Rooting Xiaomi in 2026: a full parse from unlock to Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones remains one of the most popular procedures among advanced users, despite the tightening of the company’s security policy. With root access, you can uninstall system applications, change firmware to custom, overclock the processor, or optimise power consumption, but the process has become more complicated: Unlocking the bootloader now requires waiting, and some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) have additional protections.

In this guide, we will discuss current ways of rooting for devices on MIUI 14/15 (Including hyperos, we'll bypass common errors like Fastboot error: remote: oem unlock is not allowed, and explain how to save data when unlocked. The procedure voids the warranty and may result in the inability to use banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger) if you do not configure Magisk correctly.

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader

The first and most critical step is to prepare the device, and without it, you'll get errors in the unlocking phase or you'll lose data.

• 📱 Version. MIUI: It should be a global stable (EEA/Global) The beta versions often block unlocking.
• 🔗 Mi Account: Link the device to your Xiaomi account (required to have a confirmed phone number.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. When unlocked, the bootloader consumes more power than normal mode.
• 💻 Computer: Need Windows 7/10/11 (for Mi Unlock Tool or Linux/macOS (Virtual machines are not suitable for alternative methods!

Pay special attention to account binding. If you have previously used a device without a Mi Account, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings) and log in before the procedure. Otherwise, you will get an error Couldn't verify device.

⚠️ Note: If your device is purchased in China (local market version), you will need a Chinese phone number in your account to unlock it, and you can only get around this through unofficial services (risk of blocking your account!).

Also check if your model is officially supported. You can find a list of compatible devices on the Mi Unlock page, POCO F5 redmi K60 Supported, but Xiaomi Civi 3 may require workarounds.

2. Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instructions

The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi consists of two stages: linking the device to the account and actually unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Step 1: Linking your account to your device

This stage is often missed, but without it, unlocking is impossible.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on new models) 🔌 Debugging by USB

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission (a pop-up window will appear).

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

Added successfully

Step 2: Immediate Unlocking

Now you have to wait for permission from Xiaomi.

• 🕒 72–168 hours for new accounts (from the first device link).
• ⏳ Up to 360 hours if the account is fresh (registered less than 30 days ago).
• ⚡ Instantly for accounts with a history of unlocking (if other devices have previously been unlocked).

After the expiration of the period:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10–30 seconds).
4. The phone will automatically reboot with the bootloader unlocked.

⚠️ If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Couldn't unlock error, try it: 🔄 Reinstall Fastboot drivers manually through Device Manager. 📥 Download an older version of the utility (for example, v5.5.224.24 last). 🌍 Change your account region to China (in the profile settings on the Mi website).

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Fastboot drivers installed|Battery charge >60%|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version-->

Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP) Magisk

After unlocking the loader, you can start the installation TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project and Magisk (to obtain root rights) require precision, and an error can lead to a brick").

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

For each model Xiaomi has its own version TWRP. Download it from the official website twrp.me or trusted forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA). For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ fit twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img.

We are going to use the fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

If after the reboot, TWRP is not saved (replaced with stock recavers), do:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img




fastboot reboot recovery

Note

vbmeta.img

Step 2: Magisk firmware to get root

Magisk is a tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. Magisk-v26.4.zip From GitHub and transfer it to your phone.

TWRP:

1. Press Install and select Magisk-v26.4.zip.
2. Swipe to confirm the firmware.
3. After completion, press Reboot System.

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo, Magisk is in conflict with the firmware.

• 🔄 Please. Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP.
• 📥 Install an older version of Magisk (for example, the same as the one you use, v25.2).
• 🔧 Turn it off. AVB 2.0 in Magisk settings (if available).

💡

If after installing Magisk, banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) stopped working, activate MagiskHide in the Magisk settings and add the applications to the hide list.

4. Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users have problems, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.

The Anti-rollback bug is especially insidious, and it happens when you try to flash a firmware with a lower anti number than the current one, for example, if you have a phone that is running on it. MIUI 15 with anti=5 and you're trying to bet MIUI 14 with anti=4.The solution is one: to flash only a newer version MIUI.

5. How to save data when rooting

Officially unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi results in a full factory reset, but there are ways to minimize the loss:

• ☁️ Cloud Backup: sync contacts, photos and notes through Mi Cloud or Google Account.
• 📁 Local Backup: Use Local Backup ADB Backup (adb backup team) -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab).
• 🔄 TWRP Backup: If you already have custom recaps installed, backup Data, System, and Boot.
• 📱 Manual transfer: copy important files (photos, videos) to your PC via MTP or FX File Explorer.

For recovery after unlocking:

1. Install. TWRP and Magisk (as described above).
2. Copy the backup back to your phone.
3. V TWRP Select Restore and restore the Data partition.
4. Reboot and log in to your accounts.

⚠️ Note: Do not restore the System partition after the new version is firmware MIUI — This will lead to bootloop! only restore Data and Boot (if necessary).

💡

The most reliable way to save data is a combination of cloud backup (for contacts and applications) + manual copying of files (photos, videos).

6. Root rights check and Magisk setup

Once you install Magisk, you need to make sure that root rights work correctly and configure them for compatibility with applications.

Root-rights check

Install the Root Checker app from Play Market and run the check. Alternatively, through the terminal:

su


id

If you see the answer, you will see the uid.=0(root) means root is available.

Setup Magisk for SafetyNet

Many apps (like Google Pay or banking) refuse to work on rooted devices.

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → MagiskHide (or Zygisk in newer versions).
2. Include the option and add problematic apps to the list.
3. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk → Modules.
4. Reset the device.

Check SafetyNet status with the app YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker: If ctsProfile is false, then protection is not bypassed:

• 🔄 Reinstall Magisk with the internet down.
• 📥 Try a different version of the SafetyNet Fix module.
• 🔧 Disable all other Magisk modules (they may conflict).

7. Alternative rooting methods (without unlocking the bootloader)

Some Xiaomi models have methods for obtaining root rights without unlocking the bootloader, which are based on vulnerabilities in the firmware and do not work on all devices.

• 🐭 DirtyCOW (CVE-2016-5195): obsolete exploit, working on MIUI 8–10.
• 🔓 MTK-su: for devices running MediaTek processors (e.g., Redmi) 9A).
• 📱 KingRoot: a universal solution, but often installs malware.

The most relevant method for 2026 is to firmware a patched boot image through fastboot.

1. Download the stock. boot.img For your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Open it in Magisk (click Install) → Select and Patch a File).
3. Received magisk_patched.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: This method only works on devices with the bootloader already unlocked! On locked models, it will lead to bootloop.

8.Rutting Risks and How to Minimize Them

Rooting gives you complete control of the device, but it also carries serious risks, and here are the main ones and ways to avoid them:

The most common question is, "Can I get my warranty back after rooting?" Technically, yes, if:

1. Swipe stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
2. Lock the bootloader back (fastboot oem lock command).
3. Remove all traces of Magisk (including modules).

However, Xiaomi can check the device log and find the unlocked facts, in which case the warranty will not be restored.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi rooting