Getting the root rights to the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (codenamed daisy) opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires care.This smartphone, released in 2018, runs on pure Android One, which simplifies the process compared to MIUI. However, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom recovery remain mandatory steps - without them root is impossible.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to flash Magisk through standard recovery. In practice, this leads to locking the device at the bootloop stage if the bootloader is not officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool. In this article, current methods for 2026, tested on the latest firmware versions.
Note: the procedure voids the warranty and may result in data loss. Backup via adb backup or Titanium Backup (if root already existed) is a mandatory step. Also note that once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings automatically.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before you start the process, make sure your Mi A2 Lite meets the following key requirements:
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70% (the device must not be switched off during the procedure)
- 📱 Android version: 9.0 Pie, 10 or 11 (newer firmware may require rollbacks)
- 🔑 Mi Account is linked to the device (unblocking is impossible without it)
- 💻 Windows computer 7/10/11 (Mi Unlock Tool requires official Xiaomi software)
First of all, turn on the developer mode and activate debugging over USB:
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Build Number and tap it 7 times.
- Return to the main settings menu, open the System → For developers.
- Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.
Download the necessary tools:
- 📌 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)
- 📌 TWRP for daisy (version 3.7.0 or later)
- 📌 Magisk (last stable version)
Unlock the bootloader with the Mi Unlock Tool
Officially unlocking the bootloader is the safest way, but it takes waiting. Xiaomi has introduced a 72-hour timer for new accounts to prevent device theft.If your account is older than 30 days, the wait is reduced to 360 hours (15 days).
Step-by-step:
- Install Mi Unlock Tool on your PC and run on behalf of the administrator.
- Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
- Connect the Mi A2 Lite in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when the phone is off).
- In the utility, press Unlock and confirm the action.
If you have a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:
- 🔹 Account binding to your device (Mi Account settings should display your Mi Mi). A2 Lite)
- 🔹 Mi Unlock Tool (use the latter, even if it is in beta status)
- 🔹 Internet connection (the utility checks the status of the account online)
Mi Account Linked to Device | USB | Debugging enabled ADB/Fastboot Drivers installed | Downloaded latest Mi Unlock Tool
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⚠️ Warning: After successfully unlocking the bootloader, the smartphone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data, including photos and apps, will be deleted. If you have encryption enabled, you may need to enter a password after rebooting.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard recovery on the Mi A2 Lite does not support firmware ZIP-Archives, therefore, installation is required TWRP. For this device, a version is suitable twrp-3.7.0_9-0-daisy.img (The firmware is run through fastboot.
Instructions:
- Download the TWRP image and rename it to twrp.img for convenience.
- Place the file in the folder with the platform-tools (where the ADB is installed).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Power + Volume Up.
If you restore standard recovery after the reboot, you have the Android Verified Boot (AVB) protection on, and you can turn it off by running the TWRP:
- Go to Advanced. → Terminal.
- Enter the command: echo "1" > /data/.avb_disable
- Reboot to the system.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Magisk firmware for root rights
Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. Mi A2 Lite is suitable version 26.4 or later. Download the latest version from the official GitHub repository.
Installation via TWRP:
- Download the archive. Magisk-v26.4.zip and place it on the internal memory or SD-map.
- Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Increase).
- Click Install → Select Magisk → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After installation, reboot to the system.
Success check:
- Install Magisk Manager from the archive (or download separately).
- Open it – if the status says “Installed: 26.4”, root is obtained.
- Start the terminal and enter su – a request for rights should appear.
⚠️ Note: On some Android firmware 11 When you install Magisk, you may lose the connection (no network) because you modify the vendor partition. vendor_boot.img through TWRP or roll back on Android 10.
Solving common problems after getting root
Even with a successful Magisk installation, Mi A2 Lite users are faced with common errors, and the following are ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not loaded (bootloop) | Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP | Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, then repeat the process with the correct versions |
| No mobile network. | Damaged vendor or modem | Sweep the original vendor.img and modem.img through fastboot |
| Google Pay is not working. | It's working SafetyNet. | Install MagiskHide Props Config and configure root cover |
| Apps fly out | Conflict with Magisk modules | Disable all modules in Magisk Manager and check one at a time |
If after receiving root, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stopped working, activate MagiskHide:
- Open Magisk Manager.
- Go to Settings. → Turn on MagiskHide.
- Add banking apps to the hideout list.
- Reset the device.
💡
If your phone is slower after installing Magisk, try disabling BusyBox and SQLite3 modules – they often conflict with pure Android One.
How to get it back: root removal and bootloader lock
If you need to return your smartphone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:
1. Magisk removal:
- Download to TWRP.
- Install the archive of Magisk-uninstaller.zip (company with Magisk).
- Reboot to the system.
Recovery of standard recovery:
- Download the original recovery.img for your firmware version.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img
3. Locking the loader (optional, but recommended for warranty):
- Use the command: fastboot oem lock
- ⚠️ This will result in a complete data dump!
After blocking the bootloader, installing custom firmware or TWRP will become impossible without re-unblocking.
Alternative methods of root without TWRP
If you can't install TWRP (for example, because of firmware errors), you can get root through a boot image patching, which works on all versions of Android, but requires more action.
Instructions:
- Download the original boot.img for your firmware (you can extract from the factory firmware via the Mi Flash Tool).
- Transfer it to your phone and open it in Magisk Manager (Install → Select and patch file).
- Received magisk_patched.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ It doesn't require custom recavérie.
- ✅ It works even if it does. TWRP non-start
- ✅ Less risk of damage to system partitions
Disadvantages:
- ❌ When updating the firmware, you will have to repeat the process
- ❌ Some Magisk modules may not work
💡
Patching a boot image is the most reliable way to get root on the Mi A2 Lite if the TWRP refuses to be stitched or is unstable.