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:
- π Battery charge of at least 60% (risk of shutdown during the process).
- π± Data backup (unlocking will reset the device to factory settings).
- π§ Availability of original USB-cables (cheap cables can interrupt data transmission).
- π» Windows computer 10/11 Linux (for Mi Unlock Tool).
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:
- π The device must be at least 7 days after the first link to the Mi Account.
- π Mi Account must be confirmed by phone number and email.
- π The region of the account is not China (Chinese versions of Xiaomi have strict restrictions).
- π 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).
β οΈ Note: Devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M5) They require an additional step β 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
Xiaomiβs 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:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings β Additionally. β For developers and activate: π OEM-Unlocking (for MediaTek). π 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:
- π Restart your phone and PC.
- π Use the other USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
- π‘ 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:
- π Go to the official website TWRP.
- π± Enter your device model (e.g., "Redmi Note 12 Pro")+").
- β οΈ 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.imgtapas
vili
Xiaomi 12
β οΈ 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:
- Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).
- Move the archive to your phone or flash drive.
- Boot to TWRP (hold Power + Volume up when turned on).
- Press Install, select Magisk-v26.4.zip and swipe for confirmation.
- 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.
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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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Unlock Tool doesn't see the device | No ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Install Platform Tools and Xiaomi Drivers |
| "Anti-rollback check" error | Trying to flash the old version of MIUI | Update to the latest official firmware |
| TWRP does not start after firmware | Stock recovery re-records TWRP | Please. disable_dm-verity.zip post-installation TWRP |
| Apps don't see root rights | Magisk is not activated or hidden | In 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:
- π§ EDL-Emergency Download Mode β allows you to flash the device through Qualcomm tools, but requires an authorized Xiaomi account.
- π¦ Exploit methods β exploiting vulnerabilities in firmware (e.g. DirtyCOW for older versions of Android).
- π Reflashing on Global ROM β Change the region of firmware from Chinese to global through the Mi Flash Tool.
What is it? EDL-regime?
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:
- π MagiskHide (new versions β Zygisk) + DenyList β hides the root from selected applications.
- π‘οΈ SafetyNet Fix β a module for checking Google SafetyNet.
- π Universal SafetyNet Fix β an alternative module for bypassing inspections.
To hide root from a particular application:
- Open Magisk and go to Settings β Configuration.
- Enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList.
- Add the app to DenyList (e.g. SberBank Online).
- Reset the device.
β οΈ Note: Some apps (such as Netflix or Netflix) PokΓ©mon 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.
π‘
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.
- Remove Magisk via TWRP (please click Magisk-uninstaller.zip).
- Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img
- Lock the bootloader back: fastboot oem lock
- 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.