How to unlock Root rights on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide 2026

Getting Root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden features of the system, from removing pre-installed applications to installing custom firmware and cores. However, the unlocking process has become more difficult after tightening security policies. MIUI In 2026, the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool requires a wait of 168 hours (7 days), and alternative methods carry the risk of blocking an account or a “brick” of the device.

This article covers all the current methods of unlocking the bootloader and getting Root on Xiaomi, Redmi and the like. POCO, We'll take a look at the preparation of the device, the nuances of working with fastboot and ADB, It also addresses common errors such as "Couldn't unlock" or "Account not bound" with a focus on security: how to minimize the risks of Mi Account locking and loss of warranty.

What are Root Rights and Why You Need Them on Xiaomi

Root rights give the user full control of the Android operating system, and on Xiaomi smartphones, this allows:

• 🧹 Remove embedded apps (bloatwars) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps that cannot be uninstalled by standard methods.
• ⚡ Install custom ROMs like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, as well as cores to overclock the processor or improve autonomy.
• 🔧 Configure hidden system settings through applications like Magisk Manager or Kernel Adiutor (e.g., change frequency) CPU/GPU).
• 📱 Make full backups (nandroid backup) of all parts of the phone, including application data and settings.

However, along with the capabilities of Root, there are also risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty – Xiaomi does not officially support unlocking the bootloader, and when contacting the service center may refuse repairs.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerability – Root-access applications can gain control of the system, which is dangerous when installing software from unreliable sources.
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking” – incorrect actions when unlocking or firmware can turn the phone into a “brick).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) Unlocking the bootloader can result in a 30-day suspension of Mi accounts when you first connect to the Internet, a mechanism that is designed to combat device theft.

Before you start, evaluate whether you really need Root rights. Many tasks (for example, turning off ads in the Internet) MIUI or removing unnecessary applications) can be solved without unlocking the bootloader - through ADB or alternative launchers.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to unlock Root

Before unlocking the bootloader, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can lead to errors such as "This device is locked" or "Waiting for device."

1. Verification of the model and firmware version

Not all Xiaomi models support unlocking, such as devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) You can find out the firmware version from the Settings menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Key points:

• 📱 Models for the Global Market (Global) ROM) It is usually easier to unlock than the Chinese. ROM).
• 🔄 On HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) Additional confirmation is required through SMS.
• 🔒 Devices with locked bootloader and Locked status can be unlocked officially in fastboot. If the status is "Relocked", you will need to bypass the security.

2. Linking the Mi Account to the device

Since 2023, Xiaomi has required that you link your Mi Account to your device 7 days before unlocking, a rule that applies even to older models when you update your firmware.

Create a Mi Account (if not)|Confirm email and phone|Log in to your phone account|Activate "Find the device"|Leave the device on for 168 hours-->

To avoid the "Account Not bound" error:

1. Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account and make sure you are logged in.
2. Activate the option Find Device.
3. Connect your phone to the Internet (preferably via Wi-Fi and mobile data alternately).
4. Do not log out or reset your phone for 7 days.

⚠️ Warning: If you drop your phone before 168 hours, the meter will reset. SMS-Confirmation can come only 3-5 days after binding.

3. Installation of necessary tools

Unlocking will require:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for Mi Unlock Tool or Linux/macOS (alternative methods).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original, as cheap cables may not transmit data to fastboot).
• 🛠️ Utilities: Mi Unlock Tool (official, downloaded from the Xiaomi website). ADB & Fastboot (part of Android) SDK Platform Tools. Magisk (to get Root after unlocking).

Download Platform Tools from the official Android website and unpack it to the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\). It will make it easier to work with teams.

The official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi supports, but it requires waiting. 168 hours (7 days) after the account is linked. MIUI 14/15 hyperos.

Step 1: Enable the developer mode and debugging over USB

To unlock the bootloader, you first need to activate hidden settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Activate: Debugging by USB (USB Debugging! Unlocking OEM (OEM Unlocking – this item may not be available on new devices.Mi Unlock Status – you need to link your account here.

On HyperOS, Mi Unlock Status might be called Device Unlock, and if it's not, upgrade to the latest version.

Step 2: Connect to Mi Unlock Tool

After 7 days of waiting:

1. Turn off the phone and press the volume down. + Food to enter fastboot (screen with rabbit and inscription) FASTBOOT).
2. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable.
3. Start the Mi Unlock Tool (you need to log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone).
4. Press Unlock and confirm the action.

Algorithm:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold the Loud up. + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC – the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL may result in loss IMEI This method is recommended only in extreme cases.

Method 2: Downgrade firmware (for older models)

On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 9) you can install the old version MIUI, where unlocking is possible without waiting:

1. Download the firmware archive (.tgz) for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive and move the folder to C:\platform-tools\.
3. Turn on fastboot on your phone and execute the command: fastboot flash antirbpass antirbpass.img fastboot reboot
4. After the reboot, try unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.

This method doesn’t work on all devices and can result in a bootloop cycle.

Install Magisk and get Root rights

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to flash Magisk, a tool for managing Root rights, which allows you to hide Root from applications (for example, banking) and install modules to modify the system.

Step 1: Download Magisk and firmware

You will need to:

• 📱 The latest version of Magisk (download from GitHub).
• 📦 Firmware for your model in.tz format (can be extracted from the official service package).
• 🖥️ Platform Tools with ADB and Fastboot.

Step. 2: Extraction boot.img and patching through Magisk

Instructions:

1. Download the full firmware for your device (for example, fw_redmi_note12_global_v14.0.1.0.tmwmxm_....tz).
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. boot.img (usually in the image folder).
3. Copy boot.img to your phone.
4. Install Magisk. APK Open it on your phone and select Install. → Select and Patch a File.
5. Choose. boot.img And wait for the file to be created. magisk_patched.img download.

Step 3: Firmware patch boot.img

Now, stitch the modified boot.img fastboot:

1. Reboot your phone in fastboot (Loudness down) + Nutrition).
2. Connect to the PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, you'll see Magisk Manager on your phone, open it and check the status of Root, and if it's successful, you'll see a green checkmark and a version of Magisk.

💡

If after firmware Magisk phone fixated on the logo, try to sew the original boot.img back, and then repatch with the Magisk modules disabled.

Root-rights check

To make sure that the Root works:

1. Install the Root Checker app from Google Play.
2. Run it and press Verify Root.
3. If you see the message "Congratulations! Root access is properly installed" - all ready.

You can also check the terminal by following the command:

su

If you receive an input invitation (# instead of #) $), Root active.

Solving Typical Problems After Unlocking Root

Even if you unlock successfully, you can have difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The phone does not turn on after the firmware Magisk (bootloop)

Reasons:

• Incompatible version of Magisk with firmware.
• Damaged. boot.img.
• Conflict with Magisk modules.

Decision:

1. Download to fastboot and run the original boot.img: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot
2. If the phone is loaded, repeat the patching boot.img via Magisk, disabling all modules.

2. "This device is locked" error when trying to unlock

This means that:

• It has not been 168 hours since the account was linked.
• The Mi Account is not synced to the device.
• The device was previously unlocked and relocked (Relocked).

Decision:

• Check the status in Settings → For developers → Mi Unlock Status.
• If you are “Locked” you should wait 7 days.
• If the status is "Relocked", try to bypass the protection through EDL (see above).

3. Banking applications do not work (detect root)

Magisk allows you to hide Root from applications using the MagiskHide function (in new versions – Zygisk) + DenyList, to make banking apps work:

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → Hide Magisk (MagiskHide).
2. Turn on the option and restart the phone.
3. Add the banking app to DenyList (in newer versions of Magisk).

If it didn't help, try:

• Install Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk.
• Use alternative versions of applications (e.g. SberBank Lite instead of the main one).

4 Loss. IMEI or network after unlocking

This is a common problem when running through EDL or unofficial firmware, to restore IMEI:

1. Find out the original IMEI (written on a box or under a battery).
2. Download the tool. QCN Rebuilder or Maui META.
3. Sweep modem and nv sections from the original firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Recovery IMEI HyperOS may require authorization through Xiaomi servers.

How to get everything back: lock the bootloader and remove Root

If you decide to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), you must:

1. Remove Magisk (via the app itself or the original firmware) boot.img).
2. Lock the loader back.
3. Swipe the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

Step 1: Remove Magisk

The easiest way is through the application itself:

1. Open Magisk.
2. Go to Settings. → Complete removal (Complete Uninstall).
3. Reboot the phone.

If the phone doesn’t load, go through the original. boot.img fastboot:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

Step 2: Locking the bootloader

To lock the loader:

1. Go to fastboot.
2. The command is: fastboot oem lock
3. Confirm the action on the phone (if you receive a request).

On HyperOS, after blocking, you may need to firmware the full official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (Clean All option).

Step 3: Firmware of the official firmware

To return the phone to the factory state:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.
4. After completion, the phone will restart to its original state.

Now the device is completely clean: without Root, with a locked bootloader and official firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Root on Xiaomi