Rooting Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens up access to system files and hidden Android features. But in 2026, with the release of MIUI 14/15 and the tightening of Xiaomi’s security policy, the classic methods of obtaining root rights stopped working. This article will help you understand how to properly root a device, avoiding the account ban or turning the phone into a brick.
The rooting process is divided into three key stages: unlocking the bootloader, installing the custom recover (TWRP) and Magisk firmware. It is important to understand that on new Xiaomi models (series 13/14) unlocking the bootloader requires 168 hours of waiting instead of the previous 72. We will consider current methods for devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek, and also pay attention to the features of working with HyperOS.
Why Rooting Xiaomi Has Been Harder in 2026
Xiaomi has been tightening security policy since 2021, and previously it took 72 hours to unlock the bootloader, now it is extended to 7 days for new Mi Account accounts, and on devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14 Pro or Redmi K70), standard versions of TWRP may not work due to a changed partition structure /vendor.
The main changes that complicate the process:
- 🔒 Increased waiting time for unlocking from 72 to 168 hours for new accounts
- 🛡️ Blocking the possibility of rollback on old versions MIUI fastboot
- 📱 HyperOS implementation with modified system partition structure
- 🚫 Automatically lock your account when you try to use unofficial unlock tools
While it’s more complicated, rooting is still possible, but requires strict follow-up and up-to-date tools, such as MediaTek devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) now require a patched SP Flash Tool rather than a standard fastboot.
Preparing for rooting: what to do before you start
Before starting the rooting process, several critical steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, device lockdown, or even inability to restore.
First, back up all your important data, and routing involves a full factory reset, so:
- 📱 Save contacts in Google Account or export to.vcf file
- 📷 Move photos and videos to your PC or cloud storage
- 📝 Export. SMS through apps SMS Backup & Restore
- 🎮 Save game data via Google Play Games or Helium
Next, check your device’s compatibility. Not all Xiaomi models support rooting in 2026. For example, HyperOS-based devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro) require special versions of TWRP that are still in testing. You can check the support on the XDA Developers forum in your model section.
Battery charge ≥ 70%|Backup of all data|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version|Compatibility of the model with TWRP-->
Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi
Unlocking the bootloader is a must before rooting, without which it is impossible to install custom recavers or flash Magisk. In 2026, the process became stricter: Xiaomi requires the device to be linked to the Mi Account and wait for 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone Press 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → For developers, Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock
Mi Account
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account
- Make sure your device is linked to your account (under Devices)
- Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool: 1. Download the latest version of the tool from the official Xiaomi website 2. Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator 3. Sign in to the same Mi Account as on your phone 4. Follow the instructions of the program (the device will restart to fastboot mode automatically)
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool shows a "Couldn't unlock" error
Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the device will automatically reset to factory settings. That's normal behavior, because Xiaomi is keeping the user's data secure. Now you can move on to customized Recovery.
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Unlocking the bootloader resets all the data on the device. Backup is a must!
Installation of TWRP: version selection and firmware
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery required to install Magisk and obtain root rights. However, in 2026, not all versions of TWRP are compatible with the latest Xiaomi models. For example, HyperOS devices require special builds with support for dynamic partitions.
How to choose the correct version of TWRP:
- 🔍 Check the code name of your device (e.g., tissot for Mi). A1 or alioth for POCO F3). You can find it in the settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Click several times on "Core Version").
- 📥 Download. TWRP from the official website twrp.me or from thematic tread on XDA. For new devices, look for versions labeled HyperOS or Dynamic.
- ⚠️ Avoid unofficial builds from unknown developers – they may contain malicious code.
TWRP firmware via fastboot:
- Download the twrp.img file for your model.
- Reboot the device in fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader
- TWRP command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
- Immediately after the firmware reboot to the recavator: fastboot reboot recovery Important! If you reboot to the system, MIUI will rewrite TWRP standard recaveri.
For MediaTek devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 or the POCO M6 Pro), the process is different:
- 🛠️ It'll take a patch. SP Flash Tool with Support MTK Auth Bypass.
- 🔧 Signature verification must be disabled (SLA) scripted.
- ⚡ The firmware is not run through fastboot, but through Download Mode (BROM mode).
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If the device is stuck on the MI logo after TWRP firmware, try flashing the stock recap back through fastboot and then repeat the process with another version of TWRP.
Install Magisk and obtain root rights
Magisk is a root-rights tool that allows you to bypass security checks (SafetyNet) and use banking applications. In 2026, Magisk 26.4+ is the current version that supports HyperOS and the new Android 14 cores.
Step-by-step installation instructions:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository: GitHub Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
- Transfer the archive to the device or memory card.
- Download to TWRP (hold Power + Vol Up when downloading).
- In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to Magisk-v26.4.zip → swipe for confirmation.
- After installation, reboot to the system.
Checking the success of rooting:
- 📱 Install the Magisk Manager app (download as a download) APK same GitHub).
- 🔍 Open the app – if root is available, you’ll see a green tick and a version of Magisk.
- 🛡️ Check the SafetyNet bypass through the Magisk menu → SafetyNet Check.
If SafetyNet does not pass (red cross), you must:
- Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
- Hide root for banking applications in Magisk settings (Settings → Hiding Magisk).
- Reset the device.
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Magisk 26.4+ supports HyperOS dynamic partitions, but may require additional configuration to pass SafetyNet.
Solving Common Problems After Rooting
Even with strict adherence to instructions, problems can arise, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device hung on the MI logo | Incompatible version of TWRP or damaged boot.img | Fastboot or Mi Flash Tool. |
| Magisk is not installed (error 1) | A damaged archive or lack of space in /data | Check the checksum (SHA-1) of the archive and clear the place |
| Not coming through SafetyNet | Universal SafetyNet Fix is missing or Magisk Hiding is enabled | Install the module and disable the concealment in the Magisk settings |
| There is no network after rooting | The modem or EFS partition is damaged | Restore the partition through a backup in TWRP or scrolle the stock firmware |
| Banking applications are not working | Root detected or not passed by SafetyNet | Hide root for a specific application in Magisk or use Island |
If NFC or Wi-Fi stops working after rooting, the corresponding core modules are likely to be damaged, in which case the custom core firmware that supports your model (for example, FrancoKernel or KirinKernel for devices on MediaTek) will help.
⚠️ Note: If after installing Magisk, the device stopped booting, do not try to flash the same version again. boot.img through TWRP (Uninstall option → Magisk, then install a clean version.
How to hide root from apps and services
Many apps (banking, security games, Google Pay) block the work on rooted devices. To circumvent these restrictions, Magisk provides several root hiding mechanisms.
Basic methods:
- 🔄 MagiskHide (built-in feature): Open Magisk Manager. Go to Settings → Hide Magisk and turn on the option. Add the apps you want to hide root for to the MagiskHide list.
Island
- Install Island from Google Play.
- Cloning the Banking App in Island.
- In Island settings, turn off root for clone.
- 🔄 DenyList (newer versions of Magisk): 1. Open Magisk → Settings → DenyList 2. Add apps that shouldn't see root 3.Reboot the device