How to Root the Rights to Xiaomi: A Safe Way to Unlock the bootloader

Getting super-user rights (root) on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires care. In 2026, the process was complicated by the tightening of the MIUI security policy: the company blocks the bootloader by default, and some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require additional steps to unlock. This article covers current methods for devices on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, including bypassing new restrictions.

It's important to understand that root voids warranty, can lead to blocking of Mi Account (if an informal unlock method is used), and increases the risk of security breaches. However, for enthusiasts who need custom firmware, removal of firmware or fine-tuning of the system, there are no alternatives. We will discuss two main ways: official unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool (for supported models) and workaround solutions for locked-status devices.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Device model: methods for POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T differ.
• 🔒 bootloader status: run the command fastboot oem device-info – if Device unlocked: false, you will need to unlock.
• 📦 Version. MIUI/HyperOS: on old assemblies (below) MIUI 12) Vulnerabilities can be exploited, new ones can be exploited only by official tools.

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

The first step is to back up and prepare tools. Without this step, you risk losing data or getting a “brick” (a broken device). On devices with HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), back up via Settings → About phone → Backup may not save all data – use third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy on another device).

List of mandatory actions:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 80% – unlocking the bootloader can take up to 30 minutes.
• 📎 Download Mi Unlock Tool (at least 5.5.224.30 for HyperOS).
• 🔑 Make sure you have access to a Mi Account tied to your phone – unlocking is impossible without it.
• 🖥️ Prepare a PC with Windows 10/11 (on macOS/Linux Mi Unlock Tool is not working properly).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Redmi) K60 Xiaomi 13T) The Mi Account must be active for at least 7 days before unlocking, otherwise the tool will give you a Couldn't unlock error.

Also check if your model is officially supported. The list of supported devices can be found on the official website, but note that even if the model is on the list, for some regions (for example, Xiaomi for Russia), unlocking can be blocked at the firmware level.

Make a backup copy of the data|Charge the phone. ≥80%|Download the Mi Unlock Tool for the latest version|Link your Mi Account to your phone (minimum) 7 days)|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->

2 Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (official method)

The official method is suitable for most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices released after 2019, which consists of three stages: activation of the developer mode, account binding and actual unlocking. New models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) may require additional confirmation via SMS.

Step 1: Enabling Developer Mode and Account Linking

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version (or HyperOS version).
2. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
3. Activate options: Debugging by USB OEM Unlocking (the most important item!) Factory Unlocking (if any)

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi

Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.
3. Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 30 minutes).

3. Install Magisk for root rights

Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start getting root. In 2026, the only reliable way is to use Magisk (version 26.4+), which masks root from applications (such as banking) and supports HyperOS. Alternatives like SuperSU are outdated and do not work on new firmware.

Step 1: Patching boot.img via Magisk

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.apk file).
2. Install APK on your phone (don’t run!).
3. Download the stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
4. Remove from the firmware archive the boot.img file (located in the image folder).
5. Copy boot.img to your phone and in Magisk, select Install → Select and Patch a File.

Step 2: Firmware patch boot.img

1. Copy the received file magisk_patched-XXXX.img PC-only.
2. Restart your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
3. Command: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched-XXXX.img
4. Reboot the device with the command fastboot reboot.

After the reboot, check for root using the Root Checker app. If root doesn't show up:

• 🔄 Repeat the process with a new one boot.img (It's possible the file is corrupted).
• 📥 Make sure you download the firmware specifically for your model and region (e.g, umi_global for Mi 10 global).
• 🔧 If you are using HyperOS, try to flash it. init_boot.img instead boot.img (In some cases, both files are required to be patched).

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If after the firmware magisk_patched.img The phone is stuck on the Xiaomi logo, execute the command fastboot flash boot boot.img (The original file is to be returned to work. Then repatch with another version of Magisk (e.g., the Magisk version, 26.3 instead 26.4).

4. Alternative methods for non-Supported devices

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader (Errors 86006, 86012 or 86036), then your model is locked at the software level.

1. Use of the EDL-mode (for advanced users) requires a special cable (EDL cable, or testpoint points on the board, allows you to flash the firehose firmware and unlock the bootloader bypassing the Mi Unlock Tool, on devices from 2023 to 2026 (for example, the Redmi Note 12). 5G) This method can lead to hardware locking IMEI.
2. Exploits for older versions of MIUI. Firmware below MIUI 12.5 can use vulnerabilities like DirtyCOW or CVE-2020-0041. HyperOS does not work.
3. Buying an unlocked bootloader: Some services (e.g. UnlockUnit) offer unlocking for a fee (~$10-$30) Risk: fraud or blocking of a Mi Account.

⚠️ Attention: Method EDL on devices with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) requires authorization through Qualcomm. Without it, the firmware will end up with a Sahara Communication Failed error.

5 Problems After Root Obtaining and Solving Them

Even if you successfully root, you can still have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Apps are not working (banking, Netflix, Netflix, Pokémon GO) Use MagiskHide (built into Magisk): turn it on in settings and add problematic apps to the hide list. HyperOS may require the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
• 🔄 The phone is stuck on downloading the original boot.img via fastboot or reset via Recovery (Loudness up) + Nutrition).
• 📵 No network (IMEI Restore IMEI through QCN-file (backup required) or Maui tool META. HyperOS may not work – you will need to flash through EDL.
• 🔋 Fast Battery Disable Unnecessary Magisk Modules and Check Process Activity through BetterBatteryStats.

If the root has stopped working after installation OTA-updates, don't try to install them, it will lead to the loss of root or brick:

1. Download full firmware with Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
2. Before firmware, delete -dw from the file name (if any) to avoid anti-rollback error.
3. After the update, re-switch. magisk_patched.img.

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On devices with HyperOS after updating through OTA root disappears forever – it can only be restored by re-unlocking the bootloader and firmware Magisk.

6. How to hide root from apps (MagiskHide and alternatives)

Many apps (e.g. SberBank Online, Google Pay, Pokémon GO) block work on root devices. To get around this, use:

• 🔍 MagiskHide (built into Magisk): Enable the option in the Magisk settings. Add apps to the hide list. Reboot the device.
• 🛡️ Universal SafetyNet Fix: Installed via Magisk → Modules. Helps you pass SafetyNet (required for Google Pay).
• 🔄 Fingerprint: Use the MagiskHide Props Config module to replace the print of the device with a certified one (e.g., Pixel 6).