The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro, also known as the kenzo, remains a legendary device that, even years after its release, has attracted the attention of enthusiasts. Owners often seek root rights to fully unlock the potential of the Snapdragon 650 processor, remove MIUI system debris and install modern custom firmware. However, standard Android methods are not enough to do this – you need to intervene in the bootloader and system partition.
The procedure for obtaining superuser rights on this device is not a trivial task for a beginner, but with a clear adherence to the algorithm, it is quite feasible. USB-Unlocking the bootloader is the first and mandatory step, without which any manipulation of system files is impossible.
Before you start, it is critical to be aware of the risks: any action with the bootloader and the system partition can lead to loss of warranty or turn the device into a brick. We will look at a proven method using the Mi Unlock utility and the TWRP recovery, which minimizes risks, provided that the instructions are followed accurately. Remember that the responsibility for the result lies solely with the user.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. You need to activate hidden functions in the developer menu, which are disabled by default in the MIUI shell. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI version until the developer mode activation message appears.
Next, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Developer, and include OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Also, you need to link your Mi Unlock account to your device in the Mi Unlock Status menu, which is a mandatory security requirement for Xiaomi.
⚠️ Note: Once you have your account linked to the Mi Unlock menu, the system may require you to wait 168 hours (7 days) before you first unlock.
Download the official ADB and Fastboot drivers, Mi Unlock Tool from en.miui.com, and the TWRP image adapted specifically for kenzo. Use versions for other models, such as kate (Note 3 Prime), is strictly prohibited.
- 📱 Smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60%.
- 💻 Computer or laptop with Windows 7/8/10/11.
- 🔌 Original or qualitative USB-data-line.
- 📂 Archive with firmware files and utilities downloaded from verified sources.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
The most difficult step for many users is the official unlocking of the bootloader. Without this step, installing a modified recovery is impossible. First install and run the Mi Unlock program on your computer by logging into the same Mi Account that is attached to your smartphone.
Turn off the phone completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously, holding them until the Mi Bunny logo appears. USB-The utility on the computer should display information about the connected device.
Press Unlock in the program. If less than 168 hours have passed since you linked your account, you will get an error stating the remaining time. If the time is up, confirm the unlock. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will automatically restart and all data on the internal drive will be deleted.
⚠️ Warning: The unlocking process permanently deletes all user data (photos, contacts, apps) and back up important information to a cloud server or PC in advance.
Once successfully unlocked, the bootloader status will be labeled Unlocked, and now the device is ready to accept commands to flash the system partition, which is the foundation for obtaining SuperUser rights.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Xiaomi's regular recap does not allow changes to system files. We need to temporarily download a modified Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) image. Download the twrp-3.x.x-x-kenzo.img file and rename it to recovery.img for convenience by placing it in the folder with ADB tools.
Launch the command line (CMD) or PowerShell in a folder with ADB-Make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode and connected to the PC. Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the response displays the serial number of the device, the connection is set correctly. Now you need to flash the image of the Recovery. It is important to execute the command precisely so that you do not overwrite the partition forever, but simply download it:
fastboot boot recovery.imgThe phone will go to the TWRP menu. At this stage, do not press the button "Reboot System" in any case, since the regular Xiaomi system will replace the TWRP with a stock recavator at the first reboot. We need to immediately secure the rights.
- 🛠️ Interface. TWRP Sensory and fully in Russian (when choosing) RU version).
- 📂 You can use the mode to transfer files MTP, Connecting the phone as a storage device.
- 🔄 Reboot button is now secure after installing root rights.
Install Magisk and get Root rights
The current standard for obtaining superuser rights is Magisk (formerly known as SuperSU), which works on the principle of systemless, that is, it does not change the system partition directly, which allows you to pass security checks in banking applications.
Download the current Magisk.apk archive (or Magisk.zip for older TWRP versions) and copy it to the phone’s internal memory while it’s in recovery mode. From the TWRP menu, select Install, find the downloaded file, and confirm the installation by swipe.
Once installed successfully, press Wipe Cache/Dalvik and then Reboot System. It can take up to 5-10 minutes to boot up the system first, which is normal, and it's an application optimization process. Once enabled, you'll see the new Magisk app on the menu.
| Parameter | Meaning/Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Loader | Unlocked | Required for firmware |
| Recovery | TWRP | Custom menu |
| Root access | Magisk SU | Systemless method |
| Security | SafetyNet | Requires MagiskHide settings |
Open the Magisk app. If you have a green "Installed" sign at the top and the version number on it, you've successfully obtained root rights. You can now install modules, uninstall system applications through System App Remover, and control access to other programs.
License Check and Security Setup
Getting rights is only half the battle, making sure they work properly and don't conflict with Android security, download the Root Checker app from Google Play, and when it launches, it asks for permission to use the superuser rights, confirm the request.
If the test is successful, you will see a green screen with congratulations. However, to fully use a smartphone with root rights, it is often necessary to hide the fact of the modification of the system from banking applications and Google Pay. To do this, you need to turn on the Zygisk feature in the Magisk settings and add the necessary applications to the Denis.
It’s also worth removing the MIUI Optimization app in the developer settings if you plan to install heavy modifications, but for normal root use, it’s best to leave optimization on for touchscreen and notifications stability.
⚠️ Note: If you have root rights, some apps (banks, anti-cheat games) may not work. Use MagiskHide modules or hide the Magisk app if you encounter a blockage.
Possible problems and solutions
There may be specific errors in the process of modifying the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro, one of the most common being Bootloop (cyclic reboot). If the phone is stuck on the MI logo, try going to TWRP (clamping Volume Up + Power) and resetting to the factory settings (Wipe → Factory Reset).
Another problem is a broken fingerprint or touchscreen after the firmware, which often happens when you install a Recovery from another model (for example, kate instead of kenzo), the solution is one: reflash the correct TWRP image and reinstall Magisk.
If the IMEI is missing or the network is not catching, then the persist or modem partition was damaged. You can restore them only from a pre-made backup copy or by reflashing the full dump of stock firmware through Fastboot.