Xiaomi smartphone owners running Android 11 often face the limitations of standard MIUI firmware. Getting root access opens up endless possibilities for the user: from removing system debris to deep customization of the interface and control of the CPU frequencies. However, in the eleventh version of the “green robot”, Google significantly increased security measures, changing the structure of memory partitions and implementing dynamic parts.
The routing procedure for Redmi and Poco devices in 2026 requires strict consistency, as any error can lead to a device lock or loss of warranty. You will need not only patience, but also an understanding of how the components of Bootloader and Recovery interact. We will look at the current method using Magisk, which is currently the only stable way to obtain superuser rights.
It should be noted that on Android 11 and above, the systemless root method is the only working option, since direct change of the system partition is now almost impossible without violating the integrity of the boot process. Banking applications may stop working, and the Widevine feature L1, chargeable HD-Content in streaming services can be lost without the possibility of recovery.
Preparation for the procedure takes longer than the firmware itself, and requires a PC with Windows or Linux operating system, the original version of the software. USB-Do not try to use third-party root programs that promise instant results - in 99% of cases they either contain viruses or are useless for modern versions. MIUI.
The first step is to carefully prepare the software environment and the smartphone itself, and you need to download and install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, as well as the current version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official developer website, without these components, communication between the PC and the phone in bootloader mode will not be possible.
On the device itself, you need to activate the hidden developer menu. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version. After the message “You became a developer” appears, go back to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
You need to have a few critical options on the developer menu. Find and activate the switches. USB-debugging and unlocking OEM. It is also recommended to enable the option “Do not turn off the screen when charging” to avoid interruption of the process due to screen timeout.
Make sure to back up all your important data as the next step will entail a complete device reset.Use Xiaomi's built-in backup feature or third-party solutions to save contacts, photos and messages to the cloud or to an external drive.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Without an unlocked Bootloader, installing a modified boot image is impossible.This is a must-have for all Xiaomi devices, which is officially supported by the company but requires waiting. Link your Mi Account account to the device in the Developer Menu → Mi Unlock Status.
Once you have your account tied, you will receive a wait message: the standard wait time is between 7 and 168 hours (one week), during which Xiaomi servers check the device for complaints and violations. Repeated attempts to bypass the timer can lead to an increase in the wait time to 30 days.
⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the internal drive will be permanently deleted. The device will return to factory settings, so saving information is critical.
After the waiting time, turn off your smartphone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and press the Unlock button. The process takes a few minutes, after which the phone automatically restarts.
📊 Have you encountered problems when unlocking the bootloader?
It went smoothly the first time.
I had to wait a week.
The server made errors.
The device is locked forever.
Search and Remove Boot.img Image
To work with Magisk, you need an accurate boot.img image that matches your current firmware version. It's dangerous to download stock images from unverified sources, so the best way to get the official firmware for your model is to determine the exact version of MIUI in your phone's settings.
Go to the official firmware site or use proven resources such as xiaomirom.com. You need Fastboot ROM (with the extension.tgz), not Recovery ROM (.zip). The archive should fully match the version installed on your smartphone at the moment.
Once you download the archive, unpack it. Inside the image folder, you'll find the file. boot.img. In some cases, especially on dynamic partition devices, this file may be called init_boot.img. If you are not sure what file you need, check the information about your specific model in profile forums.
What to do if the boot.img file is not found?
In the new versions MIUI Android-based 12/13 The file can be replaced by init_boot.img. If you're on Android. 11, Look for it. boot.img. If it is not in the archive, perhaps the firmware is packaged in format payload.bin, You will need to use the payload-dumper-go utility to extract it.">To extract from payload.bin Use the command: payload-dumper-go -p output_folder payload.bin Copy the file you found. boot.img This file will be the basis for a patching that will turn a standard bootloader into a modified one that allows you to implement superuser rights. Install and configure Magisk Download the current version of the Magisk application from the official repository on GitHub. Do not use versions from third-party app stores as they can be modified by attackers. APK-File on your smartphone. Launch the Magisk app. In the main menu, you'll see the "Magisk" section. Click the "Install" button to the right of it. In the menu that appears, select the "Select and Patch a File" method. boot.img. The app will start the patching process, which will take a few seconds, and when it's finished, a new file with the name of the view will appear in the Download folder. magisk_patched_[random].img. Copy the patched file magisk_patched.img back to the computer in the folder where the tools are installed ADB and Fastboot. Rename it for convenience in boot.img, To avoid confusion with terminal commands, Fastboot Modified Image Firmware Now replace the standard boot image with a modified one. + Power) and connect it to your PC. Open the command line or terminal in the tool folder. ADB. Enter the connection check command: fastboot devices If you see the serial number of the device, then the connection is established correctly. Next, you need to flash the patched image. Enter the command: fastboot flash boot boot.img For devices with dynamic partitions, the command may differ and look like fastboot flash. boot_a boot.img and fastboot flash boot_b boot.img, But for most Android models 11 The first command is sufficient, since the system itself will determine the active slot. Operational description Fastboot reboot Device Reboot Normal mode Low fastboot flash boot boot.img Record modified core Medium (when interrupted) fastboot oem lock bootloader (root reset) High (no stock boot) fastboot erase userdata Complete cleanup of user data Critical (data loss) After successful recording of the image, enter the fastboot reboot command. The phone will start booting. The first start may take longer than usual time, as the system checks the integrity of files. Root rights and problem solving After downloading, you can check the main application from the application, you can use the main file number. ⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless bootloop, don't panic.Put the buttons Volume Up + Power to log in to Recovery and select Wipe Data, or try reflashing stock boot.img Many banking apps block the operation of rooted devices by default. In Magisk settings, enable Zygisk and Hide the Magisk App (now called Configure Hiding App) to rename the package and hide it from simple checks. To get around more complex checks, you may need to install a Shamiko module or use the DenyList list. However, it is worth remembering that the “arms race” between the developers of banking applications and the modder community continues constantly. 💡Successful root rights are just the beginning. The main task now is to configure the concealment correctly to preserve the functionality of everyday applications. Remember to regularly update Magisk and modules, as Android updates and security patches can disrupt existing configurations. Keep an eye on the topic of your device on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forums. Will the warranty be reset after obtaining root rights to Xiaomi? Formally, unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights are a violation of the user agreement and can become a basis for denial of warranty service, especially if the device is broken. However, if you return the device to the stock state (close the bootloader and root developers), can be updated after obtaining the official traces, it will be difficult to visually determine the presence of the OTA? Standard Air Update (OTA) on a rooted device, most likely, will not install or lead to loss of root rights. boot.img, Update and then repaint the new image through Magisk. Is it safe to use banking apps with root? Banking apps are possible, but require additional concealment settings (Magisk Hide / Zygisk). The bank can update the detection methods at any time, and access to the application will be temporarily blocked until a new solution is found. A/B partitions and how does it affect firmware? A/B partitions have two copies of system partitions for seamless updates. boot.img It is important to know which slot (A or B) you are writing data to. An error can cause the phone to boot from an old, non-working version. Do you need to re-unlock the bootloader after reset? No, the bootloader unlock status persists even after a full Wipe Data reset or firmware reflash. You don't have to wait 7 days again if you just want to reinstall the system or change the firmware region.