the Chinese market) may have additional limitations. You can find out the exact model from the Settings menu → About phone → Model. Write it down — you will need it to download the correct version of the Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📱 Connect the device to Mi Account: Unlocking is not possible without an attached account. Make sure the account is confirmed by email and phone.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Previous Previous post: Old firmware may contain vulnerabilities that Xiaomi has closed in new updates.
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60%: the unlocking process can take several hours and the battery will stop it.
- 📡 Set up a stable internet connection: it’s best to use Wi-Fi as mobile internet may shut down in the process.
Make sure to back up all data! Unlocking the bootloader will result in a full hard reset. Use Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (if you already have root).
Enable debugging over USB in Developer Settings
Connect Mi Account to your device
Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version
Disable antivirus on PC (can block the utility)
Prepare a USB cable (preferably original)
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Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
The only legal way to get root on Xiaomi is to unlock the bootloader using the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.The process consists of several steps, the longest of which is waiting for permission from Xiaomi.
First, activate Developer Mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. After that, a new section for Developers will appear in the Settings menu → In addition, turn on:
- 🔧 Debugging by USB
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)
- 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if any)
Then connect your phone to your PC, download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website, and launch the utility. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone. Here you may find a nasty surprise: the system will require you to wait 7 to 30 days (720 hours) before unlocking, a security measure introduced by Xiaomi to combat device theft.
Why do you have to wait 720 hours?
| Xiaomi model | Waiting period (2026) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 720 hours | Requires the latest version of MIUI and a confirmed account over 30 days |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 168 hours | Maybe you need a tie-up. SIM-card-to-account |
| POCO F5 | 72 hours | Supports accelerated unlocking for global versions |
| Xiaomi 11T | 7 days | Some firmware can unlock without waiting. |
After the waiting period expires, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (press Volume down + Power when the device is turned off) and try again in Mi Unlock Tool. If everything goes well, the bootloader will be unlocked, and you can start obtaining root rights.
Up to 7 days.
1-2 weeks
3-4 weeks
More than a month.
I'm not ready to wait, I'm looking for workarounds.
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Install custom recovery (TWRP) and get root through Magisk
An unlocked bootloader is only half the battle, and to get full root rights, you need to install custom recovery (usually TWRP) and flash Magisk, a superuser rights management utility.
First, download TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me. Make sure that the version is compatible with your firmware! For example, for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (veux) TWRP 3.7.0 is suitable, and for Xiaomi 12 Pro (zeus) only versions above 3.6.2.
TWRP firmware is run via fastboot. Open the command line in the TWRP folder and do:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-veux.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-veux.imgOnce rebooted, TWRP must disable signature verification (if enabled) and flash Magisk. Download the latest Magisk release from GitHub and transfer the Magisk-v26.4.zip file to your phone. In TWRP, select Install, specify the path to the archive, and confirm the installation.
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Alternative methods for older Xiaomi models
If you have a device older than 2019 (like the Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 7, or POCO F1), you can try bypassing official unlock with exploits.These methods don’t work on all firmware and can lock the device, but sometimes you can get root without waiting 720 hours.
One of these is using the EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) utility.
- Download Mi Flash Pro and firmware for your model in.tgz format.
- Put your phone in EDL mode (usually via a button combination or short circuit test points).
- Switch the device with the signature check disabled (flash_all_except_storage.bat).
Once you have a successful firmware, you can install Magisk via TWRP or patch boot.img manually, but beware: Xiaomi can block an account for using EDL without authorization.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
- ❌ "Couldn't unlock in Mi Unlock Tool: Check if Unlock is enabled OEM Sometimes it helps to change the region of the account to China (but it is risky!).
- ❌ Phone is not defined in fastboot: install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 or try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
- ❌ After the firmware TWRP phone won't turn on: most likely incompatible version of recovery. Try flashing another build or return to the drain recovery via fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img.
- ❌ Magisk is not installed: check that you have the latest version TWRP and disabled option Modification of the system partition in the Magisk settings.
⚠️ Note: If the phone stopped booting after unlocking the bootloader and shows an error This device is locked, do not try to flash it again - this can lead to a complete lock. Contact the Xiaomi service center with proof of purchase (it may be possible to restore the device under warranty, but root will have to be removed).
Another common problem is the loss of IMEI after firmware, which is caused by damage to the modem partition. To restore the IMEI, download the original firmware for your model and run only the modem and fsg partitions through the Mi Flash Tool.
What to do after root: optimization and security
Now that you have root rights, you can start setting up the system, and here are some useful things to do first:
- 🧹 Removing built-in debris: using Titanium Backup or SD Maid remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music, Mi Video).
- ⚡ Performance Optimization: Install Kernel Adiutor for fine-tuning the core or Greenify for hibernation of background processes.
- 🔒 Data Protection: Configure MagiskHide to hide root from banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online or Google Pay).
- 📱 Installation of custom firmware: if you are not satisfied MIUI, Try LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS.
Pay attention to security: root rights make your device vulnerable to malware. Install AFWall+ to monitor network traffic for applications and regularly check your system for viruses with Malwarebytes.
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. Tinkoff or VTB Online) may block work on root devices even if MagiskHide is enabled, in which case try using Universal SafetyNet Fix module or create a second user profile without root.
If you plan to use Google Pay or other services with SafetyNet validation, install the Magisk module to pass the certification. Check the SafetyNet status in the YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker) application.