How to get administrator rights on Xiaomi phone: from unlocking the bootloader to root access

Getting administrator rights (root rights) on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden system functions, allows you to remove embedded applications, optimize performance and install modified software. However, this process requires care: improper actions can lead to a device “brick” or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing the phone to the final installation of Magisk for root rights management.

It is important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the model and version of MIUI. For example, for the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 of 2023, the algorithm for unlocking the bootloader may differ from older devices like the Mi 9. We take these nuances into account and provide universal solutions that are relevant to most modern gadgets of the brand, and you will also learn how to avoid typical errors like Couldn't unlock or hanging on the Mi logo after firmware.

What are the Administrator rights for Xiaomi and what are the risks?

The rights of the superuser (root) allow:

• 🔧 Remove system applications (bloatware) such as Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps that cannot be uninstalled in standard ways.
• ⚡ Optimize battery performance through the system kernel (e.g., disable background processes from Google Play Services).
• 📱 Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) to update outdated models.
• 🔒 Bypass manufacturer restrictions, such as unlocking a region for Google Pay or installing Netflix in the Internet. HD-quality.

But there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support root access, when contacting the service center may refuse repairs.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Some applications (such as banking) will stop working due to root rights detection.
• 🔄 Risk of "brick": wrong actions when firmware can make the phone inoperable ("brick").

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell of Xiaomi, which debuted in 2026), the process of obtaining root rights may be different. → The phone.

If you're prepared for the risks, we're going to prepare, and the first thing you need to do is unlock the bootloader, and without that, you can't do anything else.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader (Bootloader)

The Xiaomi bootloader is blocked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step that requires:

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device.
2. Expectations of 7-15 days (on new models) or immediate unlock (on old models)
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool tool.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may be called a factory unlock). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

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Fastboot

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Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Link Mi Account to phone |Enable "OEM Unlock" |Install Xiaomi |Drivers Download Mi Unlock Tool|Connect phone in Fastboot-->

On new devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), you will have to wait up to 360 hours (15 days) after sending a request for unlock. You can check the status in the Mi Unlock app. On models older than 2021 (such as Mi 11), unlocking usually takes place immediately.

⚠️ Warning: If you have a Couldn't unlock 86006 error when you unlock, check that your Mi Account is logged on to your phone for more than 72 hours. SIM-The card is inserted and the phone is connected to the mobile network at least once.

Step 2: Install a custom recaveri (TWRP)

Once the bootloader is unlocked, an alternative recovery, the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), will allow you to flash modified files and gain root access.

Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website:

• 🔗 For the Redmi Note 12: twrp.me/xiaomi
• 🔗 For POCO F5: check the section XDA Developers (e.g. forum.xda-developers.com).

Note the firmware version – TWRP should match your MIUI (for example, HyperOS may require a special build).

Installation via Fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After successful firmware, reboot to TWRP (click Volume Up + Power on). On the first run, the recovery may ask to allow modifications - select Keep Read Only (if you plan to flash Magisk only) or Allow Modifications (for deep system changes).

Step 3: Magisk firmware to obtain root rights

Magisk is a root access management tool that masks changes from system checks (like Google Pay or Netflix) and can be downloaded from the official GitHub:

• 🔗 github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk (pick a file Magisk-v26.4.zip or newer).

Installation instructions:

1. Download Magisk.zip and transfer it to your phone (e.g. internal memory).
2. Download to TWRP (as described earlier).
3. Click Install, select Magisk.zip and swipe for confirmation.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root rights using the Magisk Manager app (set automatically) or via the terminal with the command:

su

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

💡

To hide root access from banking applications, activate MagiskHide (newer versions include Zygisk + DenyList) and blacklist apps like Sberbank Online or Tinkoff.

Table: Root rights compatibility with Xiaomi functions

Step 4: Solving Typical Problems After Getting Root Rights

Even if you successfully install Magisk, you can still get errors.

1.The phone is stuck on the Mi logo (bootloop)

Reason: Incompatibility of the TWRP or Magisk version with your firmware.

• 🔄 Boot in. TWRP and sew Magisk-uninstaller.zip.
• 📥 Download the current version of Magisk and re-install.
• 🔧 If it doesn’t work, run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

2. NFC or mobile network is not working

Cause: modem files are damaged or persisted when you're running the firmware.

• 📶 Sweep through the original modem and persist files for your model (can be found on the 4PDA or XDA).
• 🔄 Perform a reset of settings through TWRP (Wipe → Format Data).

3.Apps detect root access

Reason: SafetyNet or own application verifications. Solution:

• 🛡️ In Magisk, activate Zygisk and add the app to DenyList.
• 🔄 Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.
• 📱 For banking applications, use Island or Shelter (sandbox).

💡

If after installing the root rights, the phone stopped charging or quickly discharges, check the kernel settings in Magisk.Some modules (for example, for undervoltage) may conflict with power management.

Step 5: Alternative ways to obtain administrative rights

If the classic Magisk method doesn’t work, consider alternatives:

1. ADB-temporary root access teams

On some devices (such as the POCO X3 Pro), you can get a temporary root through ADB:

adb shell


su

This method only works before a reboot and does not require unlocking the bootloader, but is not suitable for all models.

2. Use of exploits (e.g. DirtyCOW)

Older versions of MIUI (before 2020) were able to get root through kernel vulnerabilities, and now this method is practically irrelevant due to patches in new firmware.

3. Custom firmware with pre-installed rue

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often come with root access out of the box, but installing them requires an unlocked bootloader and can take out functions like the IR Blaster or the camera (unless ported drivers are available).

How to remove root rights and return the phone to its original state

If you decide to return the phone to stock (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow the following steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Swipe it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
3. If the bootloader has been unlocked, it can be blocked back through Fastboot: fastboot oem lock. ⚠️ Warning: Locking the bootloader erases all data and returns the phone to factory settings. After this operation, unlocking again will require a wait of 7-15 days.

To remove only root rights (without resetting firmware):

1. Download Magisk-uninstaller.zip from the official repository.
2. You can use TWRP or Magisk Manager.
3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi