Owners of branded smartphones Xiaomi often face the fact that the software shell MIUI or its modern version HyperOS imposes a number of restrictions on the use of the device. These blockings affect both functionality and the aesthetic component of the interface, including intrusive advertising and pre-installed software.
Removing such restrictions opens up access to deep system customization, installation of global firmware versions and full control over superuser rights. However, the unlocking process requires care, since incorrect actions can lead to loss of warranty or inoperability of the gadget.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the legal and technical methods of bypassing factory restrictions, starting from the official unlocking of the bootloader and ending with the removal of system garbage via ADB.
Official unlocking of the bootloader (Bootloader)
The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader, since without this step it is impossible to install custom recovery or third-party firmware. The company Xiaomi intentionally blocks this feature to protect user data, but provides an official tool to disable it.
First, you will need to link your account Mi Account to the device in the developer settings. This is a mandatory condition that is checked by the company’s servers before granting permission to unlock. The process is not instantaneous and often requires a wait of 7 to 15 days.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full data reset (Wipe Data). Be sure to create a backup copy of all important files, contacts and photos before starting the procedure.
After receiving permission, you need to put your smartphone into Fastbootmode by holding down the power and volume down buttons at the same time. By connecting the device to the PC, you can use the utility Mi Unlock Tool to execute the unlock command.
☑️ Preparing to unlock
Successful completion of the process is confirmed by a corresponding message in the utility and the appearance of an open lock icon when the phone is turned on. Now your device is ready to install the modified software.
Disable advertising in the MIUI and HyperOS system
One of the most annoying features of the stock firmware is the built-in advertising system MSA (MIUI System Ads). It is responsible for displaying banners in standard applications, such as Explorer, music, weather, and even in settings.
To remove this restriction, it is not necessary to obtain root access. It is enough to consistently disable advertising personalization in each system application. Go to the settings of a specific service, find the “Receive recommendations” item and deactivate it.
The most effective method is to completely disable the MSA service through the app menu. Find a service with the name msain the list of system processes, go to the information about it and click the "Disable" button. If the button is inactive, try disabling Internet access for this application.
If the system requires you to wait 10 seconds before disabling the MSA service, simply count the time and click "Disable" again - the timer will often reset when you try again.
It is also worth paying attention to the service mab, which is responsible for analytics and data collection for targeted advertising. Disabling it will significantly increase the privacy of your smartphone use.
Removing system applications via ADB
Many users want to get rid of pre-installed software that cannot be removed using standard means. To do this, use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to send commands from your computer directly to the Android system.
You must first activate USB debugging in the developer menu. Connect your smartphone to the computer with a cable and make sure that confirmation of trust in this PC appears on the device screen.
To work, you will need a platform Platform-tools. Open the command line in the tools folder and enter the command to enter the device shell:
adb shellAfter successful connection, you can remove packages using the command pm uninstall -k --user 0 package_name. For example, to uninstall a standard browser, use the command:
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.browser| Application | Package name | Uninstall security |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Video | com.miui.videoplayer | Safe |
| Mi Music | com.miui.player | Safe |
| GetApps (Market) | com.xiaomi.mipicks | Safe |
| Google Services | com.google.android.gms | Critical (do not remove) |
List of dangerous packages
Never remove packages containing 'framework', 'systemui' or 'settings' in the name, as this can lead to an endless reboot (bootloop).
Use this method with caution, deleting only those applications whose purpose you are completely sure of. An error can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
Obtaining root access and installing Magisk
For those who need full control of the system, the only option is to obtain superuser rights (Root). On modern devices Xiaomi the de facto standard is the utility Magisk.
The process begins by extracting the file boot.img from the official firmware (Fastboot ROM) corresponding to your current version of Android. This file must be patched through the Magisk application installed on the smartphone.
After creating the patched image magisk_patched.img, it must be transferred to the computer and flashed to the bootloader partition via fastboot mode. The command for flashing the firmware is as follows:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root access will void the warranty on the device and makes it impossible to use banking applications without additional security settings (Magisk Hide).
After the reboot, you will have full access to the file system. This allows you to install modules that change the operation of the kernel, block advertising at the host level and freeze any applications.
Magisk allows you to obtain root access without changing the system partition (systemless root), which increases the chances of passing security checks in banking applications.
Installing custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If the standard shell MIUI you are not satisfied with its heaviness or limitations, consider installing custom firmware. Popular projects, such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.euoffer pure Android or an optimized version of MIUI without unnecessary water.
For installation, you will need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery installed, most often TWRP. The recovery image is flashed in the same way as the kernel, via fastboot mode with the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
In the TWRP environment, it is necessary to perform a complete data reset (Wipe Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) to avoid file conflicts when changing the firmware. After this, an archive with a new operating system is selected through the Install menu.
Custom firmware often works faster than stock firmware, since they are devoid of unnecessary background processes and analytics services. However, it is worth considering that some camera or NFC functions may not work correctly depending on the quality of the port.
Possible risks and problem solving
Any intervention in the system software carries risks. The most common problem after unsuccessful firmware is the “brick” of the device, when the phone stops responding to button presses.
In the case of a soft brick (vibration when turned on, black screen), re-entering Fastboot mode and flashing the official stock firmware through the utility Mi Flash Tool in mode often helps data-i="112">If the device has gone into a hard brick (complete lack of response), you may need to use test mode Clean All.
If the device has gone into a hard brick (complete lack of response), you may need to use the test mode EDL (Emergency Download Mode). Entering this mode often requires disassembling the phone and closing special contacts on the board.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the Android version and regional firmware version. Always check the latest guides for your specific model before proceeding.
Remember that removing restrictions is a balance between functionality and stability. You should not try to disable everything if you do not understand the purpose of a particular system process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the data be reset when the bootloader is unlocked?
Yes, the bootloader unlocking procedure on Xiaomi devices automatically initiates a full factory reset (Wipe Data). All personal files will be deleted.
Can the warranty be returned after unlocking?
Formally, unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. However, if you lock the bootloader back and flash the official stock firmware, it will be difficult to visually determine the tampering at the service center if there is no physical damage.
Is it safe to delete applications via ADB?
It is safe for user data if you do not delete critical system components. Applications deleted via ADB can be restored by factory resetting the phone.
Do banking applications work with root access?
By default, many banking applications refuse to work on rooted devices. However, using the Magisk Hide or Zygisk function allows you to hide the presence of superuser rights from specific applications.
Where to download drivers for Xiaomi on a PC?
Official ADB and Fastboot drivers are usually installed along with the Android SDK platform tools. Mi Unlock mode may require specific Qualcomm drivers, which are installed automatically by the utility.