To root your Redmi Note 3, you must unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery like TWRP, and flash a root package such as Magisk or SuperSU. This process grants you superuser access to modify system files, remove bloatware, install custom ROMs, and unlock advanced customization, but it carries risks like voiding your warranty and potential security vulnerabilities.
Before You Root Your Redmi Note 3: Risks and Requirements
Rooting your Redmi Note 3 gives you privileged control over the Android operating system, allowing you to modify or replace system applications, tweak performance, and install powerful root-enabled tools. However, this comes with significant trade-offs. Rooting may void the manufacturer's warranty according to some official Xiaomi stores, though older discussions suggest Xiaomi might allow rooting without voiding the warranty when using MIUI. Xiaomi explicitly warns that opening root permissions may bring security risks. Additionally, a rooted device becomes more vulnerable to malware and will no longer receive official security updates.
Before you begin, you must meet these absolute prerequisites:
- A Developer ROM installed on your device (stable ROMs may not support bootloader unlocking).
- Official bootloader unlock permission from Xiaomi, which requires a verified Mi Account linked to your phone with an activated SIM card.
- A Windows PC with the Mi Flash Unlock tool and proper USB drivers installed.
- More than 75% battery charge on your device to prevent interruptions.
- A full backup of all essential data, as unlocking the bootloader will factory reset your phone.
Identify Your Redmi Note 3 Variant
The Redmi Note 3 comes in three distinct variants, and using the wrong files can brick your device. You must identify your model before downloading anything.
- Snapdragon (codenamed "kenzo"): The most common variant, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor. It supports 4G LTE on most global bands.
- Snapdragon Special Edition (codenamed "kate"): Also Snapdragon-powered but with additional LTE band support for Japan and other regions. It has a different bootloader configuration.
- MediaTek (codenamed "hennessy"): Powered by a MediaTek Helio X10 processor. This variant has a different chipset and requires entirely different TWRP and root files.
To check your variant, go to Settings > About Phone and look at the model number. Alternatively, use a hardware identifier app like CPU-Z or check the box packaging. Never proceed without confirming your exact model.
Prepare Your Device and Apply for Unlock Permission
Proper preparation minimizes the risk of errors during the rooting process. Follow these steps in order:
1. Back up your data. Use Xiaomi Cloud, Google Drive, or manually transfer contacts, photos, videos, and documents to your computer. Unlocking the bootloader will erase everything on your device.
2. Enable Developer Options. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap "MIUI version" seven times until the message "You are now a developer" appears.
3. Enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Navigate to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options. Toggle both "OEM unlocking" and "USB debugging" to the ON position.
4. Apply for bootloader unlock permission. Visit Xiaomi's official unlock website and sign in with your verified Mi Account. Submit an application and wait for approval. This process typically takes between 3 to 21 days. Do not attempt to bypass this waiting period, using unofficial methods can permanently lock your device or trigger a security ban.
Unlock the Bootloader with Mi Flash Unlock
Once Xiaomi approves your unlock request, you can proceed with the official unlocking process. This step is mandatory, you cannot root the Redmi Note 3 without an unlocked bootloader.
1. Download and install the Mi Flash Unlock tool on your Windows PC. Ensure you have the latest USB drivers installed.
2. Boot your Redmi Note 3 into Fastboot Mode. Power off the device completely, then press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears on the screen.
3. Connect your phone to the PC via USB cable. Launch the Mi Flash Unlock tool and sign in with the same Mi Account that received unlock permission.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will detect your device and display an "Unlock" button. Click it to begin the process. A warning will appear stating that unlocking will erase all data and void your warranty, acknowledge and confirm.
5. Wait for the unlock to complete. The tool will show a success message once finished. Your device will reboot automatically, and the bootloader will be permanently unlocked. This action also triggers a full factory reset, so you'll need to set up your phone again from scratch.
Install TWRP Custom Recovery via Fastboot
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery environment that lets you flash root packages, create system backups, and install custom ROMs. Installing it requires a PC with Fastboot tools.
1. Download the correct TWRP image for your variant. Use the codename you identified earlier: kenzo for Snapdragon, kate for Snapdragon Special Edition, or hennessy for MediaTek. Only download from official TWRP sources or trusted XDA forums.
2. Install Fastboot tools on your PC. If you don't have them, download the Android SDK Platform Tools and extract them to a folder.
3. Boot your Redmi Note 3 into Fastboot Mode again (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
4. Open a command prompt in the Fastboot tools folder. Type the following command to verify your device is detected:
fastboot devices
5. Flash the TWRP image. Place the downloaded .img file in the same folder and run:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_filename.img
Replace twrp_filename.img with the actual name of your downloaded file.
6. Boot directly into TWRP. After flashing, disconnect the USB cable and manually boot into recovery by pressing Power + Volume Up. Do not let the system boot normally, as it may overwrite TWRP with the stock recovery.
Root Your Redmi Note 3 with Magisk or SuperSU
With TWRP installed, you can now flash a root management tool. Magisk is strongly recommended over SuperSU because it uses a "systemless root" method that modifies the boot image without altering system files, making it more compatible with newer Android versions and easier to uninstall.
1. Download the Magisk ZIP file (or SuperSU if you prefer) from the official XDA thread or Magisk's GitHub repository. Save it to your phone's internal storage.
2. Boot into TWRP Recovery. Power off your device, then press and hold Power + Volume Up until the TWRP logo appears.
3. Tap "Install" in TWRP's main menu. Navigate to the location where you saved the ZIP file and select it.
4. Swipe to confirm the flash. TWRP will install the root package and display a success message.
5. Reboot your system. Tap "Reboot System" and wait for your Redmi Note 3 to start. Once booted, install the Magisk Manager app (or SuperSU app) to manage root permissions and verify that root access is working correctly.
Managing Root Access and Final Considerations
After rooting, you gain the ability to remove bloatware, install custom kernels for better performance or battery life, apply custom themes and fonts, and use advanced backup tools. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Always grant root permissions only to trusted apps, and avoid downloading random mods from unverified sources.
Regularly back up your system and data using TWRP's "Backup" feature or a root-enabled app like Titanium Backup. Stay informed about security patches and community developments for your specific variant. If you ever decide to unroot, you can flash the stock ROM via Fastboot or use Magisk's "Uninstall" feature to restore your device to its original state.
Rooting your Redmi Note 3 is a rewarding endeavor that unlocks the device's full potential. By following this guide carefully and understanding the risks, you can enjoy a customized, powerful Android experience while keeping your device secure and stable.
