Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires caution. Unlike most brands, Xiaomi devices are protected by a bootloader lock that must be officially unlocked through the Mi Account. Without this step, any attempts to get root lead to a “brick” – complete inoperability of the phone.
In 2026, the process got more complicated: Xiaomi tightened the rules for unlocking, and old methods (for example, through EDL) stopped working on new models. This article is updated for MIUI 14/15 firmware and Android 13/14 devices, including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T. We will discuss the only officially supported way – through unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, as well as alternative methods for older models.
Why Xiaomi is blocking root rights and what it gives users
Xiaomi has been artificially restricting access to root because of:
- 🔒 Data Security: root opens access to system files, which increases the risk of information being stolen through malware.
- 📱 Stability MIUI: Changes to system partitions often lead to failures that Xiaomi will have to fix under warranty.
- 💰 Google policies: Devices with unlocked bootloader fail to pass Google Play Protect certification, limiting access to banking apps.
However, root rights give the user:
- ⚡ Removing embedded applications (bloatver) and advertising in MIUI.
- 🔧 Change system fonts, animations and themes without restrictions.
- 📱 Installation of custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🎮 Use modified games via Lucky Patcher or GameGuardian.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings. Create a backup through Settings → Google → Backup or Mi Cloud. Pictures and videos saved on PC — they don't recover from reset!
Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting
Before unlocking the bootloader, follow the mandatory steps:
Link your Mi Account to your phone (required!)
Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times press)
Install ADB drivers on PC (download from [Xiaomi official website](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index))
Download the latest Mi Unlock Tool (only from [en.miui.com/unlock](https://en.miui.com/unlock/)
Charge your phone to at least 60% (unlocking takes 10-30 minutes)
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Pay special attention to the linking of the Mi Account:
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi account.
- Make sure your phone is linked to your account (the Devices section should show your device).
- Turn on data synchronization – this will confirm the activity of the account.
If an account is not tied, unlocking will not be possible. Xiaomi requires at least 72 hours of active use of an account on the device before unlocking (the rule was introduced in 2023), This restriction cannot be circumvented – attempts to use someone else’s accounts or VPN lead to a lock for 30 days.
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/X6
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi 10/11
Other models-->
Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
This is the only method Xiaomi supports, and the instructions are valid for all devices on MIUI 14/15:
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (link above). Install the program on a Windows 10/11 PC.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator. Sign in with the same Mi Account as your phone.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing Magisk for root rights.
⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) After unlocking, a warning about an uncertified device may appear in Settings → Google. This is OK, but some banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff) will stop working).
Install Magisk for root rights
Magisk is a root rights management tool that masks changes to the system by allowing banking applications to be used. The latest stable version as of 2026 is Magisk 26.4.
Installation instructions:
- Download Magisk from official GitHub ([link](https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases)). You need a file. Magisk-v26.4.apk.
- Rename the file to Magisk.zip and copy it to your phone (internal memory or SD-map).
- Install a custom Recovery TWRP For your model (you can download it from the [twrp.me](https://twrp.me)). For the first time, fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redminote12.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redminote12.img (Replace the file name with the one that is relevant to your model).
- In TWRP, select "Install" → specify the path to Magisk.zip → swipe for installation.
- Restart your phone. After downloading, check for root through the Magisk Manager app.
If the phone is stuck on the MIUI logo after the reboot, then TWRP is not compatible with your firmware. The solution is to install OrangeFox Recovery instead of TWRP (supports more Xiaomi models).
What to do if Magisk is not installed?
Alternative methods for older Xiaomi models
If your device is released before 2020 (Redmi Note 8, Mi 9, POCO F1), You can bypass official unlocking via the DirtyCOW exploit or EDL-These methods are risky and can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
| Method | Suitable models | Risks. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| DirtyCOW (via KingRoot) | Redmi 4X, Mi A1, POCO F1 | High risk of infection with viruses, unstable work | Low. |
| EDL (via MiFlash) | Redmi Note 5, Mi 8, Mi Mix 2S | Hard brick is possible when a firmware error occurs | Tall. |
| Fastboot (via boot.img patch) | All models with unlocked loader | Minimum (requires unlocking) | Medium |
For EDL-method:
- 🔌 Authorized account EDL (buy in forums for 5-10$).
- 💻 MiFlash and firmware for your model.
- 🔧 Test Point (closing contacts on the board for transfer to the EDL).
⚠️ Attention: Use EDL On new models (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and later) leads to locking. IMEI. Xiaomi tracks such devices by serial number and can block them through activation servers.
💡
If you unlocked the bootloader but don’t plan to install custom firmware, return it to locked state via the fastboot flashing lock command. This will restore Google Play certification and access to banking applications.
How to hide root from banking applications (MagiskHide)
Most banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) block work on root devices, to circumvent this restriction:
- Open the Magisk Manager → tap the icon ⚙️ (setting).
- Turn on the options: 🔄 MagiskHide (Hidden Root from Apps). 🔒 Enforce DenyList (blocks detection for selected applications).
DenyList
Reboot the phone.
For Android 12+, you will need:
- 📱 Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
- 🔧 Turn off Play Integrity API in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → For developers → Play Integrity API).
Check your health through the YASNAC app (Shows SafetyNet status) and if the test is passed (ctsProfile: true), the banking applications will work.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When obtaining root rights to Xiaomi, users face typical problems:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Couldn’t unlock (10008) | It has not been 72 hours since the account was linked. | Wait 3 days, actively using your account (Sync, Mi Cloud) |
| Anti-rollback check | Trying to roll back to an older version of MIUI | Update to the latest version via fastboot |
| The phone will not turn on after Magisk. | Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP | Fly your phone through fastboot with official firmware |
| Banking applications are not working | SafetyNet not passed | Install Universal SafetyNet Fix and add the app to DenyList |
If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped booting (black screen or logo hover), do:
- Download the official firmware for your model from [link](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index).
- Fastboot: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot reboot
💡
If you are not sure about your actions, use the Mi Flash Tool in Clear All mode – this will restore the phone to factory status, but delete all data.