How to get root rights to Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite: a complete guide with a guarantee of success

The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (codenamed daisy) is still a popular choice among users who value pure Android One and reliable hardware. However, standard system constraints do not allow you to unlock the full potential of the device. Getting root rights gives you access to deep customization of the OS, removing embedded software, improving performance and installing custom firmware. But the process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to properly installing Magisk and bypassing antichet games.

In this article, the guideline for 2026 is up to date, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (including the mandatory binding of the Mi Account to the device) and the features of the Mi A2 Lite. We will analyze three proven methods: through fastboot, using TWRP, and an alternative way for those who can not unlock the bootloader officially, and you will learn how to avoid constant data resets after OTA updates – a frequent problem for owners of this smartphone.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start obtaining root rights, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device or blocking the Mi Account.

First, check the firmware version. The Mi A2 Lite should have the following minimum versions installed:

• 📱 Android 9 Pie (if you have lower, upgrade first through Settings) → System system → Updating the system)
• 🔄 MIUI: The device runs on Android One, so MIUI Not here, but it is important to make sure the firmware is not modified by the manufacturer (check in Settings). → The phone. → The build number must be something like PKQ1.180904.001)
• 🔐 bootloader status: Default is locked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info command - look for Device unlocked: false)

The second step is backing up the data, unlocking the bootloader and getting root rights will erase all the data on the device, including photos, contacts and installed applications.

• ☁️ Google Photos and Google Contacts for Synchronizing Media and Address Book
• 💾 Titanium Backup (requires a root, but you can backup on another rooted device and transfer it to the rooted device)
• 📂 Manual copying of files from internal memory to PC (folders) DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp, etc.)

⚠️ Note: If you previously linked your device to your Mi Account and enabled Find Device, be sure to turn it off in Settings. → Google → Security → Find My Device.Otherwise, after unlocking the bootloader, the phone may require you to enter a password from your Xiaomi account even after resetting.

The third stage is to install the necessary tools on the PC:

Method 1: Officially unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the most reliable method recommended by Xiaomi, but it requires an account and a wait. Since 2023, the company has tightened the rules: now unlocking is possible only after 72 hours of waiting after linking an account to a device.

Steps:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Mi Account Log in to an existing account or create a new one (require to confirm email and phone!) Enable Data Sync and Device Search (then disable)

Activate the developer mode and OEM-unlock:

Settings → About phone → Assembly number (shap 7 times)


Settings → System → For developers → OEM unlocking (enable)




Settings → System → For developers → Debugging by USB (enable)

adb devices

If you don't, install Xiaomi USB Drivers.

Mi Unlock Tool

• Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone
• Turn your phone into fastboot (turn off, then press Power + Volume Down)
• Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock in the program

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not bound" error, it means that 72 hours have passed since the account was linked).

Method 2: Install TWRP and Magisk (for power users)

This is a method that works for those who have already unlocked the bootloader or who don't want to wait 72 hours, and we're going to install TWRP and run Magisk through it to get root rights.

Important: On Mi A2 Lite has a problem with data encryption (FBE — File-Based Encryption. - If you use PIN-code, TWRP Can't decipher the section /data. The solution is to disable the screen lock before installation TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary files: 📥 TWRP for daisy (version) 3.7.0 or newer) 📥 Magisk (last stable version,.zip file) 📥 Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (avoid getting stuck on the logo after the firmware)

Squeeze TWRP via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-daisy.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-daisy.img

After the second command, the phone will load into TWRP.

Install Magisk and the encryption patch:

• In TWRP, click Install → select the file Magisk-v26.4.zip
• Add to the queue Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip
• Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion
• Reboot to System: Reboot → System The first run can take up to 10 minutes.

After the reboot, check for root rights using the Root Checker app or the command in the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.

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If after installing Magisk phone is fixated on the Xiaomi logo, repeat the firmware Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip through TWRP. If it doesn’t work, do a data reset (Wipe) → Format Data).

Method 3: Alternative method (if Mi Unlock Tool does not work)

If official unlocking fails (for example, due to the error "This device is locked" or "Couldn't verify device"), you can use workarounds. EDL-Emergency Download Mode and Firmware with Mi Flash Tool.

Warning: This method is risky, because if you do the wrong thing, your phone can turn into a brick. Use it only if other methods don't work.

Steps:

1. Download the necessary files: 📥 Mi Flash Tool (last version) 📥 Fastboot firmware for daisy (for example, daisy_global_images_V11.0.2.0.PDLMIXM) 📥 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for EDL-regime)
2. Transfer the phone to EDL-Mode: Turn off the phone Hold Volume Up + Volume Down and connect USB-Cable to PC Hold the buttons 10-15 Seconds before Qualcomm's handheld device arrives HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device-manager

Use the Mi Flash Tool to run your phone:

• Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic symbols
• In Mi Flash Tool, select a folder with firmware and click Refresh
• Make sure the device is identified (should appear) COM-port)
• Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: After the firmware is through EDL The phone will be completely reset and the bootloader will remain locked. To get the root, repeat the steps from Method 2 (installation) TWRP Magisk).

How to bypass SafetyNet and hide root from apps

Many apps (banking, anti-cheat games, Google Pay) refuse to work on rooted devices, and to get around these restrictions, you need to:

1. Install MagiskHide: Open Magisk Manager → Settings → Turn on MagiskHide Reboot Phone
2. Add apps to the Hidden List: In Magisk Manager, go to MagiskHide Check the apps that need to hide the root (e.g. Sberbank Online, Pokémon GO)

Go to SafetyNet:

• Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk
• Restart your phone and check the status in the SafetyNet Test app

If Google Pay doesn’t work even after these steps, try:

• 🔄 Remove and add the map again in the application
• 📱 Reset your Google Play Services settings (Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear the data)
• 🔒 Install the MagiskHide Props Config module and replace the device print with a certified one.

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Even with the successful passage of SafetyNet, some banking applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB) can block access, in which case there are two options: use the web version of the bank or temporarily remove Magisk through Magisk Manager → Uninstall → Complete Uninstall (root will disappear until the next firmware).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you get the root rights to the Mi A2 Lite, you'll see some common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Cable USB: Use the original Xiaomi cable (cheap cables may not transfer data to fastboot)
• 🖥️ Port port USB: Try connecting to the back port of the system unit (laptops sometimes lack power)
• 🔄 Driver Version: Update Drivers ADB and Fastboot through SDK Platform Tools

How to remove root rights and return the phone to stock state

If you need to give up your phone under warranty, sell it, or just return it “as it was,” follow these steps:

Method 1: Magisk Manager (soft reset)

1. Open the Magisk Manager
2. Go to Settings → Delete → Complete Deletion
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot

This method will remove the root, but leave the unlocked bootloader and TWRP (if installed).

Method 2: Completely reset via fastboot (hard reset)

1. Download the stock firmware for your model (for example, daisy_global_images_V12.0.3.0.QDLMIXM_20210302.0000.00_10.0_global)
2. Unpack the firmware and go to the folder with files
3. Run commands: fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase metadata fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: After a full fastboot reset, the bootloader will remain unlocked. To block it back, use the fastboot oem lock command. This will delete all data and may lead to a blink if the firmware is not stock!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions