Root on Xiaomi: the complete guide from unlocking the bootloader to SuperSU

Getting Root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens up access to hidden system capabilities, but requires accuracy and understanding of all stages. Unlike most brands, Xiaomi devices have a locked bootloader, which complicates the procedure. This article covers all the steps from preparing the phone to installing Magisk or SuperSU, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

It’s important to understand that unlocking Bootloader and getting Root will reset all data on the device, void warranty and may disrupt banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger). However, for enthusiasts who want to uninstall firmware, optimize performance or install custom firmware, Root remains the only solution. Next, we will examine each step in as much detail as possible, taking into account typical errors and ways to avoid them.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking Bootloader, you must perform a number of mandatory actions, skipping any of them can lead to a device blink (inoperability) or lock your Mi Account.

First, check your Xiaomi model and MIUI version. Some devices (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have unique limitations. You can find the firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Write down this data – it will be necessary to choose the right unlock tool.

• 📱 Backup all data (photos, contacts, messages) through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset or by using Mi PC Suite. Once unlocked, the phone will be completely reset.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. interruption of the process due to discharge can make the device inoperable.
• 🔑 Link your Mi Account to your device. Unlocking is not possible without it. Check that you can log in to account.xiaomi.com.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for your Xiaomi on your PC. Download them from the official Xiaomi website or use the Mi Flash Tool.

Pay special attention to the binding SIM-On some models, for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) After the release, confirmation may be required SMS. If SIM-The card is not activated or linked to another device, the process will be blocked.

2 Unlock Bootloader: Official and Unofficial Ways

The bootloader on Xiaomi is locked by default, unlocking it is a must before getting Root. The official method requires waiting (usually 7-14 days), but guarantees minimal risks. Unofficial methods (for example, through exploits) can work faster, but can lead to account lock.

For official unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

The program will show a waiting timer (usually 168 or 72 hours), which cannot be bypassed legally. After the expiration date, repeat the procedure, the bootloader will be unlocked.

The “Couldn’t unlock” error is most often caused by:

• Mi accounts mismatched on the phone and in the tool.
• Insufficient waiting time (timer has not expired).
• Use the unofficial version of the Mi Unlock Tool.

Solution: Check your account binding, wait for the timer to end, or try running the tool on behalf of the administrator.

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If you unlock Bootloader on a new device, activate it with the new device first. SIM-use at least 24 hours, which will reduce the risk of blocking the account.

3. Installation of custom recavery (TWRP) after unlocking

After unlocking Bootloader, the next step is to install a custom recavery, usually TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. ZIP-Root files (such as Magisk) and backup your system.

For each model Xiaomi has its own version TWRP. Installing the wrong version can lead to a soft breech (the device will only be loaded in the recaveri (XDA Developers, 4PDA).

Installation process:

1. Download TWRP for your model (file with.img extension).
2. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power).
3. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-1-redmi_note_12_pro_plus.img (Replace the file name with yours).
4. Immediately after installation, move to the Recovery, holding Volume up + Power. If you do not, the system will rewrite TWRP standard Recovery.

TWRP recommends backing up the Boot and System partition immediately, which will help restore the phone in case of errors when receiving Root.

4. Obtaining Root Rights: Magisk vs SuperSU

By 2026, Magisk remains the most reliable and versatile tool for getting Root on Xiaomi, and it supports hiding Root from applications (such as banking), which solves the problem with SafetyNet. SuperSU is outdated and not recommended for modern versions of Android.

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip file) from GitHub.
2. Copy. ZIP-flash-drive.
3. Load to TWRP and select Install, then specify the path to Magisk-v26.4.zip.
4. After installation, run the Reboot System.

After the reboot, check for Root using the Magisk Manager app or the command in the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, the Root is installed successfully.

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Magisk is the only reliable way to get Root on Xiaomi in 2026. SuperSU and KingRoot are incompatible with MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

5. Solving typical problems after getting a Root

Even with a successful Root installation, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI — It's a bootloop. It's a faulty version of Magisk or a broken version. boot.img. Solution: Reinstall Magisk through TWRP or restore the backup copy.
• 🚫 Banking apps don't work - SafetyNet trigger. Enable Magisk option and add the app to the hidden list.
• 📱 It's not working. OTA-Update is normal for Root devices. Update manually through TWRP, Pre-delete Magisk (to avoid conflict).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge - some Magisk modules can increase consumption. check the module list in Magisk Manager → Modules and disable unnecessary ones.

If after installing Root, the phone is no longer determined by the PC in MTP mode, try:

1. Reset the device.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → For developers.
3. Install ADB drivers manually through Device Manager.

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If navigation gestures stop working after Root, reset MIUI settings to Settings → Additional → Reset settings (without deleting data).

6. How to hide Root from apps (MagiskHide and Universal SafetyNet Fix)

Many apps (banking, gaming, streaming) block access on Root devices because of SafetyNet. Magisk has a MagiskHide feature to get around this, but it requires additional modules from 2023.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings.
2. Turn on the MagiskHide option.
3. Install the modules: Universal SafetyNet Fix (for passing SafetyNet) MagiskHide Props Config (for changing the device fingerprint)

MagiskHide

Reset the device.

Check SafetyNet status with the YASNAC app or command:

adb shell su -c "snet check"

If the status of ctsProfile: true, everything is set up correctly.

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Some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) may require additional concealment using the BusyBox for Android NDK module.

7.How to remove Root and return warranty

If you need to return the device to the service center or sell it, Root must be removed.

1. Magisk is removed by Magisk Manager (Uninstall → Complete Uninstall).
2. Restore the standard recaveri (reflashing the official recovery.img via fastboot).
3. Block Bootloader (via Mi Flash Tool with official firmware).

Important: locking Bootloader will reset all data! After that, the device will look like new, but the service center can detect traces of unlocking through logs (for example, through fastboot oem device-info).

Run the command in fastboot:

fastboot oem device-info

If Device unlocked: true is the answer, the bootloader has been unlocked, and even after you lock it again, you can see it.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)