How to get root access on Xiaomi: official and unofficial ways

Getting root rights on Xiaomi smartphones opens up access to hidden Android features, but it requires caution: wrong actions can turn the device into a “brick.” In 2026, the process was complicated by the tightening of the MIUI security policy, but it remained possible for both new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) and old ones (POCO F3, Mi 11).

It is important to understand that starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi blocks the unlocking of the bootloader on some regional firmware (for example, for Russia and the EU), there are bypasses, but they require the use of alternative methods like EDL (Emergency Download Mode), we will discuss both the official (via Mi Unlock Tool) and informal (via fastboot and EDL).

Before you start, check:

🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (when unlocked, the loader resets the device).
📱 The smartphone model supports unlocking (see list of incompatible devices in the article). FAQ).
💻 Drivers are installed on the PC ADB/Fastboot and Mi Flash Tool (links in the section "Preparation»).

📊 Why You Need Root Access?

Removal of system applications

Installation of custom firmware

Game cheats

Overclocking the processor

Other

1.Preparation: What to do before unlocking

The first step is to back up. Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed apps. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root, but is suitable for copying to another phone).

Check the MIUI version and device model:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔓 Unlocking OEM (critical point!)

If the OEM Unlock option is missing or inactive, it means:

🚫 The device is linked to a Mi Account with restrictions (e.g. corporate phones).
🔄 You need to update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes Xiaomi blocks unlocking on old builds).

Make a data backup|Battery charge check (>60%)|Activation of the developer mode|Initiation of debugging USB and unlock OEM|Installation of drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The official way from Xiaomi is to use the Mi Unlock Tool utility. Download it from the official website (Windows version).

Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and PC (use one account!).
Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
Open the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same account.
Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

Note: from 2023, Xiaomi has introduced a 72-hour waiting period for new accounts. If you recently signed up, unlocking will only be available in 3 days. EDL, This is an informal method (see the next section).

What to do if Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error

The error is often associated with linking your account to a region. Try: 1. Change the region in Mi Account to "Global" (via VPN). 2. Use the old version of Mi Unlock Tool (for example, 5.5.224.30). 3. Connect to another PC (sometimes the lock is tied to Hardware ID).

3. Alternative method: Unlocking via EDL (for experienced)

If the Mi Unlock Tool fails to work, then the EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is left.

🔧 Authorized account EDL (You can buy on forums or get through familiar service engineers).
💻 Mi Flash Pro and firmware.tgz for your model.
🔌 Cable with support for 9008 ports (normal) USB-C may not work).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the buttons <Loud up + Volume down> and connect the cable to the PC.




3. in Device Manager should appear port Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.




4. Run Mi Flash Pro, select firmware and press "Refresh".




5. Once the device is detected, press "Flash".

⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL damage to the module IMEI Before the procedure, check the firmware compatibility with your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP)

After unlocking the loader must be installed TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – custom recovery that allows you to sew ZIP-Download the current version for your model from the official website.

TWRP firmware via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-xiaomi.img


fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-xiaomi.img

Important: Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) require you to disable recovery checks via the command:

fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img


fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

💡

If the phone loads into stock recovery after TWRP firmware, repeat the command fastboot boot twrp.img and immediately swipe Magisk. This will prevent the TWRP from being replaced with stock.

5. Getting root rights through Magisk

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights with support for masking (hidden root from banking applications). Magisk-v26.4.zip).

Instructions:

Download Magisk.zip and place it on your phone or flash drive.
Boot to TWRP (via fastboot boot twrp.img or button combination).
Click Install → select Magisk.zip → swipe for confirmation.
After installation, reboot to the system.

Check for root with the Root Checker app or enter in the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.

💡

Magisk allows you to hide root from specific applications (such as Sberbank or Google Pay) through the “MagiskHide” function. Activate it in the Magisk settings after installation.

6 Solving problems after getting root

Even with a successful root installation, there may be problems.

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
The phone is not loaded (bootloop)	Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP	Switch to Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img
No network (IMEI reset)	Damage to the modem partition when firmware	Restore IMEI through QCN-Recavate or reflash modem via Mi Flash
Banking applications are not working	Root detection via SafetyNet	Activate MagiskHide and use Universal SafetyNet Fix

If the root has stopped working after the root OTA-updates, that's okay: custom recovery blocks installation. TWRP Or roll back to stock recovery before updating.

7. How to hide root from applications (MagiskHide)

Many apps (e.g. Sberbank Online, Google Pay, Pokémon GO) block work on root devices. To get around this, use MagiskHide:

Open Magisk Manager (root management application).
Go to Settings → MagiskHide and turn on the function.
Add problematic apps to the hideout list (e.g. com.sberbankmobile).
Reset the device.

For additional masking, install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module via Magisk:

1. Download the module from GitHub.


2. In Magisk, click Modules → Install from Storage → select the downloaded file.




3.Reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Some banking apps (like Tinkoff) check not only root, but also bootloader status. If you have a bootloader unlocked, you can't hide it, you'll have to return the stock firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi

Can I get root without unlocking the bootloader?

No. Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has completely blocked the ability to get root without unlocking the bootloader, the only exception being vulnerabilities in older versions of Android (like DirtyCOW), but they are closed in current firmware.

Which Xiaomi models do not support unlocking the bootloader?

The list of undetachable devices includes: 📱 Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One – Unlocking is possible, but requires additional steps). 📱 POCO C-series (e.g., C-series, POCO C50) — hardware-level limitations. 📱 Devices with firmware for corporate customers (for example, Mi Enterprise Edition.

How to remove root and return stock firmware?

To completely remove root: Download the stock firmware for your model with Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Sweat it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode. Restore the bootloader with fastboot oem lock (optional, but recommended for security) After that, the device will return to factory condition, but the Xiaomi warranty will still be canceled (if the bootloader is officially unlocked).

Will Google Pay work after you get root?

Yes, but with reservations: 🔹 You need to activate MagiskHide and add Google Pay to the list of hidden apps. 🔹 Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module (see section above). 🔹 Pass the SafetyNet certification (checked through the SafetyNet Test app).If Google Pay still doesn't work, try changing your Google account region to "USA" or "UK".

Can I update my MIUI after I get root?

Yeah, but not through. OTA. Use one of the methods: 🔄 Manual firmware: Download the full service package (.zip) and install via TWRP. 🔄 Recurring to Stock Recovery: Temporarily Sweep through the original recovery, upgrade, then return TWRP. System Update will not work, it checks the integrity of system partitions.