Many Xiaomi smartphone owners are thinking of extending the standard functionality of the device, and gaining superuser rights, or root access, opens the door to deep system setup, installing specialized modules, and full control of the file structure, but this process requires caution and understanding the risks associated with interfering with the operating system.
Before you start, it is important to realize that unlocking the bootloader and subsequent firmware modification can lead to loss of warranty.Bootloader in Miui devices is blocked by default, and opening it is the first mandatory step.Without this, it is impossible to install custom recoveries or a modified boot image necessary to activate root rights.
The current de facto standard for privilege is Magisk, which not only allows you to access system files, but also hides the fact that the system has been modified from Google’s banking applications and services. Unlike the old methods, Magisk works system-free without physically changing the system partition, making it easier to return to the factory state.
═══ Section 1: Preparation of devices and tools ═══
You start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the gadget itself. You'll need a Windows computer, the original one. USB-cable and stable Internet connection, poor-quality wire can interrupt data transmission at a critical moment, leading to firmware error.
On your smartphone, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version field. After the notification “You became a developer”, go to advanced settings and enable USB Debugging. It is also important to link your Mi Account to the device.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Make sure to back up all your important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader will automatically perform a full reset of the device (Wipe Data), removing all photos, contacts and applications. Store information in the Mi Cloud or on your computer is a critical step.
═══ Section 2: Unlocking the bootloader) ═══
The most difficult stage for users from the CIS region is waiting for permission to unlock. Once you have linked your account and enabled debugging, you must apply through the official Mi Unlock Tool app on your PC. The system may require you to wait from 7 to 30 days before the permission is activated.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to get around the wait with third-party paid services.This often leads to a Mi Account being blocked or a smartphone being turned into a brick because of incompatibility of methods.
When the wait period expires, turn off the phone and enter Fastboot mode, holding the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously. Connect the device to your computer and press the Unlock button in the utility. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data.
What to do if the status is not updated?
Once successfully unlocked, the boot screen will display an open-arm lock icon or the words "Unlocked" on it, confirming that the path to installing the modified software is open, and you can now move to the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) installation.
═══ Section 3: Installation of custom recaveri TWRP ═══
Xiaomi's standard recovery does not allow you to make changes to system partitions. You will need to find an up-to-date version of TWRP created specifically for your CPU and screen model. Using an image from another model is guaranteed to cause the touch screen in the Recovery to malfunction.
To install, use the command via ADB and Fastboot. Place the twrp.img file in the platform tool folder and execute the command in the terminal:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgImmediately after completing the command, the phone needs to be restarted to recovery mode, clamping Volume Up + Power. If you just restart the system in the usual way, the Xiaomi stock bootloader will rewrite the TWRP back to the original recap.
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If the sensor is TWRP It's not working, plug it in. USB-mouse-wise OTG-This will allow you to manage the recovery menu and to flash a patch that restores the touchscreen.
In the TWRP menu, first clean the Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, and Data partitions, which will prevent file system conflicts as you continue to work. Do not clean the Internal Storage partition unless you want to lose files downloaded to your phone's memory.
═══ Section 4: Install Magisk and Get Root ═══
The final step is to implement the superuser rights manager. Download the latest version of Magisk APK from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from.apk to.zip so that the recaveri can recognize it as a firmware archive.
In the TWRP menu, click the "Install" button, select the renamed Magisk file, and slide it to confirm the installation. After the procedure is completed, click "Reboot System." The first boot, the system can update longer than usual - this is normal, application optimization is underway.
Once you download, you'll see a new Magisk icon in the app menu. Open it, and if the green "Installed" sign at the top is on, then the Root rights have been successfully activated. You can now control the access of applications to system files.
| Component | Appointment | Risk of error |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool | Unlocking the loader | Data reset (guaranteed) |
| TWRP Recovery | Installation of modifications | High (version error) |
| Magisk | Managing Root Rights | Low (if installed correctly) |
| ADB / Fastboot | Communication with PC | Medium (on interruption) |
═══ Section 5: Set up Root Hiding for Banking Apps ═══
Many banking apps and Google Pay (Wallet) refuse to work on devices with a modified system. To get around this, Magisk needs to enable Zygisk and add the desired applications to the Denilist.
Open Magisk settings, activate Zygisk and Enforce DenyList. Then go to Set up DenyList, click three dots in the corner and select Show System Processes. Find your banking apps, Google Play Services and Google Play Store in the list, revealing them in full and marking all sub-items.
Once you have set up the list, restart the device. If the apps still see root, you may need to install the MagiskHide Props Config module or use additional scripts to change the system's fingerprint. However, in most cases, the standard DenyList is enough on Xiaomi.
═══ Section 6: Possible problems and solutions ═══
During the modification process, users often experience a cyclic bootloop. If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, don't panic.Put the power and volume buttons down to return to Fastboot or Recovery mode.
If the device goes into an endless reboot immediately after installing Magisk, try logging into TWRP, going to Advanced and selecting Uninstall Magisk (if you have one), or simply reflash the original boot.img image via Fastboot. This will return the phone to factory state without root rights.
⚠️ Note: If the bootloader stopped working after unlocking the Widevine L1, You will lose the ability to watch content in HD quality on Netflix and other streaming. L1 On an unlocked bootloader is often impossible without complex manipulations with dumps.
Also, keep in mind security: Having root access gives any app you give permission full control of the phone, install programs only from trusted sources like Google Play or F-Droid, and keep a close eye on access requests.
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Root on Xiaomi is a balance between advanced features and potential system instability. Always have original firmware on hand for recovery.
═══ FAQ: Frequently asked questions ═══