Getting root rights on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones opens up access to advanced system settings, but often leads to problems: denial of warranty service, blocking of banking applications, unstable firmware. If you decide to return the device to its original state, disabling root access becomes necessary. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of removing root rights, including official and alternative solutions for different versions of MIUI (14/15) and Android (13/14).
It's important to understand that simply removing Magisk or SuperSU won't bring the smartphone back to factory status. System files remain modified and the bootloader unlocked. To completely remove the traces of the root, you'll need a comprehensive approach, from rolling back changes to boot.img to flashing through Fastboot. We'll look at options for users with different levels of training, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
Why you should turn off root access on Xiaomi
Root rights give you full control over the system, but at the same time create risks:
- 🔒 Blocking banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, Google Pay and other services refuse to work on devices with a root due to security requirements.
- 🛡️ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty obligations if unlocked bootloader or modified firmware is detected.
- 🐞 System instability: conflicts of Magisk modules, errors in the update MIUI, random-reset.
- 🔄 Problems with OTA-Updates: the smartphone can stop receiving updates "over the air" or go to bootloop after installing them.
Even if you don’t actively use root, it can interfere with your device, such as games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact that block access to users with root because of anti-cheats, and apps like Netflix or Disney+ can reduce streaming quality by detecting a modified system.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell or rent a smartphone in a trade-in, be sure to remove root access. Service centers and customers check the devices for modifications, which can reduce the cost or cause refusal to accept.
Preparing for root shutdown: what to do before you start
Before you start removing root rights, follow a few critical steps:
- Back up your data. The process can lead to a complete cleanup of your device. Use Settings → Google → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (if root is still active).
- Check the status of the bootloader. Go to Fastboot (turn off the phone, then press Volume down + Power) and look at the Device unlocked line. If you have one, the bootloader is unlocked and you need to lock it back.
- Find out the model and version of MIUI. Go to Settings → About the phone. Write down data like MIUI 15.0.4.0 (SKWMIXM) to choose the right firmware.
- Charge the battery by at least 60%, interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to "bricking" of the device.
If you used Magisk to get root, check the list of installed modules in the application. Some of them (for example, Riru or LSposed) may conflict with the removal process. → Modules.
Make backup contacts and photo | Record MIUI version and model | Check battery power |Delete Magisk time modules | Download original firmware-->
Method 1: Remove root through Magisk (the easiest method)
If you got root access with Magisk, you can delete it through the same app, which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi Android 11-14 devices and does not require flashing, but it will not block the bootloader or return the officially unlocked status.
Instructions:
- Open the Magisk app.
- Go to the Install tab (or Uninstall in older versions).
- Press Complete Uninstall (Complete Uninstall).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
After the reboot, check root status with the Root Checker app. If the rights are deleted but the Fastboot says unlocked, the bootloader is still unlocked. To return the device to a fully factory state, you will need to use the Mi Unlock Tool (see Method 3).
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If after removing Magisk smartphone got stuck on the MI logo, try booting in safe mode (press Power + Volume up when turned on) and repeat the procedure.
Method 2: Flashing through TWRP (for power users)
This method is suitable if you have installed custom firmware or modified system partitions, it allows you to return the original firmware without losing data (if executed correctly), but requires TWRP Recovery.
You'll need:
- 📱 Original firmware file for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website).
- 🔧 Established TWRP Recovery (the version should support your device).
- 💻 ADB Fastboot Tools on your computer (for backup options).
Step-by-step:
- Download the firmware in.zip format and place it in the root directory of the phone.
- Reboot to TWRP (turn off the phone, then press Volume up + Power).
- In TWRP, select Install → specify the path to the firmware file.
- Before confirming the installation, uncheck the Zip signature verification box (if any).
- Once completed, press Wipe cache/dalvik and reboot.
If the device does not boot after flashing, try repeating the process with the Data partition pre-formatting (in TWRP: Wipe → Format Data, then type yes).
What if TWRP doesn’t see the firmware?
Method 3: Complete reset via Mi Unlock Tool (official method)
This is the only way that is guaranteed to return the device to the factory state, lock the bootloader and allow you to receive the device. OTA-The downside is the complete data cleanup and the need to wait 7-15 days to unlock the bootloader (if it was previously blocked).
What will be required:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (For the Mi Unlock Tool).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (better from the set).
- 📄 Mi Account Linked to the Device.
- 📱 Official firmware in.tgz format (for Fastboot).
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader (if it is blocked): Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode. Follow the program instructions (it may require waiting 168 hours for new accounts).
- Sweep through the original firmware: Unpack the downloaded.tgz archive and launch the file flash_all.bat (Windows Phone must be in Fastboot mode.
- Lock the bootloader (optional): In the Mi Unlock Tool, select Lock (if you want to return to Officially Locked status).
Once completed, the device will be as new as the bootloader is locked and rootless. However, note that some models (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 14) may require additional steps due to Anti-Rollback protection.
Through Magisk (simple and fast)| Firmware via TWRP (save data)|Mi Unlock Tool (full reset)| I don't know, need help-->
| Method | Difficulty | Data retention | Loader | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (remove root) | ⭐ | ✅ Yes. | ❌ It remains unlocked. | Beginners, temporary removal |
| TWRP (ZIP firmware) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ Partially (risk of loss) | ❌ It remains unlocked. | Experienced users, custom firmware |
| Mi Unlock + Fastboot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ Complete cleaning | ✅ Locked down. | Sale of the device, warranty repair |
Checking Out: How to Make Sure Root Is Removed
After you run any of these methods, you need to check if root access is actually disabled.
- Visual check: Go to Fastboot (turn off phone, then Volume down + Power). If no sign unlocked - bootloader is locked.
- Apps to check: Install Root Checker from Google Play. If the app shows Root access: Not available, root is remote.
- Test of banking applications: Try installing Sberbank Online or Google Pay. If they work without errors, the system is clean.
- SafetyNet Check: In Magisk (if it is still installed), click SafetyNet Check. If Basic integrity: true status, the device is tested for modifications.
If the banking applications are still not working after root removal, there may be traces of modifications to the /system section, in which case only a complete Fastboot flashing (Method 3) will help.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pros can store bootloader unlock tags even after locking, and this doesn't interfere with work, but can be displayed in service utilities.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When root access is removed, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 "Bootloop" after deleting Magisk: Cause: module conflict or incomplete removal. Solution: query boot.img Fastboot command: fastboot flash boot boot.img (file boot.img You can get it from the official firmware).
- 🔌 Mi Unlock Tool does not see device: Reason: drivers are not installed or debugging is enabled USB. Solution: Install Mi PC Suite, turn on Debugging by USB In Settings → For developers and authorize your computer in the dialog window on your phone.
- 📱 After the firmware is no network: Reason: mismatch between the firmware version and the model. Solution: download the firmware specifically for your region (e.g. Global, EEA china).
- ⏳ Waiting 168 hours in Mi Unlock: Reason: Xiaomi's new policy for accounts.Solution: Wait or use an account that previously unlocked devices.
If you encounter an Anti-Rollback error (such as an anti rollback check fail), it means you are trying to flash an older version of MIUI than the one you installed earlier, in which case you need to find firmware with the same or a newer version of Anti-Rollback (check in the file title, for example, V13.0.9.0.SKWMIXM).
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If after all the manipulations the phone does not turn on or hung on the MI logo, do not panic. 90% of the time, it helps to re-flash through Fastboot or install firmware through TWRP with pre-formatting the Data partition.