How to get root rights on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide from the 4PDA

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens users to hidden system functions, but requires caution and understanding of all risks. 4PDA There are regular ways to unlock the bootloader, install custom recavator and obtain super-user rights, but the information is often scattered and contradictory. MIUI 14/15 manufacturer's requirements.

It's important to understand that root rights void warranty, can disrupt banking applications and, if you do the wrong thing, turn a device into a brick. We'll look at formal and informal ways, including unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool, installing it. TWRP We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular models - Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13T, where the process is different.

If you are new to Android, we recommend you first learn the theory: what is a bootloader, why you need fastboot, and why Magisk is preferable to old methods like SuperSU. TWRP.

Preparation of the device: what to do before the start

Before you start unlocking, you need to follow a few critical steps, and skipping any of them can lead to the blocking of your Mi Account or the device is inoperable.

First, make sure your Xiaomi has debugging enabled on USB and unlock OEM. For that:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
3. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.

Second, link your Mi Account to your device, and without that, unlocking the bootloader will be impossible.

• 🔹 The latest version is installed on the device. MIUI (Update through Settings → Updating the system).
• 🔹 Mi Account confirmed by email and phone (you can check in Settings) → Mi Account).
• 🔹 All screen locks are disabled on the phone (PIN, pattern lock, print).

Also prepare a PC with installed:

• 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (Last version).
• 🖥️ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (You can install it through Android Studio or XDA Developers).
• 🖥️ Archives with TWRP for your model (download only from the official website or verified themes on the website) 4PDA).

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is a “Couldn’t verify device” error, try 5.5.224.30, which is often more stable than new releases.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Officially unlocking a bootloader is a must before getting root. Xiaomi made it harder in 2023 by introducing a mandatory wait (72 to 360 hours) after an account is tied.

Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume down). + Power. In the command line, check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device is identified, run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the steps:

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Agree with the warnings (the warranty will be cancelled).
3. Click Unlock – if a waiting message appears, wait for the specified time.

The waiting timer depends on the model and the region:

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If the Mi Unlock Tool is 99% down, try disabling the antivirus, using a different one. USB-Port or restart your PC in Safe Mode.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will reset to factory settings. All data (including photos and messages) will be deleted. → Additionally. → Backup.

Installation of TWRP: version selection and firmware

Castom Recovery TWRP It's necessary for Magisk and modified firmware installations, but not all versions. TWRP Compatible with the latest Xiaomi security patches, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Special assembly with support is required dynamic_partitions.

Download the correct version TWRP for your model:

• 📱 For Snapdragon devices (e.g, POCO F5) — Look for assemblies marked United.
• 📱 For MediaTek (Redmi Note 12) – only versions with support for mtk-client.
• 📱 For flagships (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra – check the topics on the 4PDA marked "[TWRP]".

The installation is performed via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-redwood.img


fastboot reboot recovery

If, after the reboot, TWRP If it doesn't start, it loads into a standard recavery, so the anti-rollback protection is activated:

Turn off signature verification in settings TWRP (Settings → Disable DM-Verity)

Sweep the patch. no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip

Reboot back to the TWRP and re-install Magisk

-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) installation TWRP This results in loss of data in the section /data. Before the firmware be sure to make a backup through ADB: adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab.

Install Magisk and obtain root rights

Magisk is a modern alternative to SuperSU that allows you to hide root from banking applications and updates. OTA. The last stable version at 2026 is Magisk 26.4 (avoid alpha unless you are sure of their stability).

Download Magisk from GitHub (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip) and follow the steps:

1. Copy the archive onto a phone or flash drive.
2. Boot in. TWRP (Turn off the device, then press the Volume up. + Nutrition).
3. Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root via the Magisk app or a command in the terminal:

su

If an input invitation (#) appears, then root is successfully received.

To hide root from banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online or Tinkoff):

• 🛡️ Open Magisk, go to Settings → MagiskHide.
• 🛡️ Turn on the option and mark the apps that need to hide root.
• 🛡️ Reset the device.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the device does not turn on after unlocking the bootloader (black screen or freeze on Mi Logo), try:

1. Download to fastboot and flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Use the Xiaomi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option (return warranty, but delete all data).

⚠️ Note: On Lock Bootloader State devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), unlocking can lead to a hardbrick hardware unit. Before starting, check the bootloader status with the command: fastboot getvar anti. If the value is anti: 4, the risk of blocking is extremely high.

Features for popular Xiaomi models

The process of rooting can vary significantly depending on the model. Below are the key nuances for the most discussed on the Internet. 4PDA device:

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset):

• 🔧 A libmtk-client patch is required to work with TWRP.
• 🔧 bootloader is blocked after 3 failed attempts to unlock (reset via Mi Account is required).
• 🔧 Recommended version TWRP: 3.7.0_12-0 from XDA.

POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2):

• 🔧 Supports fastbootd – you can stitch images without TWRP.
• 🔧 Be sure to turn it off. AVB 2.0 Before installing Magisk (use the fastboot command) --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img).

Xiaomi 13T (Dimensity 8100-Ultra):

• 🔧 Requires a special patch to unlock the bootloader through EDL (discussed in this topic on 4PDA).
• 🔧 Incompatible with Magisk 26.3 and below – use only 26.4+.

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For devices on Dimensity (MediaTek), be sure to check the firmware version before unlocking. MIUI Block the possibility of rollback to the old version, which can lead to hardbrick.

Alternative methods of obtaining root

If the standard method doesn't work, consider alternatives. They're more risky, but sometimes they're the only way out.

1. Unlock through EDL (Emergency Download Mode):

Suitable for "brick" devices or models with fastboot locked.

• 🔌 Special cable (EDL cable) or circuiting of test points on board.
• 🔌 Mi Flash Pro and an authorized Mi Account with rights EDL.
• 🔌 Marked firmware EDL (Only download from verified sources).

2.Install Magisk via patch APK:

If TWRP not available, it can be patched boot.img via Magisk app:

1. Download stock firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Remove boot.img from the firmware archive.
3. In the Magisk app, select Install → Select and Patch a File and specify boot.img.
4. Sweep the resulting file through fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img.

3. Use of custom firmware with pre-sewn root:

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often comes with an already integrated Magisk.

• ⚠️ You will lose the functionality of Xiaomi cameras (GCam port required).
• ⚠️ Maybe it won't work. NFC print-sensor.

Security after obtaining root

Root rights give you complete control of the system, but they also open the door to malware and instability.

1. Magisk setup:

• 🔒 Turn off automatic module updates in Magisk settings.
• 🔒 Install SafetyPatch module to pass SafetyNet.
• 🔒 Regularly check system integrity through Magisk → Superuser → Check SafetyNet.

2. Protection against malware:

• 🛡️ Do not install modules from unverified sources (especially those marked systemless).
• 🛡️ Use AFWall.+ for controlling network access of applications.
• 🛡️ Regularly check the kernel logs for suspicious activity (cat) /proc/kmsg).

Backup:

With root rights, backups become critical.

• 💾 TWRP Create a complete system image (Backup) → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
• 💾 Swift Backup for backup of applications and data (requires root).
• 💾 Adb backup command to save settings and SMS.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader, Xiaomi can remotely block access to services (such as Mi Cloud or Mi Fit). To avoid this, turn off automatic synchronization in your Mi Account settings.

Frequently asked questions