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Complete Xiaomi Rooting Guide

Root Xiaomi's ecosystem - Mi, Redmi, POCO devices with MIUI/HyperOS using Mi Unlock Tool and Magisk installation.

🔗 Essential Resources

Xiaomi Rooting Complexity

Xiaomi Unique Challenges:

  • Mi Account requirement - Must wait 168 hours (7 days) after binding
  • Complex unlock process - Multiple verification steps required
  • Regional restrictions - Some regions face additional hurdles
  • HyperOS changes - Newer firmware has different requirements
  • MIUI anti-root measures - System actively prevents root modifications

Critical Warnings

⚠️ Xiaomi-Specific Risks

  • Mi Account ban risk - Xiaomi may restrict accounts for unlocking
  • Warranty void - Bootloader unlock voids manufacturer warranty
  • Mi Pay disabled - Payment services stop working permanently
  • Device ban - Some unlocked devices face service restrictions
  • Anti-rollback protection - Cannot downgrade firmware on some models

Device Compatibility

Supported Device Lines

Mi Series (Flagship):

  • Mi 14/14 Pro/14 Ultra - Latest flagships with HyperOS
  • Mi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra - MIUI 14 base with good support
  • Mi 12/12 Pro/12 Ultra - Well-supported with active development
  • Mi 11/11 Pro/11 Ultra - Excellent custom ROM availability
  • Older Mi devices - Generally good support

Redmi Series (Value):

  • Redmi Note 13/13 Pro/13 Pro+ - Popular mid-range options
  • Redmi 13 5G/13 4G - Budget-friendly variants
  • Redmi Note 12 series - Extensive custom ROM support
  • Redmi K70/K60 series - Performance-focused devices
  • Older Redmi devices - Strong community support

POCO Series (Gaming):

  • POCO X6/X6 Pro - Gaming-oriented devices
  • POCO F6/F6 Pro - Flagship killer performance
  • POCO M6/M6 Pro - Budget gaming phones
  • POCO C series - Entry-level support varies

Restricted/Problematic Devices

Regional Restrictions:

  • Chinese variants - May require different procedures
  • Indian market devices - Additional verification steps
  • European models - Generally easier to unlock

Carrier-Specific Issues:

  • Carrier-locked devices - May have additional restrictions
  • Enterprise variants - Corporate devices often locked
  • Educational models - Special restrictions apply

Prerequisites & Setup

Mi Account Preparation

Critical Requirement:

  1. Create Mi Account - Use dedicated email for rooting
  2. Add SIM card - Must have active SIM during unlock process
  3. Wait 168 hours - Mandatory 7-day waiting period after account binding
  4. Add phone number - Verify with SMS code

Required Tools

  1. Mi Unlock Tool - Official Xiaomi bootloader unlock
  2. ADB & Fastboot - Platform tools
  3. Magisk APK - Latest root manager
  4. MIUI Firmware - Stock firmware for your device
  5. Mi Assistant - Device drivers

Device Preparation

  1. Enable Developer Options:

    • Settings → About Phone → Tap MIUI Version 7 times
    • Enable USB Debugging
    • Enable OEM Unlocking (if available)
  2. Bind Mi Account:

    • Settings → Mi Account → Sign in
    • Settings → Developer options → Mi Unlock Status
    • Bind account and wait 168 hours
  3. Backup everything:

    • MIUI Backup to Mi Cloud
    • Manual file backup
    • Note IMEI and serial numbers
  4. Charge to 70%+ and ensure stable connection

Connection Verification

bash
# Test ADB connection
adb devices

# Boot to fastboot mode
adb reboot bootloader

# Verify fastboot connection
fastboot devices

Bootloader Unlocking Process

Xiaomi's bootloader unlock is the most complex among major manufacturers.

Step 1: Mi Account Waiting Period

This is mandatory and cannot be bypassed:

  1. Bind Mi Account to device in Developer Options
  2. Wait exactly 168 hours (7 days) - timer starts from binding
  3. Keep SIM card inserted during entire waiting period
  4. Don't factory reset during waiting period

Step 2: Mi Unlock Tool Setup

  1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from official Xiaomi website
  2. Install and launch as Administrator on Windows PC
  3. Sign in with the same Mi Account used on device
  4. Keep internet connection active during process

Step 3: Enter Fastboot Mode

bash
# Method 1: ADB command
adb reboot bootloader

# Method 2: Hardware keys
# Power off → Hold Volume Down + Power

Step 4: Unlock with Mi Unlock Tool

  1. Connect device in fastboot mode to PC
  2. Click "Unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool
  3. System verifies waiting period completion
  4. Confirm unlock - device will factory reset
  5. Process completes - bootloader now unlocked

Troubleshooting Unlock Issues

"Device not supported" Error:

  • Ensure exact 168-hour waiting period
  • Try different USB cable/port
  • Reinstall Mi Unlock Tool

"Couldn't verify device" Error:

  • Check Mi Account is same on device and PC
  • Enable "OEM Unlocking" in Developer Options
  • Try different Mi Unlock Tool version

Root Installation Methods

Step 1: Extract Boot Image

  1. Download MIUI firmware for your exact device model

  2. Extract firmware using:

  3. Locate boot.img in extracted files

Step 2: Patch Boot Image

  1. Transfer boot.img to device:

    bash
    adb push boot.img /sdcard/Download/
  2. Install Magisk APK:

    bash
    adb install Magisk-v[version].apk
  3. Patch boot image:

    • Open Magisk app on device
    • Tap InstallSelect and patch a file
    • Choose boot.img from Downloads
    • Wait for patching completion
  4. Retrieve patched image:

    bash
    adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched_[hash].img ./

Step 3: Flash Patched Boot

  1. Boot to fastboot mode:

    bash
    adb reboot bootloader
  2. Flash patched boot:

    bash
    fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[hash].img
  3. Reboot system:

    bash
    fastboot reboot

Method B: Custom Recovery Installation

Xiaomi devices have excellent custom recovery support.

Step 1: Install Custom Recovery

  1. Download recovery image:

    • OrangeFox - Best for Xiaomi devices, MIUI-optimized
    • TWRP - Traditional choice with wide support
    • SKYHAWK - Lightweight and fast option
  2. Flash recovery:

    bash
    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
  3. Boot to recovery:

    bash
    fastboot reboot recovery
    # Or: Volume Up + Power after reboot

Step 2: Install Magisk via Recovery

  1. Download Magisk ZIP and transfer to device
  2. In recovery interface:
    • OrangeFox: Files → Install → Select Magisk ZIP
    • TWRP: Install → Select Magisk ZIP → Swipe to confirm
  3. Reboot system

Current Bootloader Restrictions (2025):

  • HyperOS devices (released 2024+) have strict unlock restrictions
  • Community level verification required for many devices

Xiaomi-Specific Optimizations

MIUI/HyperOS Bloatware Removal

One of the main benefits of rooting Xiaomi devices:

Safe to Remove Apps:

  • Mi Browser - Use preferred browser
  • Mi Video/Music - Replace with alternatives
  • Game Turbo - If not gaming
  • Mi Mover - One-time use app
  • Xiaomi services - Many are redundant

Essential Root Apps for Xiaomi:

  • MIUI Hidden Settings - Access hidden MIUI features
  • MIUI Pro - Enhanced MIUI customization
  • Debloater - Safe bloatware removal
  • NotificationX - Fix MIUI notification issues

Performance Tuning

Kernel Optimization

Xiaomi devices benefit greatly from custom kernels:

Popular Kernels:

  • Penguin Kernel - Balanced performance and battery
  • Stormbreaker - Gaming-focused optimization
  • Optimus Drunk - Battery life oriented
  • AOSP Extended - Pure Android experience

MIUI-Specific Tweaks

bash
# Enable true full-screen gestures
setprop persist.sys.background_blur_supported true

# Reduce MIUI animations
setprop persist.sys.ui.hw true

# Optimize memory management
setprop ro.config.fha_enable true

Troubleshooting Guide

Mi Unlock Tool Issues

Common Error Messages

"Device is locked" - but you're sure it should be unlocked:

  • Solution: Check Mi Account binding in Developer Options
  • Alternative: Use fastboot command to verify: fastboot oem device-info

"Couldn't verify device" repeatedly:

  • Cause: Network connectivity or server issues
  • Solution:
    • Use mobile data instead of Wi-Fi
    • Try different time of day (avoid peak hours)
    • VPN to different region may help

"Current account is not bound to this device":

  • Solution: Re-bind account in Developer Options → Mi Unlock Status
  • Ensure: Same Mi Account on both device and Mi Unlock Tool

Bypass Method Troubleshooting

PHP Extension Errors:

bash
# Check PHP extensions
php -m | grep -E "openssl|curl"

# Enable extensions in php.ini
extension=openssl
extension=curl

ADB Connection Issues:

bash
# Kill and restart ADB server
adb kill-server
adb start-server

# Check device connection
adb devices

MIUI/HyperOS Specific Issues

System App Restoration

If you accidentally remove essential system apps:

Emergency Recovery:

  1. Boot to custom recovery
  2. Flash stock MIUI ROM (dirty flash)
  3. Or restore from backup if available

System App List (never remove):

  • com.android.systemui
  • com.miui.home
  • com.miui.system
  • com.miui.securitycenter

Battery Optimization Issues

MIUI's aggressive battery optimization can interfere with root apps:

Solutions:

  1. Disable battery optimization for root apps
  2. Add apps to autostart in Security app
  3. Use "No limits" background activity
  4. Install Battery Guru module for better management

Network and Regional Issues

VPN for Unlock Process

Some users report success using VPN:

Recommended Locations:

  • Singapore - Often works well
  • Hong Kong - Good for Asian users
  • Germany - European alternative

VPN Setup:

  1. Connect VPN before opening Mi Unlock Tool
  2. Clear Mi Unlock Tool data
  3. Login again with VPN active
  4. Attempt unlock with stable VPN connection

Success Verification

Root Access Confirmation

  1. Open Magisk app - Should show "Installed"
  2. Check Magisk modules - Should be accessible
  3. Test root command:
    bash
    adb shell su -c "id"
    # Should return: uid=0(root) gid=0(root)
  4. Install root checker from Play Store

Xiaomi Features Testing

Verify these still work after rooting:

  • Mi Pay (may not work due to security)
  • Camera quality - Should be unchanged
  • Face unlock - Should continue working
  • Fingerprint scanner - Should remain functional
  • MIUI themes - Should still apply

Staying Updated

OTA Update Management

MIUI/HyperOS OTA updates can break root:

Before Taking OTA:

bash
# Uninstall Magisk modules
# Use Magisk → Uninstall → Restore Images

# Or flash stock boot image
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img

After OTA Update:

  1. Re-unlock bootloader (if locked by update)
  2. Re-flash custom recovery
  3. Install Magisk again
  4. Restore modules and configurations

Custom ROM Alternatives

Many users eventually move to custom ROMs:

Popular Choices for Xiaomi:

  • LineageOS - Pure Android experience
  • ArrowOS - Feature-rich alternative
  • EvolutionX - Gaming-optimized
  • Pixel Experience - Google Pixel experience
  • AOSP Extended - Extended AOSP features

Community Resources

Development Communities

Official Resources


💡 Xiaomi Root Success Tips

Best Practices:

  • Xiaomi devices require patience due to complex unlock process
  • Always use mobile data during unlock attempts, not Wi-Fi
  • Keep Mi Account active and don't change passwords during process
  • Custom recovery is almost essential for Xiaomi devices
  • Community support is excellent for troubleshooting

Need more help? Visit our FAQ section or check the main rooting guide for additional troubleshooting and advanced techniques.

Q: Will unlocking bootloader affect OTA updates?A: Yes, most OTA updates will fail with unlocked bootloader. You'll need to manually update firmware or use custom ROMs.

Q: Can Xiaomi ban my device or account for unlocking?A: Yes, this is possible but uncommon. Xiaomi has the technical capability to ban devices or accounts that violate their policies.

Technical Questions

Q: Why do I need PHP for bypass methods?A: The bypass tools are written in PHP to modify the unlock requests before sending them to Xiaomi's servers. Other programming languages could work but PHP tools are most developed.

Q: Are these bypass methods safe?A: While the community has used them successfully, they involve modifying official unlock requests. Use at your own risk and ensure you understand the potential consequences.

Q: My antivirus flags the bypass tools as malware - is this safe?A: False positives are common with these tools due to their nature. Download only from official sources like GitHub and verify checksums when possible.


Advanced Tips & Methods

Alternative Bypass Methods (Community)

Method 1: HyperOS-BootLoader-Bypass-V2

This method has been particularly successful for Redmi Note 13 series and similar devices.

Requirements:

Steps:

  1. Login to Mi Account on your device
  2. Uninstall Mi Community app (won't be needed)
  3. Install the modified Settings.apk (enables MIUI 14-style interface)
  4. Toggle USB Debugging (off then on) in Developer Options
  5. Enable OEM Unlock
  6. Connect device to PC
  7. Run bypass.cmd script from the tool
  8. Wait for green "SUCCESS" message
  9. Disable Wi-Fi, enable mobile data only
  10. Open "Mi Unlock Status" and bind account
  11. Use Mi Unlock Tool normally

Important Notes:

  • Don't logout from Mi Account during process
  • Don't reset settings or update firmware until complete
  • Don't reinstall original Settings app
  • Success rate varies by device model

Method 2: AQLR Bypass (XDA Community)

Best for: Users familiar with command-line tools Source: XDA Forums thread

Setup:

  1. Download Python 3.8+ and AQLR tool
  2. Extract to C:\ root directory
  3. Install modified Settings APK for your Android version
  4. Enable USB debugging and security settings

Usage:

  1. Run bypass script with Python
  2. Follow command-line prompts
  3. Script automatically handles account binding bypass
  4. Use Mi Unlock Tool after success

Troubleshooting Specific Devices

For Devices with "Unsupported" Status

Some devices marked as "Unsupported" in official databases may still be unlockable:

Alternative Approach:

  1. Try downgrading to earlier MIUI version (if possible)
  2. Use older Mi Unlock Tool versions (7.6.727.43)
  3. Attempt bypass methods before official methods
  4. Check device-specific XDA forums for community solutions

For Chinese ROM Devices (CN Models)

⚠️ Note: Chinese ROM devices have the strictest restrictions

Limited Options:

  1. Flash Global ROM first (if possible, high risk)
  2. Use paid services (not recommended, risky)
  3. Hardware modification (extremely advanced, warranty void)

Most community bypass methods do NOT work on Chinese ROM devices due to government restrictions implemented in 2022.


Device-Specific Features

Unlocking the Bootloader on Redmi Note 13 4G NFC and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE (HyperOS)

After struggling with delays and account errors on the MI Community app, I found an effective method online to unlock the bootloader on HyperOS devices.

Steps to Bypass MI Community Account Error and Unlock the Bootloader on HyperOS:

Requirements:

Instructions:

  1. Log in to your MI account.
  2. Uninstall the MI Community app—you won't need it anymore.
  3. Install the Settings.apk from this message. Your device settings will now be in English, resembling MIUI 14.
  4. Go to Developer Settings and toggle USB Debugging (turn it off, then on again).
  5. Enable OEM Unlock.
  6. Connect your phone to your computer.
  7. Open the HyperOS-BootLoader-Bypass-V2 folder and run the bypass.cmd script. (If everything is successful, you'll see a green "SUCCESS" message and a prompt to link your phone to your MI account in the phone settings.)
  8. In Developer Settings, disable Wi-Fi and ensure Mobile Internet is enabled.
  9. Open "MI Unlock Status" and link your account to your phone. (Make sure mobile data is on, and Wi-Fi is off. You’ll receive a notification confirming that your account is linked.)
  10. Open MI Unlock and log in to your account.
  11. Enter FASTBOOT mode on your phone by holding down the volume down and power buttons until FASTBOOT appears on the display.
  12. Connect your phone to your computer.
  13. In MI Unlock, click UNLOCK and accept all the prompts.
  14. You should now see a timer. In my case, it was 72 hours, but it may vary depending on your situation.
  15. Reboot your phone by long-pressing the power button and use it normally. After the timer expires, repeat steps 11 to 13 to complete the process.
  16. Congratulations! Your bootloader is now unlocked.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Do not log out of your MI account on your phone.
  • Do not reset the settings.
  • Do not reinstall the Settings application (even though the language might be inconvenient for now).
  • Do not update your firmware until the process is fully complete.

Thanks to @Kaktusbv for sharing this method.

Source : Telegram


Hyper OS Feature Unlocker (Redmi Note 13 Series)

📱 Compatible with: Redmi Note 13 4G (Sapphire) & Redmi Note 13 4G NFC (Sapphiren)

Unlockable Features:

  • Hyper Blur effects
  • New Hyper Boot Animation
  • Dynamic Refresh Rate
  • 90FPS Refresh Rate
  • Additional performance optimizations

Requirements:

Installation:

  1. Root your device using this guide
  2. Download appropriate module for your device variant
  3. Open Magisk app
  4. Go to Modules tabInstall from storage
  5. Select downloaded module and install
  6. Reboot device
  7. Features will be automatically enabled

🔗 Additional Resources

Community Resources


⚠️ Final Disclaimer

By following this guide, you acknowledge:

  • Warranty Void: Unlocking bootloader permanently voids your device warranty
  • Banking Apps: Many financial apps may stop working on rooted devices
  • Security Risk: Root access can potentially expose your device to security threats
  • Xiaomi Policies: You may violate Xiaomi's terms of service
  • Device Ban: Xiaomi may restrict services for modified devices
  • Brick Risk: Improper procedures can permanently damage your device

This guide is for educational purposes. The authors are not responsible for any damage, data loss, or issues arising from following these instructions. Proceed entirely at your own risk.

Made with ❤️ for the Android Root community