How to get a root rights on Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro: a safe guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones among Android-modding enthusiasts thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 860 processor and open MIUI architecture. Getting root rights on this device allows you to overclock performance, remove system applications, install custom firmware and use Magisk modules. However, the process requires accuracy: an error at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.

In this guide, we will go through all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk, and also look at the typical problems and their solutions. This article is relevant for the Poco X3 Pro based on MIUI 12/13/14 (including HyperOS) and Android 11/12. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you carefully study each section before taking action.

Preparation: What to Know Before Getting Root Rights

Before you start unlocking, it is important to understand three key points:

• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader is a must-do step. Xiaomi blocks it by default, and official permission requires an account to be linked to Mi.
• 📱 Data reset. The process erases all user files, including photos and apps. backup in advance.
• ⚠️ Warranty risk: Official service centers may refuse repairs after unlocking bootloader is detected.

Also check the firmware version: some MIUI updates close vulnerabilities used to obtain root rights. The best option is Android 11-based firmware (MIUI 12.5), as newer versions may require additional manipulation.

⚠️ Attention: If your Poco X3 Pro bought in China (the domestic version), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without special tools. → The phone. → Model: Global market versions are labeled as M2012K11AG or M2012K11AI.

The work will require:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (macOS is possible but requires additional drivers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality).
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
• 🛠️ The Mi Unlock Tool: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Magisk (last version).

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The official way to unlock the bootloader on the Poco X3 Pro is to use Xiaomi’s Mi Unlock Tool utility, which takes up to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting for confirmation from Xiaomi servers.

Instructions:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Mi Account. Sign in to your account (if not, register a new one). Activate Settings → Additional → Developers → Link to Mi Account.
2. Turn on Developer Mode: Open Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears.
3. Activate USB debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.

Now connect your phone to your computer and start the Mi Unlock Tool (download the latest version from the official website). Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone. The utility will suggest linking the device to your account - confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives a “Couldn’t unlock” error with the code 86006 or 86012, this means that 168 hours (7 days) have not passed since the account was attached.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't be alarmed, that's okay.

Link your Mi Account to your phone |Enable developer mode |Activate debugging over USB and unlocking OEM| Download Mi Unlock Tool latest version |Wait 7 days (if required)

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Step 2: Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)

To obtain root rights to Poco X3 Pro must be installed custom Recovery — TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project, which will allow you to stitch ZIP-files (such as Magisk) and backup your system.

Download the current version of TWRP for Poco X3 Pro (codename of the device – vayu) from the official website:

https://twrp.me/xiaomi/xiaomipocox3pro.html

The file will be in.img format (for example, the file will be in.img format, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img).

TWRP firmware via Fastboot:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to enter Fastboot mode.
2. Connect the device to your computer and open the command prompt (or terminal) in the TWRP file folder.
3. The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img
4. After a successful firmware reboot to the Recovery team: fastboot reboot recovery

Important: After the first loading in TWRP You need to disable the encryption of data, otherwise the recovery will not be able to mount the partition /data. For this in TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data, enter yes and confirm.

Step 3: Magisk firmware to obtain root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root, it also allows you to hide the root from applications (for example, banking) and install modules to expand functionality.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases The file will be called Magisk-v26.4.zip (version may vary).
2. Move it. ZIP-file on the phone (can be accessed through MTP into TWRP or OTG-cable).
3. In TWRP, select Install, specify the path to the Magisk file, and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, restart to the system (Reboot → System).

The first download can take up to 10 minutes – this is normal. Once the system is started, check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app (install it from the same one). ZIP-file or download separately).

If Magisk doesn’t define a root, try:

• 🔄 Re-flash Magisk again.
• 📱 Install Magisk in another slot (if used) A/B-marking).
• 🔧 Check for updates to be made to TWRP.

💡

If after installing Magisk phone fixated on the logo MIUI, try to sew ZIP-file Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP, And then you can reset it, and it often helps with module conflicts.

Step 4: Root rights check and Magisk setup

After successful installation of Magisk, you need to check the functionality of the root rights and configure the concealment from applications that block the rooted devices (for example, banking or games with protection).

How to check the root:

1. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play.
2. Open it and press Verify Root.
3. If you see the message "Congratulations! Root access is properly installed", it works.

Set up the root cover in Magisk:

1. Open Magisk Manager.
2. Go to Settings → MagiskHide (or Configure DenyList in newer versions).
3. Add to the list of applications that do not need to show the root (for example, Sberbank, Google Pay).
4. Reboot the phone.

It is also recommended to install Magisk modules to expand the functionality:

• 🎵 ViPER4Android — sound-improvement.
• 🔋 AccA – Optimization of battery life.
• 🖥️ LSposed – framework for modifying system applications.

⚠️ Attention: Some Magisk modules may conflict with each other or with firmware. Install them one at a time and check the stability of the system. If the phone starts to overheat or turn off, remove the last module installed.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.

If Google Pay or other applications with SafetyNet verification stop working after you get the root rights, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk. This bypasses checking for system modifications.

💡

If the phone doesn’t turn on after all the manipulations (brick), try flashing the full stock ROM through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. This will return the device to factory state, but delete all data.

Alternative ways to obtain root rights

If the official Mi Unlock Tool method is not suitable (e.g., due to waiting 7 days), alternatives may be used, but they require more experience and carry additional risks.

1. Unofficial unlocking of the bootloader

There are tools like XiaomiTool V2 or anti-waiting scripts that don’t work on all devices and can result in Mi Account blocking. Use them only if you understand the risks.

2. firmware custom firmware with pre-sewn rue

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often comes with Magisk, and the advantage is that you don't have to stitch the Recovery separately, but the installation process is more complicated and requires you to unlock the bootloader first.

3. Use of exploits (for Android 11)

Some versions of MIUI allow you to get a temporary root through exploits (e.g., DirtyPipe), which is unstable and only suitable for advanced users.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative methods may violate Xiaomi's security policy and result in a device lock.If you're not sure about your actions, it's best to wait for official unlock via the Mi Unlock Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the root rights on the Poco X3 Pro