Rooting Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader: real ways and pitfalls

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones has traditionally been associated with mandatory bootloader unlocking, a procedure that requires waiting, linking to your Mi Account account and potential risks to warranty. However, in 2026, alternative methods emerged to circumvent this limitation. In this article, we will discuss how to root Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader, what tools are used to do this, and why this process remains a semi-official solution with a number of nuances.

It's important to understand that the techniques described below are not universal, but they depend on the device model, the firmware version. MIUI And even regional features (e.g., global and Chinese versions of devices behave differently) will focus on current methods, proven on firmware. MIUI 14 and HyperOS, but no one can give guarantees of a successful outcome - this is the territory of experiments.

If you’re looking for a way to get around Xiaomi’s limitations without losing data or risking a device getting “bricked up,” this guide will help you evaluate the pros and cons. But remember, even partial interference with system files can lead to a loss of warranty, problems with the system. OTA-It's not just a theory, but it's a theory, and without it, it's a mistake.

Why Xiaomi is blocking rooting without unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi has made it mandatory to link unlocking the bootloader to the Mi Account for a reason, as part of its security strategy to:

• 🛡️ Malware Protection: Root access allows attackers to implement programs that steal data or use a device to mine cryptocurrency.
• 📱 Maintaining stability MIUI: Modification of system files often leads to failures that users write off as “curve firmware".
• 🔄 Controlling the ecosystem: Xiaomi is interested in users updating firmware through official channels, not through custom recovery.
• 💰 Warranty Limits: Smartphone with unlocked bootloader automatically loses warranty in most regions.

However, these measures pose challenges for enthusiasts who want to:

• ⚡ Remove pre-installed applications (bloatware) that slow down the system.
• 🔧 Configure the core or processor frequencies to improve performance/autonomy.
• 📱 Install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
• 🔍 Use tools like Titanium Backup or AdAway for deep customization.

That's why the development community is constantly looking for workarounds, but before we get to the instructions, we need to understand the risks of rooting without unlocking the bootloader and why it's not completely safe.

Risks and consequences of rooting without official unlocking

Rooting Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader is always a compromise between functionality and stability. Unlike the standard process with an unlocked bootloader, here you face the following problems:

The last one is particularly dangerous. Without the unlocked bootloader, you can't restore the device through the Fastboot, you have to find workarounds through the Fastboot. EDL-The mode (and it is often blocked on new models) is therefore before the procedure:

Make a full data backup on PC|Check the battery charge (minimum) 70%)|Download the original firmware for your model|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot computer|Disable the antivirus (it can block rooting tools)-->

Another nuance: some rooting methods without unlocking the bootloader are based on vulnerabilities in the firmware. Xiaomi regularly closes them in new versions. MIUI, So the way that worked in 2023 might be useless in 2026. We'll focus on the solutions that are relevant, but be prepared for the fact that it will require finding alternatives.

Alternative ways to root without unlocking the bootloader

There are three main approaches to getting root rights to Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader:

1. Using vulnerabilities in MIUI (for example, DirtyCOW or CVE-2023-21250).
2. Temporary root through ADB (limited-access).
3. Install Magisk in the system partition via patching (requires access to the system partition) boot.img).

Let’s look at each of them in more detail, starting with the most reliable (but also the most complex).

1. Rooting through vulnerabilities MIUI (firmware)

Some versions MIUI (particularly Android-based 10-12) They contained critical vulnerabilities that allowed root access without unlocking the bootloader, such as the DirtyCOW exploit, which allowed the system files to be modified through the Termux application. 2026 Most of these “holes” are closed and the method works only on the:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/8T (firmware MIUI 12.5).
• 📱 Poco X3 NFC (version MIUI 12.0.8 and below).
• 📱 Mi 9T/9T Pro (Chinese versions only).

If your device makes it to this list, you can try the following algorithm:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid (not from Google Play!).
2. Enter the commands: pkg update & pkg upgrade pkg install tsu tsu mount -o rw,remount / cp /data/local/tmp/su /system/xbin/su chmod 755 /system/xbin/su
3. Reset the device.

Important: this method gives a temporary root, which disappears after the reboot. boot.img (below).

2. Temporary root through ADB (limited rights)

This is suitable for devices where you can’t get full root, but you need access to some system functions, such as removing bloatware or changing settings through the Internet. ADB Shell.

Instructions:

1. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute: Adb shell su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system"
3. You can now remove system applications (e.g. pm uninstall) -k --user 0 com.miui.analytics).

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No access to /data and /vendor.
• ❌ Rights reset after disconnection USB.
• ❌ It does not work on HyperOS (only) MIUI).

3. Install Magisk through patching boot.img (surest)

This is the closest method to a “full-fledged” root, but it requires access to the file. boot.img If you have a stock firmware in.tgz or.zip, you can extract it. boot.img, Patch it through Magisk and stitch it back through Fastboot (yes, it sounds like unlocking the bootloader, but there’s a nuance to it).

Algorithm:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove boot.img from the archive (use 7-Zip or Payload Dumper).
3. Install Magisk on your phone, open it and select Install → Select and Patch a File.
4. Choose the downloaded one. boot.img — get the file magisk_patched.img.
5. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

But how does it work without unlocking the bootloader? the fact is that some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco) are not the only ones that are available. F3) They allow you to flash boot even with a locked bootloader, if you use official firmware:

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Before the firmware magisk_patched.img Check if your model supports Fastboot Flashing unlock_critical". If not, the method won't work.

Xiaomi models that can root without unlocking the bootloader

Not all Xiaomi devices can be rooted without unlocking, and here is a list of models that will be able to use at least one of these methods in 2026:

For new models (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+ Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi 14) the chances of success are minimal - Xiaomi has tightened protection. If your device is not on the list, try to search for relevant information on the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA, specifying the exact model and firmware version.

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Even if your model is on the list, success is not guaranteed. Always check user reviews with the same firmware as yours.

Step-by-step: rooting through patching boot.img

This is the most reliable method available, so let's look at it in detail.

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Smartphone with permitted debugging USB.
• 🔗 Original Firmware for Your Model.
• 🛠️ Magisk utility (last version).

Step 1: Download the firmware

1. Go to the official website of Xiaomi Firmware.
2. Select your model and download regional firmware (e.g. Global or Global). EEA).
3. Unpack the archive and find the file. boot.img (It can be in images or require retrieval via Payload Dumper).

Step. 2: Patchim boot.img via Magisk

1. Copy. boot.img smartphone.
2. Install Magisk (download) APK GitHub).
3. Open Magisk, click Install → Select and Patch a File and select boot.img.
4. After patching the file magisk_patched.img It will appear in the Download folder.

Step. 3: We're asking for a patch. boot.img

1. Connect your phone to your PC and restart to Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
2. File: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img
3. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

If you see a green tick in Magisk after you reboot, root is received. If you don't, try:

• 🔄 Sweep magisk_patched.img Both slots (fastboot flash) boot_a and fastboot flash boot_b).
• 🔧 Shut down. AVB Team: fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img (file vbmeta.img You can remove the firmware or download the empty).

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If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI, Try to pin the volume up. + Meals to switch to Fastboot and repeat the procedure.

What to do if the rooting fails

If none of these methods worked, don't despair. Here are the alternatives:

• 🔄 Reverse to old firmware: some exploits work only on MIUI 12 or lower.Use the Mi Flash Tool for downgrade.
• 🛠️ Use of custom recovery: on some models you can flash TWRP via Fastboot even with a locked bootloader (for example, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro).
• 📱 Alternative launchers and tools: If root is only needed to remove bloatware, try it. ADB AppControl or Island to isolate apps.
• ⏳ Waiting for official unlock: If the device is new, it may be worth waiting for Xiaomi to allow the bootloader to unlock (usually it takes a while to do so). 7-30 days).

If you decide to go the official unlock path, here is a brief instruction:

1. Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Go to the unblocking site and apply.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
4. After unlocking, please TWRP and Magisk in the standard way.

The advantage of the official method is that you get full control of the device without the risk of a brick.

How to hide root from apps (Magisk Hide and alternatives)

Once rooted successfully, you'll run into a problem: Many applications (especially banking ones) refuse to work on rooted devices.

• 🔍 Magisk Hide (built into Magisk): Hiding root from selected applications. To activate: Open Magisk → Settings → Turn on Magisk Hide. Add problematic apps to the list (like SberBank or Google Pay).Reboot your device.

Island (Work Profile)

SAR

Google Pay and other services with SafetyNet will also require:

1. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix in Magisk.
2. Check SafetyNet status through the application YASNAC.

If SafetyNet doesn't work anyway, try:

• Disable all Magisk modules except SafetyNet Fix.
• Use Magisk Delta (fork with improved root hiding).
• Remove busybox and other suspicious binary options from /system.

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Even with Magisk Hide, some apps (like SberBank Online) can detect root, which can only help with rollback changes or using a second phone for banking operations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rooting Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader