If your security patch is earlier than March 2020 but the exploit still fails, attempt to temporarily disable SELinux enforcement. From an ADB shell, run:
getprop ro.board.platform uname -a getprop ro.build.version.security_patch
The error is a common initialization failure that occurs when the mtk-su exploit script cannot execute its kernel-space modifications. This error usually signifies that your MediaTek device's security patch level is too recent, blocking the specific kernel vulnerabilities that the exploit relies on. What is mtk-su?
The "mtk-su failed critical init step 3" error message indicates that the MTK-SU tool has encountered a critical failure during the initialization process, specifically at step 3. This error can occur due to a variety of reasons, including: mtk-su failed critical init step 3
: Recognize that maintaining root access may require sacrificing security updates. The patches that fix the MediaTek vulnerability exist for legitimate security reasons, protecting devices from potential exploits.
If your device manufacturer (such as Xiaomi or Motorola) provides an official bootloader unlock path, bypass temporary exploits entirely. Unlock the bootloader natively, extract the boot.img file from your device's current firmware, patch it using the official application, and flash it back to the device via fastboot commands ( fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img ) to achieve permanent root.
Run the following command again to ensure it is executable: chmod 755 mtk-su If your security patch is earlier than March
or firmware update. MediaTek-su relies on a specific vulnerability in MediaTek chipsets (often referred to as a "rootkit" or exploit) to bypass security measures. Firmware Updates : Many manufacturers released updates after March 2020
If mtk-su failed critical init step 3 appears, continuing with the same tool is impossible unless you change the underlying environment. Use these alternative paths to achieve your goals: Complexity Success Rate Medium (Data Loss) High (If bootloader permits) MediaTek Bypass Utility High (Hard-brick risk) High (For older chipsets) Official Bootloader Unlock Dependent on manufacturer policy Method 1: Firmware Downgrade (Rollback)
Load the firmware's Scatter.txt file into the SP Flash Tool interface. What is mtk-su
While there is no guaranteed fix for a hardware/firmware incompatibility, you can try these steps to rule out software-related issues:
The mtk-su binary—developed by developer diplodocus—takes advantage of a vulnerability in the Linux kernel management of MediaTek chips to grant . It is widely used by automated front-end apps like MTK Easy SU .
critical init step 3 Failed critical init step 3