Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, on Xiaomi devices is a process that opens up almost limitless possibilities for the smartphone owner to manage the operating system. The standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, has many software limitations that prevent you from removing system applications, changing the kernel or running specialized software.
However, it is worth noting that this process involves certain risks: improper actions can lead to loss of warranty, locking the device or unstable system. In this article, we will discuss in detail the safe methods of obtaining superuser rights, paying special attention to the need to unlock the bootloader, since this is a prerequisite for Xiaomi smartphones.
Before you start taking action, you need to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, you get full control of the Android file system. On the other hand, some banking applications and services that are tied to checking the integrity of the system stop working. If you are ready to experiment and create backups, the instructions below will help you safely activate root access.
The beginning of the journey to superuser rights is through careful preparation of the workplace and the smartphone itself. Without the preparatory stages, further steps may not be possible or lead to errors in the early stages. First of all, you will need a computer with the Windows operating system, since most of the utilities for working with the Xiaomi bootloader are sharpened for this platform.
The second critical step is to create a full backup of all data, and the process of unlocking the bootloader, which precedes rooting, involves completely removing information from the internal memory of the device, a security mechanism that the manufacturer has implemented, and you can't bypass it with standard methods.
You also need to make sure that the smartphone battery is charged at least 60-70%. Flashing and partitioning changes require stable power, and suddenly turning the device off at a critical moment can turn the phone into a brick. USB developer menu.
You'll need specific tools to work with, which you should download in advance. The main utility will be the Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader and ADB Fastboot drivers. Without this software set, interaction with low-level smartphone services will be impossible. Make sure you only download software from official resources or trusted forums to avoid malware.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
On Xiaomi smartphones, the bootloader is locked by default, which prohibits changes to system partitions. This is the first and most difficult barrier to overcome. The unlock procedure requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting for a certain period of time, which is usually from 7 to 168 hours (week to month).
To start, activate the developer status by clicking on the build number several times in the About Phone section. Then, in the advanced settings, find the Mi Unlock Status and link the account. After that, you need to switch the smartphone to Fastboot mode, holding the volume and power buttons simultaneously, and connect to the computer.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Android’s Verified Boot security system will consider the device to be modified, which may cause some apps, such as Google Pay or banking clients, to stop working without further manipulation to hide root rights.
Run the Mi Unlock Tool program on your computer and log in to your Mi Account. If status permits, the unlock button will become active. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data. Now the path to modify the system is open, and you can move to installing superuser rights.
It is important to note that re-locking the bootloader after obtaining the root rights is strongly discouraged and can lead to the inability to boot the system. If you plan to sell the device, the procedure will have to be performed again, having previously removed all traces of modifications. This is a fundamental change in the logic of the device that can not be reversed by simply resetting the settings.
Install Magisk to obtain Root rights
The modern standard for superuser rights is the Magisk manager. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works on the principle of systemless, that is, it does not change the system partition directly, which allows you to bypass many security checks. To start, download the current version of Magisk in APK format and rename the file extension to.zip.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode and connect it to your PC. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and type in the command to firmware the restored bootloader (Recovery) if you don’t already have a custom recovery installed, or immediately swipe the patched boot.img image through Fastboot. However, the easiest method for beginners is to use the official app.
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
If you use the method through an application, run the Magisk installer on your phone, select Installation and specify the path to the firmware file or choose direct installation. The application will determine the desired image and apply the patch. Once the procedure is completed, the phone will suggest a reboot.
What if Magisk doesn’t see root?
If the app shows that root is missing after installing, try turning on the “Zygisk” feature in Magisk settings and restarting the device. Also make sure you’re using the latest version of the manager.> After rebooting the app menu, the Magisk icon will appear. Once you go in, you’ll see superuser status. If the version number is next to the “Magisk” item, not the “N/A”, then the procedure has been successful. Now your smartphone has full administariation rights, and you can install modules or applications that require deep access.Although Magisk is the most current or preferred option for older models. One such tool is KernelSU, which operates at the core level and provides even deeper integration while remaining invisible to most root-right detectors. For devices that already have an unlocked bootloader, but do not want to mess with image patching, there are ready-made custom recavators, such as: TWRP. Through TWRP squirt ZIP-The superuser archive is right from the recovery menu, and it's a classic method that's been tested for years and works on most Android devices. There are also single-button PC programs such as KingRoot or iRoot, but their use on modern versions of Android (10, 11, 12 and above) is highly discouraged. Using such utilities is a lottery with a high risk of infection of the device. Method complexity Security Magisk Compatibility Average High Android 5.0+ KernelSU High Very High Android 10+ (GKI) TWRP + Zip Medium High Devices with TWRP Single-button PC Low Old Android The choice of method depends on your model and version of the operating system. For owners of modern Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors and the fresh optimal choice remains a bundle of unlocked bootloader and Magisk. This provides a balance between functionality and the fact of the application, the application is the application, where you can hide the super-site access to the application. Every application that requires increased privileges should get your explicit permission. Don't let everyone, it's a matter of security of your data. One of the main problems of rooted devices is the operation of banking applications and Google Pay. They use Google Play Protect and integrity checks to block work on modified devices. To solve this problem, Magisk's settings need to activate "Zygisk" and enable "Enforce DenyList" mode. In the list of processes, you need to find the bank's applications, Google Play Services and Google Play Store, and check them against this will hide the availability of root rights for these programs. However, if the bank uses complex methods of Shamiet Universal Safety. ⚠️ Warning: The constant arms race between Magisk developers and banks means that concealment techniques may stop working once the bank's app is updated.Always have a spare phone on hand or a way to roll back changes quickly if access to accounts is blocked. You also have to look at modules that extend the functionality of the system, and you can set themes, change fonts, improve sound, or even overclock the processor through Magisk, but remember the rule: one module is one problem. If the system is unstable, first turn off the recently installed modules. Possible problems and their solution The rooting process rarely goes perfectly smoothly for all users. Often there are situations when the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop). If this happens, don't panic. Press the volume and power buttons to get into Recovery or Fastboot mode, and try doing a Wipe Data reset or reflash the original image. boot.img. Another common problem is the lack of internet or broken Wi-Fi after the installation of rights, which can be due to a conflict of modules or damage to system files, in which case cleaning Dalwick's cache and cache of the system through the receivers helps. It is also worth checking whether the Magisk firewall blocks the network connection for system processes. 💡If the phone is gone in the bootloop, try pressing the volume button down when booting. On some Xiaomi models, this prevents Magisk modules from loading, allowing you to log in and remove the problem component. 10008 or 10013, Usually associated with problems with Xiaomi servers or improper account binding. Make sure that the SIM card that your Mi Account is registered with is installed on your phone and you are using mobile Internet, not Wi-Fi, when you apply for unlock. If nothing helps, there is always the option to return the device to its original state. To do this, download the official firmware from the MIUI bootloader site and paste it through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. This will completely remove the root rights and return the warranty, although traces of the bootloader unlock at service centers may be noticed. FAQ: Frequently asked questions Will the warranty fly after obtaining the Root license, however, it is difficult to determine the backupright in the application, if the application is completely corrected for the software in the backuploader. But when hardware breaks, the service center can do a deep diagnostics and reveal traces of modification. Can you get a root without unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi? On modern Xiaomi models with Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, as well as on new versions of Android, obtaining root rights without unlocking the bootloader is almost impossible. Vulnerabilities that allowed this to happen (exploits) are quickly closed by security updates. The only work path is official unlocking through Mi Unlock. Is it safe to use banking applications with superuser rights? Using banking applications on the rooted device carries potential risks with the root of the malicious software. If you're critical to the ultimate security of your finances, it's best to use a separate device without modifications. How do you remove Root rights when you don't need them anymore? To remove the superuser rights, you just need to open the Magisk app, click on the Uninstall button and select “Full Delete.” The phone will reboot and the rights will be voided. However, the bootloader will remain unlocked if you do not perform the lock procedure separately via Fastboot. 💡Root-rights give full control over the smartphone, but require the user to be highly technical literacy and caution when installing third-party software.