The Xiaomi Mi5, which was once the flagship device, is still popular today for its excellent screen and performance. However, the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users, preventing them from removing system debris or running powerful automation scripts. Obtaining superuser rights (root) opens up access to deep system settings, allowing you to unlock the potential of the Snapdragon 820 processor at full power.
The rooting process on modern Xiaomi devices requires several steps, each of which is critical to the success of the operation: you will unlock the bootloader, install a custom recap and implement an access manager. Attention: all actions you perform at your own risk, as interference in the system partition can lead to loss of warranty or inoperability of the device.
Before you take action, you need to be clear about the consequences of your steps. The procedure is not complicated if you follow the algorithm, but requires attention to detail and preparation of tools. In this article, we will examine each step in detail to minimize the likelihood of errors and get a stable system with full administrator rights.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Start by backing up all the important data. Since unlocking the bootloader completely clears the internal memory of the smartphone, save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to the computer. Make sure that the battery is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune time of a critical operation.
You will need quality work to do. USB-A cable, preferably original or certified, capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device. ADB Fastboot on the computer and the platform SDK Platform Tools. Without properly installed drivers, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in firmware mode.
⚠️ Note: Use of damaged or unstable cable USB-The port may interrupt data transmission and cause system partition writing errors, which will require complex recovery.
An important step is to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to your smartphone settings, select About Phone and click on the version several times. MIUI, to activate the developer mode. Then in the advanced settings, enable debugging on USB and choose the type USB-linkage USB debugging (Security Settings).
☑️ Ready to unlock
Unlocking the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)
The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader, as without this it is impossible to install a modified Recovery. Xiaomi has implemented a strict security policy that requires waiting for 7 days (168 hours) after submitting an application, this time is given to the user to think about the decision, and it is almost impossible to circumvent it officially.
After submitting an application via the Mi Unlock app on PC, you need to wait SMS-Notification of approval. You can use your smartphone as normal at this time, but don't reset or change your account, otherwise your waiting timer may get lost. When the deadline expires, re-start the unlock utility and follow the instructions on the screen.
The unlocking process is as follows:
- 📱 Turn off your smartphone and press the Volume buttons down + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.
- 💻 Connect the device to your computer and run the Mi Unlock Tool under your account.
- 🔓 Click the Unlock button and confirm the action by agreeing to the risk warnings.
- ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed, which will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and begin clearing the data. On the boot screen, you will see an open padlock icon, which indicates a successful completion of the step, and the bootloader is now ready to accept signed and unsigned system partition images.
What if Mi Unlock says "Couldn't verify device"?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard recovery MIUI It does not allow you to install third-party zip archives and modify system files, so you need to install Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). For the Xiaomi model Mi5 (codenamed gemini, there are special versions of the recovery that take into account the architecture of the device, and you only need to download the image from trusted sources, such as the official website. TWRP forum 4PDA.
Installation is done via Fastboot mode using the command in the command line. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode, open the terminal in the folder with ADB tools and enter the command to firmware the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-gemini.imgIt is important not to allow the phone to boot into the system immediately after the firmware is installed, as a standard MIUI can replace the TWRP back with a stock recavator at the first boot.
To lock in a custom recap, use a button combination to go into recovery mode immediately after the firmware. Usually it's Volume Up + Power. In the TWRP menu, select a language (if required) and go to the Wipe section. You need to format the Data partition with the Format Data command and type yes, which will also delete all data, but this is necessary for the encryption to work properly.
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If TWRP asks for a password when you sign in and you haven’t set it, try entering a password from your Mi Account or just make Format Data in the Wipe menu, which will reset the encryption.
Getting Root Rights through Magisk
The most modern and secure way to obtain superuser rights is to use Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and Google Pay services. To begin, download the current Magisk zip archive and transfer it to the internal memory of the phone.
Boot into TWRP Recovery mode. Select "Install" from the main menu. Navigate in TWRP with swipes, which may be unusual after MIUI. Find the downloaded Magisk zip archive on the file manager screen and confirm the swipe installation to the right.
The installation process takes a few seconds. Once completed, the Reboot System button will appear. Critically, the first time you download from Magisk, the process can take up to 10-15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications. Don't panic or reboot the device forcefully if you see the MIUI or Android logo longer than usual.
Once you boot, look up the Magisk icon in the app menu, open it and give you permissions. If the app offers you to add additional components, agree. The icon and the ability to grant permissions to applications is a sign of successful root access.
Comparison of methods for obtaining superuser rights
There are several approaches to modifying the system, and the choice depends on your goals: some users prefer minimal intervention, others - complete flashing. Below is a table comparing the main modification methods for the Xiaomi Mi5.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Impact on OTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (Zip) | Medium | Tall. | Saved (when set up) |
| SuperSU | Tall. | Low (outdated) | Disruptive. |
| Custom ROM | Tall. | Depends on the firmware. | Requires manual updates |
| Unlocked. | Impossible. | Maximum | It's working normally. |
As you can see from the table, using Magisk is the gold standard today. It allows you to add features modularly without affecting the system partition /system. This means you can remove root at any time just by deleting the application or restoring the original bootmage.
Custom ROM installation gives more freedom, but requires deep knowledge and often leads to loss of camera or NFC functionality. For most users, stock firmware with embedded Magisk remains the best choice.
Eligibility verification and elimination
Once installed, you need to make sure that the rights are working correctly. Download the "Root Checker" app from Google Play. Launch it and press the "Verify Root" button. If you see a green message that the device has root access, then everything went well.
Often, users have a problem when banking apps fail, because of built-in security. In Magisk, you need to activate "MagiskHide" (in newer versions, this is the "Zygisk" setting and the exception list), add all banking apps and Google Pay, then restart your smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Persistent root-right concealment can lead to unstable operation of some applications that rely on system integrity.If the application is critical, consider using it only on the second profile or in the workspace.
If your phone is in a bootloop cycle, don't rush to bring it to the service. Go to TWRP and try to clean the Dalvik/ART Cache cache. Often this helps the system boot up after a module fails, and at worst you'll have to refashion the device over the Fastboot.
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Magisk allows you to hide root rights from applications, but requires the correct configuration of Zygisk and a list of exceptions for banking services.
Possible risks and precautions
Getting root rights isn't just about installing a program, it's about changing the logic of the operating system. Data security is now entirely on your shoulders. Malware that has superuser rights can steal passwords, access keys, and personal information without the owner's knowledge.
Installing untested modules or mods can damage the boot or recovery partition. In this case, the phone will stop turning on. Always have the original Fastboot recovery firmware at hand. For Xiaomi Mi5, the global and Chinese versions are relevant firmware, which can be found on the official website.
It's also worth considering that some apps, like Netflix or banking, may stop working in high quality or even block access altogether, and while circumvention techniques do exist, it's a constant battle of shield and sword.