Introduction: why you need root and why without a PC is more difficult
Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to hidden Android features, from uninstalling system applications to installing custom firmware. However, the classic method using fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool requires a connection to a PC, which is not always convenient. Are there working ways to get a root without a computer? Yes, but with reservations.
The main problem is that Xiaomi is actively blocking unofficial methods of unlocking the bootloader. MIUI 14 And above, many single-click apps (like KingRoot or Framaroot) have stopped working on newer models. 10-13 There are still some ways to go about this, which we will discuss in detail.
Itβs important to understand that PC-free methods donβt guarantee 100% success on all models, depending on the firmware version, regional software and bootloader status. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with global firmware, the odds are lower than on the Poco X3 Pro with Chinaβs MIUI.
Preparation of the smartphone: 5 mandatory steps
Before you start obtaining root rights, you need to perform basic actions that will increase the chances of success and minimize the risks of βbrickingβ the device. Missing at least one point can lead to data loss or lock the bootloader.
- π± Check the model and version MIUI: Go to Settings. β Write down the exact data, and you'll need it to choose the right method.
- π Unlock. OEM Unlock: activate the option in Settings β Additionally. β If there's no item, tap it 7 times on the version. MIUI.
- π‘ Turn off the updates MIUI: Automatic updates can overwrite modified system files. Go to Settings β The phone. β Update the system and suspend checks.
- π Backup: Use Mi Cloud or third-party apps like Swift Backup (requires a root for a full backup).
- π Charge the battery to 80%+: The process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging at a critical moment will lead to failure.
Pay special attention to the item with OEM Unlock. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T), this option may disappear after a reboot - check its availability immediately before starting the procedure.
βοΈ Checking the device's readiness
β οΈ Note: If your device was purchased from the official Xiaomi store less than 7 days ago, unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Account may be temporarily blocked.
Method 1: Magisk (for devices with unlocked bootloader)
If the bootloader on your Xiaomi is already unlocked (checked by the fastboot oem device-info team), you can install Magisk directly via TWRP or a patched image. This method works on 90% of Android 11-13 devices.
Instructions:
- Download the latest version of Magisk (v26.4+) from the official GitHub.
- Install. APK-file-like.
- Download boot.img for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater (select the same version of MIUI that is installed).
- In Magisk, click Install β Select and Patch a File and select boot.img.
- After patching, move the received file magisk_patched.img root.
- Reboot to fastboot (hold power) + Volβ) and run the patched image with the command: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
If you donβt have access to fastboot (like a Poco F5 with a locked bootloader), this method wonβt work β go to the next section.
π‘
On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50) instead boot.img need to patch init_boot.img. Check the current instructions for your firmware on the forum XDA Developers.
Method 2: Applications for a PC-free root (risks and limitations)
There are several apps that promise to root in one click: KingRoot, iRoot, OneClickRoot, but their efficiency on today's Xiaomi is going to zero.
- π‘οΈ Lockdown MIUI: starting MIUI 12.5, the system automatically detects and deletes root access obtained through such applications.
- π Kernel vulnerabilities: Applications exploit old bugs (such as DirtyCOW) that have long been closed in current firmware.
- π False positives: Many programs show a successful root, but in fact the rights do not work (checked through Root Checker).
If youβre still looking to try, hereβs a list of relatively safe options (tested on Redmi 9A with Android 10):
| Annex | Supported models | Success, % | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| KingRoot | Redmi 8/9, Poco M2 | 10-20% | Backdoor installation, advertising software |
| iRoot | Mi A2/A3 (Android One) | 30-40% | Data collection, unstable work |
| TowelRoot | Xiaomi Mi 5/6 (Android 7-8) | 50%+ | Doesn't work on new cores. |
β οΈ Note: Apps like KingRoot often disguise ad modules as system processes. After rooting, check the list of applications in Settings β Applications for suspicious services (e.g. com.kingroot.master).
Method 3: Exploits through ADB (without unlocking the bootloader)
For devices with a locked bootloader, there is a chance to get a temporary root through vulnerabilities in ADB. This method requires on-debugging over USB, but does not need a PC β enough terminal on the smartphone itself (for example, the Termux application).
Algorithm of action:
- Install Termux from F-Droid (the Play Market version may not work).
- Enter commands in turn: pkg update && pkg upgrade pkg install wget proot-distro wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/MasterDevX/Termux-ADB/master/install.sh chmod +x install.sh./install.sh
- After installing ADB, perform: adb shell su -c "echo 'root team here'"
Use scripts like DirtyPipe or CVE-2023-21036 (current for Android 12-13) to exploit vulnerabilities.
adb shell "echo -n 'A' > /data/local/tmp/test; chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/test"If the file is created, a vulnerability is present, and you can try to get a root.
List of current exploits for Xiaomi (2026)
What to do if the root does not work: alternatives and workarounds
If none of the methods worked, donβt despair β there are legal ways to expand Xiaomiβs capabilities without a full rut.
- π Unlocking the bootloader via Mi Unlock: the official method from Xiaomi, requires a PC, but gives access to the system TWRP and Magisk. Detailed instructions on the official website.
- π± ADB-commands without root: some system settings (for example, disabling advertising in the MIUI) can be changed through ADB No superuser: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.analytics
- π Custom firmware without root: firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS offer βcleanβ Android with advanced settings, but require an unlocked bootloader.
For models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C POCO M4 Pro) there is another option - the use of the tool MTK Bypass to bypass protection SLA. However, this method is risky and can lead to loss. IMEI.
π‘
If your goal is to remove embedded apps or disable ads, rooting isnβt always necessary, and many tasks are solved through ADB or alternative launchers (like Nova Launcher).
Risks and how to minimize them
Getting root rights without official Xiaomi support comes with risks that range from non-critical crashes to total device failure.
| Risk | Effects of consequences | How to prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Locking the loader | The device does not turn on, you need to flash through EDL | Check the status of the bootloader with the command fastboot oem device-info before starting |
| Anti-Rollback operation | Permanent locking of firmware on the old version | Do not lower the MIUI version without checking the Anti-Rollback List |
| Loss of data | Delete files in internal memory | Create a backup through TWRP or Mi Cloud (without root backup incomplete!) |
| Ban of Mi Account | Blocking access to Xiaomi services | Do not use one account on multiple βrootedβ devices |
So, you'll pay special attention to Anti-Rollback, which is Xiaomi's protection, which permanently blocks the possibility of rollbacks on the old firmware. For example, if you upgrade from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14 and then try to go back, the device will turn into a brick. Check the compatibility of versions on specialized forums.
β οΈ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), an attempt to obtain a root by unofficial methods may lead to hardware locking of the Titan module M2, In this case, even the official service center will not be able to restore the device.