How to get a root right on Xiaomi: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires caution. Without proper preparation, you risk turning the device into a brick or losing your warranty. In this article, we will discuss current methods for unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk for models from 2023-2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy and MIUI features.

It’s important to understand that the procedure is different for Redmi, POCO and the Mi lineup due to different firmware versions and types of bootloaders, and we’ll detail each step from PC prep to final superuser rights checks, and also caution against typical bugs that lead to crashes.

What do root rights give to Xiaomi and what risks do they carry?

Root access allows:

• 🔧 Remove pre-installed system applications (bloatware) and free up memory.
• ⚡ Accelerate the device through fine-tuning the kernel and task scheduler.
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) and modified recovery (TWRP).
• 🔒 Block ads at the system level through the hosts file or Magisk modules.

But there is a downside:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially bans bootloader modifications.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank Online) will no longer work.
• 🔄 Risk of “bricking”: Wrong actions when unlocking can make your phone inoperable.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ HyperOS (2026 Xiaomi has tightened the check of the bootloader, and for some models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) wait 168 hours after account link.

Preparing a smartphone and PC: what to do before unlocking

Before starting the procedure, make sure that:

Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 70%

Install the latest version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update

Connect to Mi Account and confirm it via SMS/email

Download Mi Unlock Tool (2026 version)

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Pay special attention to drivers. On a Windows 10/11 PC, you need to:

1. Disable driver signature verification (Shift + Reboot → Diagnostics → Additional settings → Download options → Reboot with verification disabled).
2. Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers for Fastboot mode (download from the official website).
3. Enable USB debugging: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.

For the POCO F5, Redmi K60 and later models, you will also need:

• 📱 Disable Data Protection MIUI safety-setting.
• 🔗 Link the device to the Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Find the device.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn’t see the device in Fastboot mode, try using the original one. USB-Xiaomi cable and port USB 2.0 (blue) on PC.

Unlock the bootloader: step-by-step instructions for MIUI 14 and HyperOS

The unlocking procedure has changed since 2023, with most models now having a 168-hour wait after the account is tied, with the exception of devices up to the Redmi Note 11 (2022), which is 72 hours.

Steps to unlock:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (you need to log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone).
3. Press Unlock. If a message appears, it means that 168 hours have passed.
4. After successful unlocking, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after unlocking MI, Don't panic. Hold the volume up. + 10 seconds power for forced reboot.If that doesn't work, you'll need firmware through Fastboot.

Installation of TWRP and Magisk: obtaining root rights

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to install custom recovery (TWRP) and Magisk to manage root access, and it’s important to use versions that are compatible with your model and the version of MIUI/HyperOS.

Download:

• 📱 Official TWRP for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img for POCO X3 Pro).
• 🔧 The latest version of Magisk (at 2026 – Magisk) v26.4).

Installation instructions:

1. Move the downloaded Magisk (.apk) to the phone's memory.


2.Reboot the device to Fastboot mode:




adb reboot bootloader




3. Squeeze the TWRP:




fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




4. Without leaving Fastboot, go to recovery:




fastboot reboot recovery




5. In TWRP, select "Install" → specify the path to Magisk.apk → swipe for confirmation.




6. Reboot to the system.

To check root rights, install the Root Checker app from Google Play or run in the terminal:

su

If a superuser invites, the access is successful.

Solving Typical Problems After Getting Root

Even with the right installation, there can be difficulties.

1.The phone does not load (bootloop)

The reason is that it is not a compatible version of TWRP or Magisk.

Decision:

• 🔄 Sweep the original boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot.img.
• 📥 Install another version TWRP (For example, an unofficial assembly for your model).

2 Bank applications are not working

Reason: Root access is detected via SafetyNet.

Decision:

• 🔒 Install MagiskHide Props Config and activate MagiskHide for problem applications.
• 🔄 Update SafetyNet Certificates with Universal SafetyNet Fix.

3. no network after firmware

Cause: damage to the modem partition.

Decision:

• 📡 Sweep the original modem.img stock-stack.
• 🔧 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

💡

If Google Pay or Netflix stop working after receiving root, use the MagiskHide module and turn off root for these applications in the Magisk settings.

How to get it back: root removal and bootloader lock

If you need to return the device to its original state (for example, for warranty repairs), follow the following steps:

1. Uninstall the Magisk menu (Uninstall → Complete Uninstall).
2. Download boot.img: fastboot flash boot.img
3. Return stock recovery: fastboot flash recovery.img
4. Block the bootloader: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader will result in a complete data reset.

HyperOS models will also need to flash the full fastboot-ROM through the Mi Flash Tool by selecting the clean all and lock option.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions