How to get root rights on Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allowing you to remove system applications, optimize performance or install custom firmware. From unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk, a modern root access management tool, today’s instructions take into account more stringent security measures, unlike the old methods with SuperSU. MIUI and chip features Qualcomm/Mediatek.

It is important to understand that the procedure will irreversibly reset all data on the device, and improper actions can lead to a “brick” (complete malfunction of the phone).The manufacturer does not officially support root rights, so all manipulations are carried out at your own risk. In this article, current methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO for 2026, including bypassing the new restrictions in MIUI 14/15.

What are root rights and why do you need them on Xiaomi?

Root rights (or superuser rights) give you complete control of the Android operating system, similar to the administrative rights in Windows, but with much more options:

• 🧹 Remove embedded system applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps that cannot be uninstalled in standard ways.
• ⚡ Performance optimization: CPU frequency change, disabling unnecessary services, fine-tuning the kernel through Kernel Adiutor.
• 🔧 Installation of modified firmware (custom) ROM), LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for pure Android without shell MIUI.
• 📱 Backing up all data, including applications with their settings (Titanium Backup), or transferring games between devices.
• 🎮 Use of applications that require root: Greenify (for battery saving), AdAway (blocking ads at the system level), ViPER4Android (advanced sound processing).

But there is a downside:

• 🚨 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty obligations if unlocked bootloader or root rights are detected.
• 🛡️ Security risks: Root-access apps can gain control over all data, including passwords and banking information.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root rights, automatic updates MIUI stop working.
• 💥 Brick Possibility: A firmware or unlock error can turn your phone into a brick".

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and a Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) the procedure for unlocking the loader may take up to 720 Waiting hours due to new manufacturer restrictions!

Preparation of the phone: backup and allowed settings

Before starting the procedure, you need to complete a full backup of data, because unlocking the bootloader erases all the contents of the internal memory.

1. Copy files to your PC or cloud: photos, videos, documents, music. Use Mi PC Suite or Windows/macOS Explorer.
2. Save contacts and SMS: export through Google Contacts or apps like SMS Backup & Restore.
3. Record the settings: Take a picture of the screen with the version of MIUI (Settings → About Phone) and IMEI (*#06#).
4. Untie accounts: Delete Mi Account, Google, and other services to avoid login issues after a reset.

Next, set up your phone to unlock:

• 🔓 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI.
• 🔗 Activate Debugging on USB and Unlocking OEM on the Developer Menu.
• 📱 Link the device to the Mi Account: without this, unlocking is impossible. SMS/email.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 60% – it can take hours.

Backup of all data.|Developer mode is on|Debugging activated USB and unlock OEM|Phone tied to Mi Account|Battery charge ≥60%-->

If you are using Xiaomi with a Mediatek processor (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO M5), additionally download the MediaTek USB VCOM drivers and the SP Flash Tool utility. Qualcomm devices (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) will require Mi Unlock Tool and Fastboot mode.

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi: the official way

The official method of unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it has limitations.

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (the version must match your MIUI).
2. Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
4. Connect your phone to your PC via the original USB Type-C cable (using unoriginal cables can cause errors).
5. Run unlock in Mi Unlock Tool and wait until it’s finished. New devices will require a wait (from 72 to 720 hours!).

Here are the common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13+ and a Snapdragon chip 888/8 Gen 1 (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro or Black Shark 4) Unlocking may require additional confirmation through SMS, Even if the account is already attached, make sure that SIM-card!

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing Magisk to obtain root rights.

Redmi Note 12/13|POCO X5/F5|Xiaomi 13/14|Redmi K60/K70|Another model-->

Install Magisk for root rights

Magisk is a modern alternative to SuperSU that provides root rights without changing the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet (necessary for Google Pay, banking applications) and receive OTA-Here's how to install Magisk on unlocked Xiaomi:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-vXX.X.zip file).
2. Download custom recovery for your model: For Qualcomm: TWRP (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-davinci.img for Redmi K20 For Mediatek: OrangeFox Recovery or PitchBlack Recovery.

Recovery via Fastboot

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

In Recovery, Install Magisk

• Select Install → Specify the path to Magisk-vXX.X.zip.
• Confirm swipe installation.
• After completion, press Reboot System.

If Magisk Manager does not appear in the app menu after the reboot, download it. APK You can use the same GitHub and install it manually. To check for root rights, use the Root Checker app or enter it in the terminal:

su

If the command returns the # invitation, the root rights are successfully obtained. If a Permission denied message appears, repeat the installation of Magisk or check the firmware compatibility.

💡

If after installing Magisk phone fixated on the logo MIUI, Download to recovery and execute the command fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (The file is created by Magisk Manager in a folder /Download).

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

1.The phone is not identified in Fastboot

Mi Unlock Tool or fastboot devices do not see the device.

Decision:

• 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (Try the port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
• 🖥️ Install Mi Flash Tool or Google Drivers USB Driver.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Fastboot again (click Volume Down) + 10 seconds power).
• 🛠️ In Device Manager (Windows) check that the phone is defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

2. "This device is locked" error when unlocking

Symptoms: The Mi Unlock Tool shows that the bootloader is already unlocked, but root rights are not set.

Decision:

• 🔓 Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and re-unlock the bootloader.
• 📱 If the error persists, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

3. Bootloop (locking on the MIUI logo)

Symptoms: The phone is constantly rebooted after installing Magisk.

Decision:

• 🛠️ Load into recovery (click Volume Up). + Nutrition).
• 📁 Check it out. boot.img Magisk: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img
• 🔄 If it doesn’t work, do a full reset (Wipe) → Format Data in Recovery).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 series) standard firmware boot.img If you use fastboot, you can use the Fastboot firmware from Xiaomi's official website and the flag. --skip-secondary: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img --skip-secondary 4. SafetyNet fails Symptoms: Apps like Google Pay or banking services refuse to work, citing root: 🔍 In Magisk, turn on MagiskHide (or Zygisk) + DenyList in New Versions). 📱 Add problematic apps to DenyList. 🔄 Restart your phone and check SafetyNet status through Magisk or the SafetyNet Test app. 🔧 If it doesn't work, install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk. What if Magisk doesn't install? If you get a Failed to mount error when you install Magisk? /system, Your firmware is probably using dm-verity: 1. Download. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip forum XDA. 2. Install this one. ZIP Recovery to install Magisk. 3. Repeat Magisk installation. If persists error, try flashing custom ROM Alternative methods for getting root without unlocking the bootloader If official unlocking is not available (for example, due to a long wait) or you do not want to lose data, you can try alternative methods. However, they don’t work on all devices and may be less stable: 1. Exploits for temporary root (without unlocking) Some vulnerabilities in the MIUI They allow you to get temporary root access: 🐱 DirtyCOW (works on the MIUI 10-12 kernel-up 4.14). 🦠 CVE-2023-21032 (for MIUI 13 Snapdragon on Snapdragon 865/870). 🔓 KingRoot or iRoot (not recommended due to the risk of spyware).These methods often require: USB. Installations APK or perform commands through ADB. Hand-patching boot.img. Cons: the root disappears after rebooting, a high risk of blocking the device with antiviruses. 2. Custom-based firmware ROM Some custom firmware (like LineageOS for microG or Havoc-OS) already include Magisk: 🔧 Pure Android without a MIUI. 📱 Regular security updates. 🛡️ Built-in SafetyNet support. How to flash: Download firmware for your model with XDA Developers. TWRP Or OrangeFox. Install Magisk over the firmware (if the root is not on by default). ⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) Many exploits and custom firmware are not yet adapted. Check compatibility on profile forums before using it! Many apps (banking, security games, Netflix) block work on root-right devices. To get around this, use: 1. MagiskHide (or DenyList in newer versions) Instructions: Open Magisk and go to Settings. Enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList. Add problematic apps to DenyList (e.g. com.google.android.apps.walletnfcrel for Google Pay). Reboot your phone. 2. SafetyNet bypass modules Install via Magisk: 🔒 Universal SafetyNet Fix – Fixing Certification Errors. 🛡️ MagiskHide Props Config – allows you to replace the print of the device (fingerprint). 🎮 Play Integrity Fix – to bypass Google Play checks. 3. Alternative methods If MagiskHide doesn’t work: 🔄 Use Island or Shelter to isolate apps in a separate profile without root rights. 📱 Set a second user session (Settings) → System system → Multiplayer mode) and use it for sensitive applications. 🖥️ For banking applications, use the Windows version via Windows Subsystem for Android (if available). Check the success of the bypass through the SafetyNet Test app or the command: adb shell su -c "snet check" 💡Even with the successful bypass of SafetyNet, some applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) can detect root through additional checks, in which case the only reliable way is to temporarily remove Magisk before using such applications. FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi ❓ Can you get the root rights on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader? Theoretically, yes, but only on older versions? MIUI (before 12) Using exploits like DirtyCOW. New devices (2022 Unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. Alternative methods are either temporary or unstable. ❓ How long does it take to unlock the bootloader? Depends on the model and account: 72 for the most part of the time, MIUI 12-13. 168 hours (7 Days - for flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13, Black Shark 5). 720 hours (30 Days for new chips (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3, Dimensity 9000+). The wait starts from the moment the device is first linked to the Mi Account. ❓ Can I get my warranty back after I get the root rights? Technically yes, but it requires: Delete Magisk (via Uninstall in the app). Stock firmware boot.img. Loader lock (via fastboot oem lock) reset to factory settings, but Xiaomi can detect traces of unlocking from logs (/data/.miui), The guarantee is not always restored. ❓ Why does the phone not turn on after installing Magisk? Probable reasons and solutions: Incompatible boot.img — Download the correct version for your firmware. Patching error: Repeat the process in Magisk Manager. Damaged recovery: run stock recovery through Fastboot. Module conflict: boot into Safe Mode (clutch Volume Down when booting) and remove problem modules. If nothing helps, run a full flash flash through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. ❓ How to update MIUI Root rights? Root rights? OTA-Alternatives: Manual installation via recovery: Download the full service pack (.zip) from the official website. TWRP (Reinstall Magisk after the update. via Fastboot: fastboot update update.zip Then repatch it. boot.img. Use custom firmware with support OTA (For example, LineageOS). ⚠️ Warning: Update via the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode will remove root rights and all data!