Removing root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a procedure that can be required for a variety of reasons, from restoring warranty to resolving security issues or MIUI updates. However, improper actions lead to a device “brick”, data loss or bootloader lock. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing root access, from a standard rollback through Magisk to a complete firmware reset via Fastboot.
Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO is to bind root rights to a modified loader and custom recaveri (for example, TWRP). This means that simply removing a SuperSU or Magisk Manager application will not return the device to a stock state. MIUI, loader status and type of installed root.
Before you start, answer 3 key questions:
- 🔹 What type of root rights do you have? (Magisk, SuperSU or Custom Core?)
- 🔹 The bootloader is officially unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool?
- 🔹 Do you need to save your data or are you ready for a complete reset?
1.Preparation for Root Rights Removal: What to Do Before Starting
Incorrect preparation is the main reason Xiaomi devices get “bricked” when removing the root.
Download the original firmware for your model from [miui.com](https://miui.com)
Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version
Backup your data (photos, contacts, SMS) via Mi Cloud or Google Drive
Charge your phone at least 60% (optimally 80%)
Install Xiaomi drivers ADB/Fastboot Tools on PC-->
Pay special attention to firmware versions. For example, if your Redmi Note 10 Pro runs MIUI 14 and you download the firmware for MIUI 13, once you have firmware, the device may become stuck with the logo or lose network. Use only stable firmware versions (marked "Stable"), avoid beta versions (e.g., "23.4.17 Beta").
If you have installed a root through Magisk, check the status of the modules:
- Open Magisk Manager.
- Go to the Modules tab.
- Remove all active modules (e.g. Riru, LSposed) as they may conflict with the removal process.
What happens if you don’t remove Magisk modules before resetting?
2. Method 1: Delete root rights through Magisk (without data loss)
This is the safest way if you’ve used Magisk to get root access.It’s suitable for most Xiaomi models (including the POCO F3, Redmi K40, Mi 11) and doesn’t require you to unlock the bootloader again.
Algorithm of action:
- Open Magisk Manager (if the application is hidden, search for it or rename the folder to /data/adb/magisk).
- Go to the Settings section (cog in the upper right corner).
- Select the complete removal of Magisk (Complete Uninstall).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
After the reboot, check the root rights status with the Root Checker app. If the app shows the message Root access is not properly installed, the procedure was successful. However, this method does not restore the stock recavers or block the bootloader. For a full return to the factory state, go to Method 3.
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot rebootFile. stock_boot.img You can get it from the original firmware. MIUI archivist.-->
Method 2: Removal via TWRP (for custom firmware)
If you used TWRP to install root rights or custom firmware (like LineageOS, PixelExperience), simply removing Magisk won’t help.
- Reboot to TWRP (press Power + Volume up when the phone is off).
- Go to Advanced → File Manager.
- Delete folders: /data/adb/magisk /data/adb/ksu (if KernelSU was used) /data/adb/modules (Magisk modules)
Wipe → Format Data
Install → Select Image
.zip
Important: Once you have the stock MIUI firmware running through TWRP, you'll need to manually flash the stock Recovery, otherwise the device will get stuck on the boot.
fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
fastboot reboot💡
Formatting /data in TWRP removes encryption. If you forget the screen lock password, it will help to reset it, but all data will be lost irretrievably.
4. Method 3: Complete Fastboot reset (100% clean)
This method is guaranteed to remove all traces of root rights, return the stock Recovery and lock the bootloader (if it has been officially unlocked).
- 🔹 Not loaded after unsuccessful root removal.
- 🔹 Have damaged system partitions.
- 🔹 Requires recovery for warranty repairs.
Step-by-step:
- Download the full Fastboot firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC (e.g., C:\MIUI\).
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
- Wait for the process to be completed (about 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.
If after firmware device got stuck on the MI logo, perform a hard reset:
- Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds.
- From the recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
- Have you installed Xiaomi ADB/Fastboot drivers?
- Is the original used? USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
- Is debugging mode on USB In Settings → Developers (if the phone is still on).-->
5. Method 4: Removal of root rights via MIUI (for some models)
Some versions of MIUI (starting with MIUI 12.5) have a built-in root-right reset feature, which only works if:
- 🔹 The root was obtained through official bootloader unlocking (not through exploits).
- 🔹 The device does not have a custom recaveri (TWRP).
- 🔹 Version. MIUI Not modified (e.g. not Xiaomi.EU).
Instructions:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click on the MIUI version 7 times to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the option Remove Root Access and confirm the action.
This method does not work on devices with a locked bootloader after rooting through exploits (e.g. DirtyCOW or CVE-2023-21036).
6. Checking the result: how to make sure that the root is removed
Simply not having Magisk Manager does not guarantee complete removal of root rights.
| Method of verification | What do you do? | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| Root Checker | Install the app from Google Play and run the check. | Root access is not properly installed. |
| ADB Terminal | Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell su | Error: permission denied or su: not found. |
| Checking the loader | Enter the terminal: fastboot oem device-info | Device unlocked: false (if the bootloader is locked) |
| Security scanner | Use Malwarebytes or 360 Security to search for residual files. | No warnings about modified firmware. |
If at least one of the tests shows root rights, repeat the deletion procedure or use Method 3 for a complete reset.
adb shell md5sum /system/bin/suIf a file exists, its hash must not match the known hashes of Magisk or SuperSU.-->
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even when following instructions, users face problems.-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
- 🚨 Error "Invalid sparse file format at header magic" when running through Fastboot: Cause: corrupted firmware file. Solution: re-download the firmware and check its checksum (MD5 or SHA-1).
- 🚨 The phone is stuck on the logo. MI After the firmware: The reason: the conflict between the stock boot.img And a modified kernel. Solution: boot.img manually via Fastboot.
- 🚨 the network is not working or IMEI after removal of the root: Cause: damaged section /persist or /nvram. Solution: Restore IMEI through QCN-file (requires a backup copy).
- 🚨 Mi Unlock Tool does not block the bootloader: Reason: the waiting period has expired (72-168 hours after unlocking). Solution: wait or use the Fastboot command: fastboot oem lock ⚠️ Note: Blocking a bootloader via Fastboot without the official Mi Unlock tool can cause data loss on Anti-Rollback devices (e.g., Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC).
- 🚨 Apps like Netflix or Netflix Pokémon GO Failure to work: Reason: Residual traces of Magisk Hide or modified boot.img. Solution: Swipe stock boot and perform reset via Wipe Data.
💡
On devices with a MediaTek chip (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO C31) it may be necessary to run the root completely through the SP Flash Tool instead of the Fastboot.