The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still one of the brand’s most popular flagships among customization enthusiasts, and getting root rights on this device opens up access to Android’s deep settings, the ability to uninstall system applications, install modified firmware, and optimize performance, but the process requires care: wrong actions can lead to a device blink (completely inoperable) or loss of warranty.
In this guide, we will break down three key steps: unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, installing a custom TWRP recavator, and directly obtaining root with Magisk. All steps are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 (Android 12/13) and take into account the latest changes in Xiaomi’s security policy. If your Mi 8 runs on an older firmware, some steps may differ, we will mention this too.
We warn you beforehand that the procedure will reset all data on the device and cancel the official warranty. If you are not prepared for the risks, consider alternatives such as: ADB-commands for partial access to system functions without full root.
1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start the process, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 8 meets the following requirements:
- 📱 Version. MIUI: Updated to the latest stable firmware (check in Settings) → About the phone. 8 current versions based on Android 12/13.
- 🔋 Battery charge: At least 70% Interrupting process due to discharge can lead to software blink.
- 🔐 Backup: All data (photos, contacts, messages) must be stored on a PC or in the cloud. Unlocking the bootloader erases internal memory.
- 🖥️ Computer: Required PC with Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit) free USB-Virtual machines are not recommended due to driver issues.
Also prepare the following tools:
- 🔗 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
- 🔧 ADB Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools).
- 📁 TWRP for Mi 8 (version 3.7.0 or later).
- 🛡️ Magisk (last stable assembly).
⚠️ Note: If your Mi 8 was purchased in China (the C-suffix version in the model), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without additional manipulation. → The phone. → Model of the device.
Before connecting your phone to your PC, disable all antiviruses – they can block the Mi Unlock Tool or ADB. It is also recommended to use the original USB-Xiaomi cable, as cheap analogues can cause data transmission errors.
2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
The Xiaomi Mi 8 bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing TWRP or custom firmware, and the process consists of two steps: linking the Mi Account to the device and unlocking it.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account
1. Enable the Developer Mode:
Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version. After that, the Settings menu → Additional option for developers will appear.
2. Activate the following options: Debugging over USB, Unlocking OEM (in some versions of MIUI may be called Factory Unlocking).
3. Link your Mi Account to your device:
Go to Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud account and make sure that the device is linked to the account. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not work.
Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader
1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot. Connect the device to the PC.
2. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool (administrator rights required) and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
3. The utility should detect the device. Press Unlock and wait for the process to complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Couldn't unlock error or asks you to wait 72/168/360 The clock is a standard delay from Xiaomi. Try again at a specified time.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart. You can now start installing TWRP.
Device unlocked (check in Fastboot with fastboot oem device-info command)
ADB and Fastboot are installed on PC
TWRP file for Mi 8 downloaded and renamed to twrp.img
Debugging by USB is enabled-->
3. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery that allows you to install custom firmware, create backups and get root rights. For Xiaomi Mi 8, use version 3.7.0 or later (older builds may not support data encryption).
Installation instructions:
1. Place the twrp.img file in the folder with ADB (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (turn off and pinch Volume Down + Power).
3. Open the command prompt in the ADB folder (press Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here) and execute the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img4. After successful installation, restart the TWRP command:
fastboot boot twrp.imgIf TWRP request a password (due to data encryption), enter PIN-code or pattern lock from your device.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 14/15 post-installation TWRP And the standard recap can be reset when you reset, so to avoid that, right after you enter the recap. TWRP Go to Mount. → System and delete the file /system/recovery-from-boot.p (if it exists).
Now you have a working custom recaveri, and the next step is to install Magisk to get root rights.
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If after installing TWRP, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, try reflashing the recavers again or using the command fastboot erase userdata (erase data!).
4. Getting root rights with Magisk
Magisk is a universal root-rights tool that allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking or gaming) and install modules to modify the system.
Step 1: Install Magisk via TWRP
1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip file) and place it on the phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
2. boot into TWRP (turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power).
3. In TWRP, select Install → select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, restart the device.
Step 2: Root rights verification
After you reboot, install Magisk Manager (or Magisk Alpha for newer versions) from Play Market. Open it and check the status:
- ✅ Magisk: Installed (version).
- ✅ Root: Available.
If done correctly, you’ll see a green tick and the ability to manage root rights for apps.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Magisk is not installed | Incompatible version of TWRP | Update TWRP to 3.7.0+ |
| Phone's fixated on loading. | Improperly sewn boot image | Refuse the original boot via Fastboot |
| Root is not working after the MIUI update | Update re-recorded boot | Reinstall Magisk via TWRP |
| Detect root applications (banking, games) | Magisk Hide not activated | Enable Magisk Hide in the settings |
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If the root phone stopped booting, try reflashing the original boot image via Fastboot with the fastboot flash boot command. stock_boot.img (You need to download the file separately for your version. MIUI).
5. Alternative methods of root production
If the standard method with Magisk didn’t work, consider alternatives:
- 🔄 Patched Boot Image: Download the original boot.img For your firmware, patch it through Magisk Manager on your phone, and then run it through Fastboot. MIUI, where the.zip installation may not work.
- 📦 Custom firmware: Install firmware on the base AOSP (Like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where root is already built in. MIUI.
- 🔧 ADB Root: On some versions MIUI You can get temporary root through the adb shell without unlocking the bootloader. Commands: adb shell su But this method does not work on all devices and is reset after restarting.
For the Xiaomi Mi 8 on MIUI 14/15, the most reliable way is Magisk + patched boot. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact experienced users on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums.
What if Magisk can’t see the device?
6 Risks and how to minimize them
Getting root rights always comes with risks, and here are the main ones and ways to avoid them:
- 💥 Device Brick: Can occur when you interrupt firmware or use incompatible files. Always check the hash amounts of downloaded files (MD5 or SHA-1).
- 🛡️ Loss of warranty: Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. If maintenance is required, return the device to stock state (use the Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔒 Security issues: Root opens access to system files that can be used by malware. Install applications only from trusted sources and use Magisk Hide for sensitive applications.
- 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root, automatic update MIUI It can break the system. Only update manually through TWRP.
To reduce the risks:
- 📌 Create a full backup in TWRP Before any manipulation (Backup section, select all sections except for the OTA).
- 🔍 Check the compatibility of files with your model (Mi 8 has dipper encoding).
- 📡 Use stable versions of Magisk and TWRP. Alpha and Beta versions may contain critical bugs.
If something went wrong, don't panic.In 90% of cases, the Xiaomi Mi 8 can be restored via Fastboot or EDL-In extreme cases, there is always the possibility to flash the device through the Mi Flash Tool from a clean image.
7. What to do after obtaining root rights
Now that you have root, you can customize the device completely. Here are some useful things to do:
- 🧹 Remove Bloat: Remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Browser, Mi Music) using Titanium Backup or System App Remover.Be careful - removing critical applications can lead to unstable work.
- ⚡ Performance optimization: Install Magisk modules to improve autonomy or performance, such as: Greenify for hibernation of background applications. FDE.AI — Optimizing battery consumption. ViPER4Android — sound-enhancing.
- 🔄 Castomic cores: Try cores like FrancoKernel or Perseus to overclock CPU/GPU or improving autonomy.
- 📱 Interface Change: Install themes via Substratum or Hex Installer for deep customization MIUI.
Remember to regularly update Magisk and installed modules, and it is also recommended to disable automatic installation of MIUI updates, as they can overwrite modified system files.
If you plan to use root for specific tasks (such as backing up through Titanium Backup or changing a hosts file to block ads), study the specialized guides on these topics. Root offers almost limitless possibilities, but requires a responsible approach.