How to get root rights on Xiaomi Mi 8: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk

Why you need root rights to Xiaomi Mi 8 and what risks they carry

The Xiaomi Mi 8, launched in 2018 on the basis of Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and active support of the development community. Getting root rights opens up access to advanced features of the system, from removing embedded MIUI applications to fine-tuning performance through the kernel. However, the process of obtaining superuser rights on modern versions of MIUI 12/13/14 has become significantly complicated due to the tightening of Xiaomi’s security policy.

In this article, we will discuss the only working method for 2026, which involves unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom TWRP recavator and Magisk firmware for root management. It is important to understand that the procedure voids the warranty, can lead to a device blink if errors occur, and requires a preliminary data backup. If you are a beginner, follow the instructions carefully and do not miss the steps.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Mi 8 (codename: dipper) - not suitable for the Mi 8 SE (sirius or Mi 8 Pro (equuleus).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: current firmware based on Android 10/11 (Android 12+ Additional patches are required).
• 🔒 bootloader status: If it is already unlocked, skip the first stage.

Preparation of the device: backup, debugging and allowed settings

The first step is to save all the important data. Unlocking the bootloader and installing the TWRP results in a complete factory reset. Use Mi Cloud or third-party solutions like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can backup on another device).

• 📸 Photo/video in DCIM and Pictures.
• 📱 Contact and SMS (export to.vcf and.xml).
• 🎮 Game savers (use Helium or manual transfer from the game) /Android/obb).
• 🔑 Passwords and authorization tokens (link accounts to email).

Next, activate the modes required to interact with ADB and Fastboot:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to turn on Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB. 🔄 Unlocking OEM (critical to unlock the loader!). 🔌 Debugging by USB (security) → Allow debugging for your PC.

⚠️ Note: If the option is "Unblock" OEM»** Inactive, so the device is enabled Mi Account protection. Link Xiaomi account to the phone and wait 7 days (Xiaomi requirement for new devices).

Unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool: a step-by-step process

The official Mi Unlock Tool is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi 8.The procedure requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts.

Step 1 Installation of Mi Unlock Tool

• 🖥️ Download the latest version of the utility from the official Xiaomi website (only for Windows).
• 📥 Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
• 🔌 Connect the Mi 8 to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down). + Food before the appearance of the rabbit in the hat-eared).

Step 2: Authorization and Waiting

• 📧 Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool with the same Xiaomi account as your phone.
• ⏳ If the account is new, the utility will show a timer of 168 hours).
• 🔓 After the expiration date, press Unlock** – the bootloader will be unlocked and the phone will automatically restart.

Linked to Mi Account | USB|On debugging |OEM|OEmblock Allowed Unlocked |Mi Unlock Tool |Phone in Fastboot-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is “Couldn’t unlock” (10008), Xiaomi’s servers have temporarily blocked your device. IP. Use it. VPN Go to Hong Kong or India and try again.

Installation of TWRP Recovery: version selection and firmware

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install a custom TWRP recavator, which will allow you to flash Magisk to get root. For Xiaomi Mi 8 (dipper), two TWRP branches are relevant:

• 📱 Official (from TeamWin) - stable, but may not support new versions MIUI.
• 🛠️ Unofficial (from OrangeFox or Sky Hawk) – with advanced features, but possible bugs.

Recommended version: TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 (tested MIUI 13/14). Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dipper.img And save it in the folder with ADB/Fastboot.

Installation instructions:

1. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
2. Open the command line in the folder with ADB Next Post:Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dipper.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-dipper.img
3. After downloading to TWRP, DO NOT REROAD the device! immediately go to Magisk firmware (otherwise the stock recavator will reset TWRP).

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If after the firmware TWRP phone is stuck on the MI logo, press Volume up + Power for 10 seconds for a forced reboot in the recaveri.

Magisk firmware for root rights: version selection and configuration

Magisk is a universal root rights management system that allows you to hide them from applications (for example, banking or Pokémon GO). For the Xiaomi Mi 8, Magisk v26.1+ is suitable, but it is important to choose the correct installation method depending on the version of MIUI:

• 📦 Method 1: Firmware Magisk.apk through TWRP (for MIUI 12/13).
• 🔧 Method 2: Patching. boot.img through Magisk Manager (for the purpose of MIUI 14 dynamically partitioned).

Instructions for MIUI 12/13:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.1.apk file).
2. Rename the extension to.zip and copy it to your phone.
3. In TWRP, select “Install”** → specify the file Magisk-v26.1.zip → swipe for confirmation.
4. Once installed, reboot to the system (Do not press Reboot System** in TWRP – install Magisk Manager first!).

For MIUI 14 (Android 12+):

1. Remove boot.img from the firmware of your MIUI version (use MIUI bootloader or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Copy boot.img to your phone and open it in Magisk Manager (click "Install" → "Select and Patch a File").

Root rights check and Magisk setup: Hiding from apps

After restarting the device, check for root using the Root Checker app or a command in Terminal:

su

If the command returns #, the rights are successful. Now, set up Magisk to hide root from banking apps and games:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings**.
2. Enable MagiskHide (for Magisk v24+, this item is called Enforce DenyList).
3. Add to the list of apps that should not be detected root: 🏦 Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB. 🎮 Pokémon GO, Genshin Impact. 🔒 Google Pay, Netflix.

Reset the device.

To check for root hiding, use test applications like SafetyNet Test. If Basic Integrity or CTS Profile status fails (FAIL), install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.

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Even with MagiskHide enabled, some apps (like Google Pay) can block work, in which case try alternative modules: MagiskHide Props Config or Riru - Core.

Frequent Mistakes and Solutions: From Brick to Losing IMEI

The process of rooting on Xiaomi Mi 8 is fraught with errors, especially if you skip steps or use incompatible files. Below is a list of typical problems and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after manipulating partitions, the phone stopped turning on (hard brick), try to restore it through the Mi Flash Tool with the option "clean all and lock.

FAQ: answers to popular questions about root on Xiaomi Mi 8