How to Root Access on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Unlocking the bootloader and Installing Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install modified firmware. Incorrect actions can turn a device into a brick or take away warranty. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to gain root access on Redmi, POCO Mi-series in 2026 – from unlocking the loader to installing Magisk and alternative recavers.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi has tightened security policy: since 2021, many models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) require a Mi Account to be linked to the device before unlocking the bootloader.In addition, some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on rooted devices due to the SafetyNet policy.

If you are a beginner, start with the Device Preparation section, which describes the mandatory steps before any manipulation. TWRP. At the end of the article – answers to frequent questions and a list of models for which root access is the most difficult to get.

1.What are root rights and why do they need on Xiaomi

Root access (or "super user") is full control of the Android operating system, similar to the administrator rights in Windows. On smartphones, Xiaomi root allows:

• 🔧 Remove embedded applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, etc.) that cannot be uninstalled by standard means.
• ⚡ Optimize productivity: disable unnecessary services MIUI, Overclock the processor (if supported by the kernel) or limit background activity of applications.
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or modified versions MIUI publicity.
• 🔒 Bypassing restrictions MIUI: include USB-debugging without notifications or configuring build.prop to trick apps.
• 📡 Modify network settings: unlock hidden ranges 4G/5G or tune TCP/IP speed up the Internet.

But there are also serious disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support root access, when contacting the service center, repairs may be refused if they detect modifications.
• 🛡️ SafetyNet issues: Many banking and payment apps (like Google Pay) will stop working without additional settings.
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking”: improper actions when unlocking the bootloader or firmware can make the device inoperable.
• 🔄 Automatic updates MIUI They can fly off after they get a root license.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the loader may result in loss IMEI Before you start, check the compatibility of your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

2. Preparation of the device before obtaining root rights

Before unlocking the bootloader or installing Magisk, several mandatory steps must be followed:

1. Back up your data. Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.
2. Check the model and version MIUI. Go to Settings. → About the phone. Write down: Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G). Version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5 Global Assembly number (Settings) → About phone → MIUI version).
3. Activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. After that, in Settings → There will be a paragraph for developers.
4. Turn it on. USB-debugging and unlocking OEM. In the menu For developers activate: Debugging by USB Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock).

Link your Mi Account to the device.

MIUI 12

Xiaomi

Mi Account

Also prepare:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux (MacOS may require additional drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (low-quality cables may interrupt the connection during firmware).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (80 recommended%+).
• 📥 Utility: Mi Unlock Tool (official utility for unlocking the bootloader), Magisk (latest version). Drivers ADB Fastboot (can be installed via Android) SDK).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (e.g., a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T), Check if the bootloader is locked at the hardware level (Hardware Lock), this is true for devices purchased from carriers (for example, MegaFon or Beeline), in which case unlocking may require contacting the service center.

3. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi (official way)

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before obtaining root rights. Xiaomi allows you to do this officially through the Mi Unlock Tool utility, but with restrictions:

• ⏳ Waiting 7 days (168 hours) after a Mi Account is linked to a device is the rule for most models released after 2020.
• 🔗 The device must be linked to the Mi Account in the settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account).
• 📱 Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) require permission from support via ticket in the Mi Community.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool: https://new.mi.com/unlock. Unpack the archive and launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Put your phone in Fastboot mode. Turn the device off. Press the power button. + Volume down before the Fastboot logo (robot with open belly).

Once you unlock it successfully, it automatically resets to factory settings. Don't worry, that's okay. Now you can start installing Magisk or TWRP.

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Unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool is the only official way, but requires a wait of 7 days.Unofficial methods can result in the blocking of the Mi Account.

4. Install Magisk for root rights

Magisk is the most popular root-rights tool for systemless rooting, which lets you bypass SafetyNet and hide your root from applications, and below is a guide for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (recommended for beginners)

1. Download the latest version of Magisk. Official website: GitHub Magisk. For most devices, the version is suitable Magisk-v26.4.zip (Check the relevance at the time of reading).
2. Download the patch for your model. POCO X3 Pro needs a file. boot.img Download the firmware for your model from the website. MIUI Downloads. Unpack the archive and find the file. boot.img (usually in the image folder).
3. Patchita boot.img - Copy it through Magisk. boot.img Install Magisk. APK On the phone (don't run!). From the Magisk menu, select Install. → Select and Patch a File and specify boot.img. After patching the file magisk_patched.img It will appear in the Download folder.
4. Sweep the patchy boot.img Fastboot. fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot Transfer your phone to Fastboot (Power) + Volume down. Connect to the PC and execute commands above.

Method 2: Installation through TWRP (power-user)

If your device has a custom recavator (TWRP), You can install Magisk through it:

1. Download. Magisk-v26.4.zip And copy it to your phone.
2. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
3. Choose Install. → Choose. Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

After the reboot, check for root rights using the Root Checker app or command in the terminal:

su

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

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If applications like Google Pay or SberBank don’t work after installing Magisk, turn on the Magisk Hide option and add those apps to the hidden list.

5. Alternative methods of obtaining root rights

If the official methods do not work (for example, due to hardware locking of the bootloader), alternative methods can be tried. They are more risky and can lead to loss of warranty or locking of the device.

Method 1: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

Regime. EDL It allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing locks.

• ✅ It works even with a blocked loader.
• ⚠️ Requires an authorized Mi Account (or a Firehose bypass).
• ⚠️ The risk of turning a device into a “brick” in case of an error.

Instructions:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model in.tgz format.
2. Put the phone in mode. EDL: Turn off the device. Press the volume up. + Volume down and connect to the PC. Hold the buttons. 10-15 A few seconds before the Qualcomm port arrives. HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device-controller.

Mi Flash Tool

Flash

After the firmware, unlock the bootloader in the standard way.

Method 2: Use of exploits (e.g., DirtyCOW)

Some vulnerabilities in the MIUI They allow you to get a root without unlocking the bootloader. For example, the DirtyCOW exploit worked on older versions. MIUI 10-12.

Warning:

⚠️ Note: Exploits are often closed in new updates. Using such methods can lead to data loss or device lockdown via Mi Cloud. As of 2026, most exploits are not working on the device. MIUI 14 and newer.

Method 3: Installation of custom firmware with pre-sewn ore

Some firmware (like LineageOS or Havoc-OS) already include root access.

1. Unlock the loader.
2. Install TWRP or another custom Recovery.
3. Run the firmware through the Recovery.

A list of supported devices can be found on the forum XDA Developers.

6. How to hide root from apps (Magisk Hide and Universal SafetyNet Fix)

Many apps (banking, gaming, Netflix) block work on rooted devices because of SafetyNet, Android’s integrity check system.

Step 1: Turn on Magisk Hide

1. Open Magisk Manager.
2. Go to Settings. → Turn on Magisk Hide.
3. In the Magisk Hide section, select the apps you want to hide the root for (for example, SberBank or Google Pay).

Step 2: Install Universal SafetyNet Fix

Even with Magisk Hide, some apps can detect root.

1. Download the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
2. Install it through Magisk (Modules) → Install it from the vault).
3. Reset the device.

Step 3: Check SafetyNet Status

Use the SafetyNet Test app (such as SafetyNet Sample) to check for:

• ✅ ctsProfile: true - SafetyNet passed.
• ❌ ctsProfile: false - root detected, you need to configure Magisk Hide.

If SafetyNet fails:

• Update Magisk and modules to the latest version.
• Try disabling other Magisk modules (they may conflict).
• Install the Riru - Core and Riru - Hide Libs module.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.

If your problem is not described in the table:

• Check the error logs in Magisk or TWRP.
• Find a solution in the forums: XDA Developers 4PDA (Russian-language section) Telegram chat Xiaomi.RU

⚠️ Note: If after manipulating the root rights, the phone stopped booting and does not respond to Fastboot, try flashing the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL. This may require an authorized Mi Account or help from a service center.

8 Xiaomi models that are the hardest to get rooted

Not all Xiaomi devices are easy to root, and some models have additional protections:

• 🔒 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (2023) — Hardware locking of the bootloader, requires authorization through Mi Account.
• 🔒 Redmi K60 Series - Unlocking restrictions for Chinese versions.
• 🔒 POCO F5/F5 Pro - problems with TWRP early-stage.
• 🔒 Xiaomi Civi 2/3 — patching-up boot.img kernel-modified.
• 🔒 Redmi Note 12 (Global) – Long wait for unlock (up to 360 hours).

For these models, it is recommended that:

• Finding current guides on XDA.
• Use Telegram chats on a specific model (for example, @pocof5chat).
• Contact trusted custom firmware developers (for example, whyred for Redmi Note 5 Pro).

On models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. Before starting, make a backup copy of the section NVRAM teamwise:

adb shell


su




dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p7 of=/sdcard/nvram_backup.img

FAQ: Responses to frequent