Have you bought a used Xiaomi or want to make sure your smartphone has not been modified by the previous owner? Root rights (or superuser rights) give full control over the Android system, but at the same time deprive you of warranties, block updates MIUI In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to accurately determine the presence of root rights on any Xiaomi, Redmi or other device. POCO — from visual signs to technical inspections ADB.
It's important to understand that even if you didn't install root yourself, the previous owner could. Some firmware (like custom LineageOS or Pixel Experience) defaults to root access. MIUI Sometimes there are some "grey" ways of circumventing restrictions, and then there's a detailed guide with illustrations, warnings and answers to frequent questions.
1. Visual signs of root rights
Before you dig into the settings, note the indirect signs: they do not give a 100% guarantee, but they will help you suspect a modification of the system:
- 🔍 The "SuperSU" or "Magisk Manager" app is in the app menu. Even if it's hidden, check the list of all installed programs in Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 📱 Boot animation: On devices with root, the animation of the inclusion is often changed to custom animation (for example, the logo). TWRP or animation from another firmware).
- ⚙️ Additional items in the developer menu. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap) there are options like "Root access" or "Advanced reboot", this is a worrying sign.
- 🔄 Absence OTA-Smartphones with root often don't get updates over the air. → The phone. → Updating the system.
Notice the reports of security breaches in banking apps (Sberbank, Tinkoff) or services like Netflix, which often block work on rooted devices. → Special features – sometimes suspicious services like Xposed Framework appear there".
⚠️ Attention: Some custom firmware is able to cloak root rights. For example, Magisk can hide itself from banking applications using the MagiskHide module, in which case there are no visual signs and deeper checks are needed.
Verification through standard annexes MIUI
The manufacturer Xiaomi built into the MIUI There are several tools that we can use to diagnose the system, and they don't always show the root directly, but they help us detect modifications:
Method 1: Security Manager
Open the Security app (shield icon) and go to Optimization → If the system detects a root, it will display a warning like "Device unlocked" or "System integrity compromised." MIUI This is displayed as a red exclamation point next to the inscription "State of the device".
Method 2: Integrity test (MIUI 12 and newer)
New firmware versions have added a built-in test. Go to: Settings → The phone. → All specifications → Version. MIUI (If you see a menu with "Check integrity" you select it. The system scans critical sections and shows the status of "Modified" if you have any changes.
Another indirect method is an attempt to install an official update through Settings. → System Update: If the device is rooted, you will see an error like "Cannot verify update" or "Installation failed (Error: 7.
3. Use of specialized applications
The most reliable way is to install one of the root-rights apps, which scans system files and tries to access the su command, and we tested 5 popular tools and selected the most accurate ones:
| Annex | precision | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root Checker | 98% | Checks for the presence of the binary su, status /system, Magisk | Google Play |
| Magisk Manager | 100% | Official root rights management app, if installed, root is definitely there. | GitHub |
| SafetyNet Test | 95% | Checks the passing of SafetyNet tests (important for banking applications) | Google Play |
| TWRP App | 90% | Shows if custom recovery is established (often coming from the root) | Google Play |
Instructions for using Root Checker:
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Run it and press Verify Root.
- If the message appears "Congratulations! Root access is properly installed..."
- If you see "Sorry! Root access is not properly installed..." you don't have a superuser's license.
Check the history of possession of the device|Make a backup copy of the data|Contact the Xiaomi Service Center|Try removing the root through Magisk (if installed)-->
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Titanium Backup) require root rights to work, and if you have them installed and functioning, it is 100% proof of root.
4. Check through ADB (for advanced users)
If visual methods and apps don’t give a definitive answer, use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This one requires a computer, but it gives you the most accurate result:
Step 1: Preparation
1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.
3. connect the phone to the PC via USB-Cable (original!) and select File Transfer Mode".
Step 2: Commands to Verify
Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools and enter in turn:
adb devices(Your device should show up. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell
suIf the cursor changes to # (instead of the su command) $) — If you see a message that says "Permission denied," there's no license.
Additional commands for deep verification:
ls -l /system/bin/su
ls -l /system/xbin/su
ls -l /sbin/su
ls -l /magiskIf at least one command returns file information (not “No such file or directory”), the device is rooted.
💡
If the adb device command doesn’t show your smartphone, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers. ADB Interface via Windows Device Manager. Mac/Linux You may need to add the udev rule to Xiaomi.
5. Analysis of the status of the bootloader (Bootloader)
On Xiaomi devices, the status of the bootloader is directly related to the ability to install root rights. If the bootloader is unlocked, there is a high probability that the smartphone is custom firmware or root.
Method 1: Through fastboot
1. Turn off the phone.
2.Put the power button down. + Volume down before the Fastboot logo (robot with open belly).
3. Connect the device to the PC and enter in the terminal:
fastboot oem device-infoLook for the lines:
Device unlocked: true - bootloader unlocked.
Device unlocked: false - blocked.
Method 2: Through MIUI
In some versions of the firmware, the bootloader status is displayed in the developer menu: → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
If it says "Unlocked" - the bootloader is unlocked.
What to do if the bootloader is unlocked, but there is no root license?
Important: An unlocked bootloader does not mean root rights by itself, but makes installing them much easier. If you bought a used device with an unlocked bootloader, there is a risk that the previous owner modified the firmware.
6. Verification of the integrity of system files
Root rights are often established by modifying system partitions, and can be verified through hash sums or specialized utilities.
Method 1: Comparison of hashes
1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Remove the file from the archive boot.img and system.img.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and copy these files from the device (root or required) TWRP).
4. Compare the hashes (MD5/SHA1) Original and copied files using a utility like HashMyFiles.
If the hashes do not match, the system files are changed.
Method 2: Annex "MIUI Integrity Check"
The official utility from Xiaomi, which scans critical sections:
1. Download. APK s XDA Developers (Search by Device Model).
2. Install and launch the application.
3. Press "Start Verification."
Results:
- Green, the system is unmodified.
Yellow – Non-critical changes (e.g., remote system applications)
Red - serious modifications (root, custom core).
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Even if all tests show no root rights, but the bootloader is unlocked - the device is vulnerable to installing root in the future. For complete security, lock the bootloader through the Mi Flash Tool (will lead to a complete reset!).
7 What to do if root rights are found?
If the checks confirm that you have root rights, you have a few options, and the choice depends on whether you need those rights or want to return the device to a factory state.
Option 1: Remove root (recommended for security)
1. If the root is installed through Magisk:
- Open Magisk Manager.
- Go to Settings. → Complete removal.
Follow the instructions (reboot will be required).
2. If the root is installed via SuperSU:
- Open the SuperSU app.
- Go to Settings. → Complete root removal.
For complete cleaning:
Install the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the "Clean All" option).
Block the bootloader with the command fastboot oem lock (Warning: erases all data!).
Option 2: Keep root but keep it safe
If you need root rights to run specific applications (such as Greenify or AdAway), follow the following steps to minimize risk:
- 🔒 Install MagiskHide (in Magisk settings) and activate it for banking applications.
- 🛡️ Disable root access for all applications except those trusted in the settings Magisk/SuperSU.
- 🔄 Update Magisk regularly through Settings → Update.
- 📱 Install antivirus with support for rooted devices (for example, Malwarebytes).
⚠️ Note: Root-right devices do not work: - Official updates MIUI airborne (OTA). - Google Pay and Samsung Pay (due to SafetyNet) - Some banking applications (Sberbank, VTB, Alfa-Click). - Xiaomi's "Find Device" function (remote management).