How to Get Root Rights on Xiaomi in 2026: A Complete Guide to Unlocking a Bootloader

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires care. Unlike other brands, Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) have a secure bootloader that must be unlocked officially through the Mi Unlock Tool. Without this step, installing Magisk or SuperSU is impossible.

In this article, we will take the process through steps from device preparation to final superuser rights verification, and focus on the new 2026 restrictions, including the mandatory binding of your Mi Account to your device and the extended wait time for unlock (up to 168 hours for some models), and if you’re a beginner, don’t miss the backup and risk sections.

What is the root of Xiaomi and what are the risks?

Root rights allow:

• 📱 Remove system applications (bloatvar) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps.
• 🔧 Modify system files: change build.prop, configure init.d scripts.
• 🎯 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or kernels to improve performance.
• 🔓 Bypass the manufacturer’s restrictions: overclock the processor, block ads at the hosts level.

But there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – Xiaomi does not officially support root and may refuse repairs.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities – root-access applications can steal data (e.g., banking).
• 🔄 Risk of “brick” – wrong actions lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot) or complete inoperability.
• 📵 Problems with OTA-Updates – After the root automatic update MIUI It can break the system.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13/14 series and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Snapdragon-powered 8 Gen 2 Unlocking the bootloader can lead to hardware locking of the module 5G (You need to flash the modem part. Check the compatibility of your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps

Before unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root rights, perform the following actions:

1. Backup data. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires) ADB). It is important to keep: 📁 folder DCIM (photo/video) 📱 Contact and SMS (export to.vcf) 🎮 Save games (via Helium or root manager if you already have a root)
2. Verification of model and version MIUI. Go to Settings. → About the phone: 📱 The exact name of the model (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro) 5G, Not just a note 11"). 🔢 Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5). 🔄 Build Number (Build Number).
3. Enable Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. After that, Settings → Additional Developers will appear.
4. Activation of debugging by USB and unlock OEM. In the Developer Menu, turn on: 🔌 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some models) 🔄 Factory Unblocking (if any)

Mi Account binding.

Settings → Xiaomi account

Mi Unlock Tool

Make sure battery charge > 60%|

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (version 2026.5.1 or later)|

Connect the device to the original PC USB-cable|

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool)|

Check that your PC has ADB drivers installed (use the Mi Flash Tool for automatic installation)

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If you are using Windows 11, disable Windows Defender before connecting your device and add MiUnlock.exe to exceptions, otherwise the tool may not recognize the phone.

Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi tightened the rules in 2026, requiring new devices to wait up to 7 days (168 hours) after an account is tied. Older models (released before 2022) can be unlocked immediately.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool. The official version is available on Xiaomi's website. Avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses.
2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator. Click Agree in the license agreement.
3. Sign in to Mi Account. Use the same account that's linked to your phone.
4. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. To do this: 1. Turn off the device. 2. Press Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. 3. Connect to the PC.
5. Click Unlock in Mi Unlock Tool. If you see a waiting message (e.g., Couldn't unlock. You need to wait 168 hours), untie your account and re-attach it, sometimes shortening your time.

⚠️ Warning: If you unlock your phone, don't panic. Connect it to charge for 30 minutes, sometimes fixing the bootloop problem. If it doesn't work, you'll need to run a firmware on Fastboot).

Xiaomi 13/14 series |

Redmi Note 12/13|

POCO F4/F5|

Xiaomi 11T/12T|

Another model-->

Install Magisk for obtaining root rights

Magisk is the most popular tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet and use banking applications.

Step 1. Download Magisk.

• 📱 Official version of Magisk (v26.4+) Download only from the developer's GitHub.
• 📂 Save the file. Magisk-v26.4.apk root of the internal memory of the phone.

Step 2: Firmware through Custom Recovery (TWRP).

1. Install TWRP for your model. Download the image from an official website or a trusted source (e.g., XDA).
2. Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-xiaomi.img fastboot reboot recovery
3. In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to Magisk-v26.4.apk → swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, restart to the system (Reboot System).

Step 3: Root rights check. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play and run the check. If Root access: Yes status is successful.

💡

If the phone doesn’t boot after installing Magisk, try flashing Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP. This will remove the root, but save the data.

Solving problems after obtaining root rights

Even if you successfully install Magisk, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If NFC or Wi-Fi stopped working after the root, the problem is probably the incompatibility of the core.

• 🔄 Swipe the stock core through Fastboot:
• 📥 Install an alternative Magisk module (e.g. KernelSU).

Alternative methods of obtaining root rights

If the standard method doesn’t work with Magisk, consider alternatives:

1. KernelSU (for cores with KPROBE support)

• 🔧 Suitable for devices with a 5.10 core+ (For example, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5).
• 📥 Download from the official website.
• ⚠️ Not compatible with some Magisk modules.

2 Unlocking through EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

• 🔌 Requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable.
• 🛠️ Used for "brick" devices (for example, after a failed firmware).
• ⚠️ High risk of damage IMEI modem.

3. Virtual root (without unlocking the bootloader).

• 📱 Suitable for temporary root access (e.g. via KingRoot or iRoot).
• ❌ Does not give full control of the system.
• ⚠️ Often contains malicious code.

💡

EDL-The mode is the last chance for bricked-up devices, but it takes experience. IMEI and the inability to call.

How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and alternatives)

Many apps (banks, games, services like Netflix or Pokémon GO) block access when root rights are detected.

1. Built-in MagiskHide (for Magisk v24+).

1. Open Magisk → Settings → turn on MagiskHide.
2. Add the problem app to the hideout list.
3. Reset the device.

Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

• 📥 Download the module from GitHub.
• 📦 Install it through Magisk → Modules → Install from storage.
• 🔄 Reboot and check SafetyNet status in the app YASNAC.

3. Shamiko (MagiskHide alternative).

• 🛡️ More reliable root rights for new versions of Android.
• 📥 Install the Shamiko module via Magisk.
• ⚠️ Not compatible with certain banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online).

If the app still detects root, try:

• 🔄 Rename Magisk to Manager (via Magisk) → Settings → Hide Magisk Manager).
• 📵 Disconnect the Internet before launching the application (some checks are done online).

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi