Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that gives the user full control over the Android system, but requires accuracy and understanding of the risks. Unlike most manufacturers, Xiaomi officially allows unlocking the bootloader, but does so with a number of restrictions: from binding a Mi Account account to the mandatory wait 7-168 hours after the request. In this article, we will discuss the current 2026 method of obtaining root through Magisk without losing data (with the right actions), taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.
It's important to understand that root rights void warranties, block over-the-air updates (OTAs), and can lead to device blinking when errors occur. However, for enthusiasts who want to uninstall embedded software, install custom firmware, or use Magisk modules (e.g., for game mods or ViPER4Android), this is the only way. We'll look at two scenarios: for Fastboot-unlock devices (most current models) and for older devices with EDL-enable mode.
Preparation: What to do before unlocking the bootloader
Before you start unlocking, make sure your device meets the key requirements:
- 📱 Smartphone model: Check the unlock support on Xiaomi's official website.Some models (e.g., some of them, POCO F5 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) may have additional limitations.
- 🔄 Version. MIUI: Update your device to the latest stable firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update the system. MIUI 15 recommended version no lower than 15.0.4.0.
- 🔐 Mi Account: Link your device to your Xiaomi account (email and phone must be confirmed). Make sure your account is not blocked or restricted.
- 💾 Backup: Unlocking the bootloader will reset the device to factory settings. Use Mi Cloud or Google Drive to save contacts, photos and apps.
Pay special attention to drivers. To work with Fastboot and ADB on PC, you will need:
- 🖥️ Xiaomi drivers USB (download from the official website).
- 🔧 Mi Unlock Tool (last version 6.5.404.24 at the time of writing).
- 🐧 Google Platform Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (suffixed firmware version) CN), To unlock, you may need additional confirmation via a Chinese phone number, in which case it is easier to reflash the device to the global version (Global or Global). EEA) unlock.
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi consists of two steps: linking the account to the device and actually unlocking.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some models). 🔌 Debugging by USB.
Link your Mi Account to your device:
In the For Developers section, look for Mi Unblock Status and click Add Account. Wait for SMS or confirmation email (it can take up to 5 minutes).
Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on PC:
Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
Once you successfully link your account, you will start counting down the waiting time (usually 168 hours for new accounts or 72 hours for old ones) and this timer cannot be bypassed, it is designed to protect users from device theft.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Xiaomi drivers installed|Data backup made.|Battery charge > 60%-->
⚠️ Warning: If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error with code 86006 or 86012 when you unlock, it means your account is blocked for frequent attempts.Solution: wait 30 days or use another Mi Account (but this will reset the waiting timer!).
Step 2: Install TWRP Recovery (optional)
Thought TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is not required for root rights, this custom recovery allows you to create backups of the system, install ZIP-file and recover from failed experiments. MIUI 12+ Android 10+ installation TWRP It has become more difficult due to anti-rollback protection and data encryption.
If you decide to install TWRP, follow these steps:
- Download the official TWRP For your model from twrp.me, look at the firmware version, for example, for the Redmi Note. 11 Pro+ 5G (veux will do. twrp-3.7.0_12-veux.img.
- Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img Then reboot to recovery: fastboot boot recovery.img
After the first download to TWRP, you will need to enter a graphical key or password (if the system has been encrypted).If you forget the password, the only way out is to reset the data via Wipe → Format Data (this will delete everything from internal memory!).
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
| Xiaomi model | Support for TWRP | Features |
|---|---|---|
| POCO F5 / Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes (informally) | Requires to disable avb2.0 via fastboot |
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ⚠️ Partially. | It only works with a patch for dynamic_partitions |
| Redmi 10C / POCO M5 | ✅ Yes. | Standard installation, but may require a rollback to MIUI 13 |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | ❌ No. | Lock at the bootloader level, alternative - Fastboot firmware |
Step 3: Getting root rights through Magisk
Magisk is a universal root-rights tool that allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking or gaming) and install modules. The last stable version at the time of writing is Magisk v26.4.
There are two ways to install Magisk:
- Using TWRP (if installed): Download Magisk-v26.4.zip from GitHub. Move the file to your phone or flash drive. In TWRP, select Install → Select ZIP → Swipe to Confirm.
- Through Fastboot (no-one). TWRP): Download. Magisk-v26.4.apk And install it as a regular app. Open Magisk, click Install. → Select and correct the file and specify the original boot.img from the firmware of your device. magisk_patched.img On PC and run it through fastboot: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img