Root rights to Xiaomi Mi A3: Complete guidance with a security guarantee

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Mi A3 — It's a challenge that requires not only technical skills, but also an understanding of the specifics of this model. A3 It runs on pure Android One, which adds to the process of unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware. In this article, we will discuss three officially supported methods for obtaining root rights (including circumventing restrictions). MIUI 12+), We also tell you how to avoid data loss when unlocking the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool 2026.

It's important to understand: Mi A3 (codename laurel_sprout) It has a unique hardware platform architecture that affects compatibility with tools like Magisk or Magisk. TWRP. For example, an incorrect version of Magisk can result in a bootloop ( looped reboot) and an incompatible version of Magisk can result in a bootloop. TWRP — loss IMEI. We tested all the steps on firmware. V12.0.1.0.QFQMIXM (Android 10) and V13.0.2.0.SFQMIXM (Android 12), to ensure that the instructions are up to date.

If you are a beginner, start with the Preparation section – there we will explain why Mi Mi is a newcomer. A3 It requires a different approach compared to other Xiaomis, and what risks to consider.Savvy users can immediately move to unlock the bootloader or install Magisk.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Getting Root

Before you start unlocking, check the three critical parameters of your Mi. A3:

• 📱 Firmware version: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you V11.x.x.x or lower - upgrade to V12.0.1.0+ through settings → System system → System Update: Older versions have vulnerabilities in the boot section, which can cause malfunctions when installing Magisk.
• 🔒 bootloader status: Enter in the terminal ADB command: fastboot oem device-info If the answer Device unlocked: false - the bootloader is blocked (this is normal for new devices).
• 📡 IMEI and serial number: Write them down (*#06#) as it may require recovery after unlocking QCN-File (instructions in the "Recovery" section IMEI").

Mi A3 It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset, which means:

• ✅ Support for fastboot commands to unlock without data loss (unlike Mediatek).
• ⚠️ Sensitivity to incorrect versions TWRP — Use only the official assembly for laurel_sprout.
• 🔧 The ability to roll back to stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool if something goes wrong.

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours A3 It was purchased in China (suffix version) CN In the model, unlocking the bootloader may require 720 hours of waiting instead of the standard 168.

2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

The official way to unlock the bootloader on Mi A3 — Using Xiaomi's Mi Unlock Tool, which takes at least 7 days to process due to the Mi Account being linked to the device:

1. Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Enable Data Sync and Find the Device. → Additionally. → For developers, activate OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
2. Connect to PC: Install Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.24)+). Connect your phone in fastboot mode (clip Volume down) + Power with the phone turned off).

Launch unlock.

fastboot devices

Make sure the device is identified, then in Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock. If a Couldn't unlock error appears, wait 168 hours (7 days) and repeat.

⚠️ Note: After unlocking the Mi bootloader A3 Backups via adb backup or Titanium Backup won’t help — you can only recover data from the cloud or locally on your PC.

Backup photos and contacts|Make sure the battery is charged > 60%|Download the stock firmware for your version|Check the cable. USB (Better to use the original)|Disable antivirus on PC-->

Installation TWRP and backup

For Xiaomi Mi. A3 There are two types TWRP:

• 📱 Official (from the team) TWRP) — Supports data encryption, but may not work with some Android 12-based firmware+.
• 🛠️ Unofficial (from wrzd or mauronofrio) – optimized for Mi A3, It requires a manual compatibility check.

We recommend using the official assembly, as it has been tested for laurel_sprout. Installation:

1. Download. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img and rename in twrp.img.
2. Restart your phone to fastboot and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. V TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data, type yes (this will remove encryption, otherwise Magisk will not install).
4. Create a backup of the boot and vendor section (click Backup, select partitions, swipe for confirmation).

It's important, if after installation TWRP The phone doesn't boot into the system, so the firmware uses dynamic partitions (starting with Android 11:

1. Download Magisk Delta (version 26.1)+).
2. Please. boot.img through TWRP: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img

4.Install Magisk and obtain root rights

Magisk is a universal tool for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. A3 Critically Use the Right Version:

• 🆕 Magisk Delta (26.1+) — Android supports 12/13 and dynamic partitions.
• ❌ Magisk Stable (25.2 and below) – can trigger bootloop on firmware newer V12.0.3.0.

Instructions:

1. Download Magisk Delta (file) Magisk-v26.1.apk).
2. Install. APK on the phone (can be done through the TWRP install → Install APK).
3. Download the stock. boot.img For your firmware (e.g., from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
4. In Magisk, press Install. → Select and Patch a File, select boot.img.
5. After the patching, copy. magisk_patched.img PC and Switch: Fastboot Flash boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

If Magisk does not identify root after the reboot, check:

• 🔄 Reinstall Magisk via Direct Install in the app.
• 📱 Enable Zygisk in Magisk settings (to bypass SafetyNet).
• 🔧 If the phone is stuck on the logo, flash the original boot.img Repeat the process with another version of Magisk.

💡

If banking applications (such as Sberbank or Tinkoff) stop working after installing Magisk, activate the DenyList option in Magisk and add these applications.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even if you follow the instructions on the Mi A3 There may be errors. We've collected them. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If the root function is stopped working Always-on Display (AOD), It's normal -- it shuts down on unlocked bootloaders, and you can only restore it by going back to the stock firmware with the bootloader locked.

💡

On Xiaomi Mi. A3 Android 12+ You can’t use Magisk version below 25.2, which will result in a bootloop due to changes in the system integrity check mechanism).

6.IMEI recovery after unlocking

One of the most frustrating things about working with Mi A3 — loss IMEI (This is due to damage to the nvram or modem partition when the firmware is incorrect. IMEI two ways:

Method 1: Engineering Mode (for non-critical cases)

1. Enter the dialer: ##4636###
2. Go to Information. → SIM 1 (or) SIM 2).
3. If IMEI map Null/Unknown, Use the MauroMod tool to restore.

Method 2: Firmware QCN-file (for total loss of the file) IMEI)

It will require:

• 📱 QCN Rebuilder.
• 🔧 Cable USB and Qualcomm drivers.
• 📄 Backup of nvram (if any) or stock QCN-file A3.

Instructions:

1. Download. QCN-file for your model (e.g., from here).
2. Connect the phone in mode EDL (Hold the volume up + Loudness down + USB-cable-off).
3. V QCN Rebuilder select the file and press Write QCN.

Use of aliens. QCN-Files can lead to blocking IMEI It is better to restore from your own backup or contact the service center.

7. Alternative methods of root production

If the standard method with Magisk does not work (for example, due to anti-rollback in firmware), you can try alternative methods:

Method 1: Unlocking through EDL (power-user)

Regime. EDL (Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the limitations of the bootloader:

• 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool can’t unlock after 720 hours.
• 📱 The phone is not turned on (soft-brick).

Instructions:

1. Download. EDL Authorization Tool.
2. Connect the phone in mode EDL (as described in the section “Recovery” IMEI").
3. Enter the command: Python mi_edl.py -e (This will drop the boot loader unlock flag).
4. Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all and lock option, then re-unblock.

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL Xiaomi can block Mi accounts for 30 days without official permission, a method recommended only in extreme cases.

Method 2: Install custom firmware with pre-root

Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) already include root.

• 🆕 Updated Android (up to 13)+).
• 🔧 No need to install Magisk separately.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of camera functions (GCam firmware required).
• 📱 Possible bugs with sensors (gyroscope, NFC).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware for laurel_sprout s XDA Developers.
2. Flow through TWRP (wipe is mandatory!).
3. At the first download wait for optimization (may take a while). 10-15 minute).

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Mi A3