Root on Xiaomi: how to unlock the bootloader and get superuser rights

Getting superuser (root) rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, allows you to remove system applications, optimize performance and install custom firmware. One mistake can turn a device into a brick, and in this guide, we will discuss current methods for 2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi policy and new versions. MIUI.

It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader and installing root will void the warranty and may also disrupt some features (such as Google Pay or banking apps). We will describe each step in detail โ€“ from preparation to the final rights check โ€“ and also warn against the typical mistakes that users make when working with fastboot, Magisk or other devices. TWRP.

What is Root and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Root rights (from English "root") are the maximum level of access to the Android operating system, similar to the administrator rights in Windows.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Remove pre-installed system applications (bloatware) that cannot be uninstalled by standard means.
  • โšก Optimize performance: overclock the processor, configure the kernel, or disable unnecessary services.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Install modified firmware (custom) ROM), LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Block ads at the system level with AdAway or Blokada.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Access hidden folders and system files, for example, for backup /data.

But there's a downside to the coin. With root, you lose:

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Xiaomi warranty (it can be restored by returning stock firmware, but it does not always work).
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ The ability to use Google Pay, SberPay and other payment services (due to the SafetyNet trigger).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Automatic updates MIUI (You will have to install them manually).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ System Stability: Incorrect actions can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot).

โš ๏ธ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader may result in hardware locking SLA (In this case, the device can only be restored through an authorized Xiaomi service center.

Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which minimizes risks and simplifies the process:

  1. Back up your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC. Pay special attention: ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo and video (folder) DCIM). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Contact and SMS (Export through Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Backup). ๐ŸŽฎ Game savers (use Helium or root managers if they are already installed).
  2. Check the device model and version MIUI. Go to Settings. โ†’ About the phone. Write down: Model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G). Version MIUI (for example, MIUI Assembly number (e.g. 14.0.5, TP1A.220624.014).

Activate debugging on USB.

  • Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version to enable Developer Mode.
  • Return to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
  • Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official Xiaomi website (link) and drivers ADB/Fastboot for your OS (Windows, macOS or Linux).

Backup copy of data created|Mi Account is tied to the device|Debugging by USB and OEM-unlocking|Drivers. ADB/Fastboot fixed|Mi Unlock Tool downloaded from official website-->

Pay special attention to the binding of the Mi Account. Without this, you will not be able to unlock the downloader.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Device is linked to Mi Account (check Settings) โ†’ Mi Account).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Two-factor authentication is enabled on the account.
  • ๐ŸŒ Your account is not blocked (try logging in to account.xiaomi.com).

Never tried.|I unlocked the bootloader, but root did not install it.|I've already installed root before.|My scaling is my daily routine.-->

Unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before getting root. Xiaomi officially allows this, but with limitations: for example, new devices require waiting up to 7 days after the account is attached.

Step 1: Getting permission to unblock

1. Download and install Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.

2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator (on Windows) and log in to your Mi Account.

3. Connect your smartphone to your PC in fastboot mode:

adb reboot bootloader

If adb is not recognized, check the environment variables or use the full path to the adb.exe file.

Step 2: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

1.In the utility, click Unlock. If you see a message about waiting, watch the timer in the application. On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the wait can take up to 168 hours (7 days).

2. After the expiration date, try again. Successful unlocking is accompanied by the message Unlocked successfully.

3. Reset the device with the command:

fastboot reboot

โš ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Xiaomi can block unlocking if the smartphone was purchased less than 30 days ago, in which case you will have to wait or use informal methods (for example, for example, the device is not available for purchase, EDL, But it's risky).

What if the Mi Unlock Tool canโ€™t see the device?
If the utility does not recognize the smartphone in fastboot mode, check: 1. Are drivers installed (Device Manager should display "Android Bootloader Interface"). 2. Are you using the original USB-cable (not all cables support data transfer). 3. Are antiviruses disabled (they can block Mi Unlock Tool). 4. Is the utility running on behalf of the administrator. If the problem persists, try another PC or version of Windows (for example, Windows 10 instead of 11).

Step 3: Checking the status of the loader

After unlocking, make sure the bootloader is actually unlocked.

  1. Restart the device to fastboot:
  2. Follow the command:
  3. Find the Device unlocked: true string. If it is missing or false, repeat the procedure.
Xiaomi modelWaiting time to unlock (2026)Features
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro168 hours (7 days)Requires an account over 30 days old
Redmi Note 12 Series72 hours (3 days)Possible SafetyNet problems after unlocking
POCO F5/F5 Pro24 hours.Supports unlocking without waiting on older versions MIUI
Xiaomi Pad 6120 hours (5 days)Requires a separate permit for tablets

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP) Xiaomi

To install root, you will need custom recovery - usually this is the case. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. ZIP-files (like Magisk) and backup your system. Here's how to install it:

Step 1: Download the correct version of TWRP

1. Go to the official website TWRP (twrp.me or on the forum XDA Developers.

2. Find a section for your model. For example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G That's gonna be the theme.

3. Download a file with the.img extension (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or POCO X5) require special versions TWRP Installing an incorrect version will lead to bootloop.

Step 2: Install TWRP via fastboot

1. Move the downloaded file twrp.img to the folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).

2.Reboot the device in fastboot:

adb reboot bootloader

3. execute a command to temporarily download TWRP (This will allow you to check the performance without permanent installation):

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img

4.If TWRP You have successfully downloaded, go back to fastboot and install it constantly:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img

Step 3: Checking the performance

1.Reboot the device to recovery:

fastboot reboot recovery

2. TWRP check:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ The ability to create a backup (click Backup).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Access to internal memory (if requesting a password, enter a pattern lock or PIN).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Availability of an Install point for installation ZIP-file.

๐Ÿ’ก

If TWRP Does not see internal memory, try formatting data in the Wipe menu โ†’ Format Data. This will delete all data, but solve the encryption problem.

Install Magisk and get Root rights

Magisk is the most popular root tool on modern Android devices, and unlike the older SuperSU, it supports SafetyNet (though not always successfully) and allows you to hide root from apps. Here's how to install it:

Step 1: Download Magisk

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from the official repository to GitHub: link.

2. The file will be called something like this: Magisk-v26.4.zip. Do not download Magisk from third-party sites โ€“ it may be a modified version with malicious code.

Step 2: Installation via TWRP

1. Move the file. Magisk-v26.4.zip In the internal memory of the smartphone or SD-map.

2.Reset the device to TWRP:

adb reboot recovery

3.B. TWRP Click Install, select the Magisk file and swipe for confirmation.

4. After installation, restart the device to the system:

reboot system

Step 3: Checking Root Rights

1. After booting the system, install the Magisk Manager application (it is usually installed automatically along with the system). ZIP-file).

2. Open Magisk Manager and check the status at the top of the screen. If it says Installed: 26.4 (26400) (or another version), root is installed successfully.

3. For additional verification, install the Root Checker app from Google Play.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after installing Magisk, the device is stuck on the logo MI, This means that your model requires additional patches (for example, disable_forceencrypt This is usually true for Android devices. 12+.

Solving problems after getting a Root

Even if you did everything right, you can have problems after you install root, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The device does not pass SafetyNet

SafetyNet is Google's mechanism that checks system integrity. If it's not passed, Google Pay, Netflix won't work. HD And some banking applications:

  1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings โ†’ Hide Magisk.
  2. Turn on the option and restart the device.
  3. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk โ†’ Modules.
  4. Check the status in the SafetyNet Test app.

Problem 2: Bootloop (a looped reboot)

If the device is constantly restarted, the reasons may be as follows:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Incompatible version TWRP magisk.
  • ๐Ÿ“ A damaged firmware or module file.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Conflict with previously installed modifications.

Decision:

  1. Reboot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
  2. Make a Wipe. โ†’ Advanced Wipe and tag Dalvik, Cache, Data.
  3. Reinstall Magisk or go back to stock firmware.

Problem 3: The camera or sensors are not working

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro) the camera or fingerprint scanner may stop working after root is obtained. DRM. To restore functionality:

  1. Remove all Magisk modules associated with system modification.
  2. Install the Xiaomi module DRM Fix (available on XDA).
  3. Reboot the device and check the sensors.
Problem.Possible causeDecision
The mobile network is not workingDamaged modem after firmwareRefuse the modem through TWRP or fastboot
Wi-Fi is off.Conflict with the Magisk moduleRemove modules associated with the network (e.g. Hosts Blockers)
Smartphone overheatingProcessor overclocking or background processesReset the kernel settings or roll back the firmware
Google Pay is not working.Not passed by SafetyNetInstall Universal SafetyNet Fix and hide root

How to Get Everything Back: Remove Root and Restore Warranty

If you need to return the device to the service center or simply abandon root, follow this instruction. Full restoration of stock firmware will remove all traces of modifications, but this warranty will not always restore (depending on Xiaomi's policy in your region).

Step 1: Remove Magisk

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings.

2.Push Delete Magisk โ†’ Complete removal.

3. Reset the device.

Step 2: Restore Stock Recovery

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.

2. Unpack the file and find it. recovery.img.

3. Install it via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Step 3: Complete Flashing with Mi Flash Tool

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the official firmware in.tgz format.

2 Unpack the firmware in a folder without spaces in the name.

3. Reboot the device to fastboot and connect to the PC.

4.In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.

5. wait until the end (the device will restart automatically).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K60) After full flashing, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account via the Mi Unlock Tool, otherwise the device will be blocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Root on Xiaomi

Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?
No, on modern Xiaomi devices, unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. There used to be exploits (like DirtyCOW), but they don't work on the same device. MIUI 12 and later. The only exception is the temporary root through Magisk in. RAM, But it disappears after the reboot.
Will Face Unlock work after rooting?
On most models, Face Unlock continues to work, but some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) may require installation of the Biometric Fix module for Magisk.
How to update MIUI with root?
Updates by air" (OTA) You need to: Download the full service pack (.zip) from the official website. Install it through the official website. TWRP (After the update, reinstall Magisk. Or use the Magisk module. OTA Survival, but it doesnโ€™t always work properly.
Can I get a root on Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor?
Yeah, but the process is more complicated because of the protection. SLA. On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) required: Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool. Use the special version TWRP supportive MTK. Install a patch for dm-verity, otherwise the device will not boot.The risk of "bricking" on MediaTek is higher, so it is recommended to use proven guides with the help of the device. XDA.
How to hide root from banking applications?
Most banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work on root devices. To get around this: In Magisk Manager, enable Hide Magisk. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix. Add the banking app to the hidden list in Magisk (Settings) โ†’ Hide Magisk โ†’ Reboot your device and check the status in the SafetyNet Test. If the app still doesn't work, try using Island or Shelter to isolate it.