The Xiaomi Mi 8, despite its age, remains a popular device among enthusiasts who want to squeeze the most out of the Snapdragon 845 iron. Obtaining superuser rights (root) opens up access to system files, allowing you to remove preinstalled debris, overclock the processor and install powerful system modifications. However, this process requires care, since interference with the Bootloader loader carries certain risks.
Before you start taking action, it is important to be clear that unlocking the bootloader officially erases all data from the device. A full backup is not just a recommendation, but a prerequisite for starting a procedure. In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions relevant for 2026, taking into account modern methods of bypassing MIUI security checks.
The process of obtaining the administrator rights on the Mi 8 is based on a bundle of custom TWRP recovery and Magisk manager. This is a classic scheme that has proven its reliability over the years, we will look at the preparation of tools, setting up a developer account and direct firmware of the necessary files.
Device preparation and data backup
The first step is to activate hidden features in the system. You need to go to the Settings → About menu and quickly click on the MIUI version seven times. This action unlocks access to advanced settings that are hidden from the default user.
Then we should include the debugging of USB. Find the Developer Item in the Advanced Settings section and activate the switch USB-Debugging. Without this option, the computer will not be able to give commands to the smartphone through the command line, and it is also recommended to include the option "Factory Unlock" in this menu, although it may not be active until the application is submitted.
⚠️ Note: Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi devices will force a full Wipe Data reset. Save photos, contacts and documents to an external medium or to the cloud before starting work.
Don't forget to link your Mi Account to your device. In the Developer Menu, look for Mi Unlock Status and make sure the account is displayed and has Connected status. If there's no connection, connect to Wi-Fi and log in again. This is a critical step, as Xiaomi servers check if the account is matched when unlocked.
- 📱 Make a full system backup through the built-in “Mi Mobile Assistant” app or third-party utilities.
- 🔋 Charge the battery of the smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, Avoid sudden shutdown at critical time.
- 💾 Prepare a quality cable USB Type-C, capable of transmitting data, not just charging the device.
- 💻 Install the drivers. ADB and Fastboot on a personal computer running Windows.
☑️ Checklist for rut preparation
Request to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)
Without an unlocked bootloader, a modified recovery is not possible. Xiaomi has implemented a standby mechanism that can last from 7 to 15 days (168-360 hours), which starts counting from the moment the application is submitted through the official utility.
Download the Mi Unlock Tool program from the official website and log in under the same account that you're attached to your phone. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, pressing both the power and volume buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your PC and press the Unlock button in the snail.
If the system sends out a message that you need to wait, just take it for granted. The unlock timer is tied to the IMEI and the account, and it is almost impossible to bypass it software at the modern level of security without using paid services, which is not recommended for ordinary users. Once the wait time is over, the procedure will be successful.
What to do if the timer is not going?
It is important to understand that when successfully unlocked, the "Unlocked" will appear at the top of the screen when booting, which is a standard behavior indicating that Bootloader is open to making changes to the system partition.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s standard recovery does not allow third-party installations ZIP-We need Team Win Recovery Project to implement superuser rights (TWRP). Find the current version of the recovery specifically for the model dipper (codename Mi 8).
Upload your phone to Fastboot mode and connect to your computer. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder. Enter the command to run the image:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-dipper.imgImmediately after you execute the command, don't let the phone boot into the system in the usual way. Use the combination of the buttons Volume Up + Power to force you to enter Recovery mode. If you reboot in Android properly, the original MIUI firmware will automatically replace TWRP with stock recavereation, and you will have to repeat the firmware procedure again.
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When you first start a TWRP swipe, allow modifications to the system partition. If you don't, the phone won't be able to save the changes after the restart.
Inside the TWRP menu, go to the Wipe section and format Data (Format Data) by entering the word "yes." This is necessary to decrypt the encryption, otherwise you can't write the files to internal memory.
Magisk installation and obtaining Root rights
Magisk is a modern superuser rights standard, operating on the principle of systemless.This means that it does not modifies the system partition directly, which allows you to hide the fact that there are root rights from banking applications and services Google Pay (now Wallet).
Copy. APK-Magisk file on the device and rename it the extension from.apk to.zip (although modern versions are available). TWRP They can often put apk directly, and the zip format is more reliable. TWRP Select Install, find the file and confirm the swipe installation.
| Component | Appointment | Status for Mi 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloader | Loader of the system | Unlocked. |
| Recovery | Recovery environment | TWRP (Custom) |
| Magisk | Root manager | Installed |
| System | System section | Unchanged (Systemless) |
Once installed, click "Wipe Cache/Dalvik" and then "Reboot System." The first download after obtaining the root license can take up to 5-10 minutes. Don't panic if the screen stays black for a long time or the logo hangs - the system performs application optimization.
Once you download, look for the Magisk icon in the app menu. Open it. If the app offers "Additional Installation" or "Direct Installation", agree and wait for the process to end. The appearance of the green "Version" line in the main window means that root rights have been successfully activated.
Checking rights and setting up a hidden mode
To verify that an operation is successful, install the Root Checker app from Play Market, run the test and get a report, but just having rights is half the battle, and it's important to set them up properly so that you don't disrupt the functionality of your smartphone.
In Magisk settings, turn on "Zygisk" and "Enforce DenyList." In the DenyList, check banking apps, Google Pay and anti-cheat games. This will hide the presence of a modified system from them. It's also useful to enable the "Hide the Magisk app" option by renaming it something neutral, such as "Settings."
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications may stop working even with hidden root access due to enhanced security checks (Play Integrity) API). Be prepared for temporary inconveniences with NFC-pay.
Now you can install modules that extend functionality. For the Mi 8, modules are popular for improving sound, controlling CPU frequencies and extending battery life. But install only proven add-ons, as the conflict of modules can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot).
Possible problems and ways to solve them
There may be errors in the Xiaomi Mi 8 modification process, and a common problem is "bricking" or logo getting stuck. If the phone doesn't load but is in Fastboot or Recovery mode, you can fix the situation. Go to TWRP and make Wipe Dalvik/Cache, or restore the full system if it was made in advance.
If your fingerprint doesn't work after firmware, make sure you're using the correct version of TWRP. For the Mi 8, there are different versions of the recovery depending on the Android version (10 or 11). A discrepancy between the recovery and firmware often breaks the biometric drivers.
If you have problems with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth after obtaining root rights, try resetting the network settings or reflashing Wi-Fi modules via TWRP. Sometimes it helps to clean the partition persist, but you need to do this with extreme caution, since without a backup of this partition you can lose IMEI.
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The main rule of modification: always have on hand working stock firmware and tools for its quick installation through the Mi Flash Tool.
Remember, root rights take the manufacturer's responsibility for software failures, you take responsibility for the stability of the device, but for the power user, the Xiaomi Mi 8 with root access becomes a truly limitless tool.