If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and you’re wondering about root access, you’re already beyond standard use. Root (or superuser) isn’t just about “administrator rights,” it’s about full control of the Android operating system, allowing you to change system files, remove embedded apps, and even install custom firmware. But with the limitless possibilities, there are also serious risks, from losing warranty to “bricking” the phone.
In this article, we will discuss what exactly gives root on Xiaomi, which models support unlocking the bootloader (without this root you can not get), and what tools you need to do this. We will pay special attention to the official and informal methods, as well as the consequences that the manufacturer prefers to keep silent. If you are a beginner, take your time: first weigh the pros and cons.
What is root access and why it is needed on Xiaomi
Root access is a superuser privilege in Android, similar to the administrator rights in Windows. With them, you get full control over system files, the OS kernel and the hardware components of a smartphone. On Xiaomi devices, this is especially true because of the manufacturer's aggressive policy to restrict user freedoms: a blocked bootloader, the inability to remove system applications (MIUI is full of unnecessary software), and restrictions on interface modification.
Here are some examples of why you might want to root on Xiaomi:
- 🔧 Remove embedded software: Apps like Mi Browser, Mi Music or GetApps take up space and consume resources, but you can’t remove them without root.
- ⚡ CPU/Graphics overclocking: Apps like Kernel Adiutor can change frequencies CPU/GPU, Improved performance (or charge savings).
- 📱 Install custom firmware: LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS offer “clean” Android without shell MIUI.
- 🔒 Advertising blocking at the system level: by using AdAway or /etc/hosts You can cut off advertising in all applications.
- 📡 Modification of network settings: For example, forced VoLTE activation or 5G on non-certified operators.
However, root access on Xiaomi is impossible to obtain without first unlocking the bootloader – a key difference from many other brands: the process requires official permission from Xiaomi (via the binding of the Mi Account) and erases all data from the device.
Official vs. informal root: pros and cons
You can get root on Xiaomi in two ways: through the official unlock of the bootloader and then install Magisk or informal methods (exploits, circumvention of restrictions).
| Criteria | Official unlocking | Informal methods |
|---|---|---|
| 🔓 Unlocking the loader | Required (via Mi Unlock Tool) | Not always required (depending on the exploit) |
| ⏳ Waiting time | 3 to 30 days (depending on the model) | Instantly (if the exploit works) |
| 📱 Compatibility | Most models are supported | It only works on older and vulnerable versions of MIUI. |
| ⚠️ Risks. | Loss of warranty, data reset | High chance of "bricking", data leakage |
| 🔄 Updates to LA | You can update (but root will fly) | Updates can block vulnerability |
The official method is preferred if you plan to use root for the long term. Unofficial ways (for example, through the DirtyCOW exploit or vulnerabilities in MIUI 12) can work on older devices, but are fraught with problems:
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial methods often exploit vulnerabilities that Xiaomi has patched in new versions MIUI. If you update your firmware after getting root, the device may stop loading or lose communication with the network.
Another nuance: some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader, even if the root is disabled through Magisk Hide.
Step-by-step: how to officially unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
The process of unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi consists of several steps. Importantly, all data on the device will be deleted, so make a backup in advance.
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with version MIUI No newer than the one that supports unlocking (check on the official website).
- 💻 Windows computer (for Mi Unlock Tool).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original to avoid connection issues).
- 📋 Mi Account linked to the device (required to have a confirmed phone number).
Step 1: Activate the Developer Mode
Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on MIUI Version. After that, to Settings → The Developer Menu will appear additionally.
- USB debugging
- Unlocking OEM (an important item!)
Step 2: Linking your Mi Account to your device
In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and link your account. The system may ask you to enter a password and confirm the action via SMS.
Step 3: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool
Download the utility from the official website and install it on your PC. Launch the program, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (to do this, turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
Step 4: Unlocking
In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If done correctly, the unlocking process will begin. New devices (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 and later) may require up to 30 days of waiting (the system will show the timer).
☑️ Preparation for unlocking the loader
Magisk Installation: How to Get Root After Unlocking
Once you unlock the bootloader, you can start installing Magisk, the most popular root-rights tool. Magisk not only gives root, but also allows you to hide it from applications (for example, banking or games), as well as install modules to modify the system.
You'll need:
- 📱 Unlocked smartphone Xiaomi.
- 💾 Castom Recovery (TWRP Or OrangeFox).
- 📦 The latest version of Magisk (you can download it on GitHub).
- 🖥️ Recovery firmware computer.
Step 1: Installation of custom recaveri
Download the image TWRP For your model (for example, for Redmi Note) 10 Pro, it's gonna be a file. twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img). Rename him in recovery.img and run through fastboot:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot boot recovery.imgStep 2: Magisk firmware
In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the downloaded Magisk file (usually Magisk-v26.4.zip).
Step 3: Root Checking
Install the Root Checker app from Play Market and run the check. If it goes well, you will see a message Root access properly installed!
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T) After installing Magisk, Widevine will stop working. L1, This will lead to a decrease in streaming quality on Netflix or Disney.+ before 480p. This can be fixed through Magisk modules, but there is no guarantee.
Xiaomi models, which root is the most difficult to get
Not all Xiaomi devices are equally friendly to modifications. Some models have additional protections that make it difficult to unlock the bootloader or install root.
| Model | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Blocked bootloader on Chinese versions | Translation to Global Firmware Required |
| Redmi K50 Pro | Restriction on Unblocking for New Mi Accounts | Use an account older than 30 days |
| POCO F4 GT | Problems with TWRP (no stable version) | Use OrangeFox Recovery |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 | Lack of custom firmware | Root only through Magisk without recavery |
Especially difficult with devices released for the Chinese market (with the C suffix in the model name, for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+C).
- 🔐 Unlocked bootloader without unlocking via Mi Unlock Tool.
- 📵 Lack of support for global LTE-range.
- 🚫 Restrictions on the installation of Google Services.
If you own a device, check if it supports unlocking before buying it. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro in the Chinese version can be unlocked, but only after you have firmware through the global software. EDL-Mode (which requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
What is it? EDL-regime?
Risks and Consequences of Getting Root on Xiaomi
Root access offers huge opportunities, but it also carries serious risks.
- 🚨 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi officially declares that unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty.Even if you return everything "as it was", the service center can detect traces of modifications.
- 🛡️ SafetyNet problems: Many apps (banks, Google Pay, games) refuse to work on root devices.
- 💥 "Bricking": An incorrect firmware or interrupted process can render the phone inoperable. TWRP For another model, you will find bootloop.
- 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: After receiving root, automatic updates MIUI They can fly or lead to errors.
- 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: Root gives apps unrestricted access to the system.Attacker can steal data or install malware.
Another nuance: on some models (Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi K40) after unlocking the bootloader, Widevine L1 stops working, which reduces the maximum resolution in streaming services to 720p.
⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi to handle sensitive data (e.g. corporate email, cryptocurrency wallets), root access significantly increases the risk of leakage. Even if you are confident in your security, vulnerabilities in Magisk modules or custom cores can be used to attack.
Root Alternatives: What You Can Do Without Unlocking the bootloader
Not all users need a full root, and often there are alternative solutions that don't require unlocking the bootloader:
- 🧹 Removing System Applications Without Root: Through ADB You can disable unnecessary programs: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browser (replace com.miui.browser with the desired application package).
- ⚡ Accelerate work: Include optimization MIUI in the battery settings and turn off animations in Settings → Special facilities → Delete animations.
- 📱 Custom Launchers: Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to change the interface without root.
- 🔒 Ad Blocking: Use Blokada or DNS66 Filtering traffic at the level VPN.
- 📡 Change network settings: Applications like Network Signal Guru allow you to manually select networks 4G/5G rootless.
For most tasks (deleting bloatware, blocking ads, changing the interface), these methods are enough, and if you need root to install custom firmware or deep modification of the kernel, there are no alternatives.
💡
Before removing system applications via ADB, back them up with the command adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb com.package.name. This will allow you to restore them if something goes wrong.