Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but requires caution. The process involves unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and installing Magisk firmware - every step is important. Without proper preparation, the risk of bricking the device increases 3 times, especially on the new Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5 models.
In this article, we will review legal and informal methods, compare them on security, and show how to get around common errors. On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), unlocking takes up to 720 hours of waiting due to new manufacturer restrictions.
What do root rights give to Xiaomi and what risks do they carry?
Root access allows:
- 🔧 Remove embedded applications MIUI (including advertising services com.miui.analytics)
- ⚡ Increase performance through nuclear tweaks (e.g. kernel adiutor)
- 📱 Install custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience
- 🔋 Optimize battery consumption by disabling background processes
But there is a downside:
- 🚨 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially bans modifications
- 🛡️ Malware vulnerability (68% of Android attacks target root devices)
- 📵 Problems with OTA-Updates and services of Google Pay/Netflix (Magisk Hide is required)
- 💥 Risk of a “brick” in a firmware error (especially on devices with MediaTek Helio) G99)
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (2026), standard unlocking methods may not work. K70 and newer requires special EDL-Cable and authorization with Mi Unlock Tool 2.0.
Preparation of the device: 5 mandatory steps before unlocking
Before starting the process, make sure that:
Backup created via Mi Cloud or TWRP
≥70% battery charged (critical for the POCO X5 Pro with fast discharge)
All screen locks are disabled (PIN/graphics/fingerprint)
Installed drivers Mi USB Driver on PC
Downloaded files: Magisk-v26.4.zip, TWRP-3.7.0.img, MiUnlockTool.exe
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For Xiaomi 12T and newer models, you will additionally need:
- Link the device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Security
- Activate OEM Unlock in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (stamp 7 times on the build number, then return to Additional → For Developers)
- Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power)
Critical Beginner Mistake: Unlocking an account leads to 360 hours (15 days) instead of the standard 168, which applies to all devices on MIUI 14+.
Unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool: Step-by-step
Xiaomi's official tool, MiFlashUnlock, works only with the manufacturer's permission. The algorithm for 2026:
- Download MiUnlockTool (version no lower than 5.5.224.31)
- Sign in to the app under the same Mi Account as you do on your phone
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT)
- Click Unlock and confirm your consent to erasure of data
- Wait for the unlock timer (3 to 720 hours depending on the model)
| Xiaomi model | Waiting Time (2026) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | 168 hours | Requires confirmation by SMS |
| POCO F5 | 72 hours | It only works with the cable from the set. |
| Xiaomi 13 Lite | 360 hours | Authorization is required through EDL |
| Redmi 10C | 72 hours | Supports older versions of MiUnlock |
⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo after unlocking MI, Don't try to play it over the Fastboot. Use the Volume Up combination. + Power to go to Recovery and run Wipe Data.
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If MiUnlockTool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, try connecting your phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0) and disable the antivirus on the PC.
Install TWRP and Magisk: Getting root rights
After unlocking the loader, you need to sew a custom Recovery (TWRP) And Magisk for root access management. MIUI 14/HyperOS:
- Download the current version TWRP for your model from the official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img for POCO X3 Pro)
- Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in a folder with the platform-tools
- In the command line, run: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
- V TWRP Choose Install → Select Storage → MicroSD/USB-OTG and sew Magisk-v26.4.zip
- Reboot to the system and check root through the Root Checker app
Important for HyperOS: On newer devices (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70 Pro), the standard TWRP may not work. Use alternative receptacles like OrangeFox or PitchBlack.
What if Magisk doesn’t define root?
Avoiding Common Root Errors
Even when following the instructions, users face problems.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed') | Unlocked loader | Repeat the procedure in MiUnlockTool |
| TWRP: Unable to mount /data | Encrypted section | Format /data in TWRP (all data will be deleted!) |
| The phone does not turn on after the firmware | Incompatible version of TWRP | Flip the stock firmware through MiFlash in EDL mode |
For devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi 12C), you may need to:
- 🔌 Use it. SP Flash Tool instead of fastboot
- 🔧 Shut down. SLA (Secure Launch Authentication through MTK Bypass
- 📥 Download firmware only from verified sources
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On devices with Dynamic Partition (all flagships Xiaomi 2022+), the standard method of firmware boot.img through fastboot does not work. Use the patch through Magisk followed by install payload.bin.
Alternative methods of obtaining root without unlocking the bootloader
For users who don’t want to wait 720 hours or risk a warranty, there are workarounds:
- Temporary root through ADB: adb shell su -c "your_command" It only works until the reboot, but allows you to remove system applications.
- Vulnerabilities (e.g. DirtyCow): Apps like KingRoot or iRoot can root older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), but the risk of malware infection is 42%.
Cons of alternative methods:
- 🔄 Root disappears after system update
- 🛡️ 89% of single-clique root apps contain spyware
- 📵 Magisk modules (e.g. LSposed or App Systemizer) are not working)
How to get it back: root removal and bootloader lock
If you need to return the device to stock (for example, for warranty repair), follow this algorithm:
- Remove Magisk through its menu (Uninstall) → Complete Uninstall)
- Recreational Recavator: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img
- Return stock boot.img (download firmware for your model from the archive)
- Go to Fastboot and execute: fastboot oem lock Attention: this will completely erase all data!
To check the status of the lock, use the command:
fastboot oem device-infoIf the answer is Device unlocked: false, the bootloader is successfully blocked.
⚠️ Warning: On HyperOS devices, locking the bootloader can lead to loss IMEI. Before the procedure, save it through the application IMEI Backup or Adb shell su -c "dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modemst1 of=/sdcard/modemst1.bin".