Owners of Xiaomi Mi A3, which runs on a clean Android One operating system, often face the limitations of standard firmware. Lack of built-in features for deep customization and locking system partitions do not allow you to fully unlock the potential of the device. Obtaining Root (superuser) rights opens access to hidden settings, allows you to remove system applications and install powerful modules.
The process of wiring administrator rights on this device requires care, because the model is based on the Snapdragon 665 processor and has a specific partition structure. Unlike the MIUI shells, it uses a stock Bootloader, which simplifies the process, but requires mandatory unlocking through the manufacturer's servers. Wrong actions can lead to a loss of warranty or inoperability of the gadget, so following the algorithm is critical.
In this article, we will look at the current method of implementing superuser rights using the Magisk utility. This tool is an industry standard, providing root rights concealed from banking applications and Google Play Protect security systems. Before starting work, make sure that your device is fully charged and all important data is copied to the cloud storage or to your computer.
Preparing the device and computer for modification
The first step is to carefully prepare the software environment, you will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, and a high-quality computer. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, but install all available system updates via the Settings menu. → System system → Update the system to ensure the security version is up to date before intervention.
You need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. Without these components, your computer will not be able to interact correctly with your phone in bootloader mode. You will also need to download the original firmware image (Factory Image), strictly corresponding to the version installed on your Xiaomi Mi A3. Mismatching the firmware version and boot.img file will lead to a bootloope (cyclic reboot).
To work with system files on the smartphone, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and quickly click on “Build Number” seven times. After that, a new section “Developers” will appear in the System menu, where you should enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone at least 80% to avoid a sudden shutdown.
- 💻 Install Platform Tools Tools (ADB/Fastboot) PC-only.
- ☁️ Create a full backup of contacts and photos.
- 🔌 Use the original cable or certified analogue.
⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader completely erases all data from the internal drive.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Without an unlocked bootloader, you can’t make changes to system partitions. In Xiaomi’s Android One line, this procedure is officially performed through the manufacturer’s website. You’ll need a Mi Account that must be linked to the device in the settings.
Once you have your account linked, you need to go to the official Xiaomi Unlock Portal and submit your application. Usually, the review process takes from a few minutes to 7 days, depending on the server load and region. Once you have permission from the Mi Unlock Status app (or similar for Android One), you will be able to unlock it.
To unlock directly, turn your phone into Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when the device is turned off. Connect the cable to your PC and enter the command prompt for fastboot flashing unlock. On the smartphone screen, a warning will appear, the confirmation of which will start the process of cleaning the data.
Search and Remove Boot.img Image
The key to the procedure is to get a boot.img file that contains the system core and the initial ramdisk. This file must be taken exclusively from the stock firmware of the same version that is installed on your device now.
Once you download the firmware archive (usually a zip file), unpack it. Inside you will find the payload.bin file. Windows standard means you can't open it, so you'll need the Payload Dumper utility, which will extract individual partition images, including the boot.img we want.
Copy the received file boot.img It's in the memory of a smartphone. USB-cable (MTP). Make sure the file is in the root directory or in the Download folder so it’s easy to find.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | Must be consistent with the current | Critically. |
| Firmware region | Global (Global) or RU | Tall. |
| File. boot.img | Extracted from payload.bin | Critically. |
| Magisk version | Last stable. | Medium |
Patching Boot.img with Magisk Manager
Now you have to modify the image you extract to include superuser rights, install the Magisk app on your smartphone, launch the app and click the "Install" button in the Magisk section.
In the menu that appears, select the "Select and Patch File" method. Find the previously copied boot.img. The application automatically analyzes the file structure and applies the necessary patches. The process takes a few seconds.
After completion, a new file with a name like magisk_patched_[random].This file is a modified kernel. It needs to be copied back to the computer into the tool folder. ADB/Fastboot.
- 📲 Install Magisk. APK smartphone.
- 🔧 Select the option “Select and patch the file».
- 💾 Save the result in an accessible place.
- 💻 Move the patched file to the PC.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to install Magisk through Direct Install if the bootloader is already unlocked, but you are using this method for the first time to create an image.
Firmware of a modified image and obtaining rights
The final step is to record the modified image in the device memory. Transfer the Xiaomi Mi A3 to Fastboot mode (clambing the volume button "Down" when the phone is turned off) and connect to the computer. Open the command line in the folder with ADB.
Enter the command to firmware the boot partition. The syntax of the command is as follows:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[random].imgOnce you have successfully completed the recording, type in the fastboot reboot command to reboot. The first run can take more than usual, up to 5-10 minutes. After booting the system, open the Magisk app. If the green indicator "Installed" is on at the bottom of the screen and the version is displayed correctly, congratulations, you have received Root rights.
☑️ Final check
Frequent Questions and Problem Solving (FAQ)
Users often face typical difficulties during the modification process, and the answers to the most popular questions that will help avoid errors and restore the device to work in the event of a failure are collected below.