How to request root rights on Xiaomi: from unlocking the bootloader to Magisk

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to advanced system settings, the ability to remove embedded applications, install custom firmware and optimize performance. However, the process requires care: wrong actions can lead to locking the device or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk to manage root rights.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different for different models Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO. New devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) They may have additional restrictions and older ones (up to Mi). 10) β€” We're going to look at a universal method that's relevant to most devices on the Internet. MIUI 14/15 HyperOS.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge of at least 60% (risk of shutdown during the process).
  • πŸ“± Data backup (unlocking will reset the device to factory settings).
  • πŸ”§ Availability of original USB-cables (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).
  • πŸ’» Windows computer 10/11 Linux (for Mi Unlock Tool).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model you will unlock?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO F5/X5
Xiaomi 13/14
Another model
I haven't decided yet.

1.Preparation: Compatibility and permissions check

Not all Xiaomi devices support official bootloader unlocking. The company periodically updates the list of allowed models, so check your device on the Mi Unlock website first.

For most modern smartphones, the following rules apply:

  • πŸ“… The device must be at least 7 days after the first link to the Mi Account.
  • πŸ”‘ Mi Account must be confirmed by phone number and email.
  • 🌍 The region of the account is not China (Chinese versions of Xiaomi have strict restrictions).
  • πŸ”„ The device should be official firmware (castom firmware blocks unlocking).

If your device is purchased in China or has firmware from China ROM, In some cases, you will need to change the firmware region through the Mi Flash Tool or use workarounds (for example, EDL-regime).

⚠️ Note: Devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M5) They require an additional step – unlocking. OEM Unlock in the developer settings. Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool won't see the phone.

2 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 HyperOS).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and activate: πŸ”“ OEM-Unlocking (for MediaTek). πŸ”Œ Debugging by USB.

File transfer

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

The process can take anywhere from 3 to 72 hours β€” Xiaomi artificially slows down the unlock for new accounts. If the program gives a "Couldn't unlock" error, try:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and PC.
  • πŸ”Œ Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
  • πŸ“‘ Connect to another network (some providers block Xiaomi servers).

Developer mode activated|On. OEM-unlock|Device tied to Mi Account for more than 7 days|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version-->

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

Once you unlock the bootloader, you need to install custom recovery β€” usually a TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) β€” that will allow you to flash Magisk and other modifications.

How to find the correct version of TWRP:

  • πŸ” Go to the official website TWRP.
  • πŸ“± Enter your device model (e.g., "Redmi Note 12 Pro")+").
  • ⚠️ Check compatibility with your version MIUI/HyperOS (specified in the description).

To install TWRP, use the fastboot command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-tapas.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-tapas.img

tapas

vili

Xiaomi 12

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F4) post-fix TWRP The system automatically overwrites recovery to stock. To avoid this, immediately after installation, go to the TWRP and sew disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip.

4. Magisk firmware for root rights

Magisk is a root rights management tool that allows you to hide root from applications (such as banking) and is checked by SafetyNet.

Installation instructions:

  1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
  2. Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
  3. Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
  4. Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
  5. After installation, reboot to the system.

To test if you're successful, run the Magisk app and run the SafetyNet test, and if Basic Integrity: PASS status, the root rights work correctly.

πŸ’‘

If the phone is stuck on downloading after installing Magisk, try flashing Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP and then repeat the process with another version.

5. Solving common problems

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur. Let's consider the typical cases and how to correct them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the deviceNo ADB/Fastboot drivers installedInstall Platform Tools and Xiaomi Drivers
"Anti-rollback check" errorTrying to flash the old version of MIUIUpdate to the latest official firmware
TWRP does not start after firmwareStock recovery re-records TWRPPlease. disable_dm-verity.zip post-installation TWRP
Apps don't see root rightsMagisk is not activated or hiddenIn Magisk settings, enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList

If your device is locked during the unlocking phase of the bootloader and requires authorization through Mi Account, but you forgot the password, you can only restore access through the official Xiaomi service. Self-attempts to bypass the binding (for example, through EDL) can lead to a complete loss of IMEI.

6. Alternative methods of obtaining root

If official unlocking is not available (e.g., for the Chinese versions of Xiaomi), there are workarounds, but they require deep technical knowledge and carry risks:

  • πŸ”§ EDL-Emergency Download Mode – allows you to flash the device through Qualcomm tools, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account.
  • πŸ“¦ Exploit methods – exploiting vulnerabilities in firmware (e.g. DirtyCOW for older versions of Android).
  • πŸ”„ Reflashing on Global ROM β€” Change the region of firmware from Chinese to global through the Mi Flash Tool.

What is it? EDL-regime?
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is a service mode for firmware devices on Qualcomm chips. It allows you to restore the phone even when the bootloader is damaged, but requires a special cable (EDL-cable) or short circuit contacts on the board. Using EDL without Xiaomi authorization can lead to blocking IMEI!

For MediaTek devices (such as Redmi 9A or POCO C50), there is an SP Flash Tool, but it only works with an unlocked bootloader and official firmware.

7.Security and concealment of root rights

Many apps (banking, security games, Google Pay) block access on root-righted devices. To get around this, use Magisk's features:

  • πŸ”’ MagiskHide (new versions – Zygisk) + DenyList – hides the root from selected applications.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ SafetyNet Fix – a module for checking Google SafetyNet.
  • πŸ”„ Universal SafetyNet Fix – an alternative module for bypassing inspections.

To hide root from a particular application:

  1. Open Magisk and go to Settings β†’ Configuration.
  2. Enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList.
  3. Add the app to DenyList (e.g. SberBank Online).
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Netflix or Netflix) Pokémon GO) They use additional root-right detection techniques, and in this case, you may need to install the MagiskHide Props Config module to replace the device's fingerprints.

πŸ’‘

Hiding root rights is a temporary measure. App or system updates may find root again, so check Magisk's settings regularly.

8. rollback of changes and restoration of the guarantee

If you need to return the device to the service center or sell it, you need to remove all traces of root rights.

  1. Remove Magisk via TWRP (please click Magisk-uninstaller.zip).
  2. Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img
  3. Lock the bootloader back: fastboot oem lock
  4. Complete reset via Settings β†’ Reset.

After this action, the device will return to factory condition, but the service center Xiaomi can detect the fact of unlocking the bootloader logs, in some cases, this leads to a denial of warranty repair.

If you plan to sell the phone, honestly state in the ad that the bootloader has been unlocked.This will relieve the claims of the buyer and preserve your reputation.

πŸ“Š You have already obtained root rights on your devices?
Yes, many times.
Yeah, but long ago.
No, it's my first time.
No, and no planning.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root rights on Xiaomi

Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?
No, on modern Xiaomi devices, unlocking the bootloader is mandatory. There used to be exploits for bypassing (for example, KingRoot), but they do not work on MIUI 12+ and HyperOS.
Will I lose my warranty after I get root?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware voids the warranty, but in some cases, service centers turn a blind eye to the root if the problem is not related to the software part (for example, a broken screen).
How to update MIUI with root rights?
Updates "over the air" (OTA) with root rights result in the loss of Magisk. To update: Download the full service package (.zip) from the official website. Sweat it through TWRP (no wipes!). After the update, re-sweep Magisk.
Can I get a root on Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor?
Yes, but the process is more complicated because of MediaTek's closedness. You'll need to: Unlock OEM Unlock in the settings. Use special versions of TWRP for MTK. In some cases, patch the bootloader through the SP Flash Tool.
What if the NFC or camera stopped working after the root?
This is a typical problem when using incompatible Magisk modules. Solutions: Remove all installed modules in Magisk. boot.img through TWRP And re-install Magisk. NFC The module can help NFC Fix for MIUI.