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

Getting Root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden features of the system, from removing embedded applications to fine-tuning performance. However, the process requires caution – wrong actions can turn a device into a “brick.” In this article, we will discuss three officially supported methods of unlocking the bootloader and installing Root on modern models of Redmi, POCO and Mi running MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and while it used to take 72 hours to unlock, new devices can now require up to 168 hours (7 days) of confirmation via Mi Account, and we’ll show you how to get around common bugs and speed up the process.

What is Root Access and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Root rights are the total control of the Android operating system, and you can use them to:

• 🧹 Remove system applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, etc)
• ⚡ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔧 Modify the core of the system to overclock the processor or improve autonomy
• 📱 Block advertising at the system level through the hosts file
• 🔒 Access to hidden settings MIUI (For example, the inclusion of Dirac HD Sound on unaccompanied models)

But there is a downside:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (official service centers will refuse repairs)
• 🛡️ Vulnerability to malware (viruses gain unrestricted access)
• 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates (you will need to install the firmware manually)
• 📵 Inoperability of some features (Mi Pay, Google Pay without additional patches)

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi, which debuted in 2026), the unlocking process may be different. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader, follow the mandatory steps:

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone to at least 60%

Make sure the device has the latest version of MIUI

Disable Find My Device and sync Mi Account

Download and install Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi)-->

Pay special attention to backup. Unlocking the bootloader results in a full hard reset. Use Mi Cloud or third-party solutions like Swift Backup (requires Root for a full backup).

To check the current status of the loader:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume down before the Fastboot logo appears
3. Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
4. If the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is blocked.

Redmi Note 12/13

POCO X5/F5

Mi 11/12/13

Redmi K60/K70

Another model-->

Method 1: Officially unlock through Mi Unlock Tool

This is the most reliable way Xiaomi has approved, suitable for most models released after 2018, and the main drawback is the long wait for confirmation (from 72 to 168 hours).

Step-by-step:

1. Attach Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account Enable Sync and find Mi Unlock Status Click Add Account and Device
2. Activate Developer Mode: Open Settings → About Phone Tap 7 times on MIUI Version Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers, Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock

Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

• Download the latest version of the utility from the official website
• Install Xiaomi USB Drivers (if the PC does not recognize the device)
• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (power button + volume down)
• Sign in to Mi Unlock Tool under the same account as your phone

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is running an error "Couldn't unlock. Current account is different from the account info on the device," you are using the wrong Mi Account that is linked to the phone. remove_frp (It does not work on all models).

Method 2: Unlocking with EDL (Emergency Download Mode)

This method is suitable for devices that have a damaged bootloader or Fastboot does not work. It requires special equipment (EDL cable or test points) and knowledge of Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 commands.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works on "bricks" (devices with damaged firmware)
• ✅ Bypasses the waiting limit 72/168 hours
• ✅ Allows you to sew custom boot.img unblocked

Tools required:

• Mi Flash Tool (official firmware utility)
• Firmware file in.tgz format for your model
• EDL cable or access to testpoints on the board
• Qualcomm USB Drivers Driver

The firmware algorithm through EDL:

1. Connect the phone in mode EDL (The screen should be black, in the Device Manager will appear QHUSB_BULK)
2. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select the downloaded firmware
3. In the Select field, specify clean_all.lock (complete reset with locking of the loader) or clean_all (lock-free)
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes)

1. Disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports)
2. Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0)
3. Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager

Method 3: Install Magisk without unlocking the bootloader (for older models)

On Android 9 and lower devices (e.g., Redmi Note 7, Mi A2), you can get Root without unlocking the boot boot.img patch through Magisk. This method does not work on modern smartphones with MIUI 12+.

Instructions:

1. Download the original boot.img for your firmware (can be extracted from the official service package)
2. Install Magisk Manager (last version - GitHub)
3. In the app, select Install → Select and Patch a File and specify the path to boot.img.
4. After patching, copy the received file magisk_patched.img PC-only
5. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img
6. Reset the device

⚠️ Note: On Dynamic Partition devices (all Android models) 10+) instead boot.img need to patch init_boot.img. Firmware commands: fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot Otherwise, the Root will not work, and the system may be fixated on the boot.

Root rights check and solve typical problems

After successfully unlocking and installing Magisk, check for Root:

• Install the Root Checker app from Google Play
• Open and press Verify Root Access
• If you see the message "Congratulations! Root access is properly installed" - it was successful.

Common mistakes and their solutions:

If Google Pay or banking applications stop working after receiving Root, install the MagiskHide Props Config module and activate the Root Hide.

1. Open Magisk → Modules → Install from storage
2. Select the downloaded module file
3. Reset the device
4. In the module settings, select Edit device fingerprint and specify the model of the certified device (e.g., Pixel 6).

💡

On HyperOS devices (2026), Magisk may not work due to a new system integrity check mechanism avb2.0. Solution: Use alternative cores with pre-sewn Root (e.g. KernelSU).

How to return everything back: removing the Root and locking the bootloader

If you need to give up your phone under warranty or sell it, return the phone to its original state.

1. Remove Magisk: Open the Magisk app Press Uninstall → Complete Uninstall Reboot the device

Sweep through the original boot

fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img


fastboot reboot

(where stock_boot.img — firmware)

Lock the loader.

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ This team will erase all data!

To completely cleanse the traces of modifications, reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

After that, the device will be like new, but note: the bootloader unlock counter (anti-rollback) can not be reset. Xiaomi service centers can see that the bootloader has once unlocked.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Root on Xiaomi