MTK-su is a tool used primarily on Android devices that are powered by MediaTek (MTK) processors. It's similar in purpose to other SU (superuser) tools like SuperSU or Magisk, which are used to gain superuser access on Android devices. This access allows users to run apps and commands with elevated (superuser) privileges, enabling advanced operations such as modifying system files, changing system settings, and running specialized apps that require deeper access to the device.
Manufacturers like Xiaomi (Redmi Note series), Realme (Narzo/C series), and Samsung (Galaxy A series with MTK) quickly integrated these patches into their ROMs. If you recently updated your device’s firmware via OTA, you likely lost mtk-su compatibility.
The binary (and its wrapper app, MTK Easy SU ) is a tool designed to provide "temporary root" access to devices powered by MediaTek chips. It exploits a vulnerability known as CVE-2020-0069 , which allows unprivileged local users to read and write kernel memory. Unlike traditional rooting, this method is "bootless," meaning it does not modify the system or boot partitions and is lost upon a device reboot. Common Causes for Step 3 Failure
The hardware script will exploit the device's bootloader sequence directly over the USB connection, letting you read/write device partitions or unlock the bootloader without relying on mtk-su . Alternative Rooting Methods for MediaTek Devices mtk-su failed critical init step 3
If your device uses a MediaTek chipset that isn’t listed among the supported models, mtk-su may fail with this error. One user with a Koobee Y3 (Android 7.1, SDK 25) reported: “my phone is koobee y3 ,android 7.1 sdk25 cmd display ‘mtk-su failed critical init step 4’”——indicating the device simply wasn’t vulnerable to the exploit.
While mtk-su attempts to set SELinux to permissive during step 3, some stock kernels have been compiled with CONFIG_SECURITY_SELINUX_DEVELOP disabled or have SELinux hooks that cannot be bypassed via the exploited primitive. If the exploit cannot disable or bypass SELinux, step 3 fails.
Some newer MediaTek devices are vulnerable to other exploits such as: MTK-su is a tool used primarily on Android
If you're determined to get root access on your MediaTek device, here are several approaches to resolve the error.
Use specialized tools like MTK Client or SP Flash Tool for deeper access. 🛑 Important Warning
If your bootloader can be unlocked (e.g., Xiaomi, OnePlus, Realme), forget mtk-su entirely. Unlock the bootloader, patch the boot.img with Magisk, and flash it. This provides permanent, stable root without exploiting any vulnerabilities. It exploits a vulnerability known as CVE-2020-0069 ,
The causes of this error can vary but might include:
The most common trigger for Step 3 is running mtk-su from an improper folder path. The Android operating system blocks execution from user-facing storage directories like /sdcard . The binary must reside and execute directly within the temporary local data storage directory ( /data/local/tmp ).