Xiaomi Administrator Mode: How to Unlock Root Rights in 5 Steps

Getting admin rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden system settings, allows you to remove embedded applications and optimize performance. However, the process requires caution: improper actions can lead to a bootloader lock or loss of warranty. In this guide, we will discuss current ways to unlock devices on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14, including bypassing new restrictions from Xiaomi.

It is important to understand that since 2023, the company has tightened its security policy: it now requires a device-based Mi Account connection and a 168-hour (7-day wait) to unlock a bootloader, and we will show you how to speed up the process with legal methods and avoid common mistakes such as resetting the unlock counter or losing the IMEI.

What does the administrator mode on Xiaomi give?

Superuser rights (root access) dramatically enhance the smartphone's capabilities, but they also have a downside. Here are the key benefits and risks:

• 🔧 Remove System Applications: The ability to get rid of unnecessary software like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps that cannot be uninstalled using standard methods.
• ⚡ Performance optimization: Manual control of processor cores, frequency change CPU/GPU through applications such as Kernel Adiutor.
• 📱 Deep Customization: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or modified Recovery (TWRP).
• 🔒 Bypassing restrictions: The ability to modify system files to bypass regional locks (e.g. activating Google Pay on non-certified devices).

However, there are also significant disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially bans unlocking the bootloader, which voids warranty obligations.
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities: Root access opens up potential malware vulnerabilities unless Magisk Hide or analogues are used.
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After system modification, automatic update MIUI may not work properly.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (the new Xiaomi shell), the unlocking process may be different. → The phone.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader. Without this, you can't install TWRP or Magisk. Xiaomi uses a device-based account-association system, so you'll need to:

1. Create or log into Mi Account on your phone (must link the number and email).
2. Activate debugging by USB in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Link your account to your device via the official Mi Unlock Tool app (download from Xiaomi website).

Since 2023, Xiaomi has made it mandatory to wait 168 hours (7 days) after an account is tied, and this timer cannot be reset or circumvented legally.

Synchronize time on your phone with Xiaomi servers|Connect to the network through VPN (China)|Use alternative versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 5.5.224.24)|Try unlocking on another PC-->

After the waiting period has expired:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off).
2. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. Successful unlocking is confirmed by the Unlocked successfully message.

Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP)

Standard recovery from Xiaomi does not allow you to install modified firmware or Magisk. Therefore, after unlocking the bootloader, you need to flash TWRP - an alternative recovery with advanced functions.

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco models (on the example of Redmi Note 12 Pro+):

1. Download the current version of TWRP for your model from the official website twrp.me. Pay attention to the encoding of the device (for example, vili for Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
2. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with the platform-tools (from Android SDK).
3. Open the command line in this folder and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot boot recovery.img

If TWRP is not saved after the reboot, use the command:

fastboot flash recovery_ab recovery.img

(partition recovery_ab, for example, Xiaomi 13 POCO F5).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) post-fix TWRP You may need to disable the bootloader signature verification via the fastboot flash vbmeta command. vbmeta.img (file vbmeta.img You can get it from the official firmware).

Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is the most secure way to obtain root rights, as it masks changes from system checks (e.g. for Google Pay or banking applications). TWRP follow these steps:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip or later).
2. Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
3. Download to TWRP (press Power + Vol+ when the phone is off).
4. Click Install, select an archive from Magisk and swipe for confirmation.
5. Reboot to the system.

After downloading, install the Magisk Manager application (you can download from the same archive or through the official website).

su

If a superuser invites, the root is installed successfully.

💡

To hide root from banking applications, activate Magisk Hide and add the apps to the exclusion list.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If after unlocking the bootloader, the phone stopped being determined by the PC, try:

• 🔌 Reinstall the Mi driver USB Driver (download from the official website).
• 🔄 Change. USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi is recommended).
• 🖥️ Try another PC with Windows 10/11 (Mac OS may have problems with drivers).

How to hide root from apps (Magisk Hide)

Many apps (such as Sberbank Online, Google Pay, or secure games) block work on root devices. To circumvent this restriction, use the Magisk Hide feature:

1. Open Magisk Manager and go to Settings.
2. Activate the Magisk Hide option.
3. Return to the main screen and press Magisk Hide (shield icon).
4. Check the apps that need to hide root (for example, com.sberbankmobile for Sberbank).
5. Reboot the phone.

For additional disguise:

• 📱 Install Universal SafetyNet Fix via Magisk (fixes errors) CTS Profile in Google Play Services).
• 🔄 Turn off the debugging. USB in the developer settings after setting up.
• 🔒 Use Island or Shelter to isolate banking apps in a separate profile.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Tinkoff or VTB Online) can detect Magisk even with concealment. In this case, try using Magisk Delta, a fork with improved cloaking system.

Alternative methods of obtaining root without unlocking

If unlocking the bootloader is not possible (for example, on devices with HyperOS or enterprise models), you can try alternative methods:

• 🔓 Temporary root through ADB: Suitable for one-time tasks (e.g., uninstall system applications). -c "pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser" (replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).
• 📦 Shizuku: Allows you to obtain a portion of the superuser’s rights through ADB It doesn't unlock the bootloader. It requires Android 11.+.
• 🔄 Exploits for specific models: DirtyPipe for Xiaomi 11T pro CVE-2023-21085 for some Android devices 13. The use of exploits can lead to system instability or security vulnerabilities.

Please note that alternative methods usually give limited rights and may not be suitable for custom firmware installation or deep system modification.

💡

Unlocking the bootloader is the only reliable way to get full root access, and alternative methods are only suitable for temporary tasks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s Administrator Mode