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

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, install custom firmware and optimize performance. However, the unlocking process has become more difficult: the company has tightened security policies, and improper actions can turn a device into a โ€œbrick.โ€ In this guide, we will discuss current 2026 methods that work on Redmi, POCO and Mi models (including the new Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 series).

It's important to understand that unlocking the bootloader and getting root are two different steps. The first step (unlocking the bootloader) is officially authorized by Xiaomi, but requires waiting and binding the Mi Account. The second step (installing Magisk or SuperSU) is already considered a modification of the system and is insecure. We will discuss both processes in detail, and also explain how to minimize risks and what to do if something goes wrong.

1.Preparation for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure your device meets key requirements. Xiaomi has imposed strict restrictions on new models, so some steps have become mandatory.

First, check the firmware version. On devices with MIUI 14 and later (such as the Xiaomi 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the unlocking process is different from the older versions. You can find out the version from the Settings menu โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version. If you have a MIUI 12 or older, some instructions may not work.

Second, be sure to link your Mi Account to your device. Without this, unlocking the bootloader is impossible. Go to Settings โ†’ Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure that there are no restrictions on your account (for example, blocking for suspicious activity).

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Device Compatibility: Check if your model supports unlocking. some devices (e.g, POCO F5 The Chinese market may be subject to restrictions.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge: The charge level must be at least 60%. When unlocking the bootloader, the device is rebooted several times.
  • ๐Ÿ’พ Backup: Unlocking will reset all data! Save photos, contacts and apps to PC or cloud.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Windows PC: You will need a PC to unlock. MacOS and Linux are supported informally (possible errors).

โš ๏ธ Note: If your device was purchased in China (the domestic version), unlocking may require additional steps, including confirmation via a Chinese phone number. ROM) it's irrelevant.

2. Unlock Bootloader on Xiaomi: the official way

The official method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is the only way Xiaomi supports, but even here there are pitfalls: the company has introduced a 72-hour waiting period for new accounts.

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (avoid third-party sources - viruses are common there). Install the program on your PC and follow the following steps:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu - there will be an item for developers.
  2. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Developer Menu.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC via cable (use the original Xiaomi cable โ€“ cheap analogues may not transmit data).
  4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
  5. The program will suggest linking the device to the account. Confirm the action and wait. SMS-code (will come to the number associated with the Mi Account).
  6. Once you have attached, click Unlock. If your account is new, you will see a message telling you to wait 72 hours.

After 72 hours, try again. The device will restart and the bootloader will be unlocked. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking can take up to 360 hours (15 days) due to additional security checks.

๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi model you will unlock?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model

3.Install Magisk: Getting Root Rights After Unlocking Bootloader

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start getting root rights, and the most reliable way is to install Magisk, which allows you to manage the rights of the superuser without making changes to the system partition (this is important for passing SafetyNet).

Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (file) Magisk-v26.4.zip You'll also need custom regeneration. TWRP, But for new devices, it can be a problem to install because of the encryption. boot.img PC.

Instructions for patching boot.img:

  1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Select the Fastboot ROM version.
  2. Unpack the firmware and find the boot.img file (usually in the image folder).
  3. Copy boot.img to your phone.
  4. Install Magisk APK on your phone, open the app, and select Install โ†’ Select and Patch a File. Point the path to boot.img.
  5. After patching the file magisk_patched.img It'll appear in the Download folder. Copy it on your PC.
  6. Reboot your phone in Fastboot Mode (turn off the device, then pinch Power + Volume down).
  7. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
  8. Reboot the device with command: fastboot reboot

After the reboot, check for root rights using the Root Checker app. If everything goes well, Magisk will display Installed status.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking before installing Magisk

Done: 0 / 4

4 Risks and challenges: What could go wrong

Unlocking the bootloader and getting root rights is not a safe process, and even if you follow the instructions, you run the risk of serious problems, and the most common of these are:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The device is not turned on ("brick")Incorrect firmware or interrupted processSwipe through Fastboot the original firmware
The mobile network is not workingModem partition damaged during modificationRefuse modem via TWRP or Fastboot
Not coming through SafetyNetMagisk doesnโ€™t hide root from appsEnable MagiskHide and Enforce DenyList
Constant reboots (bootloop)Magisk module conflict or damaged boot.imgRemove modules via TWRP or reflash boot

One of the most frustrating situations is that Mi accounts are blocked after multiple attempts to unlock, and Xiaomi may suspect a hack and temporarily block access, in which case you will have to wait 24 hours to a week or contact support with a proof of ownership (check or box).

โš ๏ธ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, which came to replace) MIUI In 2026, the unlocking process may be different, and some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14) require additional confirmation through the Mi Unlock Status app, which checks the integrity of the system before unlocking.

5. Root alternatives: what can be done without unlocking

If unlocking the bootloader seems too risky, consider alternative ways to extend Xiaomi's capabilities without root rights. ADB-commands or hidden settings.

For example, to enable the developer mode and access additional options, it is enough to execute one command via ADB:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1

This will open a developer menu where you can activate:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Windows animation (speeding up the interface)
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ 4G/5G only (disable automatic switching to the 3G)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Gamer mode (optimizing performance in games)
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Absolute volume (removes restrictions on Bluetooth devices)

Another useful tool is Shizuku (application for execution). ADB-It's a PC-free team:

  • Remove system applications (such as Mi Browser or GetApps) without root.
  • Change. DNS-servers globally (including mobile data).
  • Always on Display (AOD) with additional styles.

๐Ÿ’ก

Before use ADB-teams make sure that the developer settings include the option to Allow debugging USB (This will prevent the inadvertent execution of dangerous commands.

6 How to bring it all back: rollback of change

If you unlock the bootloader or install Magisk, you can get it back to its original state, and you need the original firmware for your model.

Download Fastboot ROM from the official Xiaomi or Xiaomi Firmware Updater website. Unpack the archive and execute the following commands in Fastboot Mode:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

These commands will reset all critical sections to factory settings. Once you reboot, the device will look like new, but the bootloader will remain unlocked. To lock it back, use the command:

fastboot oem lock

โš ๏ธ Attention: Locking the bootloader after installing custom firmware can lead to data loss or a โ€œbrick.โ€ Before executing the command, make sure that the device has the original firmware without modifications.

7. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

โ“ Can I unlock a bootloader without waiting 72 hours?
No, this is a technical limitation of Xiaomi: new accounts (registered less than 30 days ago) can have a waiting period of up to 360 hours, and it is impossible to get around this โ€“ all โ€œcircumventโ€ methods from the Internet either do not work or lead to the blocking of the account.
โ“ Why does it not work after unlocking? NFC mobile?
This is a typical problem when you damage the modem or nfc partitions. Solution: Download the original firmware for your model. Unpack it and find the modem.img and nfc.img files. Fastboot: fastboot flash modem modem.img fastboot flash nfc nfc.img
โ“ How to hide root from banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff)?
Banking apps block root devices due to security concerns. To get around the check: In Magisk, turn on MagiskHide (called Enforce DenyList in the new versions); add a banking app to the Configure DenyList; Install Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk. Reboot your device. If it doesn't work, try the MagiskHide Props Config module and change the device print (fingerprint) to a certified one (like Google Pixel 6).
โ“ Can I get root on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?
No, it's impossible. All current root methods (including Magisk and SuperSU) require an unlocked bootloader. The only exception is temporary root through vulnerabilities, but they quickly close with updates and only work on older versions of Android (below 10).
โ“ What to do if Mi Unlock Tool says "Couldn't unlockยป?
The Couldnโ€™t unlock error occurs for several reasons: Mi Account is not tied to the device (check Settings). โ†’ Xiaomi account โ†’ Mi Cloud! The device does not support unlocking (relevant to some Chinese versions); Xiaomi servers are overloaded (try later); the device has unofficial firmware (you need to flash the original Fastboot). ROM). If the problem is not resolved, try: Change Mi Account region to China (in account settings); Use another PC or Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 5.5.224.30 instead of the last one); roll back the version MIUI older (for example, from 14 to 13).

๐Ÿ’ก

Unlocking the bootloader and getting root rights to Xiaomi in 2026 requires patience: waiting 72+ hours, linking the Mi Account and using only official tools. Alternative methods (for example, through vulnerabilities) do not work on new firmware and can lock the device.