The Xiaomi Mi3, released in 2013, is still a cult Android smartphone. Despite its age, the Snapdragon 800 can compete with budget innovations if optimized correctly. Getting root rights gives you access to fine-tuning the system, removing the built-in software from Xiaomi and installing custom firmware. But the process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing between SuperSU and Magisk.
In this article, the guideline for 2026 is relevant to the changes in Xiaomi policy (including the requirements for the Mi Account account) and the avoidance of typical errors. We will discuss two methods: the official (via the Mi Unlock Tool) and the alternative (for devices with a locked bootloader). We will pay special attention to compatibility with modern versions of Android 4.4-6.0, since firmware is newer. MIUI 8 may not be supported.
1.Preparation: What to Know Before Getting Root Rights
Before you start, check out your Mi3 model, which came in two versions:
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi3 WCDMA (model XT1072/XT1078) — for the European and Asian markets
- 📱 Xiaomi Mi3 TD-SCDMA/CDMA (model XT1079) — China (may not support some firmware)
The model is listed on the sticker under the lid or in the Settings menu → About phone → Model. This determines the choice of firmware and unlock method.
Also prepare:
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified) – Cheap cables can cause firmware errors
- 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for the Mi Unlock Tool and ADB)
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% – the process can take up to 30 minutes
- 📥 Backup data (unlocking will reset the phone to factory settings!)
⚠️ Attention: Mi3 newer-stitched MIUI 7.5 Anti-Rollback protection may be triggered. If you try to roll back on the old version, you will result in a device "brick". → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
2 Unlock the bootloader: the official method through the Mi Unlock Tool
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Mi3. Without unlocking, installing a custom recavator (TWRP) or firmware is impossible. The official tool - Mi Unlock Tool - requires linking the Mi Account account to the device and waiting (usually 72-168 hours).
Step 1. Linking your Mi Account
- Register your Mi Account at account.xiaomi.com (use a real phone number!).
- On Mi3, go to Settings → Mi Account and log in.
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers (if no point, tap 7 times on the MIUI version).
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
Step 2: Installation of Mi Unlock Tool
- 🖥️ Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website (Windows only!).
- 🔧 Install Xiaomi drivers (if the phone is not identified, use MiFlash).
- 🔓 Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account and follow the instructions.
When you send an unblock request, wait for an SMS or notification in the app. Usually, the process takes 3-7 days. You can't speed it up, it's a security measure from Xiaomi.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Debugging is on. USB|Xiaomi drivers installed|Download the Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version|Battery charge > 60%-->
3. Alternative method: unlock without waiting (for experienced)
If you don’t want to wait 7 days, you can use a workaround through the EDL-Emergency Download Mode: This method requires soldering skills or special cable (EDL Cable, as Xiaomi shut down false activation methods EDL new-fixed.
Method 1. Hardware EDL (for Mi3 WCDMA)
- 🔧 Close the contacts Test Point on the motherboard (you need to disassemble the phone).
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC, it will be called Qualcomm. HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 📥 Use MiFlash to Fastboot-ROM Firmware with Unlocked bootloader.
Method 2: Software EDL (Risky!)
On some versions of MIUI 5-6, you can activate EDL via the command:
adb reboot edlBut on MIUI 7+, this method is blocked, and the use of informal tools (such as DeepFlash) can lead to permanent blocking of IMEI.
⚠️ Attention: Methods with EDL They can only work on older firmware. MIUI 7.2.3.0.On new versions, Xiaomi has implemented anti-Rollback 3 protection, which locks the device when you try to rollback.
What is Anti-Rollback and why is it dangerous?
4. Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the next step is to install TWRP Recovery, which is customized recovery that allows you to flash Magisk, SuperSU, or custom firmware like LineageOS.
Instructions:
- Download the latest version TWRP for Mi3 from twrp.me (select the version for your model: cancro for your model). WCDMA or cancro_td for CDMA).
- Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
- Reboot your phone to Fastboot (keep Volume Down + Power on).
- Fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
- Reboot to Recavator: fastboot boot recovery.img
If the TWRP does not start, check:
- ✅ Version compatibility TWRP with your model Mi3.
- ✅ The correctness of unlocking the bootloader (status must be Unlocked in Fastboot).
- ✅ Integrity of the downloaded file recovery.img (check the hash sum).
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If after TWRP firmware the phone is loaded into a standard recaveri, run the command fastboot flash recovery.img again, and then immediately restart to the recave by the command fastboot boot recovery.img. This will prevent the TWRP from overwriting to stock recavereation.
5. Getting root rights: Magisk vs SuperSU
As of 2026, Magisk is the preferred way to obtain root rights, as it supports root hiding from applications (such as banking) and a modular system.
Installation of Magisk:
- Download the latest version of Magisk (e.g. Magisk-v26.4.zip) from GitHub.
- Move the file to your phone or flash drive.
- Download to TWRP and select Install → Select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After installation, restart.
Root check:
- 📱 Install Magisk Manager (or Root Checker from Play Market).
- 🔍 Start checking - Root access status: Yes should be displayed.
If root doesn't work,
- 🔄 Re-fly Magisk through TWRP.
- 📋 Check the version. TWRP — Magisk 26+ required TWRP 3.6.0+.
- 🔧 Make sure that the Zygisk settings are enabled (to hide root).
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Support for MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magisk | Hiding root, modules, regular updates | Harder to set up | MIUI 5–10 |
| SuperSU | Ease of installation | Outdated, conflicts with new applications | MIUI 5–8 |
| KingRoot | Does not require unlocking the loader | Unstable, viruses in the distribution | MIUI 5–6 |
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right instructions, there can be problems.
Error 1: "Couldn't unlock" in Mi Unlock Tool
- 🔹 Make sure that your Mi Account is linked to your device and synced.
- 🔹 Check that the phone is debugging on USB and allowed OEM Unlock in the Developer Settings.
- 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable or port (better) USB 2.0).
Error 2: Phone doesn't boot after TWRP firmware
- 🔹 You may have passed the wrong version. TWRP. For Mi3 WCDMA I need a version for Cancro, for CDMA — cancro_td.
- 🔹 Try reflashing stock recavator with Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
Error 3: Magisk is not installed (Invalid ZIP)
- 🔹 Download Magisk again – the file may not have been downloaded completely.
- 🔹 Check the version. TWRP — New versions of Magisk are required TWRP 3.5+.
- 🔹 Format the section /data into TWRP (Note: Delete all data!).
⚠️ Note: If after installing Magisk, the phone loads into a bootloop (cyclic reboot), it is likely a firmware conflict. A/B-• Markups or roll back to an older version of Magisk (e.g., Magisk, v24.3).
7.What to do after obtaining root rights?
Now that you have root, you can optimize Mi3:
1. Removal of embedded software (bloatware)
- 🧹 Use Titanium Backup or SD Maid to remove system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music).
- ⚠️ Do not delete applications named com.android.* or com.xiaomi.updater, which may disrupt the system.
2. Optimization of productivity
- ⚡ Install FrancoKernel or ElementalX for overclocking/undervolting.
- 🔧 Use Greenify to hibernate background apps.
Installation of custom firmware
For Mi3, available:
- 📱 LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1) – stable, but without full camera support.
- 📱 Resurrection Remix – with advanced settings.
- 📱 MIUI Pro - a modified version of stock firmware.
Before the firmware must:
- 📋 Make a backup in TWRP (Boot, System, Data sections).
- 🔍 Check the compatibility of the firmware with your model Mi3.
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Getting root rights to the Xiaomi Mi3 requires unlocking the bootloader, installing TWRP and Magisk firmware. Alternative methods (like KingRoot) are unstable and can lead to data loss. Always backup before system changes!