Modern smartphones Xiaomi based on the operating system Android 10 have powerful hardware and a well-thought-out MIUI interface. However, for advanced users, standard features are often not enough. Obtaining root access opens access to system files, allowing you to remove pre-installed software, overclock the processor and install specialized modules.
The procedure for obtaining administrator rights on devices with firmware version 10 is not a trivial task. Unlike older versions of Android, it requires mandatory unlocking of the bootloader through the company's official server. This creates additional time frames and requires careful preparation of the device for modifications.
In this article we will analyze in detail the entire path from application to installation Magisk. You will learn about the pitfalls of the process, possible risks of losing the warranty and ways to restore the smartphone in case of failure.
Preparatory stage and unlocking the bootloader
The first and most critical step is unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader). Without this condition, installing a custom recovery or a patched kernel is impossible. The company Xiaomi intentionally complicated this process by introducing a mandatory wait of 7 days (168 hours) after linking your account.
You need to create or use an existing one Mi Account and enter it in your phone settings. After this, in the “For Developers” menu, you should activate the “Factory Unlock” item. It is important to synchronize the device with the server by clicking the corresponding button in the same menu.
⚠️ Attention: The bootloader unlocking procedure completely erases all data from the internal storage of the smartphone. Be sure to create a backup copy of photos, contacts and important documents before starting work.
For the unlocking procedure itself, you will need a computer running Windows and a utility Mi Unlock Tool. The app should be downloaded exclusively from the official website miui.com/unlock to avoid malware. After loading the phone into mode Fastboot (press and hold the volume down and power keys), connect it to the PC.
The utility will check the account status. If less than 168 hours have passed since binding, the app will inform you that you need to wait. It is impossible to bypass this limitation using official methods; any third-party “exploits” can lead to blocking of the device by IMEI.
Installing custom TWRP recovery
After successful unlocking, the standard recovery menu (Stock Recovery) will not allow installing unsigned system images. For further manipulations, you need to install a custom recovery, the most popular of which is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
You will need to find an image twrp.imgspecially assembled for your smartphone model and version of Android 10. Using the version for Android 9 or 11 may lead to errors in mounting partitions or the inability to boot the system. The file should be placed in the folder with installed ADB and Fastboot drivers on the computer.
Connect the smartphone in mode Fastboot and run the command on the command line:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgHowever, on devices with data encryption and A/B partition architecture, simple firmware can be overwritten by the system at the first loading. To fix TWRPimmediately after completing the firmware, you need to press the combination of the power and volume up buttons until the recovery logo appears.
If after a reboot you see the standard recovery menu again, it means the system has overwritten the partition. Try running the fastboot boot twrp.img command to temporarily boot, and then flash the image from within the recovery itself.
In the TWRP menu, the first thing you need to do is swipe to allow system modifications. If this is not done, the first time you boot Android, the system will automatically restore the original boot partition, and all efforts will be in vain.
Installing Magisk to get Root
Today, the gold standard for obtaining superuser rights is the manager Magisk. Unlike the outdated SuperSU, it uses a systemless modification method, which allows you to hide the fact of Root from banking applications and Google Pay services.
Download the current version Magisk.apk from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file extension from .apk to .zip. This file must be copied to the internal memory of the smartphone or to an SD card.
Boot into the mode TWRP and go to the installation section (Install). Select the downloaded archive and confirm installation by swiping. The process will take a few seconds, after which you will see a message about successful completion in the logs.
| Installation stage | User action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Downloading Magisk.apk and renaming | Ready zip archive for firmware |
| Downloading to TWRP | Go to the Install menu | Access to the recovery file system |
| Firmware | Select archive and swipe to confirm | Boot image patch |
| Finalization | Reboot into the system (Reboot System) |
Appearance of the Magisk icon in the menu |
After the first boot of the system find the icon Magiskin the applications menu. If it is present, then the rights have been obtained successfully. To check, you can use the Root Checker utility from the Play Market store.
☑️ Checking the installation success
Alternative method via boot image patch
Sometimes installation via ZIP archive in recovery causes errors on specific versions of MIUI for Android 10. In such cases, it is recommended to use the direct image patching method. This method is considered more reliable for devices with A/B partitions. boot.img. This method is considered more reliable for devices with A/B partitions.
You will need to extract the file from the official firmware (Fastboot ROM) corresponding to the version that is currently installed on your phone. A mismatch between the firmware versions and the boot image will result in a “brick” or an endless reboot. boot.img from the official firmware (Fastboot ROM) corresponding to the version currently installed on your phone. A mismatch between the firmware versions and the boot image will lead to a “brick” or an endless reboot.
⚠️ Attention: Extracting boot.img requires care. If you take the image from the global firmware for the Chinese version of the device (or vice versa), the smartphone may stop booting.
Copy the file boot.img to your phone. Open the application Magisk, click on the “Install” button in the Magisk block and select “Select and patch file.” Specify the path to the copied image.
After the process is completed, a file with the name of the form will appear in the Download folder. magisk_patched_[random].imgIt needs to be returned to the computer. flash via Fastboot:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.imgThis method directly modifies the kernel by introducing rights management scripts. It ensures high stability and minimizes conflicts with OTA system updates in the future.
Setting up hiding Root for banking applications
Having superuser rights often becomes an obstacle to operation. banking clients, Google Pay and some games with anti-cheat. Magisk has provided a hiding mechanism called MagiskHide (in new versions - Zygisk and DenyList).
In the settings of the Magisk application, you must activate the “Zygisk” item. After turning on, you will need to restart the device. “Setting up the exclusion list” (DenyList) and check the boxes for all banking applications, Google Play Services and Google Pay.
What to do if the bank still sees the root?
If standard hiding does not help, try clearing the bank application data, reinstalling it, or using the Universal SafetyNet Fix module, which emulates a certified device.
It is also recommended to rename the Magisk application. In the manager settings there is a function "Hide the Magisk application". It will be installed under a different name and with a different package name, which will make it more difficult for security scripts to detect it.
Do not forget that the security policy of banks is constantly being tightened. What worked yesterday may be blocked tomorrow by updating the bank application. forums.
Possible problems and recovery methods
The process of system modification is fraught with risks. The most common problem after getting Root on Xiaomi Android 10 is a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) or getting stuck on the MI logo. This may occur due to incompatibility of modules or an error during kernel patching.
If the phone does not boot, but enters mode Fastboot, the situation can be corrected by flashing the original image boot.img. This will return the phone to stock state without Root, but will save the data (if a complete wipe has not been done).
In more complex cases, when even Fastboot does not work, you will need to use the mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode). To enter it, you usually need to disassemble the phone and close special contacts on the board, or use special test points.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware via EDL mode on modern Xiaomi devices often requires an authorized service center account. An ordinary user will not be able to flash a phone in this mode without turning to paid services or familiar engineers.
It is also worth mentioning the loss of warranty. Official service centers Xiaomi easily determine whether the bootloader is unlocked. When dealing with a hardware failure, you may be denied free repair if traces of tampering with the software are found.
Always save the original boot.img and stock recovery files. They are your insurance policy for quickly restoring your smartphone in case of critical errors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the warranty be void if you obtain root access?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader and obtaining superuser rights officially voids the warranty on the software. In the event of a hardware failure, the service center may refuse to repair, citing interference with the software.
Is it possible to get OTA updates after installing Magisk?
Automatic over-the-air updates are most often not installed on a modified system. You will have to download the full firmware and install it manually through Recovery mode, while maintaining root access by re-patching.
Is it safe to use banking applications with Root?
With MagiskHide (DenyList) configured correctly and using hiding modules, most banking applications work correctly. However, the risk of account blocking by the bank's security service always remains theoretically possible.
Do you need to reflash your phone when moving from Android 9 to 10 to get Root?
No, if you already have an unlocked bootloader. It is enough to update to Android 10 in the official way, and then re-flash the patched boot.img image or Magisk ZIP archive, compatible with the new version of the system.