Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro (codenamed ido) gives you access to hidden Android features, but requires precise follow-up. This smartphone, released in 2016, is still used for its reliability, but standard MIUI limitations prevent full customization. In this article, current methods for unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and getting a superuser through Magisk, as well as solving typical problems.
Important: the procedure voids warranty and can lead to a device blink if you make errors. We will go through each step in detail, from preparation to the final root check, taking into account the features of the Redmi 3 Pro (including versions with a Snapdragon 616) processor. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first study the theory about why root is necessary and what risks it carries.
Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking
Before starting a procedure, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping at least one of them can result in data loss or inability to complete the process.
First, back up all your important data, use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical copying on your PC.
- 📱 Contact and SMS (Export through Settings → System system → Backup)
- 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures)
- 🔑 Passwords from apps (write them manually or use Bitwarden)
- 🎮 Game Save (many games don’t sync to the cloud without root)
Second, make sure the device has enough charge (at least 70%). Redmi 3 Pro has a removable battery, but it is absolutely impossible to remove it during the procedure. Also check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. For stable operation, MIUI version 10 or later is recommended.
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC| Enable USB debugging in developer settings | Disable Mi Account in security settings | Download firmware and Magisk for ido| Check IMEI (dial *#06#)
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Finally, prepare a Windows 10/11 PC (or Linux that supports fastboot). MacOS may have driver problems.
- 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (official package from Google)
- 🔌 Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for emergency mode)
- 📦 Archives with TWRP 3.7.0 for ido (only official builds from TeamWin)
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If your Redmi 3 Pro has previously been unlocked through unofficial methods, reset it to factory settings via Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset. This will eliminate possible conflicts.
Unlocking the bootloader: official and informal methods
The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default, and unlocking it is a must before installing TWRP or custom firmware. There are two ways: through the official Mi Unlock Tool and bypass methods for older devices.
The official method (recommended for most users):
- Link the device to Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For developers (if there is no item, tap 7 times on the MIUI version).
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and log in.
- Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Connect to your PC and follow the instructions of the program (wait time is up to 72 hours).
For the Redmi 3 Pro with firmware older than MIUI 9, the official unlock may not work due to Xiaomi’s outdated policy.In this case, use an alternative method via EDL (Emergency Download Mode), but it requires:
- 🔧 Special cable or lintel on the board
- 📡 MiFlash and fastboot firmware
- 🛡️ Disabling driver signatures in Windows
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool shows "Couldn't unlock"
Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader will be labeled Unlocked, which can be checked by the command:
fastboot oem device-infoThe output should be Device unlocked: true.
Installation of TWRP Recovery: version selection and firmware process
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a customized recovery required to install Magisk and get root. Only a special build is suitable for Redmi 3 Pro, since the standard versions do not support FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption.
Download the latest stable version TWRP for ido from an official website or a verified source (e.g, XDA Developers.At the time of writing, the version is relevant. 3.7.0_9-0. The file must have the.img extension.
Installation process:
- Place the downloaded twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ido.img into a folder with platform-tools.
- Transfer your phone to Fastboot (as described above).
- The command is fastboot flash recovery. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ido.img
- Immediately after firmware, go to the recavery, holding Volume up + Nutrition.
- In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then reboot to the recaveri again.
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If the phone loads into a standard recave after installing the TWRP, the bootloader has not been unlocked or the MIUI firmware has overwritten the recave. Repeat the process with the unlock status check.
An important nuance: some versions of MIUI may need to disable signature verification after installing TWRP. Go to Mount → Disable DM-Verity (if there is a point) to do this in the recavery.
Getting root rights through Magisk: step-by-step instructions
Magisk is a modern root tool that does not change the systemless root, which allows you to pass SafetyNet and use banking applications. For Redmi 3 Pro, Magisk v26.1 or later is suitable.
Download the latest version of Magisk.apk from GitHub and rename it to Magisk.zip. You’ll also need a patch for boot.img, which you can create directly in the Magisk app (if the phone boots).
If the phone doesn’t load or you prefer the manual method:
- Download the firmware for your version MIUI (for example, ido_global_images_V12.0.2.0.PALMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global).
- Remove boot.img file from it (use 7-Zip or MiFlash).
- Move boot.img to your phone and in Magisk, select Install → Select and Patch a File.
- After the patching, copy the received magisk_patched.img PC-only.
- Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img
If you use TWRP, you can flash Magisk.zip directly from the Recovery:
- Copy Magisk.zip to your phone.
- In TWRP, select Install → Select file → Magisk.zip.
- Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion.
- Reboot to the system.
Through Magisk (systemless)| Through SuperSU (obsolete)|Castom firmware with root|I haven't decided yet |Another method
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After the reboot, check for root using the Root Checker app or a command in the terminal:
suIf a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.
Solving Typical Problems After Getting Root
Even with the exact instructions, you can get complicated, and here are the most common problems and solutions for the Redmi 3 Pro:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is not loaded (bootloop) | Incompatible version of Magisk or TWRP | Swipe the original boot.img through fastboot, then repeat the process with the correct files |
| Root is not working, Magisk is not installed | The data partition in TWRP is not formatted | Return to TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data, flash Magisk again |
| Not coming through SafetyNet | Modules that change system files are installed | In Magisk, disable all modules, turn on MagiskHide and restart |
| No network after firmware | The modem or IMEI partition is damaged | Switch the original modem.img or restore the IMEI via QCN |
| TWRP asks for a password when downloading | FBE encryption is enabled | Format data to TWRP (all data will be deleted!) |
After installing root, the phone stopped seeing SIM-Cards, check status. IMEI *#06# if zeros or Invalid are displayed IMEI, Restore it with help:
- 📱 Chamelephon Apps (requires root)
- 🖥️ Tools. QCN Rebuilder and original backup modemst1/modemst2
- 🔧 Firmware modem.img stock-stack
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If banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) have stopped working after receiving root, activate the MagiskHide option in Magisk and add the applications to the hide list.
How to Get Everything Back: Remove Root and Restore Warranty
If you need to return the phone to its original state (for example, for sale or warranty repair), follow this instruction.
- Remove Magisk through its own interface (Uninstall → Complete Uninstall).
- The original boot.img is installed via fastboot.
- Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img
- Locking the bootloader (optional, but recommended for warranty).
For complete cleanliness, it is recommended to flash the full fastboot firmware through MiFlash:
- Download the firmware for your model (for example, ido_global_images_V12.0.2.0.PALMIXM_20210310.0000.00_10.0_global).
- Unpack it and launch MiFlash.exe.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
- Select the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.
- Once completed, run fastboot oem lock to lock the bootloader.
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Locking the bootloader erases all data and returns the phone to factory status, and after this procedure, the binding to the Mi Account will be deleted, and you will need to re-sign in.
To check if there are traces of root, use the Root Checker or SafetyNet Test applications. If the tests show ctsProfile: false, then the traces of root are still present, repeat the cleaning procedure.
Security after root: What can and can not be done
Root rights give you complete control of the system, but also open up opportunities for malware.
What can be done:
- 🔧 Remove system applications (but not all of them – it can disrupt the work) MIUI)
- 📱 Install Magisk modules for customization (e.g, ViPER4Android sound-wise)
- 🔄 Modify build.prop to change system parameters (e.g. enable) force_gpu_rendering)
- 📡 Block ads systemically using AdAway or Blokada
What can't be done:
- 🚫 Modify files in /system without backup (bootloop risk)
- 🚫 Install modules from unverified sources (may contain backdoors)
- 🚫 Change file rights /dev or /proc (will lead to unstable work)
- 🚫 Use root to piracy or circumvent licenses (violation of law)
Update Magisk and modules regularly through its interface. Check reviews on XDA Developers before installing a new module - some modules may conflict with MIUI.