Why rooting on Xiaomi is not as easy as it used to be
Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones in 2026 has become more difficult than 2-3 years ago. the company has tightened security policy: now to unlock the bootloader requires binding Mi Account account to the device, a mandatory wait of 168 hours (7 days) and confirmation via SMS. Even after that, the installation process of Magisk or SuperSU can be blocked by anti-rollback protection (Anti-Rollback), if the firmware of the device is newer than supported by custom solutions.
The main problem is on models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro) unlocking the bootloader can result in a hardware lock of the eMMC if the rollback conditions are not met, which means that the device will turn into a “brick” without the possibility of recovery even through the use of a retractable device. EDL-So before you start the procedure, it's critical to check the firmware version and compatibility with tools like OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP.
In this article, we will analyze the current ways to obtain root rights to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO subject to all limitations 2026 From unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk and bypassing Anti-Rollback, instructions are suitable for devices based on the system. MIUI 14/15 (including hyperbased versions) and Android 13/14.
Preparation: What to do before unlocking
Before you start unlocking, make sure your device meets the key requirements:
- 📱 Smartphone model: check the unlock support on Xiaomi's official website.Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra for the Chinese market may have restrictions.
- 🔄 Version. MIUI: Update your firmware to the latest stable version via Settings → The phone. → Update the system, minimize the risk of conflict with Anti-Rollback.
- 🔐 Mi Account: Link your account to your device and enable sync. Without it, unlocking is impossible.
- 📶 SIM card: the device must be active SIM supportive SMS (will be required to confirm the unlocking).
- 💾 Backup: unlocking will reset all data! Use Settings → Additionally. → Backup or Mi Cloud Backup.
Pay special attention to the bootloader version. New devices (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) can have Anti-Rollback 4+, which blocks rollbacks to old firmware. To check the version, type in the ADB terminal command:
fastboot getvar antiIf the answer is anti:4 or higher, you can’t use firmware older than 2023, which will lead to hard-brick (irreparable damage).
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
Xiaomi’s official tool, the Mi Unlock Tool, is the only legal way to unlock the bootloader. Download it from the official website (version no lower than 5.5.224.30 for MIUI 15).
Algorithm of action:
- Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, To activate the developer mode. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some models)
- Attach Mi Account to your device: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Confirm the action via SMS (the code will come to the linked number).
- Connect your phone to your PC: Use the original USB Type-C cable. Connect your device in Fastboot mode (clutch Volume Down + Power When your phone is off). Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
Start unlocking.
- The tool will show a waiting timer (168 hours). After it expires, press Unlock.
- It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's finished, the phone automatically reboots when it's reset to factory settings.
Mi Account linked to device | USB | Installed ADB/Fastboot Drivers | Data backup | Battery charge > 60%-->
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported", check: model compatibility on the official website. No binding to another account (for example, if the phone is used). Active Internet connection on the PC (tool checks the servers Xiaomi).
Step 2: Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox)
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you need to install custom recovery to flash Magisk or other firmware. For Xiaomi devices in 2026, it is recommended that:
- 🦊 OrangeFox Recovery supports data encryption and has a built-in file manager. MIUI 14/15.
- 🔧 TWRP — Classic solution, but newer devices may not work with Dynamic Partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T).
- 🛡️ PitchBlack Recovery – an alternative with support for dark theme and gestures.
Download the current version of recovery for your model with OrangeFox or TWRP. The file must have the.img extension.
Installation via fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img
fastboot reboot recoveryIf you see the standard MIUI menu after you reboot in recovery, it means the firmware hasn't stood up. It's because of the FastbootD feature on new devices.
fastboot reboot fastboot
fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img
fastboot reboot recoveryWhat to do if recovery is not installed?
Step 3: Magisk firmware to obtain root rights
Magisk is the only reliable way to root on modern Xiaomi devices without risking losing the functionality of Google Pay or Banking applications. The latest versions (Magisk Delta or Magisk Canary) support Android 14 and bypass SafetyNet checks.
Installation instructions:
- Download Magisk: Official version: GitHub Magisk. For Android 14, Magisk Delta is recommended (fork with support for new cores).
- Download boot image: In custom recovery, select Advanced → Backup → Boot and save boot.img on SD-Or take out the map. boot.img From the firmware for your model (you can download it on Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
- Patching via Magisk: Copy boot.img - Put it on the phone. APK Open it and select Install. → Select and Patch a File. boot.img And wait for the file to be created. magisk_patched.img.
Sweep through the patch boot
- Reboot to fastboot and execute: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot
After the reboot, check for root through the Magisk app or the command in the terminal:
suIf a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.
MagiskHide
Zygisk
Anti-Rollback bypass: what to do if the firmware is blocked
Anti-Rollback (ARB) is Xiaomi’s protection mechanism that blocks rollbacks on older firmware versions. On ARB 3+ devices (like the Redmi K50 Pro or Xiaomi 12T), trying to flash the old version will lead to hard-brick. To avoid this, follow the rules:
| ARB version | Device models | Minimum version of MIUI | Risks of rollback |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARB 1 | Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro | MIUI 12.5 | Soft brick (restored via fastboot) |
| ARB 2 | Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi K40 | MIUI 13 | Hard brick (EDL required) |
| ARB 3 | Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT | MIUI 14 | Non-recoverable brick (unless you have an authorized EDL) |
| ARB 4 | Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60 | MIUI 14.0.5+ | EMMC lock (chip replacement required) |
If you need to flash custom firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), make sure it supports your ARB version. For example, only MIUI 14 or later will work for Xiaomi 12S with ARB 3.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with ARB 4+ (Any attempt to roll back or install an inappropriate firmware will result in permanent damage. EDL-cable (cost of unlocking) ~$30–$50) or replacement of motherboard.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise. Let's consider the typical errors and how to fix them:
- 🚫 "This miui version cannot be downgraded" error: Reason: Trying to flash firmware older than Anti-Rollback allows. Solution - find firmware with version ARB, Check your model (check in fastboot getvar anti).
- 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI: Reason: Incompatible Magisk module or damaged boot.img. Solution - go through the original boot.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash boot boot_original.img
- 🔌 Mi Unlock Tool does not see the device: Reasons: Drivers are not installed ADB/Fastboot (Download here. There is no Fastboot mode (check cable connection) Antivirus lock (add Mi Unlock Tool in exceptions).
- 🔒 Root is there, but SafetyNet doesn't pass: Solution: In Magisk, turn on Zygisk and Enforce DenyList. Install Universal SafetyNet Fix and Play Integrity Fix modules. Reboot the device.
💡
If you don't boot after installing Magisk, always try flashing the original boot first, which solves the problem 90 percent of the time without completely flashing it.