How to get root access on Xiaomi: unlock the bootloader and install Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that requires care and understanding the consequences. On the one hand, root access opens up unlimited opportunities for customization, from removing embedded applications to installing modified firmware. On the other hand, it deprives of warranties, increases security risks and can lead to the inability to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet operation). In this article, we will discuss current ways to obtain root on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO 2026, taking into account all changes in the company's policy and requirements MIUI.

It is important to understand that the process has become more complex than 2–3 Xiaomi tightened control over the bootloader, and some models (for example, Xiaomi) 13/14 series or Redmi Note 12) We will look at the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool, workarounds for new devices, and alternatives to root, for example, the use of the system. ADB for advanced settings without full unlocking.

If you’re a beginner, start by exploring the risks. For example, once you unlock the bootloader, Xiaomi’s smartphone may lose Widevine support. L1 (What will make streaming on Netflix or Disney worse?+ before 480p). Also note that some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on rooted devices?

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, follow the mandatory steps, and ignoring them can lead to a device "brick" or locking your Mi Account.

First, check your smartphone model and version. MIUI. Certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) They have different versions of the bootloader for global (Global) and Chinese (China) firmware. → The phone. → The model. MIUI Look at it, it should be no lower. MIUI 12 (for older devices; or MIUI 14/HyperOS (new).

• 📱 Back up all your data (photos, contacts, messages) and use Mi Cloud or third-party services like Google Drive.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to software damage.
• 🔑 Link your Mi Account to your device. Unlocking is not possible without it. Check that you can log in to Mi Account at account.xiaomi.com.
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Xiaomi can block unlocking if the account is new (less than 7 days) or suspicious (for example, created through a new account). VPN). If you have a Chinese firmware (China) ROM), You may need to attach a phone number. +86.

Backup copy of data created|Mi Account is linked and confirmed|Debugging by USB included|Battery charged. >60%|Drivers. ADB PC-mounted-->

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The official way to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility. However, since 2023, the process has become more complicated: it now requires waiting (7 to 360 hours) after an account is attached.

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. Use only the latest version (at the time of writing — v6.5.224.24).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-Turn on Fastboot (turn off the phone, then press Volume down). + Nutrition).
3. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
4. If you see a message that says "Couldn't unlock, try again after" XX "hours" - wait for the specified time. It is impossible to speed up the process.

On new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) Additional confirmation may be required through SMS Xiaomi also sometimes blocks unlocking for accounts with suspicious activity (for example, if you previously unlocked many devices).

The waiting time depends on the model and history of the account:

Up to 24 hours.|3-7 days|More than 7 days|I don't know, it depends on the model.|I've already unlocked it.-->

3. Install Magisk for root rights

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start installing Magisk, the most popular root-rights tool. Magisk allows you to hide the root from applications (such as banking) and supports customization modules. Here's how to do this:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official GitHub repository (at the time of writing — v26.4).
2. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Choose the Fastboot version ROM (not recover!).
3. Unpack the firmware in a folder and copy the file boot.img phone-on.
4. Install Magisk: Open the Magisk app on your phone. Click "Install" → "Select and Patch a File and select boot.img. After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img PC-only.

Sweep through the patch boot

Fastboot

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img


fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, you'll have root access. Check it with the Root Checker app or command in the app. ADB:

adb shell su

If after installing Magisk device is fixated on the logo MI, try:

• 🔄 Refresh the original boot.img and repatch.
• 📱 Install Magisk in Recovery mode (if available) TWRP).
• 🔧 Reverse the Magisk version to v25.2 (For some devices, new versions are unstable).

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If banking applications are not working, enable Magisk options like “MagiskHide” (for older versions) or “Zygisk” in Magisk. + DenyList" (for new ones) add to DenyList apps that detecting root (e.g. SberBank or Google Pay).

4. Alternative ways to get a root without unlocking the bootloader

If unlocking a bootloader seems too risky or too long, consider alternative methods. They give limited access but do not require data resets or waiting.

Method 1: ADB-team-up

Some actions (such as removing system applications or modifying systems) DNS) can be performed through ADB For example, to remove the Mi Browser:

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.browser

Method 2: Using Shizuku

Shizuku is an application that allows you to run ADB-You need teams without a PC connection to work:

1. Install Shizuku from the official website.
2. Connect through ADB (disposable) and perform: adb shell sh /sdcard/Android/data/moe.shizuku.privileged.api/start.sh
3. You can now manage system settings through apps like App Ops or Hidden. API Settings.

Method 3: Local root through exploits (older devices only)

On devices with MIUI 10–12 (For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9) Sometimes there are exploits like DirtyCOW or CVE-2019-2215. However, they are unstable and can lead to data loss.

💡

ADB Shizuku allows access to many system functions without unlocking the bootloader, but does not replace the full root.

5 Risks and how to minimize them

Getting root rights to Xiaomi involves risks that can be divided into three categories: software (data loss, brik), hardware (overheating due to an incorrect core) and legal (loss of warranty).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to blocking Widevine L1. That means Netflix, Disney,+ Other services will only work in permission. 480p. Restore L1 After unlocking it is almost impossible.

The main risks and ways to avoid them:

If you do encounter a blink, try to restore the device using the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Download Fastboot ROM for your model.
2. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the option “Clean All” (delete all data!) and flash the firmware.

If the Mi Flash Tool is giving you an anti-rollback error, you are trying to flash an older version. MIUI, In this case, only the official service of Xiaomi will help.

6.What to do after obtaining a root license

Now that you have a root, you can start customizing, and here are some useful things that will become available:

• 🧹 Remove system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps) via Titanium Backup or ADB.
• ⚡ Installation of a custom core (such as FrancoKernel or KiranKernel) to improve performance and battery life.
• 🎨 Themes and design via Substratum or Hex Installer (requires OverlayFS support).
• 🔒 Blocking Ads at System Level with AdAway or Blokada.
• 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu).

To install custom firmware will be required TWRP (Custom Recovery. Official Versions TWRP For new Xiaomi devices, it is often not available, so you have to use informal builds. For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ fitting TWRP You can find it on the XDA-Developers forum.

Example of custom firmware installation:

1. Download the firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) and TWRP for your model.
2. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. V TWRP make a Wipe → Format Data (delete all data!).
4. Install the firmware through Install.

⚠️ Note: HyperOS-based cadaver firmware (e.g., for Xiaomi 14) may not support Google Services or have camera issues. XDA or 4PDA.

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

One of the biggest problems with rooted devices is blocking banking apps and services like Google Pay. Fortunately, Magisk offers tools to disguise the root.

Step 1: Set up MagiskHide (for older versions of Magisk)

If you have a Magisk version v24.x lower:

1. Open Magisk Manager.
2. Go to the Settings → MagiskHide and turn on the option.
3. Add apps that need to be cheated (like SberBank) to MagiskHide’s list.

Step 2: Set up Zygisk and DenyList (for Magisk) v25+)

Newer versions of Magisk use Zygisk instead of MagiskHide:

1. Enable Zygisk in the Magisk settings.
2. Go to DenyList and add apps that shouldn’t see root.
3. Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module (you can download it from the Magisk repository).

Step 3: SafetyNet Check

To make sure that the cloaking works, use the SafetyNet Test app (such as this one).If the test fails (ctsProfile: false), try:

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 Remove and add the app to DenyList.
• 🔧 Update to Universal SafetyNet Fix.

If nothing helps, consider alternative methods:

• Use Island (Work Profile): Create an isolated profile for banking applications.

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to instructions, errors can occur, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Error 1: "Couldn't unlock. Try again after" XX hours"

Xiaomi limits the frequency of unlocking new accounts.

Decision:

• Wait for the specified time (usually 72-168 hours).
• Try unlocking from another Mi Account (but don’t create a new one – it can make things worse).
• If the wait is too long (e.g. 360 hours), contact Xiaomi support via the official website.

Mistake 2: The device is stuck on the logo MI after-fixing

Reason: Incompatibility of the patch boot.img version MIUI.

Decision:

1. Stitch the original boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot.img
2. Repeat the patching. boot.img In Magisk, but choose the correct version of the firmware.
3. If the problem is recurring, try installing Magisk in Recovery Mode (if there is one). TWRP).

Error 3: Banking apps don't work even with MagiskHide

Reason: Apps not only check root, but also other parameters (e.g., the presence of Xposed or modified system files).

Decision:

• Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
• Check if there are files from Xposed or other frameworks in the system.
• Use Island to isolate banking applications.

Error 4: Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device

Reason: There are no Fastboot drivers or problems with USB-connection.

Decision:

• Install the drivers. ADB Fastboot with Mi Flash Tool.
• Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• Disable the antivirus (it can block the utility).
• Run the Mi Unlock Tool in Windows 8 Compatibility Mode.

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If none of the methods worked, please refer to the XDA-Developers forums or 4PDA — There are often put up-to-date solutions for specific Xiaomi models.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions