Obtaining superuser rights, or root access, on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that fundamentally changes the capabilities of the device. Many users face the limitations of the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell, where you can't remove system debris, change the CPU frequency or run powerful automation programs, and it is to remove these limitations that you need to implement the system at a deep level.
However, before you start, you need to realize that rooting is not just installing an app from a store. It is a complex procedure that requires prior unlocking of the bootloader, which is officially authorized by Xiaomi, but entails a complete cleanup. The process of unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader is officially possible only 168 hours (7 days) after the Mi Account is linked to the device. Ignoring this time window will lead to an error when trying to modify the system.
In this guide, we will take a look at everything from tool preparation to the final installation of the rights manager, and we will look at the safe methods that are relevant to modern models, and warn about the potential risks so that your smartphone becomes a powerful tool, not a brick.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for modification
You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the device itself. You will need a computer running Windows (on macOS and Linux, the process may differ by the presence of specific drivers), USB-cable and battery charge of the smartphone at least 60%.The first step is to activate hidden functions in the Android system.
Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly press 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version) to activate the Developer Menu. This menu must include “Debugging USB” and, critically for Xiaomi, “Factory Unlock.” Without the last step, Mi Unlock will not see the phone in the right mode.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Also make sure to back up all your important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a must for root rights, will completely destroy the information in the internal storage. Use the Mi Cloud cloud or local save on your PC.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
The most difficult and longest step is the official unlocking of the bootloader. Xiaomi has implemented this security measure to prevent device theft and malware installation. The operation will require the Mi Unlock Tool utility, which you need to download from the official developer website.
Once you install the program, launch it and log in to your Mi Account. Put your smartphone in Fastboot mode, holding the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until the logo with the hare in an orange hat appears. Connect the device to your PC and press the Unlock button in the program.
⚠️ Warning: If the program gives an error that not enough time has passed since the account was linked, do not try to reset the settings or re-link the account again.
If the timer has expired, the process will go automatically. The phone will restart, and you will see the corresponding warning on the boot screen, and then the device will be ready to install the modified boot image.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Recovery menu in Xiaomi has limited functionality and does not allow you to install third-party zip files or modify system partitions. Therefore, you need to install Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP), which allows you to make full backups (Nandroid backup) and install patches for root rights.
To install, you will need Fastboot drivers and ADB files. Download the current TWRP image (file with the extension.img) specifically for your device model. Using the version for another smartphone will result in a touchscreen failure or complete lockdown.
Connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your computer. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type in the command to flash the Recovery:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgImmediately after completing the command, you need to manually switch the phone to Recovery mode, holding Volume Up + Power. If you just reboot the device in the usual way, the standard Android system can automatically overwrite TWRP with its stock counterpart.
Integration of Magisk to obtain Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemless, which allows you to bypass security checks in banking applications and games. APK-Magisk file and rename it to ZIP For convenience, although modern versions can put themselves.
Download to the previously installed menu TWRP. If you use a new method of patching through Magisk itself, the process looks different: you take the original file. boot.img from stock firmware, patch it through the Magisk app on your phone, and then flash the resulting file through Fastboot.
| Method | Difficulty | Security | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk (Patch boot.img) | Medium | Tall. | Android 10-14 |
| Installation of ZIP in TWRP | Low. | Medium | Old Android |
| KernelSU | Tall. | Maximum | Android 12+ (GKI) |
| Recommended method | Demands a PC. | Hiding the root | All models. |
| The obsolete method | Only TWRP. | Easily detectable | Up to Android 9. |
| New standard | For the advanced. | At the nucleus level | New cores |
Once you have successfully firmware and rebooted, you will see a Magisk icon, and when you open the app, you will see the installation status, and if you have a version opposite the Magisk, then root access has been successfully activated.
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Use the Magisk Hide feature or configure DenyList in the app settings to hide root rights from banking apps and Google Pay.
Verification of rights and setting up application access
Once installed successfully, you need to make sure that the system handles access requests correctly: download the Root Checker app from Google Play or use the built-in test in Magisk itself. When you first start any application that requires increased privileges, a system window will appear on the screen requesting permission.
It's important to understand the difference between a regular user and a super user. By giving access to an unknown application, you're effectively giving it full control of the device. Always check app signatures and reviews before clicking "Submit."
⚠️ Warning: Never give root access to apps from unreliable sources. Superuser-enabled malware can steal passwords, take photos from a camera, or lock your device.
Magisk’s settings also recommend enabling “Zygisk” for better module compatibility and root-rights hiding, especially for users who want to continue to use Google services and banking apps without restrictions.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Software modifications rarely go perfectly smoothly for all users. Often, you'll find situations where the phone goes into an endless bootloop or stops responding to commands. If the device is stuck on the Mi logo, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
In case a standard download is not possible, you will have to return to Fastboot mode and stitch the stock image boot.img command fastboot flash boot.img. This will remove the root rights, but bring the phone back to life. Always have the original firmware of your model at hand.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
Another common problem is the Widevine L1 security certificates congeal, which makes it impossible to view HD content on Netflix or other streaming sites. Unfortunately, on many modern Xiaomi models, this is a consequence of unlocking the bootloader, and recovering the L1 without soldering the chips is often impossible.
Whether sheepskin is made of: pros and cons
To sum up, you have to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, you have complete control over the hardware: overclocking, removing system software, setting global themes, and deep customizing the interface. On the other hand, you lose the warranty (formally), the ability to use some banking applications (resolved, but requires diamond dancing), and data security.
For an ordinary user who just needs a stable phone for calls and social networks, root rights in the Internet. 2026-2026 You don't need a lot of years. MIUI HyperOS provides enough tools for risk-free personalization.
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Getting root-rights is justified only for enthusiasts, developers or owners of old devices who need to extend the life of current versions of Android through custom firmware.
If you decide to act carefully, read the forums (4PDA, XDA) specifically for your model and always have a rollback plan for the stock version.