Root rights to Xiaomi: official and unofficial ways in 2026

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that gives the user full control over the Android system, but requires caution and understanding of the risks. In 2026, Xiaomi tightened its security policy, so the classic methods of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool stopped working on new models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi K70 Pro).

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to obtain root rights on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, including the official bootloader unlocker (where possible), bypassing restrictions EDL-The mode and the unblocked Magisk installation, and the risks we'll focus on, from loss of warranty to device blinking when you're not doing it, we recommend that you first look at the section on root alternatives, which solve 80% of problems without hacking the system.

⚠️ Warning: Once root rights are granted, Xiaomi may block access to Mi Account, Mi Cloud and Find Device services. on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This makes it impossible to use official updates by air (OTA).

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Unlocking

Before you start getting root, you need to follow a few critical steps, and neglecting them can lead to data loss or the inability to restore the functionality of the smartphone.

First, back up all your data. Use Mi Mover (a built-in Xiaomi app) or third-party tools like Swift Backup (requires root, but you can make a copy without it through ADB).

• 📱 Contact and SMS (export to.vcf and.xml)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud)
• 🔑 Passwords from apps (use Bitwarden or KeePassDX)
• 🎮 Save games (for example, through Google Play Games)

Second, check the model and firmware version. Go to Settings → About the phone and write down:

• Device model (e.g. 2304FPCDCG for Redmi Note 12 Pro)
• MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.6)
• Build number (e.g. TKQCNXM)

This data is needed to select the right firmware and tools. On devices with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 11), unlocking a bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool is often impossible – you will need to EDL-traversal MTK Bypass.

Make a backup of data |Write down the model and version of MIUI | Charge up to 80%+|Install ADB/Fastboot drivers |Disable Mi Account and Find Device-->

2.Official method: unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Until 2022, this method was standard for getting root on Xiaomi, and now it only works on older models (released before 2021) or on devices with Global ROM. For new smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), the official Mi Unlock Tool unlocker gives the error "Couldn't unlock".

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (official website) and the version must be at least 5.5.224.24.
2. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Activate USB Debugging and OEM Unblocking in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Link Mi Account to your device: Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security → Link your account.
5. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
6. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and click Unlock.

⚠️ Note: On new devices (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60) The official tool blocks the unlock with the message "This device is locked and cannot be unlocked". 4).

Redmi (Note, K-series)|POCO (F, X, M-series)|Xiaomi (digital series)|Another brand-->

3.Install Magisk: Getting root after unlocking

Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, install Magisk, a root rights management tool that masks hacking from applications (such as banking or gaming), and in 2026, the current version is Magisk 26.4 (check out updates on GitHub).

Instructions:

1. Download Magisk APK and install it on your phone.
2. Download the firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website. Choose the Fastboot version (not Recovery!).
3. Unpack the firmware and copy the boot.img file to your phone.
4. In Magisk, click Install → Select and Patch a File and select boot.img.
5. After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img PC-only.
6. Reboot your phone in Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12 Pro instead boot.img may need to patch init_boot.img. Check the firmware structure!

After the reboot, Magisk should have root rights. Check them with the Root Checker app. If the root doesn't show up, repeat the process of cleaning the cache.

💡

If after installing Magisk, the phone is stuck with the MIUI logo, try flashing the original boot.img back, and then repeat the patching with the Magisk modules disabled.

4. Alternative methods: root without unlocking the bootloader

If the Mi Unlock Tool doesn't work, there are informal ways that are more risky, but sometimes the only way to do it is to look at three current methods in 2026.

4.1. DirtyPipe exploit (for Android 12+)

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel allows you to get a temporary root without unlocking.It works on Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60 and other devices with Android 12-14.

• 🔧 Required: ADB, Termux, patch. dirtyc0w.
• ⚠️ Risks: Temporary root, disappears after reboot.

4.2. EDL-Mode (for MediaTek and Qualcomm)

Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash a modified bootloader. Suitable for devices where Fastboot is blocked.

• 🔧 Required: QFil (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek), an authorized Xiaomi account.
• ⚠️ Risks: High chance of a “brick” in case of firmware error.

4.3. Magisk in the system partition (for older devices)

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 11) you can install Magisk directly into the system without unlocking.

• 🔧 Required: TWRP, patch system.img.
• ⚠️ Risks: It can break OTA-update.

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), these techniques may not work due to the new avb2.0 protection mechanism and image signatures.

5 Risks and Consequences: What to Expect After Getting Root

Root rights give you complete control of the system, but with them come serious limitations.

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty if unlocked bootloader is detected.
• 🔒 Blocking services: Mi Pay, Find Device, and some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) will stop working).
• 🔄 Problems with OTA: Updates "over the air" may not be installed or lead to looping.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Root opens access to system files for malware.

In addition, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) after unlocking the bootloader, 5G support is disabled until the Mi Account is re-binded.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi to work with Google Pay or other payment systems, root will lead to the blocking of SafetyNet.

6. Root alternatives: when a system hack is not needed

80% of users want to get root to:

• 🗑️ Remove embedded applications (bloatware).
• 🔧 Change system fonts or animations.
• 📱 Install custom firmware.
• 🎮 Use cheats in games.

But most of these tasks can be achieved without rooting using:

• 🔹 ADB-Delete system applications via pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.mi.browser.
• 🔹 Shizuku + App Ops: Block permissions for apps without root.
• 🔹 Custom launchers: Nova Launcher or Hyperion to change the interface.
• 🔹 Xposed without root: LSPosed (works on the Internet) MIUI 12.5+).

⚠️ Note: Even without root, some actions (e.g., deleting com.xiaomi.midrop) may disrupt Mi Share or other system functions.

💡

Before you get root, try alternative ways to solve the problem. In 2026, most root buns are available through ADB, Shizuku or Magisk without unlocking the bootloader.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When getting root on Xiaomi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If your phone stopped loading after installing Magisk, try:

1. Download to Fastboot and flash the original boot.img.
2. Delete /data/adb/modules folder via TWRP (if installed).
3. Reset via fastboot erase userdata (delete all data!).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions