How to get a root rights on Xiaomi in 2026: the full guide from unlock to Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires accuracy and understanding of risks. Unlike most brands, Xiaomi devices have a unique security system: locked bootloader, proprietary MIUI firmware and rollback mechanisms. In 2026, the procedure was complicated due to tightening security policies, but remains feasible even for beginners - provided they follow proven instructions.

This article covers all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk, taking into account the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and models based on Qualcomm Snapdragon/Mediatek. We will analyze legal and informal methods, warn against typical errors (for example, hard brick when you have improper firmware), and give recommendations for restoring the system in the event of a failure. If you are willing to sacrifice a warranty for the sake of full control of the device, read on.

What is rooting on Xiaomi and why is it risky?

Root rights on Xiaomi allow:

• 🔧 Remove embedded applications (bloatware) and system services MIUI that cannot be disabled by standard means.
• ⚡ Install modified cores to overclock the processor or improve autonomy (e.g., KernelSU).
• 📱 Change system fonts, animations, and themes at framework-res.apk level.
• 🔒 Block ads at the hosts file level or through AdAway.
• 📡 Use applications that require low-level access (e.g. Titanium Backup or Greenify).

But there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Warranty Loss: Xiaomi fixes the unlock status in the EFS- section and it is impossible to return it back.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Root opens access to system files for malware.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA- updates: After a root, an automatic MIUI update can lead to a bootloop.
• 📵 Banking applications inoperability: SberBank Online, Tinkoff and others block work on rooted devices (solved through Magisk Hide, but not always).

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi 13/14 series and Redmi Note 12 models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, unlocking the bootloader may result in hardware locking of the 5G module (a bug confirmed by users on 4PDA).

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking bootloader, follow the mandatory steps:

Backup data (photos, contacts, SMS) via Mi Cloud or local | Charge phone to at least 60% | Make sure the device is the latest version MIUI (update via Settings → Phone) | Enable debugging on USB in Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI (7 times tap) → Additional → → For developers |Install drivers ADB/Fastboot on PC (download from Google or Mi Flash Tool) | Download official Fastboot firmware for your model (from https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index)

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Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For Xiaomi models, there are three types of firmware:

For models on Mediatek (for example, Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) additionally you will need:

• 🔌 Install the MediaTek Preloader driver (without it, the PC won’t see the device in fastboot mode).
• 📦 Download the SP Flash Tool instead of the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔑 Get an authentication file to unlock (available free of charge on Xiaomi's official website).

Redmi Note 12/13 series|POCO F5/X5|Xiaomi 13/14 series|Redmi 10/11 series|Another model-->

Unlock bootloader on Xiaomi: the official method 2026

Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader legally, but the process takes up to 7 days due to the account verification.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Enter your username/password (if you don’t have an account, sign up). Activate the “Device Search” and “Data Sync” option.
2. Apply for unlocking: Download Mi Unlock Tool (2026 version). Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (turn off the device, press Volume down + Power).

Wait for the confirmation SMS (usually 3-5 days) and then try again to unlock in the Mi Unlock Tool.

If the utility produces an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", do:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📱 Make sure that the Settings → Developer option is “Unlock OEM.”
• 🕒 Wait another 24 hours — sometimes the delay in confirming SMS is as long as 7 days.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 15 (e.g., Xiaomi 14 Ultra), unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool may require additional code that is issued only after contacting Xiaomi.

Alternative Unlocking Methods (if the Official One is Not Working)

If the Mi Unlock Tool refuses to unlock the bootloader, you can use workarounds. These methods are informal and can lead to the blocking of the Mi or brick device account, so use them at your own risk.

Method 1: Emergency Download Mode (EDL)

Suitable for Qualcomm devices (e.g. POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) You will need:

• 🔧 Test Point (point to transfer to EDL- mode, location depends on model).
• 📥.mbn firmware for your model (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.

Algorithm:

1. Open the back of the phone and close Test Point (see instructions for your 4PDA model).
2. Connect the phone to a PC, and it will be defined as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash.

Method 2: DirtyCOW exploit (for older models)

It works on Android 7-10 devices (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 9).

• 📱 Installed application Xiaomi Root Tool.
• 🔓 Included debugging according to USB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and start adb devices (the device should be displayed).
2. Enter the command: adb push dirtycow /data/local/tmp/ adb shell chmod 777 /data/local/tmp/dirtycow adb shell /data/local/tmp/dirtycow
3. After the reboot, install Magisk via TWRP.

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If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone is stuck on the MI logo, don't panic! turn off the device, press Volume up + Power to log into Recovery, and reset (Wipe Data).

Install TWRP and Magisk: Getting root rights

Once the bootloader is unlocked, it remains to install custom recavers (TWRP) and Magisk to manage root rights. Importantly, each Xiaomi model has its own version of TWRP!

Step 1: Installation of TWRP

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website (for example, for Redmi Note 12 Pro+ it is twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in a folder with fastboot.
3. Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img

Step 2: Magisk firmware

1. Download the latest Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip) from GitHub.
2. Move the archive to your phone (for example, internal memory).
3. In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk-v26.4.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, restart (Reboot System).

Step 3: Root rights verification

• Install the Root Checker app.
• Open it and click "Verify Root" - it should appear Congratulations! Root access is properly installed on this device!

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If the phone doesn’t boot after installing Magisk, then the TWRP firmware is incompatible with your version of MIUI. Solution: Sweat the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool and repeat the process with another version of TWRP.

Solving Typical Problems After Root

Even with successful root rights installation, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

If Google Pay or SberBank Online stop working after the root, do:

1. Open Magisk and go to Settings → MagiskHide.
2. Activate the option and add bank apps to the list.
3. Reboot the phone.
4. If you don’t, install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with MIUI 15 and Android 13+, Magisk Hide may not work due to the new Google Play Integrity API mechanism. Alternatively, use the Shamiko module or roll back to MIUI 14.

How to get everything back: root removal and bootloader lock

If you decide to opt out of the root rights (for example, to sell a phone or restore a warranty), follow the following steps:

Step 1: Remove Magisk

• Open the Magisk app.
• Go to Settings → Delete Magisk → Complete Deletion.
• Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Step 2: Firmware of official MIUI

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and select the option “Clean all and lock” (this will block the bootloader).
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

Step 3: Check the status of bootloader

After the firmware, execute the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is successfully locked. Otherwise, repeat the firmware with the Clean all and lock option.

Important: the warranty is not returned after unlocking the bootloader - Xiaomi fixes this fact in the hardware chip. However, locking the bootloader and the official MIUI firmware will allow you to use the phone without restrictions (except root functions).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the rue on Xiaomi