Root rights to Xiaomi Mi Max 2: Complete guide from unlock to Magisk

Xiaomi Mi Max 2 (codenamed oxygen) is still a popular phablet among Android enthusiasts thanks to its 6.44-inch screen, capacious 5300 mAh battery and deep customization capabilities. But the factory MIUI firmware imposes severe limitations: you can’t uninstall system applications, change the CPU frequency or install modified cores. The solution is one – obtaining root rights.

In this article, you will find the instructions for unlocking the bootloader, installing custom recovery (TWRP) and getting root through Magisk, which are relevant for 2026. We have taken into account all the nuances of a particular model: anti-rollback problems, features of unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool and compatibility with the latest versions of Android 7.1.1 Nougat (the latest official firmware for the Mi Max 2).

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to a brick (turning the phone into a brick) or data loss.

First, check the MIUI version and build number. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone. Remember or write down:

• 📱 Version. MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.1 Stable)
• 🔢 Assembly number (e.g, NMG25.7-1-0-0)
• 📅 Assembly date (if any)

This data will be needed to select the correct version of TWRP and firmware.

Second, make sure the device is enabled with USB debugging and OEM unlocking.

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

⚠️ Note: If the item Unlock OEM Is not available or inactive – your device may be linked to a Mi Account with an active Mi Cloud Lock function, in which case unlocking the bootloader without the original owner account is not possible.

Finally, create a full backup. Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP will result in a complete reset of the device. Use Mi PC Suite or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root, so it is only suitable for backup to another phone).

I recorded the version. MIUI and assembly number|Activated Developer Mode|I've got the debugging on. USB unlock OEM|Created a backup of the data|I am not sure if I have a Mi Cloud Lock.-->

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process is fraught with bureaucratic constraints.

• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Max 2 with a tied Mi Account (required!
• 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux The official tool is not working)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the set)
• ⏳ Time: The unlocking process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi restrictions

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi's official website. Install the program and follow the following steps:

1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
3. Turn off the Mi Max 2 and press Volume Down + Power to go to Fastboot Mode.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The program will have a message called Phone Connected.
5. Click Unlock. If the account is new, a wait notice will appear (usually 168-720 hours).

If you see a message called Couldn't unlock.Your device isn't supported by Mi Unlock, your device may be blocked because of:

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't disconnect it from the PC until you fully restart it!

Less than 72 hours.|3-7 days|More than 7 days|Unblocking went right away.|Failed to unlock.-->

Installation of TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Mi Max 2

Xiaomi’s standard recovery doesn’t allow custom firmware or root. This requires TWRP, a popular custom recovery with touch control. For the Mi Max 2 (oxygen), the current version is TWRP 3.7.0 (or newer if available).

Download the image TWRP for oxygen from the official website twrp.me. the file will have the name of the species twrp-3.7.0_9-0-oxygen.img. Save it to the folder with fastboot (usually) C:\platform-tools).

To install TWRP, run the following commands in cmd (or PowerShell):

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-oxygen.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-oxygen.img

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI post-installation TWRP standard recovery is restored when you reboot, so to avoid that, immediately after you enter the system. TWRP Go to Mount. → Enable MTP And copy the file to the phone. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (You can download it here. Install it in Install. TWRP.

If the phone was stuck on the Mi logo after installing the TWRP, it's called anti-rollback.

• 🔄 Try flashing your phone through fastboot with the official firmware of the same version that was installed.
• 🛠️ If this does not help, you need to use the EDL Mode (emergency mode), but it is risky and requires an authorized Xiaomi account.

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If TWRP Not touching the screen, plug in. OTG-Some assemblies don't have the sensor control working properly.

Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a one-stop solution for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet check and use banking applications. Magisk v26.4 (or later) is suitable for the Mi Max 2.

Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository on GitHub. Magisk-v26.4.zip. Copy it onto your phone (for example, internal memory or a phone). SD-map).

Follow the instructions:

1. Boot to TWRP (Put Volume Up + Power on the phone off).
2. Press Install and select the file Magisk-v26.4.zip.
3. Swipe to confirm the installation.
4. After completion, press Reboot System.

The first download after installing Magisk can take up to 10 minutes. If the phone has been stuck on the logo for longer than 15 minutes, follow the following steps:

• 🔋 Remove and reset the battery (if possible).
• 🔄 Boot in. TWRP And reinstall Magisk.
• 📱 If the problem is repeated, try another version of Magisk (for example, the same as the one you see, v25.2).

After a successful download, check for root rights using the Root Checker app or by entering the command in the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.

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Installing Magisk via TWRP is the most reliable way to get root on the Xiaomi Mi Max 2. Alternative methods (for example, through patching boot.img) often lead to a logo getting stuck due to the peculiarities of the oxygen kernel.

Solving common problems after getting root

Even if you successfully obtained root rights, there may be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1.The phone does not pass SafetyNet

Many banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Google Pay) require a successful SafetyNet check.

• 🔄 Install MagiskHide Props Config module via Magisk.
• 📱 In Magisk settings, activate MagiskHide and add problematic apps to the list.
• 🔧 Restart your phone and check SafetyNet status through the app YASNAC.

2. It's not working. OTA-update MIUI

Once root is received, official airborne updates (OTAs) will not be installed.

• 📥 Download full firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website and install them through TWRP.
• 🔄 Before updating, temporarily delete Magisk (via Uninstall) → Complete Uninstall in Magisk settings).

3.The phone overheats or discharges quickly

This may be due to improper operation of the kernel or background root-right processes.

• 🔋 Install AccuBattery app to monitor battery consumption.
• 📊 Review the active processes through CPU Monitor or top in the terminal.
• 🛠️ If the problem is in the kernel, try installing a custom kernel (e.g., FrancoKernel for oxygen).

⚠️ Note: If the root phone starts to spontaneously restart after installing the root, check the integrity of the file system through the TWRP (Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Repair File System: This often helps to eliminate errors caused by modifications to system partitions.

Custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi Max 2: what you can install

With root rights, you can install custom firmware that offers better performance, current versions of Android and no bloatware. The following options are available for the Mi Max 2:

Before installing custom firmware, it is necessary to:

1. Make a full backup of the current system through TWRP (Backup → Select All).
2. Make sure the firmware is compatible with your version of MIUI (especially if you have a Chinese or global build).
3. Check out the feedback on the XDA forum on the stability of a particular build.

⚠️ Attention: Installation of firmware based on Android 10+ Mi Max 2 can cause problems with the camera (defaulting) EIS) And it's a fingerprint sensor, because there's no official driver for the new software.

Safety and Risks: What to Know Before Getting Root

Root rights offer a lot of opportunities for customization, but they also carry risks.

1. Loss of guarantee

Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader and getting root voids the warranty.

• 🔧 If the phone breaks for mechanical reasons (screen is broken, button is not working), the service center may turn a blind eye to this.
• 💥 If the problem is related to software (for example, it does not turn on after firmware) – repair will be refused.

Security vulnerabilities

Root rights give applications unlimited access to the system.

• 🛡️ Viruses can gain control of a phone (such as stealing data or sending a message) SMS pay-per-room).
• 🔍 Banking applications can block work on rooted devices.
• 🔑 Attacker with physical phone access can bypass screen lock.

3. The risk of "brick" (turning into brick)

Xiaomi Mi Max 2 has anti-rollback protection that blocks rollbacks on older firmware versions. If you try to install firmware with a lower build number, the phone:

• 🚨 It will stop turning on (black screen or logo getting stuck).
• 🔧 It'll require firmware through EDL Mode, which is difficult to do without an authorized Xiaomi account.

To minimize the risks:

• 📌 Always check the compatibility of Magisk firmware and modules with your model.
• 🔋 Use only original cables and a charged battery (at least 60%).
• 📡 Before the firmware, turn off all screen blockers (PIN, pattern lock, print).

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If you are not sure about your actions, stop at the stage of unlocking the bootloader. Installing TWRP and Magisk requires understanding the processes and being prepared for possible problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Mi Max 2