Getting Root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires care: one wrong action can turn a device into a brick. In 2026, the process was complicated by the tightening of the security policy of MIUI 14/15, where the manufacturer actively blocks unofficial modifications. This article will help you understand how to legally unlock the bootloader, choose the appropriate method for obtaining Root and avoid typical errors.
It is important to understand that Root on Xiaomi with MIUI 15 requires binding Mi Account to the device at least 7 days before the start of the procedure - this is a new requirement of 2026. Without this step, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible. We will consider current ways for models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Pro, taking into account the features of the Snapdragon and Mediatek chips.
Why Xiaomi is blocking Root and what it gives the user
The manufacturer does not restrict access to Root out of harm, it is a security measure. Without protection, any virus could gain full control over system files.
- 🔧 Remove embedded applications MIUI (including advertising services)
- ⚡ Install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience
- 🎮 Use modified cores to overclock the processor
- 🔒 Block surveillance via Xposed Framework or Magisk
- 📱 Transfer applications to a memory card (even if you MIUI forbidding)
The downsides are also significant: loss of warranty, the risk of “bricking”, problems with Google Pay and banking applications. Xiaomi introduces additional checks with each new version of MIUI – for example, in MIUI 15 there is an Anti-Rollback protection that blocks the rollback of old firmware.
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), standard bootloader unlock methods may not work.
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, follow these steps – they will save hours on debugging errors:
- Link your Mi Account to your device and wait for 7 days of active use (requirement 2026).
- Check the processor model: different utilities are used for Snapdragon and Mediatek.
- Create a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup.
- Charge the battery to at least 60% – when unlocking the bootloader, the device should not turn off.
- Install ADB/Fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool drivers (download only from the official website).
Pay special attention to the version MIUI. On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14.0.4 for Redmi Note 11) there is a bug that causes the Mi Unlock Tool to issue a Couldn't verify device error.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
How to get Root on Xiaomi in 2026
There are three current methods, and the choice depends on the model and version of MIUI:
| Method | Suitable devices | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Unlocking + Magisk | All models (except HyperOS) | Medium | Loss of warranty, possible bugs with OTA-update |
| Exploit (vulnerability) | Redmi 9/10, Poco X3, etc. (list changes) | Tall. | It may not work after the MIUI update. |
| Castom Recovery (TWRP) | Models with unlocked loader | Low. | Risk of damaging /data partitions if you do not do the right thing |
The most reliable way is to officially unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool, but it requires waiting. Exploits (such as DirtyPipe for MIUI 13) work quickly, but close with each security patch. New devices (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) often have to combine methods.
Step-by-step: Official unlocking of the bootloader
This method works for 90% of Xiaomi devices, but requires patience.
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the build number. Then to Settings → Additional → For developers, activate USB debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Link your Mi Account: In Settings → Mi Account make sure the device is tied. Wait 7 days (Xiaomi requirement from 2023).
- Install Mi Unlock Tool: Download the utility from the official website and unpack it to the root of the C:\ drive.
- Open unlock: Connect your phone in fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power), launch MiUnlock.exe and log in to your Mi Account. Click Unlock. fastboot oem unlock
If you have a Couldn't unlock error, try:
- 🔄 Reconnect. USB-cable (it is better to use the original cable)
- 📱 Reboot your phone in fastboot again
- 🖥️ Run Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14) After unlocking the bootloader, a patch may be required anti_rollback via fastboot, otherwise the phone will not boot.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Current account is different from the account info on the device", delete the Mi Account in the phone settings, reboot and re-assign.
Install Magisk and get Root rights
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the final step is to flash Magisk to get the Root.
- Download Magisk: Use only the latest version from GitHub (at the time of writing – Magisk v26.4).
- Fastboot: Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
- Reboot: After the firmware, execute: fastboot reboot
To check Root, install Magisk Manager and run the test. If Root: Yes shows status, the procedure was successful. F5, Redmi K60) You may need an additional patch for init_boot:
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched_init_boot.imgIf you've got your phone stuck on the MI logo after the reboot, then Magisk's firmware is not compatible with your version of the kernel.
- 🔄 Stitch the original boot.img backwards
- 📥 Download the Magisk version for your chipset (Snapdragon or Mediatek)
- 🔧 Try the patch through TWRP (if established)
What to do if Magisk is not working?
Solving Common Errors When Getting Root
Even when following the instructions, there may be problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock says "Add account and wait" | Mi Account tied for less than 7 days | Wait or use exploit (e.g. MTK Bypass for Mediatek) |
| Fastboot: unknown command 'oem unlock' | The device does not support the command (rarely) | Use fastboot flashing unlock instead of oem unlock |
| Magisk not installed after firmware | Incorrectly patched boot.img | Patch the image directly in Magisk Manager on your phone |
| The phone does not turn on after the Root | The /data or boot partition is damaged | Swipe stock firmware through Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode |
For devices on Mediatek (e.g., Redmi) 10C, Poco M4 Pro) often helps utility SP Flash Tool with a patch auth_bypass. For Snapdragon, the firehose error is relevant - in this case, you need firmware through the EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra), trying to get Root without first undoing Anti-Rollback protection will lead to a hard blink.
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On 2023-2026 models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), be sure to use Magisk version 26.0+. Older versions do not support new system integrity verification mechanisms.
What to do after receiving Root: setup and security
Root is a great opportunity, but it requires caution.
- Install Magisk Manager and update modules through Settings → Updates.
- Hide Root for banking applications: In Magisk, activate MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions) and add apps to the exclusion list.
- Create a full backup with TWRP or adb backup.
- Disable unnecessary MIUI services: su pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics
To improve safety:
- 🔒 Install AFWall+ to control network traffic of applications
- 🛡️ Use XPrivacyLua to restrict application rights
- 🔄 Regularly check the integrity of system files through Magisk → SafetyNet
Remember, with Root, your device becomes more vulnerable to attacks. Don't install apps from unverified sources and keep an eye out for Magisk updates.