Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their MIUI functionality, but for many enthusiasts, standard system capabilities are not enough. Obtaining superuser rights, or Root access, opens the door to deep customization, removing system debris and installing specialized modules that are not possible in a effluent state.
Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese giant has implemented a strict security policy that makes the procedure for obtaining administrator rights less trivial than on devices with pure Android. You will have to face waiting, binding an account and using specific software.
Before you start taking action, you need to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, you get full control of the file system and the ability to run powerful optimization scripts. On the other hand, you lose the warranty, the ability to use banking applications in normal mode and access to services with high security requirements. If you are ready to experiment, this article will be your guide to the world of system administration of mobile devices.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The beginning of any complex process of system modification requires careful preparation. Ignoring this stage often leads to users getting stuck in the unlock step or losing data. The first thing you need to do is create a full backup of all important data, since the device will be completely cleaned during the unlock process.
You will need quality. USB-The cable, preferably original, and the computer running Windows. Also make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60%, so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of firmware components.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO unlocked or unlocked loader.
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔗 Mi Accounts tied to your device at least 7 days ago (for new devices).
- 📥 The official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock the bootloader.
You should pay special attention to drivers. ADB-The computer will not see your phone in debugging mode, and users often encounter a problem when the Device Manager shows unknown hardware, which blocks the entire process.
💡
Use the original. USB-Cheap "charging only" cables don't transmit data, which will lead to connection errors when trying to unlock.
The preparation process involves activating the hidden developer menu, which requires several clicks on the build number in the About section, and when the notification appears, a new item will appear in the settings menu, where you need to activate the debugging over USB.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
This is the most difficult and longest step in the entire procedure. Xiaomi policy requires that a certain time elapse between the time of linking an account to the device and the attempt to unlock it, usually 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases the wait can be delayed up to 30 days.
To start with, you need to find the Mi Unlock Status item in the Developer Menu and link your account, and then download the official Mi Unlock Tool program to your computer, log in to it and turn your phone into Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the device is turned off).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will result in the complete removal of all data from the device’s internal memory (Factory Reset.
After connecting the smartphone in Fastboot mode to the computer, the Mi Unlock utility will check the status of the akka--If all conditions are met, the unlock button will be active, and the process takes a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and begin cleaning.
☑️ Checklist before unlocking
It is important to understand that once unlocked, some security features will be lost, such as the use of secure content on some streaming services may be limited, and the Play Protect security system may begin to flag the device as unsafe.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi’s standard Recovery menu has extremely limited functionality and does not allow you to install third-party zip archives or obtain Root rights. Therefore, installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a must for advanced users.
The recovery firmware file must strictly match the model of your device. Using an image from another model can lead to the “bricking” of the gadget, since the addresses of memory partitions differ from processor to screen.
The installation process is done via the command line. Once the phone is in Fastboot mode, connect it to your PC and execute the image firmware command.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImmediately after the firmware is complete, you can not simply restart the phone in the usual way, otherwise the standard recovery menu will overwrite TWRP. You need to press the combination of power buttons and increase the volume until the MI logo appears, then release the power button, continuing to hold the volume, until the TWRP menu appears.
What happens if TWRP doesn’t start?
Inside the TWRP menu, you'll get access to the file system, you'll be able to do full backups, and you'll install modified files. It's touch-sensitive and intuitive, making navigation easier.
Install Magisk and get Root rights
At the current stage of development of Android-modification, the de facto standard is Magisk. Unlike the good old SuperSU, Magisk works systemless, which means that it does not make changes to the system partition, but modifies the boot image.
This has a huge advantage: many applications that check system integrity don't see the changes. APK-Magisk file that needs to be renamed ZIP Or just choose as a firmware file in the menu TWRP.
The algorithm is simple: copy the Magisk file to your phone, go to TWRP, select Install, find the file, and confirm the swipe installation. Once you reboot, the Magisk Manager app will appear on the system.
| Parameter | SuperSU (Legacy) | Magisk (Modern) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of implementation | Modification of the system partition | Systemless (without changing the system) |
| Hiding from applications | Hard or impossible | Built-in function (MagiskHide/Zygisk) |
| Support for Android 11-14 | No. | Complete. |
| Modular system | Absent. | Available (similar to Xposed modules) |
Once you have successfully installed it in Magisk, you will see the version-installed status, which means that Root rights are active and working correctly, and you can install and manage applications that require administrator rights.
💡
Magisk allows you to hide the presence of Root rights from banking apps and Google Pay, making it the only reasonable choice for everyday smartphone use.
You don't want to install modules right after you get the license, you let the system run for a couple of days to make sure it's stable, and then you can experiment with kernel tweaks or changing system fonts.
Compatibility and data security issues
Obtaining super-user rights on Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors can have its nuances, especially new models with updated security and Android 12/13/14.
One of the major problems is that banking applications work, and even with Magisk, some banks can define a modified environment, and to solve this problem, they use the Zygisk feature in Magisk settings and the exception list.
⚠️ Warning: Do not give Root access to questionable applications from unknown sources.A superuser-rights program can gain full control over your data, including passwords and correspondence.
Also worth mentioning is the Widevine L1 issue. On some Xiaomi models, after unlocking the bootloader, the DRM level may drop from L1 to L3. This will lead to the fact that streaming services (Netflix, Disney+) will not be able to play content in HD and 4K quality, limiting the resolution to 480p or 540p.
Restore the Widevine level is not possible on all devices, often requiring firmware from the original bootloader or the use of specific backups (partitions), which is a high-risk operation.
- 🔒 Always check the list of apps you give Root access to.
- 📉 Be prepared to reduce the quality of video streaming due to DRM.
- 🔄 Update Magisk regularly to receive patches of vulnerabilities.
- 🛡️ Use the built-in “DenyList” feature to hide the root from critical applications.
Data security now rests solely on your shoulders. Android system protection mechanisms like SafetyNet (now the Play Integrity API) will constantly check the device for integrity.
Return to the original state (Unroot)
If you're tired of experimenting, you need to hand over the device to the service under warranty or just return stability, the process can be reversed. Magisk provides a convenient feature of complete removal in its interface.
You just open the Magisk app, click the Delete button, and select Complete Delete. The device will reboot and the superuser rights will be void, but this will not lock the bootloader back.
To fully restore the device to factory state, you need to flash the official firmware through Fastboot mode using the Mi Flash Tool utility in Clean all and lock mode. This will return the boot loader lock and the original state of the system.
Remember that re-locking the bootloader on a modified system (for example, if you forgot to delete TWRP or change system files) will cause the phone to stop booting (Bootloop).