Getting super-user rights (root rights) on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires caution. Without proper preparation, the device can turn into a “brick” – an inoperable device that does not turn on even before the logo. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to unlock root on Redmi, POCO Mi in 2026, including the official method via Mi Unlock Tool and alternative solutions for locked bootloaders.
It's important to understand: Xiaomi is actively fighting unauthorized access to system files.The latest models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) With enhanced protection, older devices (up to the Mi 10) are easier to unlock, and we analyzed changes in Xiaomi’s policy for 2023-2026 to provide working instructions without general phrases. If you are a beginner, start with the Preparation section, experienced users can immediately go to Unlock Methods».
1.What gives root on Xiaomi: pros and hidden risks
The rights of the superuser allow:
- 📱 Remove embedded applications (bloatware), including Mi Browser, GetApps and other Xiaomi services that cannot be disabled by standard means.
- ⚡ Increase performance through the core (kernel tweaks): overclocking CPU/GPU, Optimization of battery consumption.
- 🔧 Install modified firmware (custom) ROM), LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for pure Android without shell MIUI.
- 🛡️ Block ads at the system level through AdAway or Blokada.
But there is a downside:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially forbids unlocking the bootloader, and this becomes the reason for denial of service.
- 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: root opens access to system files for all applications, which increases the risk of malware infection.
- 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root, automatic updates MIUI can break the system.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) Unlocking the bootloader resets this function to the factory settings, and you can only restore it through a full reset.
2.Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, follow these steps:
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the model and version MIUI In Settings → The phone.
Make sure your Mi Account is linked to your device (required!)
Charge the battery by at least 60%
Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi official website-->
Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. Without this, you can not unlock the bootloader!
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Make sure that the Devices section displays your smartphone.
- If the device is not tied, log in to your account and wait for sync (it can take up to 24 hours).
For Xiaomi models on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) need to:
- 🔌 Turn on OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, see spoiler below).
- 🔗 Connect the device to the PC via the original cable (not all) USB-cables support data transmission!).
What to do if there is no item OEM Unlock?
3.Official method: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only legal way that Xiaomi has approved, and it is suitable for most models, but has limitations.
- ✅ It works on all devices except Xiaomi. 13T and newer (they require special permission from the manufacturer).
- ⏳ Unblocking Waiting Time: 72 hours (for new accounts) to 360 hours (5 days for accounts under 30 days).
- 🔄 After unlocking, all data on the device will be erased.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your MIUI).
- Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator (on Windows) and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press the Power button + Loudness down before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect your phone to your PC and wait until the Mi Unlock Tool detects it.
- Press Unlock and confirm the action. If you receive a waiting message, wait until the time is set and try again.
| Xiaomi model | Waiting time to unlock | Does it support relock? |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11/12 | 72-168 hours | Yes. |
| POCO X5/F5 | 120-168 hours | Yes. |
| Xiaomi 12/13 | 360 hours (5 days) | No. |
| Xiaomi 14 | Requires permission from Xiaomi | No. |
⚠️ Warning: If you unlock "Couldn't unlock, try again later" error, it means that Mi's account failed a security check. Solution: link your phone number to your account and try again in 24 hours.
💡
Officially unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool is the safest method, but it takes patience. Use your Mi Account over 30 days and connect to your social media account (Facebook, Google) to speed up the process.
4. Alternative methods: bypassing the bootloader lock
If the official method does not work (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro, you can use informal methods. They're more risky, but sometimes the only way out.
Method 1: Use of the EDL-mode (for Qualcomm)
This method works through Emergency Download Mode and requires:
- 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFil.
- 📄 Firmware file in.mbn format for your model.
Instructions:
- Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: (a) Turn off the device. (b) Press Volume up + Volume down and plug into PC. in) Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm port appears HS-USB QDLoader 9008 in Device Manager.
- In Mi Flash Pro, select the downloaded firmware and press Flash.
- After the firmware, the bootloader will be unlocked, but all data will be deleted.
Method 2: DirtyCOW exploit (for older models)
Suitable for devices on MIUI 10-12 (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi) 9T). The essence of the method is to use a vulnerability in the Linux kernel to obtain a temporary root without unlocking the bootloader.
Instructions:
- 📱 Install the DirtyCOW Exploit app on your phone (available on the phone) 4PDA or XDA Developers).
- 🔧 Run the exploit and wait for the message "Root access granted".
- ⚠️ Restriction: Rights are valid until the device is restarted.
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL-mode on devices with MediaTek (for example, Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) requires an authorization file (auth.ini) without which the firmware will be blocked with an error "SLA You can only get the file from official Xiaomi service centers.
5. Magisk Installation: Getting root after unlocking the bootloader
Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to install Magisk, a root rights management tool that allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking) and update the system without losing rights.
Step-by-step:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip or later).
- Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (choose the Fastboot version).
- Unpack the firmware and copy the boot.img file to your phone.
- Install Magisk as a module: (a) Open the Magisk app. (b) Click "Install» → «Select and correct the file. c) Specify the path to boot.img and wait for the creation magisk_patched.img.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot
After the reboot, check for root using the Root Checker app. If Magisk is not determined:
- 🔄 Reinstall the module via fastboot.
- 📱 Check if MagiskHide is enabled in Magisk settings (to bypass detection of banking applications).
💡
If after installing Magisk phone is fixated on boot (bootloop), reflash the original boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot.img, Repeat the patch with another version of Magisk.
6.Error Solving: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock: "Current account is not bound to this device" | Mi Account is not tied to the phone or the link is not synced. | Re-link your account, wait 24 hours, check your internet connection. |
| Fastboot: "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')" | The bootloader is not unlocked. | Return to the step with the Mi Unlock Tool and wait for the timer to end. |
| Magisk: "Installation failed. Invalid boot image" | Incompatible version boot.img magisk. | Download the firmware specifically for your model and version MIUI. |
| The phone does not turn on after firmware (brick). | Incorrectly stitched boot or system. | Sweep through the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. |
If the device is not turned on (hard brick):
- Connect your phone to your PC in mode EDL (see section 4).
- Download the full firmware for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Global Fastboot) ROM).
- Sweat through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (this will block the bootloader, but restore the workflow).
If after manipulations with firmware disappeared IMEI (no network, execute:
1. Install. QCN Rebuilder or Maui META (MediaTek).
2. Consider it original. IMEI battery-stick or box.
3. Restore it through the command:
su
setprop ril.radio.imei [your IMEI]through Maui META Meta mode.
⚠️ Wrong. IMEI It can shut down the network forever!
7. How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and alternatives)
Many apps (banks, games, Xiaomi services) block access when root is detected.
Method 1: MagiskHide (built into Magisk)
- Open Magisk and go to Settings.
- Turn on the MagiskHide option.
- Add apps you need to hide from root to the MagiskHide list.
- Reset the device.
Method 2: Universal SafetyNet Fix Module
Some apps (like Google Pay or Netflix) check SafetyNet status to get checked:
- Download the Universal SafetyNet Fix module from the Magisk repository.
- Install it through Magisk → Modules → Install it from storage.
- Restart your phone and check the SafetyNet status in the YASNAC app.
Method 3: Shamiko (MagiskHide alternative)
If the MagiskHide is not working (for example, on the MIUI 14), install the Shamiko module:
- 📥 Download Shamiko from GitHub.
- 🔧 Install via Magisk and activate in settings.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and nucleus 4.19+ (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) MagiskHide may not work due to Xiaomi's built-in protection.In this case, use Shamiko or roll back to an older version MIUI.