Root rights on Xiaomi: how to unlock in 10 minutes without errors

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allowing you to remove system applications, optimize performance or install custom firmware. However, the unlocking process requires caution: improper actions can turn a device into a brick or deprive you of warranties. In this article, we will discuss the current methods of 2026 that work on most Redmi, POCO and Mi models – from the official unlocking of the bootloader to using tools like Magisk and Fastboot.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and some of the old ways (like unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool without waiting) no longer work. We analyzed the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums to collect only proven schemes with the latest MIUI 14/15 updates. If you're a beginner, start with the official method.

Why Xiaomi is blocking root rights and what it gives users

Xiaomi restricts access to root rights for three key reasons:

• 🔒 Security: Open root allows malware to gain control of the system (e.g., stealing data from banking applications).
• 📱 Stability: Deleting system files or incorrect modifications often lead to bootloop (a looped boot).
• 📉 Warranty: Any changes will void official support (except for unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool in some regions).

However, root gives users:

• ⚡ Remove built-in Bloatware (e.g. Mi Browser, GetApps, Mi Video).
• 🔧 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) for pure Android.
• 🎮 Performance optimization through the Kernel Adiutor or overclocking.
• 📱 Backup of all data, including applications with their settings (Titanium Backup).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Qualcomm Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may result in hardware locking of the Widevine module L1 — video from Netflix and Disney+ will be displayed in the permit 480p.

Official method: unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

This is the only way Xiaomi has approved, but it requires waiting and binding Mi Account.It is suitable for most models released after 2018 (except for devices for the Chinese market with China ROM firmware).

Step 1: Preparation of the device

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number to activate Developer Mode.
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include:
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.

Step 2: Linking your Mi Account

Log in to Mi Account on your device (Settings → Xiaomi Account). Make sure:

• 📧 Account confirmed by email/phone.
• 🔗 Device linked to account (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Devices).
• ⏳ At least 7 days have passed since the binding (a prerequisite for new devices).

Step 3: Use the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
4. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
5. In the program, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If you have a "Couldn't unlock" or "10008" error, it is 7 days after you have linked your account. Also check that the Fastboot device is determined by the fastboot device command (should display the serial number).

Unofficial methods: when the Mi Unlock Tool does not work

If the official method is not available (for example, on devices for the Chinese market or with a blocked Mi Account), alternative methods can be used.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Suitable for Qualcomm processor devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro).

• 🖥️ Windows PC and Qualcomm Drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
• 🔧 Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
• 📄 Firehose file (unique for each model).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in mode. EDL: adb reboot edl or press the volume up + Loudness down + USB-cable (on some models).
2. In Mi Flash Pro, select the firmware file.tgz and press Flash.
3. After the firmware loader will be unlocked.

Method 2: Exploits for older versions of MIUI

Some devices with MIUI 12 and below run vulnerabilities that allow you to bypass the lock, such as the DirtyCOW exploit for Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (Android One).

• ❌ Not working. MIUI 13+.
• ⚠️ High risk of bootloop if performed incorrectly.
• 🔍 Requires manual patching of system files through ADB.

Example of a team to check for a vulnerability:

adb shell echo "test" > /data/local/tmp/dirtyc0w

If the file is created, the exploit may work.

Installation of Magisk for root rights management

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install Magisk, a root access management tool that masks changes from apps (such as banking or Netflix).

Step 1: Custom Recovery (TWRP) firmware

• Download TWRP for your model from the official website.
• Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-joyeuse.img fastboot reboot recovery

Step 2: Installation of Magisk

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub) and move the.zip file to your phone.
2. In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
3. Reboot to the system.

Step 3. Root check

Install the Root Checker app from Google Play or do it in the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, Magisk is successfully installed.

💡

After installing Magisk, turn on the option “Magisk Hide” and add to the list of applications that should not detect root (for example, banking applications or Pokémon GO).

Solving common problems

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them.

⚠️ Warning: If the bootloader stops loading after unlocking (black screen or Mi logo), don’t try to stitch custom cores or modules. First return the stock firmware through Fastboot with clean all and lock option, then repeat the process.

How to return the guarantee after obtaining root

Xiaomi does not officially restore the warranty after unlocking the bootloader, but there are ways to return the device to the “factory” state:

1. Close the bootloader: Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option.
2. Delete Magisk: In TWRP, file Magisk-uninstaller.zip.
3. Reset the counters: On some models (for example, POCO F3) you can reset the unlock counter via Fastboot: fastboot oem lock

But keep in mind:

• 🔍 The service center can check the unlock log through EDL.
• 📱 On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi) 9A) Returning the original state is more difficult due to hardware binding.

💡

Even after the bootloader is closed, some traces of modifications (for example, a modified boot partition) may remain. If the warranty case is critical (for example, a motherboard failure), it is better not to risk root rights.

Root Alternatives: What You Can Do Without Unblocking

If the risks of getting root are scary, consider legal ways to empower Xiaomi:

• 🧹 ADB-Bloatware removal commands: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.global (works without root, but apps will return after reset).
• 🔄 “For Developers” Mode: Enable Windows Animation 0.5x and GPU-acceleration to speed up the interface.
• 📱 Global firmware ROM: On Chinese devices, you can legally change firmware to global through the Mi Flash Tool (without unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔧 Applications with advanced settings: MacroDroid (automation), Tasker (system management without root).

These methods do not provide complete control, but cover 70-80% of the tasks for which users want to root.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi