Root rights to Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: from unlocking the bootloader to Magisk

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (especially the version on Qualcomm Snapdragon 650) remains a popular device among customization enthusiasts even years after its release. Getting root rights gives you access to deep system settings, the ability to remove embedded software, install modified firmware and optimize performance.

In this guide, we will discuss the only working method for obtaining root rights for Redmi Note 3 in 2026, given the changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock downloaders and current versions of tools. This article will be suitable for kenzo (Snapdragon) and kate (MediaTek), but with the caveat: for MediaTek, the process is more complex and risky, focusing on Snapdragon, as the most common and supported by the community.

Preparation of the device: what to do before unlocking

Before you start unlocking the bootloader and installing root, follow the mandatory steps. Neglecting them can lead to data loss, blocking the Mi Account account or permanent damage to the firmware.

First, back up all your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or local copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contact and SMS (Export through Settings → System system → Backup).
• 📸 Photos and videos (check folders) DCIM and Pictures on hidden files).
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (use Google Smart Lock or export from the browser).
• 🎮 Game saves (many games don't sync to the cloud without root rights).

Second, make sure that the device has the latest official firmware for your model. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. For Redmi Note 3, the current versions are:

⚠️ Note: If your device is on MediaTek (kate), the next steps may not work. SP Flash Tool and patched bootloader, which is associated with a high risk of blocking IMEI.

Third, link your Mi Account to your device and wait for sync. Without this, unlocking the bootloader will not be possible. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync and make sure that all data (including the Device) is ticked.

Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, including the Redmi Note 3, which makes it difficult to obtain root rights.The official way to unlock requires confirmation through the Mi Account and waiting (sometimes up to 720 hours!).

1. Download and install the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website. Use version no lower than 5.5.224.30 (older versions may not recognize the device).

2. Activate the Developer Mode:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🔧 7 times press the version MIUI, Notice: “You have become a developer».
• 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB and Unlock. OEM (The last item may be hidden - see spoiler below).

3. Connect the device to the PC in fastboot mode:

• 🔌 Turn off the phone.
• 🔌 Hold the Loud down. + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.
• 🔌 Connect the cable. USB (preferably original).

4. Launch Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator, log in to the same Mi Account as your phone, and follow the program instructions. If you see the message "You need to wait XXXX hours", wait for the specified time (usually 168-720 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to get around the wait by "setting the timer back to zero" through a change of account or resetting settings. Xiaomi fixes the device ID It can block the ability to unlock forever.

Install custom recovery (TWRP) on Redmi Note 3

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is to install custom recovery, such as TWRP. This will allow you to flash modified images and get root access. 3 (kenzo version recommended TWRP 3.7.0_9-0 or newer.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the correct version TWRP for your model: 📱 For kenzo (Snapdragon): official page. 📱 For kate (MediaTek): look for unofficial builds on 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Rename the file

twrp.img

fastboot

C:\platform-tools

Open the command line.

Shift + right-button → Open the PowerShell window here

Follow the commands:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After successful firmware, the device will automatically restart to TWRP. If this does not happen, manually press Volume Up + Power when booting.

⚠️ Attention: Don't stitch TWRP It can be done through apps like Flashify or RashR, which can damage the recovery partition.

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If after the firmware TWRP So, the device loads into standard recovery, so the recovery partition is protected. disable_forced_encryption.zip through TWRP before the first reboot.

Getting root rights through Magisk: a step-by-step process

Magisk is a one-stop solution for obtaining root rights without changing the systemless root. For Redmi Note 3, Magisk v26.4 or later is suitable. Here's how to install it using TWRP:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk from GitHub (Magisk-v26.4.zip file).

2. Move the archive to the internal memory of the phone or to the SD-map.

3. Download to TWRP (as described above) and follow the following steps:

• 📁 Press Install. → choose Magisk-v26.4.zip.
• 🔧 Scroll down and swipe for confirmation.
• 🔄 After installation, press Reboot System.

4. Check the availability of root rights using the Magisk Manager application (set automatically) or through the terminal:

su

If a request for rights appears, the root is installed successfully.

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Use only official Magisk builds from GitHub. Modified versions (such as those from sites like "magiskmods.com") may contain malicious code.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

The process of obtaining root rights on Redmi Note 3 rarely goes without complications, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1.Couldn't unlock error in Mi Unlock Tool

Reasons:

• 🔗 Mi Account is not tied to the device (solution: sync in settings).
• ⏳ The time of the day has not expired (decision: wait for the time specified).
• 🔄 The device was reflashed with unofficial firmware (solution: return to stock). MIUI).

2.TWRP is not flicked by the sensor

This is a well-known problem for the Redmi Note 3.

• 🖱️ Connect. OTG-Mouse (works 90% of the time).
• 🔄 Try another version. TWRP (for example, 3.6.2_9-0).
• 📱 Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.

3. After installing Magisk, the phone does not boot

Probable reasons:

• 🔧 Incompatibility with the version MIUI (solution: Magisk-uninstaller.zip through TWRP).
• 🛡️ Force Encryption is active (solution: click through) disable_forced_encryption.zip).
• 🔄 Conflict with Xposed modules (solution: remove all modules in the /data/adb/modules).

What to do after obtaining root rights?

Now that you have root access, you can optimize the Redmi Note 3. Here are some useful steps:

1. Removal of embedded software (bloatware)

Use Titanium Backup or SD Maid to remove unnecessary Xiaomi apps:

• 🗑️ com.miui.analytics (collection of statistics).
• 🗑️ com.xiaomi.midrop (Mi Drop).
• 🗑️ com.miui.videoplayer (standard video player).

⚠️ Do not remove system applications called com.android. or com.qualcomm. – this can disrupt your phone.

2. Optimization of productivity

Root rights can:

• ⚡ Change the planner CPU interactive or performance (via Kernel Adiutor).
• ⚡ Disable unnecessary Google services (e.g. Google Play Services) to save battery).
• ⚡ Install a custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel for Snapdragon).

3. Nandroid backup

Create a full backup system in TWRP:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Pick Backup.
3. Check the Boot, System, Data sections.
4. Press Swipe to Back Up.

Save a copy on your PC – this will save the device in case of critical errors.

Security: How to avoid losing data and locking your phone

Root rights give you complete control of the system, but they also increase the risk.

1. Update Magisk regularly

New versions fix vulnerabilities and add support for fresh firmware. Check for updates in Magisk Manager or GitHub.

2. Do not install modules from unreliable sources

Modules for Magisk may contain malicious code.

• 🔍 XDA Developers.
• 🔍 Magisk Module Repo.
• 🔍 Official repository of Magisk.

3. Keep an eye on the status of /data

With frequent use of root rights, the /data section can become fragmented, leading to lags.

• 🛠️ Every 2-3 months, you can do fsck. TWRP (Advanced → File System Check).
• 🛠️ Use it. F2FS instead ext4 (requires nucleus support).

⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer a phone, be sure to delete the root rights and reset to factory settings. Otherwise, the new owner will have access to your data, including passwords and authorization tokens.

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Turn off root access for applications that don't need it, which will reduce the risk of data breaches and increase security.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions