Getting advanced access rights, or Root, on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that opens up unlimited customization options for the device owner. The standard MIUI shell, despite its functionality, often limits user actions by hiding system files and preventing removal of preinstalled software, which is why many enthusiasts are eager to unlock the bootloader and implement administrator rights.
However, it is worth noting that the interference with system code is not just installing an application from the Play Market, it is a deep modification of Android, requiring care and compliance with all technical nuances. Wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty, locking the device or the inability to launch banking applications without additional manipulation.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at current methods for obtaining superuser rights using a bundle of unlocked bootloaders, custom TWRP recavators and Magisk Manager. You will learn about device preparation, necessary tools and precautions to help avoid turning a smartphone into a “brick”.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of the system partition, it is critical to conduct high-quality preparation. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) is a mandatory first step for all modern models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. Without this stage, installing a modified Recovery or firmware patch images is impossible.
You will need a computer running Windows or Linux, the original USB-cable and stable Internet connection. You also need to create a full backup of all important data, since the process of unlocking the bootloader involves completely resetting the device to factory settings.
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Use cloud services or local PC storage for backup contacts and photos, as internal memory will be completely cleared when unlocking the bootloader.
The list of required software includes:
- 📱 The official Mi Unlock Tool utility to unlock the bootloader.
- 💻 Drivers. ADB and Fastboot installed on PC.
- 🔧 The image of a custom Recovery TWRP, customized to your model.
- 📦 ZIP-Archive with the latest Magisk release saved in the phone's memory.
Make sure that the battery charge of the device is at least 60%. interruption of the firmware process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the software part of the smartphone.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The unlocking procedure begins with the Mi Account being linked to your smartphone settings. You need to log in to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version several times to activate the developer menu. Then, in Advanced Settings → For developers, you need to activate the “Debug by USB” and “Unlock the bootloader”.
Once these options are enabled, the system will request confirmation via SMS and warn of the risks. Between the unlock request and the procedure itself, it can take anywhere from 168 hours (7 days) to 30 days, depending on the region and Xiaomi’s security policy, which is the time required to verify the device on the company’s servers.
☑️ Stages of unlocking the loader
When the timer expires, start the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer, log in to the same account, and put your phone into Fastboot mode, holding down the volume and power buttons at the same time. Connect the device with a cable, press the Unlock button. The process will take a few minutes and complete the data cleanup.
⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Android’s Verified Boot security system will consider the device to be modified. NFC and secure data storage.
Installation of custom Recovery TWRP
Xiaomi’s standard recovery does not allow changes to system files, so you need to install Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). This tool provides access to the file system and allows you to flash ZIP-Archives like Magisk. Finding the right version TWRP You should be strictly codenamed for your model (e.g. guacamole for OnePlus or specific codes for Redmi).
The installation process is carried out through Fastboot mode. Connect the unlocked smartphone to the PC and open the command line in the folder with the installed ADB-Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf you've got a device, you can go to the Recovery image firmware. It's important to use flash only for temporary boot if you want to save stock Recovery, or boot for single launch.
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgAfter a successful recording, you need to immediately switch to Recovery mode, clamping the power and volume buttons. If you release the buttons and wait for the automatic reboot, Xiaomi's stock Recovery can overwrite TWRP, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
Instructions for installing Magisk and obtaining Root
The most relevant and secure method of obtaining superuser rights today is using Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to hide the presence of Root rights from banking applications and services Google Pay.
First, copy it. ZIP-Magisk installer file on the smartphone's internal memory. TWRP Recovery. In the main menu, select "Install" and find the downloaded archive. Confirm the installation of the slider swipe.
Once the process is complete, click the button "Reboot System." It may take longer than usual to boot the system for the first time. Once the desktop appears, find a new Magisk icon in the application menu. Open it and confirm the installation of additional components if the application requests it.
You can check for rights by running any terminal and entering the su command. If the system requests permission to grant superuser rights and issues the # symbol instead of $, then the procedure was successful.
Risks and security measures in rooting
Getting Root rights is not only a new feature, but also an increased liability: the manufacturer's warranty obligations are in most cases canceled immediately after unlocking the bootloader, service centers can refuse free repairs if they find signs of software interference.
Data security is also becoming a risk area, where, given super-user rights, malware that gains access to Root can steal any data, including passwords and encryption keys, so it is critical not to grant rights to dubious applications.
| Parameter | To Root rights. | After receiving the Root |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantee | It's working. | Cancellation. |
| Banking applications | They work normally. | Requires concealment settings |
| OTA Updates | They come automatically. | Blocked or require manual updates |
| Data protection | Standard. | Potentially vulnerable |
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The main risk of rooting is not a phone breakdown, but data compromise if the user mindlessly grants superuser rights to unverified programs.
In addition, some applications, such as banking clients and anti-cheat games, may refuse to run.To circumvent this restriction, Magisk has a “Magisk Hide” feature (or DenyList setup in new versions), which hides the fact that Root is available from selected applications.
Possible problems and solutions
When you modify your system, you often experience bootloops. If your smartphone is stuck on the Mi or Android logo, don't panic. Try booting into TWRP and clearing the Dalvik/ART Cache cache through the Wipe menu.
If the device is not turned on at all (black screen, charging only reaction), the boot partition may be damaged, in which case only flashing the stock version of MIUI through EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode using an authorized Mi Account or paid services will help.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to stitch Recovery images or kernels designed for other Xiaomi models.This is guaranteed to lead to hardware locking or failure of memory components.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with data encryption: Once you unlock the bootloader and install custom Recovery, the old encryption can become unreadable, which is why the first sign-in to TWRP often requires Format Data, which deletes all files.