How to install Magisk on Xiaomi: from unlocking the bootloader to getting root

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones through Magisk opens up access to advanced features of the system, from removing embedded software to fine-tuning performance. However, the installation process requires care – errors in unlocking the boot boot.img can turn the device into a “brick.” In this guide, we will discuss the current way to install Magisk on Xiaomi in 2026, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14 and Android 13/14.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different for different models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the bootloader unlock algorithm can take up to 7 days of waiting, whereas on Redmi Note 12 with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 this step will pass in 24 hours. We will look at universal steps and point out the critical differences for devices with Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Installation of Magisk

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to data loss or locking the device.

• 📱 Back up your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local storage. Pay special attention to your contacts, SMS and files in a folder /sdcard/DCIM.
• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 70%. The process of unlocking and firmware can take up to 1-2 hours, and a sudden power outage will interrupt the operation.
• 🔧 Install the necessary tools on your PC: Mi Unlock Tool (official software from Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader) ADB and Fastboot (part of Google’s Platform Tools) Magisk Manager (root rights management app, download only from official GitHub)
• 📥 Download the stock firmware for your model. It can be found on the website. MIUI Downloads. Choose the version of Fastboot ROM (not recover!).

Pay special attention to firmware versions. For example, if your Xiaomi 12T runs MIUI 14.0.5 Global, download this build. Installing firmware from another version (such as China ROM) can cause problems with the IMEI or NFC module.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) Unlocking the bootloader can lead to hardware locking of the Widevine module L1, What will reduce the quality of streaming on Netflix and Disney+ before 480p. Before starting, check the chip model in the app. CPU-Z.

2. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before installing Magisk. Xiaomi has introduced this security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to the system. The process consists of two parts: linking the Mi Account to the device and actually unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

This phase takes 24 hours to 7 days depending on the model.

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in (if you haven’t already).
2. Enable Settings → Additional → For developers → Unlock OEM.
3. Connect the device to the PC via USB and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader Smartphone will reboot in Fastboot mode.
4. Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account, and follow the program instructions. If you see the message "You need to wait XX hours," wait until the specified time.

Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader

After the waiting time has expired:

1. Again, transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode with the adb reboot bootloader command.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Press Unlock and wait until the process is complete. The device will automatically restart.

Once unlocked, all the data on the smartphone will be erased! That's normal, and that's how Xiaomi's security works.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|The option “Unlocking” is enabled OEM"|Installed ADB/Fastboot driver|Smartphone charged. >70%|Data backup created-->

3. Extract and patch boot.img for Magisk

To install Magisk, you need to modify the boot.img file, the firmware section that boots the system, and here's how to do it correctly:

Step 1: Remove boot.img from stock firmware

The previously downloaded firmware (Fastboot ROM) must be unpacked. This can be done manually (the file has the extension.tgz or.gz) or using the Mi Flash Tool utility.

1. Find boot.img file in the firmware folder (usually images).
2. Copy it on your smartphone into the root folder of internal memory.

Step 2: Patching boot.img via Magisk

You need to modify boot.img with Magisk:

1. Install Magisk Manager on your smartphone (APK-Download the file only from the official repository).
2. Open the app and click "Install" → "Select and Patch a File".
3. Choose the previously copied boot.img And wait until the process is complete, and the file will appear. magisk_patched-XXXXXX.img.
4. Copy the patched file on your PC (for example, to a folder with Platform Tools).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro instead boot.img You may need to patch the file. init_boot.img. Check the firmware structure: if there are images in the folder init_boot.img, patch it instead boot.img.

4. Install patch boot.img via Fastboot

Now you need to flash a modified boot.img into your smartphone.

1. Transfer the device to Fastboot: Adb reboot bootloader
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command for firmware: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched-XXXXXX.img For devices with Dynamic Partition, use: fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched-XXXXXX.img
3. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

Once you reboot, the Magisk Manager app should appear on your smartphone, open it and check root rights status, and if done correctly, you'll see a green checkmark and the words "Magisk is installed."

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If the smartphone is stuck on the MI logo after firmware, try reflashing the stock boot.img without patches, and then repeat the process with Magisk.

5. Checking the performance and elimination of errors

Even if Magisk is successfully installed, there may be problems, and here's how to diagnose and fix them:

To check the functionality of root rights, use the command in the terminal:

su

If an input invitation (#) appears, root is available, and check SafetyNet status in Magisk Manager, if it doesn't pass, banking applications can block work.

6. Update Magisk and root-rights systems

Once you install Magisk, it is important to update both the system and Magisk properly so that you don't lose root rights.

• 🔄 Magisk Update: Only use the built-in update in the Magisk Manager app. APK from third-party sites – this can lead to the installation of malware.
• 📲 Update MIUI: If the update comes in the air (OTA), Don't install it directly - it will remove Magisk. Download the full service pack (Recovery) ROM) From the official website, then run it through TWRP or patch boot.img freshly.
• 🛠️ Factory reset: If you need to do a hard reset, pre-restore the boot section with the command: adb pull /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/boot boot_backup.img After the reset, reset the saved boot_backup.img backwards.

On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 or POCO F5) post-refresh MIUI Repeated patching may be required init_boot.img. Always check the firmware structure before updating!

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Never update. MIUI standard OTA-Update with Magisk installed, which will result in root rights being lost and possible bootloop. Always use manual firmware through TWRP patchy boot.img.

7. Alternative methods of installation Magisk

If the standard method does not work (for example, on newer models with Anti-Rollback lock), you can try alternative options:

• 🔧 Installation through TWRP: Sweat down the custom Recovery TWRP For your model. ZIP-Magisk archive with GitHub. Download to TWRP and sew ZIP standard module. ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) TWRP You may not work properly with super partitions. In this case, use OrangeFox Recovery or patching through Fastboot.
• 📦 Install Magisk in Module Format: If you already have a custom Recovery, you can install Magisk as a module through Magisk Manager (Install option) → Install to Inactive Slot.This method is suitable for devices with A/B-sections (e.g, POCO X5 Pro).