How to get root access on Xiaomi Redmi: a safe way to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process requires caution: improper actions can turn the device into a brick or deprive you of warranties. In this article, we will discuss the current 2026 method of unlocking the bootloader and installation of Magisk, which works on most Redmi models (from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi 13C).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened its security policy: from 2022, it requires a binding Mi Account account to the device and a wait of 168 hours (7 days) to unlock the bootloader. It is officially impossible to circumvent this rule – all “fast” methods using vulnerabilities are closed in the latest versions. MIUI. We will focus on a legal method that minimizes risks.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Device model: the method is suitable for Redmi 9/10/11/12/13 series, POCO M/X and others on the base MIUI 13/14. For older models (e.g. Redmi) 5) Other tools may be needed.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, interruption due to discharge leads to hard brick (irreparable damage).
• 💾 Backup: Unlocking will reset the device to factory settings.Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save data.

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

The first step is to link the device to your Mi Account and enable USB debugging, without which unlocking is impossible.

Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to the main settings, open Additional → For Developers and turn on:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB (USB Debugging)
• 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking – this item may not be available on new devices, but it simplifies the process.
• 🔄 Factory Unlocking (if any.

Now connect your smartphone to your PC using the original USB Type-C cable. Install the ADB and Fastboot drivers:

• 🖥️ For Windows: Download Android Platform Tools and unpack to the root of the disk C:\platform-tools.
• 🐧 For Linux/macOS: Install packages via terminal: sudo apt install adb fastboot # Debian/Ubuntu brew install android-platform-tools # macOS

⚠️ Note: If you use a laptop, connect it to the network.Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) They require stable nutrition. USB-Port for the correct operation of fastboot.

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way through Mi Unlock

From 2021, Xiaomi requires a mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) after linking an account to a device, which cannot be circumvented legally, all “circumvent” methods lead to account locking or hard brick.

Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com/unlock (version must be at least 5.5.224.30) and run it on behalf of the administrator and follow the steps:

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Transfer the device to fastboot mode: turn off the smartphone, then press Volume down + Power for 10 seconds.
3. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

If you have a Couldn’t unlock or Device not supported error, check:

• 🔗 Account is linked to the device (in Settings) → Mi Account → Mi Cloud should be "Device found»).
• ⏳ 168 hours have passed since the binding (timer is reset when you change your account or reset your settings).
• 📵 The device is not on the Xiaomi blacklist (check by the phone). IMEI i.mi.com).

Link Mi Account to your device|Enable debugging on USB and OEM Unlock|Install ADB/Fastboot driver|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Wait 168 hours (if required)-->

3.Install Magisk: Getting root rights after unlocking

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, you can start installing Magisk, the most reliable root-rights tool, download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk (at the time of writing, version 26.4 is current).

Magisk can be used in two ways:

1. Through custom recovery (TWRP):
2. Through fastboot (without TWRP):

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+) Firmware through fastboot flash boot can lead to a logo hanging. In this case, use the command fastboot flash boot_a magisk_patched.img and fastboot flash boot_b magisk_patched.img.

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If the phone is stuck on the screensaver after Magisk firmware, try booting into safe mode (clip Volume Up when turned on) and remove conflicting modules through Magisk Manager.

4. Root rights verification and solution of typical problems

Once you reboot, install Magisk Manager (or Magisk Alpha for newer versions) and check root status. If the app shows a green tick and a Magisk version, it's a success. To make sure the rights work, use the commands in ADB:

adb shell


su




whoami

If the whoami command returns root, access is obtained. If not, check:

• 🔄 Reflash Magisk: Sometimes the first patch boot.img slips through.
• 🔧 Turn it off. AVB 2.0: on certain devices (Redmi) K50, POCO F4) You need to disable the boot loader check: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
• 📵 Module conflict: remove all Magisk modules through Magisk Manager → Modules and reboot.

If the device doesn’t turn on or freezes on Fastboot Mode, try returning stock boot.img:

fastboot flash boot boot_stock.img


fastboot reboot

5 Risks and Consequences: What You Lose by Getting Root

Root access gives you freedom, but it deprives you of some functions:

• 🔒 Security: Root apps can access passwords, bank details and other sensitive information. Use MagiskHide (or DenyList in newer versions) to hide root from banking apps.
• 📱 Guarantee: Xiaomi will cancel the warranty if it detects an unlocked bootloader.
• 🔄 Updates OTA: Automatic update MIUI You'll have to manually run the updates through the settings.
• 🎮 Google Services: Some features (e.g. Google Pay, Netflix) HD) This is done by installing the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

Also note that on MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi 10C, Redmi 9A), unlocking the bootloader can cause you to lose IMEI or modem problems, and you can recover them through tools like MauiMeta or SN Write Tool, but this requires separate knowledge.

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Before getting root, consider the need: if you only need to remove the bloat and backup, consider alternatives like ADB AppControl or Shizuku – they don’t require unlocking the bootloader.

6.Alternative methods: when the standard method does not work

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 5G or POCO X5 Pro), you can try alternative tools:

• 🔓 Fastboot Scripts: For some models, there are scripts that bypass the Mi Account check. Example for Redmi Note 11: Script to unlock without waiting (Redmi Note 11) ⚠️ Use it at your own risk! This method can lead to the blocking of your account. 1. Download the script from the website. XDA. 2. Run unlock.cmd in the folder with the platform-tools. 3. Follow the instructions (you will need to enter a login / password from Mi Account). 4. If you see a token invalid error, try again in 24 hours.
• 🛠️ EDL Mode: Qualcomm devices can use Emergency Download Mode and flash the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool. requires an authorized Xiaomi account and file auth.ini.
• 📡 Telegram bots: some bots (for example, @MiUnlockBot) Offer unlock for a fee. Risk of fraud is high - check reviews before paying.

For devices on MediaTek (like Redmi 10A), there is a method through the SP Flash Tool, but it requires an authentication file from Xiaomi that is virtually impossible to obtain legally.The alternative is to exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of MIUI, but they are closed in updates after 2022.

7. How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and DenyList)

Many apps (e.g. Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, Pokémon GO) block work on root devices. To get around this, use the built-in Magisk – DenyList feature (formerly MagiskHide):

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → Hide the Magisk app (this will hide the application itself from the launcher).
2. Enable Zygisk in the Magisk settings.
3. Go to DenyList and add apps that you want to cheat (e.g. com.sberbankmobile for Sberbank).
4. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk → Modules.

Then restart your device and check SafetyNet status through the YASNAC app. If PASS status is a cheat, then try it.

• 🔄 Disable all other Magisk modules.
• 📵 Remove Xposed Framework or EdXposed if installed.
• 🔧 Use an alternative SafetyNet Fix module (e.g. SafetyPatch).

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. VTB Online) check not only SafetyNet, but also the integrity of system files, in which case only temporary root removal through Magisk will help. → Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions