The Xiaomi Mi A3 initially comes with a clean Android One operating system, which makes it attractive to enthusiasts but limits the possibility of deep customization. Getting root permissions on this device opens up access to system files, allowing you to delete undelete applications, modify the kernel and install advanced modifications. However, the process requires care, as it affects the bootloader and system partition.
Unlike MIUI shells, where unlocking is often accompanied by a long wait, the procedure is more transparent, but critical to the order of action. Any error when working with fastboot or adb can lead to the failure of the device, so before starting any manipulations, you need to soberly assess your skills and risks.
In this article, we will go into detail every step of the way, from tool preparation to the final superuser rights check, using a proven method using Magisk, which is the industry standard for rooting Android devices without violating the integrity of the system partition.
The first step is to build a complete set of software. You'll need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS that is working. USB-cable and smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60%. ADB Fastboot drivers and Android platform SDK Platform Tools.
On the smartphone itself, you need to activate the hidden developer menu. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and quickly click on the build number seven times. After that, a new item will appear on the menu “Developers”, where you need to turn on “Debugging by USB” and “Factory unlock”.
You will also need original firmware that matches the current version of Android on your device, which is required for a boot image patch, and you can download stock firmware from official sources or verified archives, such as androidfilehost.
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Use the original. USB-Cheap charging cables often do not support data transmission, which will lead to connection errors in Fastboot mode.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A3 chargeable >60%
- 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
- 🔗 Original. USB-cable
- 📦 Stock firmware file (payload.bin or zip)
- 🛠 Magisk Manager utility (APK file)
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Without an unlocked bootloader, installing a modified backup or obtaining superuser rights is impossible. For Xiaomi's Android One line of devices, there is an official, albeit limited, way to unlock. First, you need to link your Mi Account to the Mi Unlock Status menu in the developer settings.
Once you have an account attached, the phone must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet for a certain amount of time (usually 168 hours or 7 days). If you try to unlock the device earlier, you will get a timer error.
⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader will result in the complete removal of all data from the internal storage of the smartphone. be sure to back up important photos, contacts and documents before starting the procedure.
To unlock, turn your phone into Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when the device is off. Connect the cable to your PC and enter the status check command at the command line: fastboot flashing unlock. A warning will appear on your smartphone screen, which you need to confirm with volume buttons.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard Xiaomi Mi A3 recovery does not allow you to install third-party zip files or make full partition backups. Therefore, installing TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a must. You will need to find an image file of the recovery specially assembled for the lavender model (codenamed Mi A3).
After downloading the file twrp.img Put it in the tool folder. ADB. Translate the smartphone to Fastboot mode and connect to the computer. In the command line, execute the command to temporarily load the Recovery: fastboot boot twrp_lavender.img. It is important not to flash it right away, namely to download to check the work.
If TWRP boots successfully and touch input works, you can start installing. In the TWRP menu, go to Install, select "Install Image" and specify the recovery image file. Select the Recovery partition for installation. This will fix TWRP in the device memory.
What to do if TWRP Does it require a password? if you enter TWRP It requires a password that you didn't set up, which is data encryption. PIN-If it doesn't work, you'll have to format the data, which will delete all the files.--> 📥 Download the current image file TWRP for Mi A3 🚀 Download your phone to Fastboot mode 💻 Execute the command fastboot boot twrp.img 💾 Swipe the image to the Recovery section through the Install menu Magisk firmware process to obtain Root The most modern and secure method of obtaining rights is using Magisk. Unlike the old methods (SuperSU), Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the presence of root from banking applications and Google Pay services. APK-Open the app and click the "Install" button next to the Magisk version. Select and Patch a File as your method. You need to select the file. boot.img, It's taken from stock firmware, which is exactly the version of Android on your phone, and when you've finished the patching process, you'll see a file in the Download folder with a name like, magisk_patched_[random].Copy this file to your computer. Reset the phone to Fastboot mode and run the patched image with the team.
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img. Component Action Boot Image Patching Result via Magisk App Adding Root Rights Fastboot Mode Flash boot Command Recording Modified Magisk Manager Status Check System Partition Access Confirmation Unchanged Integrity Preservation OTA Once you have a successful firmware, type in the fastboot reboot command to reboot. If it's successful, the Magisk icon will appear in the app menu. When you first start, the app may suggest you complete the installation and restart, you'll agree. After you boot, open the Magisk app. At the top of the screen, you should see the version of the installed program. If the version number next to the "Magisk" sign is located and the status "Installed" is displayed correctly, then root rights are active. For detailed check, you can download the Root Checker app from Google Play. Run the test and it will confirm that you have superuser rights, and you can install modules, modify system files through root-access file managers (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer), and run demanding slits. Magisk’s settings recommend enabling “Zygisk” and “DenyList” if you plan to use banking apps. Add to this list the bank’s apps, Google Pay and other services that should not see modifications. 📊 What is your preferred method of rooting?Magisk (Systemless)TWRP Flash ZipKernelSUOneClick Root (not secure) Do not root devices Possible problems and their solution In the process of system modification, users often encounter typical errors. One of the most common is Bootloop, when the phone gets stuck on the Xiaomi or Android logo. If this happens after Magisk firmware, try to boot into Safe Mode (clamping the volume button when the logo appears).In Safe Mode, Magisk should automatically shut down. If the phone doesn’t boot even in safe mode, you’ll have to go back to Fastboot mode and stitch through the stock. boot.img Fastboot Flash Boot Team boot.img, to return the device to working condition. ⚠️ Note: Once root permissions are obtained, some security features such as Google Pay (without additional concealment settings) and Widevine will stop working. L1, What can reduce the quality of video playback in streaming services to SD. Another problem can be a network loss or a broken fingerprint, which often happens if the persist or modem partitions have been damaged, which is why we insist on having a full backup before any action is taken. Restore these sections from the backup TWRP usually solves the problem. 🔄 Bootloop: Stock firmware boot.img via Fastboot 📉 No network: Restore the persist partition from the backup 🔒 Banks are not working: Zygisk enabled and DenyList setup 📸 Camera is worse: GCam installation with support HAL3 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Will You Reset? OTA-updates after receiving Root? official OTA-Updates will stop coming automatically or will stop installing them as the system detects changes in the boot partition, but thanks to the system-incoherent nature of Magisk, you can temporarily remove root, install the update and activate it again. Is it safe to use banking applications with root? Root does not block banks. Modern versions of Magisk allow you to hide the fact that you have rights from specific applications through the DenyList feature. But this is a cat-and-mouse game: banks can update and block access again, requiring new settings. Can you get the phone back to its original state? Yes, it's possible. You need to download the stock firmware for your version of Android and use Fastboot mode to execute the command fastboot update. flash_all.locked.zip (Or something similar to your platform), which will clean the phone completely and return the factory bootloader. Does Root affect the warranty? Technically, software modification is grounds for denial of warranty service. In addition, the fact of unlocking the bootloader is recorded in efuse (on some models) or simply visible during the diagnosis.