Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the limitations of the standard shell MIUI 13 that prevent the device from reaching its full potential. One of the most effective ways to extend the functionality of a gadget is to gain superuser rights, or root access. MTZ (Magisk Tool Zip on your devices to modify system files and use powerful modules.
The process of implementing administrator rights on modern versions of Android has become more complicated, but thanks to the tools from TopJohnWu, it has become safer and more flexible. Installing Magisk allows you not only to gain full control of the system, but also to hide the fact of modification from banking applications and services of Google. However, before you start active actions, you need to clearly understand the risks and prepare all the necessary components, since improper firmware can lead to a loss of warranty or “bricking” of the device.
In this article, we will go through each step of the procedure in detail, from unlocking the bootloader to the final setting of the environment. You do not need to be an experienced developer to follow the instructions, but attention to detail is critical here. We will look at working with ADB and Fastboot, patching the boot.img image and installing the necessary drivers.
Preparation for system modification and collection of tools
The first step towards customization of Xiaomi MIUI 13 is a thorough preparation of the workplace and software. You will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, a serviceable computer. USB-Without a high-quality connection between the PC and the phone, no further manipulation is possible, so check the cable for data transfer, not just charging.
Next, you need to download the current firmware version that corresponds to the one installed on your device right now. The exact match of MIUI versions is critical, because trying to sew a patched image from another version can lead to a bootloop loop. You can find the right firmware on official forums or specialized resources, focusing on the code of your device model.
You’ll also need to install dedicated ADB and Fastboot drivers that allow your computer to interact with your phone at a low level. Without these components, the system simply won’t see the device in bootloader mode. For convenience, download the ready-made Platform Tools package from the official Android developer site.
☑️ Preparation for installation MTZ
Remember to make a full backup of all important data, as the process of unlocking the bootloader will inevitably lead to the complete removal of information from the internal drive.Photos, contacts and documents are better transferred in advance to the cloud server or external hard drive. This is a standard security measure, ignoring which can lead to the loss of valuable files.
Unlock the bootloader on MIUI 13
The foundation for any modification of Xiaomi’s system is the unlocked bootloader. Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi requires a formal procedure for unlocking through the company’s servers. First, you need to register a Mi Account, log into it in your phone settings and link the device to your account.
Once you've attached, activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on MIUI seven times. In the developer menu that appears, find "Mi Unlock bootloader Status" and click "Add Account and Device." The system will alert you to the risks, after which the device will be tied to the unlock server.
⚠️ Attention: Once an account is tied, you often have to wait 7 to 168 hours before the server allows it to be unlocked.
When the waiting time expires, turn off the phone and press the button combination Volume down + Power to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the phone to your computer and run the Mi Unlock Tool utility. The program will check the status of the device and, if all conditions are met, will allow you to unlock the bootloader, which will clear all the data on the phone.
It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader reduces the security of the device. Some features, such as protection against theft or working with protected content Widevine L1, may stop working or be limited to L3.
Removing and patching the boot.img image
The key to installing MTZ is to modify the boot image of the system. You need to remove the boot.img file from the previously downloaded firmware. If the firmware is.zip, just unpack the archive and find the file you want. If you downloaded a.miui or.tgz file, you may need to unpack it through a 7-Zip or WinRAR archiver.
Once boot.img is in your hands, copy it to your smartphone’s internal memory. Next, install the official Magisk app (usually in.apk format) and launch it. In the main menu of the app, click the “Install” button next to the Magisk status.
In the installation method menu that appears, select "Select and patch a file." Find the previously copied file manager. boot.img. The app will automatically perform the patching process by putting its rights and scripts into the boot sector. Upon completion of the process, a file with a name like the Download folder will appear in the Download folder. patched_boot.img.
fastboot flash boot patched_boot.imgThis file needs to be returned to your computer. Then you put the phone into Fastboot mode (clamping Volume Down + Power) and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the Platform Tools folder, run the firmware command above. This will replace the standard bootloader with a modified one.
Install Magisk and obtain root rights
After successfully patching the patched image, the phone is ready for its first run with superuser rights. Reboot the device by holding the power button to vibration. The boot process may take longer than usual - this is normal, as the system conducts initial configuration of new components.
If it’s a success, you’ll see a new Magisk icon on the app list. When you first run it can ask for additional permissions or offer a reboot. Now your Xiaomi MIUI 13 has full root rights, as confirmed by the “Installed” status in the program interface.
| Component | Function | Post-installation status |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloader | Loading the OS | Unlocked. |
| Boot Image | Core system | Patchen Magisk |
| Root Access | Superuser access | Activated. |
| SafetyNet | Integrity verification | Requires customization |
Now you can install modules that change the behavior of the system, remove system debris or adjust deep CPU parameters, but it is worth remembering that root rights make some applications vulnerable if you do not configure them correctly.
What to do if the phone goes into a bootloop?
Setup root hiding and work with modules
Many users want root rights, but they still use banking apps and Google Pay. The standard MTZ installation makes the roots visible to security. To get around this, open Magisk settings and activate Zygisk.
Next, you need to include the "Exclusion List" (formerly known as MagiskHide), which should include all applications that should not see the rights of the superuser: banking clients, anticheat games, wallets, and after adding the applications to the list, it is recommended to completely reboot the device.
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications use additional detection methods, such as checking the list of installed applications or having debugging on the app. USB. Turn off debugging in the developer settings.
For more advanced concealment, you can use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module, which fixes the integrity checks, which is especially true for MIUI 13, where the checks can be rigorous, and the modules are installed directly through the Magisk interface in the Modules tab.
Also worth looking at modules that improve battery or sound performance, but only install proven add-ons from known developers. Unverified code running with root rights can cause serious damage to the system or lead to leakage of personal data.
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
Xiaomi modifications can cause errors ranging from simple communication failures to critical firmware failures, a common problem being the “Waiting for device” error in Fastboot, which is solved by installing the right drivers or replacing them. USB-port on another, preferably connected directly to the motherboard, and not through the hub.
After installation MTZ The sound or camera stopped working, possibly a patch boot.img It's got a wrong or wrong version of the kernel, and it's going to help if you go back to the stock image. boot.img The original firmware. Return command: fastboot flash boot boot.img.
Another common problem is the loss of broadband connectivity, or IMEI. This is rare but possible when you interfere with modem partitions. Never try to flash or modify modem, persist, or fsg partitions unless you are an expert and have a backup of those partitions from your device.
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Always keep the original boot.img from your current firmware in a safe place.This is your main key to recovering your phone in the event of a failed experiment.
In case of serious problems, when the phone does not turn on at all, EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode will help. Entry into it on most modern Xiaomi is closed with an authorized account, so it is better to avoid situations requiring its use and act carefully during the patching stage.
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The main key to success is the exact correspondence of firmware versions and boot-image, as well as the presence of an original file for rollback changes.