Getting superuser rights (root) on Xiaomi smartphones remains one of the most popular topics on the 4PDA forum – and for a reason. Root opens access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove embedded software, optimize performance and install custom firmware. However, the process has become more complicated: with the release of MIUI 14/15 and the tightening of Xiaomi’s security policy, classic methods have ceased to work, and careless actions can now lead to hard-brick (complete loss of device health).
This article is an updated guide for 2026, based on the latest 4PDA discussions and official developer instructions. We will discuss three main stages: unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox), and directly obtaining root rights with Magisk. Particular attention will be paid to the new restrictions for models on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 and Dimensity 9000+ processors, where standard methods are often blocked at the hardware level. If you own Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ul or more new models are difficult to prepare for additional models.
We warn you in advance: the procedure requires technical training. Errors in the unlocking phase of the bootloader can lead to a loss of warranty, and incorrect firmware of the backpack can lead to a "brick." In this article, you will find checklists to check each step, a table of compatibility of popular models and a parsing of typical errors with codes (0xFFFF, SLA AUTH FAIL, etc.). For those who are not willing to take risks, at the end we will give legal alternatives to root with similar functionality.
1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking
The first and most critical step is to prepare the smartphone, and skipping at least one item in this section can cause a failure in the next steps, starting with a validation of the model and firmware version:
- 📱 Clarify the exact model of your Xiaomi: go to Settings → The phone. → Note the suffixes (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) 5G Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G — different devices with different loaders!).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest stable version via Settings → Software Update: Unlocking requires firmware no older than 3 months from the current date.
- 🔐 Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Security → Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool won't allow unlocking.
- 📡 Put the debugging on. USB unlock OEM: path - Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to activate the developer mode, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened its check: if the device was purchased less than 7 days ago, the system can block unlocking with the Couldn’t verify device error, in which case you will have to wait or use bypass methods (about them in the section on errors).
Updated the exact device model |Updated MIUI to the latest version |Tieted Mi Account to phone |Enabled USB debugging and OEM unlock | Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version (2026)|Prepared backup data
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Just as important is backing up all the data. Unlocking the bootloader results in a full factory reset, and installing a custom reset can damage the /data partition. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can backup on another device).
⚠️ Note: If your device was released after October 2023 (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70), The standard Mi Unlock Tool may not work, and you may need to use alternative fastboot unlock methods with modified commands or use paid services like DC-Unlocker.
2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions with nuances
Unlocking the bootloader is a must before installing a custom recavator, and Xiaomi officially allows this procedure, but with a number of restrictions, starting with downloading the necessary tools:
- Download the latest version of Mi Unlock Tool from the official website en.miui.com/unlock. At the time of writing, the current version is 6.5.224.24 (released March 2026).
- Install ADB/Fastboot drivers. For Windows, we recommend Minimal ADB and Fastboot or Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot Tools.
Now, run the Mi Unlock Tool and do the following:
- Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
- If a Couldn't verify device error appears, check your account's association and try again in 24 to 72 hours.
- Press Unlock. The process will take 1-3 minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart and reset.
At this point, many users are experiencing errors, and here are the most common solutions.
| Error code | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 0xFFFF | Unrelated account or regional mismatch | Link your account back, use a VPN for the region where you bought your phone |
| SLA AUTH FAIL | Too frequent attempts to unlock | Wait 72 hours or use another Mi Account |
| Couldn’t verify device | New device (less than 7 days from the date of activation) | Wait or use workaround methods (see spoiler below) |
| No device connected | Problems with drivers or cable | Reinstall the drivers, try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) |
The “Couldn’t Verify Device” Error for New Devices
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, your device will be reset to factory settings. Don't restore data from the backup right away - complete the root process first, or you risk running into a cyclic bootloop.
Redmi Note 12/13 series|Xiaomi 13/14 series|POCO F5/X5|Redmi K60/K70|Another model|I haven't decided yet)
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3. Installation of custom recaveri: TWRP vs OrangeFox
With the bootloader unlocked, you can install custom recovery, a special recovery environment that allows you to flash Magisk and other modifications. On 4PDA, two options are the most popular: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and OrangeFox.
| Characteristics | TWRP | OrangeFox |
|---|---|---|
| Support for MIUI 14/15 | Partial (requires patches) | Complete (special assembly) |
| Interface. | Classic, textual. | Modern, sensory. |
| Built-in functions | Basic (backup, firmware) | Advanced (Encryption, Magisk Manager) |
| Compatibility with A/B devices | Requires manual adjustment | Automatic support |
For most modern devices (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13) We recommend OrangeFox as it works better with partitions. dynamic_partitions, You can download current versions in the themes on the new firmware. 4PDA (Search by device model) or on official websites:
- 🔗 TWRP: twrp.me (select the version for your model!)
- 🔗 OrangeFox: orangefox.download
The process of installing the Recovery through fastboot:
- Download the recovery file in.img format and place it in the folder with fastboot.
- Connect your phone in fastboot mode (as in the unlock stage).
- Run the command: fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img fastboot reboot recovery Replace orangefox.img with your file name.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with architecture A/B (Most modern Xiaomi) after the firmware recovery it must be "stick" (make permanent), otherwise when you reboot it will be replaced by stock. → If you don't load or hang on your logo after you install the recovery, you've probably downloaded an incompatible version. In this case, go back to fastboot. + Power. Run the stock Recovery with the command: fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img (file stock_recovery.img You can extract it from the official firmware. Repeat the process with the correct version of the custom recaveri. --> 4. Getting root rights with Magisk Now that your device has custom Recovery installed, you can start obtaining root rights. Magisk is the most reliable and versatile tool that allows you to hide root from applications (for example, banking or other applications). Pokémon GO). The latest versions of Magisk (26.0+) support dynamic_partitions and compatible with MIUI 15. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: 🔗 GitHub Magisk (see file search) Magisk-v26.4.zip Installation process: Copy the file Magisk-vXX.X.zip on the phone (internal memory or SD-Load into the custom recaveri (Loudness up). + Power with the phone turned off. TWRP/OrangeFox Choose Install → Please indicate the path to the Magisk file. → Swipe to confirm. After installation, reboot (Reboot) → After the first download, install the Magisk Manager application (you can download from the same GitHub), which you need to manage root rights and modules. To check that root works, open Magisk Manager and run the test in the Superuser section. If you see a green tick, it was a success. If after installing Magisk, the phone does not load or freezes on the logo: 🔄 Try flashing Magisk to another slot (if you have a device with a different one) A/B partition). 📥 Install an older version of Magisk (for example, the same as the one you use, 25.2). 🔧 Restore the stock. boot.img Repeat the process, then repeat the process. --> 5. Typical errors and solutions, even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have problems. We've compiled some of the most common errors and ways to fix them, based on the discussions. 4PDA lately 6 Error: Phone does not turn on after the firmware (bootloop: 🔴 Incompatible version of Recavéri or Magisk. 🔴 Damaged. boot.img or dtbo.img. 🔴 Conflict with Magisk modules (if installed additionally). Solution: Load into the Recovery and stitch the stock boot.img. Remove all Magisk modules via Recavérie (Folder) /data/adb/modules). Repeat Magisk installation with clean firmware. Error: Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device Cause: 🔌 Problems with drivers (especially on Windows) 11). 🔌 Incorrect connection mode (should be fastboot, not fastboot) EDL). 🔌 Antivirus blocking (e.g., Avast or Kaspersky can block Mi Unlock Tool).Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (look for Android Bootloader Interface). Disable antivirus while unlocking. Try another USB-Error: Detect root applications (banking, games) Reasons: 🛡️ MagiskHide is not activated or working. 🛡️ Modules that reveal root (e.g. Riru) are installed). 🛡️ Applying /su or /magisk directly. Solution: In Magisk Manager, include MagiskHide and add the problem app to the list. Remove all modules except the ones you need. Use alternative root hiding methods, such as Shamiko or Universal SafetyNet Fix. 🔴 Riru - Core (Old, Use Zygisk) 🔴 EdXposed (replace with LSPosed) 🔴 BusyBox (some versions contain vulnerabilities) 🔴 ViPER4Android (Use JamesDSP instead of it) 🔴 Any modules with modification /system 6. If the process of getting root seems too complicated or risky, consider legal alternatives. Many of the features that users get root for can be implemented in other ways: 🚀 Removing Embedded Applications: Use ADB AppControl (no root, only debugging by USB). Remove: Adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics The full list of safe to remove Xiaomi packages can be found in the topic "Optimization" MIUI rootless 4PDA. 🔧 Customization: Apps like Hex Installer or Lawnchair allow customization MIUI rootless. 📱 Data backup: Swift Backup (in mode) ADB backup) or OAndBackupX (requires debugging by USB). 🎯 Ad Blocking: Use Blokada or AdGuard (working through the use of Blokada) VPN For advanced users who need root solely for firmware custom cores or modified versions MIUI, There's an alternative, fastboot firmware, saving the bootloader, which allows you to install informal firmware (e.g., unofficial firmware, MIUI EU Pixel Experience without unlocking bootloader, but with some limitations: ✅ It works on most devices before Snapdragon. 8 Gen 1. ❌ It does not give full root (only rights to write in the /system). ❌ Maybe break it. OTA-Instructions for this firmware method can be found in the topics 4PDA, For example, for the Redmi Note. 10 Pro, it looks like this: Download the modified firmware in.tgz. Unpack it into a folder with fastboot. system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot reboot 7. Compatible with popular Xiaomi models (2022–2026) Not all Xiaomi devices are equally good at unlocking and getting root. Below is the compatibility table for popular models, relevant in the middle. 2026 Data are based on user reports. 4PDA Magisk developers and tests.Model Unlock bootloader Castom Recovery Root (Magisk) Xiaomi Notes 13 Ultra ✅ Yes (with waiting). 7 days) ✅ OrangeFox (spoke. assembly) ✅ Yeah (requires patch) init_boot) Nana MIUI 15 There may be problems with the camera after root. 12 Pro+ 5G ✅ Yes. ✅ TWRP Or OrangeFox. ✅ Yes, Dimensity. 1080 Possible Frosting in the Firmware. POCO F5 Pro ✅ Yes. ✅ OrangeFox ✅ Best compatibility among Snapdragon devices 8+ Gen 1. Xiaomi 14 ⚠️ Partially (requires circumvention) ❌ No stable assemblies. ⚠️ Perhaps with patches, it's recommended to wait for updates from developers.Redmi K60 Ultra ✅ Yes. ✅ OrangeFox ✅ Yes, Dimensity. 9200+ There may be performance problems after root. 2026 year (Xiaomi) 14 Ultra, Redmi K70 The root process is complicated due to new protection mechanisms (HyperOS and hardware locking). avb2.0). If your device is not listed in the table or marked as “partially compatible”, we recommend that you: 🔍 Keep up to date with your model’s theme on 4PDA. 🤝 Contact trusted developers (for example, yangt95 or kdrag0n on XDA). ⏳ Wait 3-6 months – usually during this time there are stable methods of bypassing defenses. FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi ❓ Can you get root on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader? No, on all modern Xiaomi devices (starting in 2018), unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. The only exception is temporary root through vulnerabilities (such as DirtyPipe), but it disappears after a reboot and does not give full control over the system. ❓ Why did banking applications stop working after root? Banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, etc.) and some games (Pokémon GO, Genshin Impact) check for root through SafetyNet or its own mechanisms. To get around the lock: In Magisk Manager, turn on MagiskHide and add the app to the list. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix. For particularly persistent applications (like Sberbank Online), use Shamiko or Hide My Applist. If nothing works, try Island or Shel.