How to get root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 3: from unlocking the bootloader to installing Magisk

Getting root rights to Xiaomi Redmi 3 (codenamed ido) is a task that requires careful and process understanding. This smartphone, released in 2016, is still used by many users due to its reliability and customization capabilities. However, unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and directly rooting carry risks ranging from losing warranty to completely bricking the device.

In this article, we will discuss the current methods for obtaining root rights for 2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy (for example, tightening the requirements for unlocking the bootloader) and the features of MIUI firmware. You will learn what tools you need, how to get around typical errors (such as hanging on the Mi logo) and what to do if something goes wrong. Important: for Redmi 3 with a Snapdragon 430 processor (model ido) and a version of MIUI below 12.5.7.0, the Magisk 26.4 method will suit you, while for newer firmware you will need a boot image.

Before you start, ask yourself why you need to root? If the goal is simply to remove embedded apps or disable ads in your home. MIUI, Alternative methods may be sufficient (e.g, ADB-Root opens access to system files, but deprives you of official updates OTA And it can create security holes.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

The first step is to prepare your smartphone and your computer, and without the right setup, you run the risk of getting errors like the Mi Flash Tool that doesn't see the device, or hanging out during the checkout phase of your Mi Account.

✅ Version. MIUI. Check the current firmware in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Redmi 3 is the best version MIUI 10-12.5 (above, Magisk problems are possible) If you have Chinese or global beta firmware, it’s better to reflash it to a stable global firmware (Stable). ROM).

✅ Battery charge. Make sure it's at least 70 percent charge. When you unlock the bootloader or when you run the fastboot, the device must not turn off -- it's a guaranteed brick.

✅ Backup: Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities (such as Swift Backup) to save:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS and call logs
• 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders) DCIM)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (via Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Exports of the network)
• 🎮 Preserve games (if you play Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile and others.)

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the device will be erased, even if you backup through the bootloader. TWRP Later, system settings (such as fingerprints or screen settings) cannot be restored.

🔧 PC Tools:

• 🖥️ Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (on macOS/Linux Possible problems with drivers)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or certified – cheap cables may not transmit data to fastboot)
• 📁 Archives with utilities: Mi Unlock Tool, TWRP For Redmi 3, Magisk

💡

If you have a Redmi. 3 Pro (code name) ido_pro), use files TWRP And firmware only for this model - they are incompatible with the usual Redmi. 3!

2. Unlock the bootloader: bypass the limitations of Xiaomi

Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader on all devices, and Redmi 3 is no exception. Previously, unlocking took 72 hours of waiting, but since 2023 the process has become easier — now you just need to link the Mi Account to the device and confirm ownership.

🔹 Step 1: Account binding

1. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in.
2. Activate the option Settings → Additional → For developers → Mi Unlock status.
3. Connect your device to the Internet via mobile data (Wi-Fi may not work) and wait for an SMS with a confirmation code.

🔹 Step 2: Installation of drivers

Download the Mi Flash Tool and install drivers for fastboot. If the device is not identified, manually update the driver through Device Manager, indicating the path to the Mi Flash Tool → Driver folder.

🔹 Step 3: Unlocking with Mi Unlock Tool

1. Run MiUnlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
2. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3. Put your phone into fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume down + Power.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. The Mi Unlock Tool will have a Unlock button, press it.

⚠️ Warning: If you see a "Couldn't unlock. Try again after 360 hours" error, you've tried to unlock the bootloader on that account before.

3. TWRP installation: custom Recovery for root

After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install TWRP - custom Recovery, which will allow you to flash Magisk to get root. For Redmi 3, TWRP version 3.7.0 is suitable (newer ones may not support this device).

📌 Installation instructions TWRP:

1. Download the TWRP image for Redmi 3 (file with.img extension).
2. Rename it to twrp.img and place it in a folder with fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
3. Open the command prompt in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
4. Run commands in order: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

🔹 Verification of work TWRP:

Once the commands are executed, the phone will reboot to TWRP, and if the screen is black or the Mi logo appears with an error, then the image of the recovery does not fit.

• 🔄 Try another version. TWRP (for example, 3.3.1-0).
• 🔧 Check that the bootloader is really unlocked (the fastboot should have an inscription on it). UNLOCKED bottom-screen).

Make sure that TWRP launched|Make a backup of the Boot section|Check out the Magisk version (should be 26.4).+)|Turn off signature verification in TWRP (Settings → Disable DM-Verity)-->

4.Installation of Magisk: obtaining root rights

Magisk is a modern root tool that masks changes from system checks (e.g., for Google Pay or banking applications).Redmi 3 is suitable for Magisk 26.4 (newer ones may not support legacy cores).

📥 Download and installation:

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip (not.apk!).
2. Transfer the file to your phone (e.g., via MTP to TWRP).
3. V TWRP Choose Install → choose Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
4. After installation, reboot to the system.

🔍 Root check:

Install the Root Checker app from Play Market or enter:

su

If a request for rights is made, root is successfully obtained.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after the reboot, then Magisk is not compatible with your firmware:

• 🔄 Check it out. boot.img through TWRP (download the original boot.img for your version MIUI).
• 📌 Try the patch. boot.img via Magisk Manager (manually select boot file and create a patched image).

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the exact following of the instructions, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them:

💡 SafetyNet tip: If apps like Sberbank Online or Google Pay refuse to work, follow Magisk:

1. Activate MagiskHide in the settings.
2. Add problematic apps to the hideout list.
3. Install the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.

💡

If SafetyNet doesn’t work after all the manipulations, try to roll back on Magisk 25.2 – it works better with older devices.

6. Alternative methods: root without TWRP

If TWRP seems difficult to install, you can get root through the boot.img patch without a custom recovery. This method is suitable for MIUI firmware 11-12.5.

🔧 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download stock ROM for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Remove boot.img file from archive (use 7-Zip or WinRAR).
3. Transfer boot.img to your phone and open it via Magisk Manager (click Install → Select and Patch a File).
4. Copy the resulting material. magisk_patched.img PC-only.
5. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Boot magisk_patched.img fastboot reboot

✅ Pros of the method:

• 🔹 No installation required TWRP.
• 🔹 Less risk of bricking".
• 🔹 It is possible to update through OTA (But root will have to be reinstalled after each update).

❌ Cons:

• 🔸 You can't do backups through TWRP.
• 🔸 If the firmware error will have to recover through the Mi Flash Tool.

7.What to do after getting root?

Now that you have root rights, you can customize Redmi 3 to suit you. Here are some useful steps:

📌 Removal of embedded applications:

Use Titanium Backup or Root App Deleter to remove unnecessary software (e.g. com.miui.analytics, Xiaomi’s statistics service), and don’t delete system applications like com.android.phone, which will cause your phone to fail.

📌 Optimizing productivity:

• 🚀 Install Kernel Adiutor for overclocking/undervolting processor.
• 🔄 Turn off animations through Settings → For developers → Animation speed (select "No animations").
• 🗑️ Clear the Dalvik cache through TWRP (Advanced → Dalvik Cache).

📌 Backup system:

Create a full backup through TWRP (Backup → Select all sections → Save a copy on a PC, which will save you from bad firmware experiments.

💡

If you want to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), first check for compatibility with Redmi 3 on the XDA Developers forum. Many firmware requires a Trello-enabled kernel (Snapdragon 430 processor).

8 How to Get Everything Back: Removing Root and Locking bootloader

If you don't need root anymore, or if you want to sell your phone, you can put it back in its original state.

🔄 Step 1: Remove Magisk

1. Open Magisk Manager.
2. Press Uninstall → Complete Uninstall.
3. Reboot the phone.

🔒 Step 2: Locking the bootloader

⚠️ Attention: Locking the bootloader erases all data.

1. Switch stock ROM through the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all and lock option).
2. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and execute: fastboot oem lock
3. Ready - bootloader locked, root removed.

📝 Checking the status of the loader:

Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power. If you see LOCKED at the bottom of the screen, it went well.

💡

Once you lock the bootloader, you will not be able to install custom firmware or recavators without re-unblocking (you will have to wait 360 hours if the account has already been used).

FAQ: Frequent questions about root on Xiaomi Redmi 3