How to get the root rights to Xiaomi Mi A1: the complete guide

Xiaomi Mi A1, also known as Xiaomi Mi 5X, has become a legendary device thanks to its clean Android One operating system and excellent value for money. However, over time, standard functionality begins to be lacking, and many users are thinking about expanding the capabilities of their gadget. Getting root rights is the most effective way to open full access to the file system and system settings of the phone.

The rooting procedure is not trivial and requires care, as it involves interference with the bootloader and system partitions. You will have to unlock the bootloader, which will inevitably lead to the complete removal of all data from the device, which is why it is critically important to create a full backup of all important information to an external medium or to the cloud before starting any manipulation.

In this guide, we will cover every step of the process, from tool preparation to Magisk rights manager installation. We will look at the nuances of working with ADB and Fastboot, and pay attention to possible errors that you may encounter.

Preparation of the device and the necessary software

Before you start technical manipulation, you need to make sure that your computer and smartphone are fully ready for work. USB-cable, preferably original or high-quality analogue, capable of transmitting data, not only charging the battery. 60-70%, So that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune moment.

You need to install universal ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer that allow your PC to interact with your phone at a low level. Without these drivers, your computer simply won’t see your smartphone in bootloader mode. You’ll also need an archive with a TWRP image specially assembled for the Xiaomi Mi A1 model (codenamed tissot), and a Magisk installer in APK format, which will later need to be renamed ZIP.

⚠️ Attention: Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi A1 Officially only available through the company's servers after a 168-hour (7-day wait) using third-party services to unlock instantly can cause permanent system damage.

Don't forget to activate the developer mode on the phone itself. To do this, go to the settings, find the "About Phone" item and quickly click 7-10 times on the build number. After that, a new section "Developers" will appear in the settings menu, where you need to enable debugging over USB and select the OEM unlock mode.

• 📱 Charge your smartphone to at least 70% for stable operation during firmware.
• 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot on a Windows computer.
• 🔓 Make a full backup of the data as everything will be deleted.
• 📂 Download the image TWRP file Magisk.apk computer.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader, which is a gateway that controls the operating system's boot and prevents unofficial software from running. On Xiaomi devices, this process is strictly regulated, you need to link your Mi Account to your phone's settings and apply for unlock through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

After you submit your application, the system will put you in a waiting queue.This is usually exactly 7 days (168 hours), although sometimes it can be extended to 15 or 30 days depending on the company's current security policy.During this time, you can use your phone as normal, but it is not recommended to reset or log out of your Mi Account, otherwise the timer may reset.

When the waiting period expires, reconnect the phone to your computer in Fastboot mode. To do this, turn off the smartphone and press the power and volume buttons at the same time. In the Mi Unlock Tool, press the unlock button. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart and clear all user data.

Installation of custom TWRP Recovery

Android's stainless repair doesn't allow changes to system partitions, so it needs to be replaced with custom.For Xiaomi Mi A1 The de facto standard is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This tool has a user-friendly touch interface and allows you to install ZIP-archives, make full backups and manage files.

The installation process is done via Fastboot mode. Place the downloaded image file (usually called the image file). twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img) file-folder ADB-Open the command line in this folder and type a command to check the connection with the device.

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number of the device, you've got the connection, and then you type in the command to run the recovery, and it's important not to restart the phone immediately after that, because the rod system can overwrite custom recovery when you first start up.

fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img

Once you have completed the command, the phone will immediately go to TWRP mode. Now you need to prevent automatic reboot. From the main TWRP menu, select "Modify System" or simply do not let the phone start Android until you install Magisk. Also, at this stage, you can flash permanent TWRP with fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-tissot.img, if you are sure of your actions.

• 🔄 The team fastboot boot runs the Recovery temporarily, without recording in memory.
• 💾 The fastboot flash command writes the image permanently to the recovery section.
• 🛑 Do not agree to install a stock recavator on the first run TWRP.
• 📲 Use quality. USB-cable.

Magisk installation and access to Root

Now that you have access to the extended recovery menu, you can start installing superuser rights. The current standard is Magisk, which provides systemless rooting, which allows you to pass security checks on banking applications and games, which was not possible with the old SuperSU method.

Copy the file. Magisk.apk (or Magisk.zip) the internal memory of the telephone or SD-If the phone can't see the computer, TWRP, You may need to swipe the storage across the screen. Then go to the Install menu, find the file and confirm the swipe installation.

Once you have completed the installation, click the Reboot System button. The first download can take longer than usual, from 3 to 5 minutes. This is normal, as the system performs application optimization and introduces new access rights. Don't panic or try to turn off the phone at this point.

Once you load the operating system, find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. Open it. If the version number is green at the top of the screen and the "Magisk" line shows the status "Installed", then the procedure was successful. You can go to the application settings and turn on "Zygisk" for enhanced compatibility with modules.

⚠️ Note: When installing Magisk through TWRP Do not use the "Wipe" function Dalvik/Cache» after installation, if you are not sure if this is necessary, in some configurations, this can lead to a cyclical reboot.

License Check and Security Setup

Once installed successfully, you need to make sure that the rights are working correctly. Download the Root Checker app from Google Play or use the built-in verification feature in Magisk itself. Run the test, and the app will request a superuser confirmation. If you see a green tick and a message about root access, it was a success.

But getting rights is only half the battle. It's important to set up security so that apps can't arbitrarily use your access. In Magisk settings, turn on "Magisk Hide" (or set up DenyList in newer versions), and you should mark all banking apps, Google Pay, and anti-cheat games, and that will hide the fact that there are root rights from these apps.

Also worth considering is installing modules that extend functionality, like modules to control CPU frequency or modify system fonts, but remember, each module installed is a potential risk of instability. Only install verified add-ons from trusted sources.

Possible problems and ways to solve them

The Xiaomi Mi A1 can be modified in a variety of ways, and one of the most common is the Bootloop, which is when the phone is endlessly rebooted on the manufacturer's logo, which often happens if an incompatible version of the TWRP is installed or the system partition is damaged when the modules are installed, and the problem is solved by re-routing the stock image or cleaning the Data and Cache partitions through the receptacles.

Another common problem is the broken touch screen in TWRP. For the Mi A1, this is solved by running a special patch fix for the touchscreen, which you need to install immediately after entering the Recovery before doing any other actions. Without this patch, you will not be able to manage the recovery menu.

Users may also encounter a “Verification failed” error when trying to load the custom kernel, which means that the bootloader was not fully unlocked or the integrity of the boot image was compromised, in which case you need to go back to the first step and recheck the lock status in Fastboot.

• 🔧 To solve problems with the touchscreen in TWRP Use the Touch Fix patch».
• 📉 If the phone is warming, check the CPU frequencies in the kernel settings.
• 🔋 Fast discharge can be caused by background root-module processes.
• 📸 The camera may be worse due to lack of optimizations MIUI Android One.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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Before installing any modules in Magisk, be sure to create a full backup in TWRP. This will allow you to roll back to working state in a couple of minutes if the module causes a system conflict.

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Root rights to Xiaomi Mi A1 give full control over the device, but require the user to be technically literate and cautious when installing third-party software.