Comprehensive Review of Rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Introduction

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, launched in 2017, is a standout smartphone known for its stunning design and impressive performance. As technology enthusiasts often seek to maximize their devices’ capabilities, rooting has become a popular topic among Mi Mix 2 users. Rooting allows users to gain administrative access to their device, enabling a plethora of customization options and enhanced functionalities. This review will cover everything you need to know about rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, including the benefits, risks, methods, and post-root management.

Understanding Rooting

What is Rooting?

Rooting is the process of gaining root access to the Android operating system, allowing users to modify system files, install specialized applications, and run custom software that requires elevated permissions. It effectively unlocks the device’s full potential by giving users control over their smartphone’s features and settings.

Benefits of Rooting

1. Customization: Rooting opens the door to a wide range of customization options, including custom ROMs, themes, and system tweaks. Users can tailor their devices to suit their preferences.
2. Performance Enhancements: Rooting allows for overclocking the CPU and GPU, leading to improved performance in demanding applications and games.
3. Removing Bloatware: Many smartphones come with pre-installed applications that cannot be removed without rooting. Users can uninstall these apps to free up storage and resources.
4. Access to Root-Only Applications: Certain applications require root access to function. These include advanced backup tools, firewall applications, and system-level automation tools.
5. Improved Battery Life: With root access, users can fine-tune their device settings to optimize battery consumption, potentially extending usage time between charges.

Risks of Rooting

1. Void Warranty: Rooting typically voids the manufacturer’s warranty, meaning users may not receive support for hardware or software issues.
2. Bricking the Device: Incorrectly rooting the device can lead to a “brick,” rendering it inoperable. While recovery methods exist, they may require advanced technical knowledge.
3. Security Vulnerabilities: Rooting can expose the device to security risks. Rooted devices may be more susceptible to malware and unauthorized access if not managed properly.
4. Compatibility Issues: Some apps, particularly banking and streaming services, may not function on rooted devices due to security concerns.
5. Instability: Modifications made after rooting, such as custom ROMs or kernel changes, can lead to system instability or unexpected behavior.

Preparing for Rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Backup Your Data

Before proceeding with rooting, it is crucial to back up all important data on your device. Rooting can result in data loss, so use tools like Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or third-party backup applications to secure your files.

Unlocking the Bootloader

Rooting the Mi Mix 2 requires an unlocked bootloader. Xiaomi devices come with a locked bootloader by default for security reasons. Here’s how to unlock it:

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on “MIUI version” multiple times until you see the message that Developer Options have been enabled.
2. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging: In the Developer Options menu, enable both “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging.”
3. Apply for Unlocking Permission: Visit Xiaomi’s official unlocking website to apply for permission. You may need to log in with your Mi account.
4. Use Mi Unlock Tool: Once you receive permission, download the Mi Unlock Tool, connect your device to a PC, and follow the prompts to unlock the bootloader.

Required Tools and Software

1. ADB and Fastboot: Download and install the Android SDK Platform Tools to use ADB and Fastboot commands.
2. Custom Recovery: A custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is essential for flashing custom ROMs and rooting tools.
3. Rooting Package: Download the appropriate rooting package, such as Magisk, which provides systemless rooting capabilities and is widely preferred for its features.

Rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Step-by-Step Rooting Process

1. Install ADB and Fastboot:
   • Ensure you have ADB and Fastboot installed on your computer. Extract the downloaded files and open a command prompt or terminal in that directory.
2. Boot into Fastboot Mode:
   • Power off the Mi Mix 2. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot screen appears.
3. Flash TWRP Recovery:
   • Connect the device to your PC using a USB cable. Open the command prompt and type:
     bash

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     fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

   • Replace “twrp.img” with the actual filename of the TWRP image.
4. Boot into TWRP Recovery:
   • Once the flashing process is complete, use the volume buttons to navigate to “Recovery Mode” and press the Power button to select.
5. Wipe the Device:
   • In TWRP, select “Wipe” and then “Format Data.” Confirm the action. This step will erase all user data, so ensure you have a backup.
6. Install Magisk:
   • Transfer the Magisk ZIP file to your device’s storage. In TWRP, select “Install,” navigate to the Magisk ZIP file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
7. Reboot the Device:
   • After installation, return to the main menu in TWRP and select “Reboot” > “System.” Your device will reboot with root access enabled.

Post-Root Management

Verifying Root Access

Once your Mi Mix 2 has rebooted, you’ll want to confirm that the rooting process was successful. Download an application like “Root Checker” from the Play Store to verify root access.

Managing Root Permissions

After rooting, it’s essential to manage root permissions effectively. Magisk Manager, which comes with the Magisk installation, allows you to control which applications have root access. You can grant or deny permissions based on your preferences, enhancing security.

Installing Root-Only Applications

With root access, you can now install applications that require elevated permissions. Some popular root-only applications include:

1. Titanium Backup: This app allows for comprehensive backup and restoration of apps and their data.
2. Greenify: Greenify helps to manage app activity, improving battery life by hibernating background apps.
3. AdAway: An ad-blocking application that modifies the hosts file to block ads system-wide.
4. Xposed Framework: This powerful tool allows users to modify system files and applications, offering extensive customization options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Boot Loop

If your Mi Mix 2 enters a boot loop after rooting, you can resolve this by:

1. Booting into TWRP Recovery.
2. Wiping the cache and Dalvik cache.
3. If the issue persists, you may need to perform a factory reset, which will erase all data.

Lost Root Access

If you find that certain apps report that you have lost root access, ensure that:

1. Magisk is up to date.
2. The application requesting root access is granted permissions in the Magisk Manager.

Unrooting the Device

If you decide to revert to a non-rooted state, you can easily unroot the Mi Mix 2 using Magisk Manager. Simply open the app, go to “Uninstall,” and choose the option to completely remove Magisk. Alternatively, you can flash the stock firmware using Xiaomi’s Mi Flash Tool.

Custom ROMs for the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Rooting is often the first step for users interested in installing custom ROMs. Custom ROMs can provide a fresh Android experience with additional features and optimizations. Some popular custom ROMs for the Mi Mix 2 include:

1. LineageOS: Known for its stability and clean interface, LineageOS is a favorite among Android enthusiasts.
2. Pixel Experience: This ROM aims to replicate the Google Pixel experience, offering a stock-like interface with additional features.
3. Resurrection Remix: Combining elements from various ROMs, Resurrection Remix offers extensive customization options and features.

Installing a Custom ROM

The process of installing a custom ROM typically involves:

1. Downloading the desired ROM and GApps (if required) for Google services.
2. Booting into TWRP Recovery.
3. Wiping the data, cache, and system partitions.
4. Installing the ROM and GApps zip files.
5. Rebooting the device.

Conclusion

Rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 opens up a world of possibilities for customization, performance enhancement, and user control. While it comes with certain risks, careful preparation and informed decision-making can mitigate many of these concerns. By understanding the rooting process, post-root management, and potential issues, users can enjoy a significantly enhanced experience on their Mi Mix 2.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking to streamline your device’s performance, customize its appearance, or run root-specific applications, rooting the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is a rewarding venture for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Always ensure you proceed with caution, back up your data, and enjoy exploring the full capabilities of your smartphone!