How to root the rights to Xiaomi without PC: the full guide

Obtaining superuser rights on Xiaomi devices is a process that opens up almost limitless possibilities for the smartphone owner to customize the system. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese giant offers a fairly transparent, albeit multi-step procedure for unlocking the bootloader, which is the first and most important step to full control of the device. Modern methods allow you to perform all the necessary actions using only the smartphone and third-party applications, which eliminates the need to search for a computer or laptop.

However, it is worth understanding that root rights are not just a feature for changing icons, but access to the system partition, which requires caution. Errors in the configuration stage can lead to loss of warranty or even failure of the device, so before starting any manipulations, you need to carefully study the theoretical part. MIUI useless USB-cable and personal computer.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining superuser rights on Xiaomi is radically different from similar actions on devices of other brands. Here the key point is the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader), which is impossible to bypass software methods at the operating system level without losing data. Without the unlocked bootloader, no modern method of installing Magisk or SuperSU will work, regardless of the application used. So the entire instruction will be built around the preparation of the device and the subsequent installation of the rights manager.

Preparation of the smartphone and unlocking the loader

The first step that you can't ignore is unlocking the bootloader, which is a protection that the manufacturer has put in place to prevent unauthorized modifications to the system partition. First, you need to link your Mi Account to the device and wait for the wait timer to expire, which is usually 7 to 168 hours, and without this condition, you can't take any further steps, because the security system simply won't allow you to make changes.

Once the timer has expired, you need to activate USB debugging mode and USB installation permission in the developer menu. Then use the Unlock Tool app or its counterparts available in the Play Market, which emulate the PC. Some applications, such as Mi Unlock Status, allow you to check the binding status, and more advanced utilities can initiate the unlock process if the device is already in the appropriate standby mode.

Keep in mind that unlocking the bootloader will result in a complete reset of all data on the device, a security measure that cannot be bypassed, so make sure to back up important contacts, photos and documents in the cloud or on an external medium before starting the procedure.

  • πŸ“± Tie it up. SIM-card to the Mi Account and turn on the mobile Internet.
  • πŸ”“ Wait for the SMS notification of permission to unlock (from a few hours to a week).
  • πŸ’Ύ Make a full data backup as the phone will be cleaned.
  • ⚑ Charge the battery to minimum. 60-70% avoiding sudden shutdown.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for unlocking

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The unlocking process can take a long time, and interrupting it at any stage can be fraught with problems. If you use third-party apps to emulate the unlock command, make sure they have the necessary system permissions. In some cases, a special command may be required through ADB-a terminal running directly on the phone, such as through the Termux app or ADB Keyboard.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, some security features, such as Google Pay (Wallet) or banking apps, may stop working as standard. HD quality in some streaming services due to loss of Widevine certificates L1.

Using Magisk to obtain root rights

Magisk is now the de facto standard for obtaining superuser rights on Android. Unlike the old methods, Magisk is systemless, which means it doesn’t make changes to the system partition directly, but rather modifies the boot image, which hides root rights from banking apps and Google Play security services.

To install Magisk without a PC, you will need to download the current version. APK-file from the official GitHub repository. Once you install the application, you won't get root rights instantly (ROM), corresponding to your current version of the system to extract the boot image from it boot.img. This file is a key element that will be modified by the Magisk patch.

Find the right firmware on official forums or specialized resources, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. It is important that the firmware version is exactly the same as the one installed on your smartphone at the moment. If the versions are different, the device can go into an endless restart (bootloop).

  • πŸ“₯ Download and install the Magisk app from an official source.
  • πŸ’Ώ Find and download the full firmware version for your model.
  • πŸ” Extract the file. boot.img firmware-archive.
  • πŸ›  Start patching the image through the Magisk menu.

After you have selected the file boot.img In Magisk, you click the Start button, and it takes a few seconds to patch, and it will bring a new file, commonly called a new file, into the phone's memory. magisk_patched_[random].This file will need to be flashed into the bootloader section to activate root rights.

Where to find boot.img?
The boot.img file is usually inside the firmware archive. If the firmware comes in zip, unpack it and look for the file without the extension or with the.img extension. In some cases, especially for devices with MediaTek processors, a recovery.img file may be required, but most Xiaomi uses boot.img.

Firmware patched image via Fastboot on the phone

The hardest part for those who don't have a computer is to run a modified image firmware. The standard way is to connect to a PC, but there are mobile solutions. One of them is to use Fastboot emulator apps like FastbootDroid or Bugjaeger (with an OTG and a second Android device, although in this case we're looking for a PC-free way, so we'll look at the firmware options from a recovery or through special applications).

However, the most reliable way to do this without a PC on modern Xiaomi is to use the β€œLocal Update” feature in combination with certain manipulations, or to flash through Fastboot button-driven mode if you have the ability to connect the phone to another phone via OTG (host mode).

Consider using terminal applications that can execute fastboot commands if the device is switched to the appropriate mode. To do this, the phone is switched to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when turned on), and then through the phone OTG-A firmware command is sent via a cable (if there is an adapter) or emulation (if the application has such rights that it is rare without root), but since we don't have root yet, we rely on vulnerabilities or specific applications.

A more realistic scenario for β€œphone only” is the use of a phone. TWRP Recovery, if it's already installed, or a temporary recovery setup. But if the bootloader is unlocked, you can often flash the patched image using commands through the back of the back. ADB-emulators, if they can run fastboot. Example of a firmware command:

fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

If you can’t use an OTG or a second phone, the only option is to search for a cybercafe or a friend from a PC, since regular MIUI tools can flash boot.img after unlocking the bootloader is extremely difficult without an external command controller. However, there are installer applications that try to exploit system vulnerabilities to root, but they work unstable on new versions of Android.

MethodA PC is needed.DifficultyRisk of data loss
Magisk + OTGNo (needs a second phone)Tall.No (unless you drop it)
Exploitation applicationsNo.MediumLow (but high risk of failure)
KingRoot / KingoRootNo.Low.Low (obsolete method)
Standard PC MethodYes.MediumYes (when unlocking BL)
πŸ“Š How do you plan to get a Root?
Through PC and cable.
Through OTG and second phone
I will try to find the vulnerability (exploit)
I'll give up the idea, it's too hard.

Alternative methods: Installation applications

There's a class of applications that try to root by exploiting Android security vulnerabilities, and the most famous of them are KingRoot, KingoRoot and their peers, and they work on a push-button-result approach, and they automatically scan the system, find security holes, and embed their superuser.

The effectiveness of such methods on modern Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI 12, 13, 14 and higher tends to zero. the security system Google Play Protect and its own protection mechanisms MIUI actively block unauthorized access attempts. In addition, such applications often contain advertising, collect telemetry and can be regarded by antivirus as potentially unwanted software.

However, for older models (e.g. Redmi Note) 3, 4, 5 Android-based 6-8) If you own a budget or an old device, you can try downloading it. APK-KingRoot file from a verified source (official site, since there are no such applications in the Play Market) and start installing the file.

  • πŸ“² Download. APK-root-right installer.
  • πŸ›‘ Turn off Google Play Protect protection during installation.
  • πŸš€ Launch the application and press the rights button.
  • πŸ”„ Wait for the reboot and check for a new app.

It's worth remembering that using such "one-click" solutions is always a lottery. At best, you get rights, at worst, litter the system with garbage or disrupt its stability. For today's flagships and mid-budget models, Xiaomi is closed.

⚠️ Attention: One-click root apps often require you to disable antivirus and download from unknown sources.Be careful and use only official developer sites to avoid infecting your smartphone with malware.

Checking rights and basic system setting

Once you have successfully installed Magisk or an alternative method, you need to make sure that the rights are actually active. To do this, download the Root Checker app from Google Play Market. Run it and click "Check Root." If it goes well, you'll see a green message that the device has root access.

But just having rights isn't all. It's important to set up Magisk correctly. Go to the Magisk app settings and enable "Zygisk" to allow Magisk modules to get into the application processes that are necessary to hide the rights from banking programs. It's also recommended to turn on "DenyList" and select all banking applications and Google Pay.

Once you have set up the opt-out list, you need to restart the device, and only after you turn it on again, the changes will take effect, and the security system of Google Play Services will no longer see the modified environment. If the Google Play Store application says "Certificate not received" in the settings, then the root hiding failed, and banking applications may not work.

πŸ’‘

Use the MagiskHide Props Config module if you need to change the device fingerprint (fingerprint) to pass SafetyNet check on global firmware.

Possible problems and solutions

When you get root rights to Xiaomi without a PC, users often face a number of typical problems. One of the most common is Bootloop, which happens if you have a noncompatible boot.img or the process is interrupted, and this problem is solved by entering Recovery mode (if there is one) and resetting data, or flashing a stock image through Fastboot (which again requires a PC).

Another problem is the lack of internet after unlocking the bootloader or installing Magisk, which can be due to a module conflict or a change in system files, in which case it helps to download to Safe Mode, which disables all third-party Magisk modules, which allows you to remove the problematic component.

Users also often complain that the camera stops working or the quality of the photo deteriorates, due to loss of certificates or conflict of system libraries, and restoring stock boot.img usually solves this problem by returning the original camera drivers.

What to do if your phone is in Bootloop?
If the phone is rebooting indefinitely, try pressing the power and volume button to log in to Recovery. If there's a "Wipe Data" item on it, try resetting. If that doesn't work, the only way out is to run the stock firmware through Fastboot, which will require you to find a computer.
Can you upgrade by air (OTA) with root rights?
No, a standard air update won’t install on a modified system, and an upgrade attempt could patch the vulnerability you got root through, or lead to a version conflict, so you need to return the stock boot.img and lock the bootloader (which is difficult) before upgrading the firmware, or simply update manually through Recovery.
Will the warranty fly off after getting root?
Technically, yes, rooting and unlocking the bootloader are grounds for denial of warranty service, but if you can return the device to its original state (lock the bootloader and install the runoff), the service center may not notice interference if there is no physical damage.
Is it safe to use root banking apps?
Modern Magisk allows you to successfully hide root rights from most banking applications, but it is an arms race: banks are constantly changing their methods of detection. For maximum security of financial transactions, some experts recommend having a second, clean phone without root rights.
Do I need a computer to lock the bootloader again?
Yes, relocking the bootloader usually requires a fastboot command, which is the easiest to send from a computer. Locking the bootloader with a customized Recovery or modified bootloader installed will lead to a brick of the device, so you only need to do this on a fully stock firmware.

πŸ’‘

Getting root rights to Xiaomi without a PC is possible, but requires following the instructions accurately and understanding the risks.The most reliable way is to unlock the bootloader and use Magisk, even if you have to use someone else's computer for 5 minutes to make the final step.