: Change permissions to allow execution and run the script:%%MAGIT_PARSER_PROTECT%% bash adb shell cd /data/local/tmp chmod 755 mtk-su ./mtk-su %%MAGIT_PARSER_PROTECT%%
Now for the solutions you came here for. The key is to identify your device's root cause and apply the correct fix. Here are the three best strategies, ordered from simplest to most technical.
Check your security patch level. If your device was updated recently, the exploit might be permanently blocked on that firmware. Check Binary Architecture
: Flash the older firmware package using the appropriate vendor tools (such as SP Flash Tool for MediaTek chipsets). mtksu failed critical init step 3 best
binary has the correct execution permissions. In your terminal or ADB shell, run: chmod 755 mtk-su Then attempt to run the binary again. Check File Location : Verify that is located in a partition that allows execution, such as /data/local/tmp/
Overwrites the process credentials in memory to change the User ID (UID) to root (0).
: Memory layout preparation and exploit payload injection. If the kernel contains security patches released after March 2020, or if firmware protection policies block arbitrary memory mapping, the exploit triggers a hard exit at Step 3. Top 3 Methods to Fix "mtksu failed critical init step 3" 1. Clear Assets and Force an Asset Re-Download : Change permissions to allow execution and run
The "Step 3" failure is a technical blockade. It’s the tool saying, "I found the door, but the locks have been changed." Proceed with caution, and wait for an updated exploit binary.
It's the standard, most reliable, and most future-proof method for gaining permanent root on an unlocked device.
The error message indicates that the MediaTek temporary rooting tool ( mtk-su ) cannot exploit your device's kernel vulnerabilities because the required memory addresses are blocked, or your device has received a security patch released after March 2020 . This initialization failure occurs when the tool tries to set up its temporary kernel read/write permissions but gets blocked by system-level defenses. Check your security patch level
When managing MediaTek (MTK) devices using Software Upgrade (SU) tools or custom flashing utilities, encountering the error "mtksu failed critical init step 3" can be a frustrating roadblock. This specific error typically indicates a handshake failure between the software exploit and the device's bootloader or security chip.
The underlying binary mtk-su relies on a kernel exploit (often tracking CVE-2020-0069) to gain temporary superuser permissions directly from user space without unlocking the bootloader. The process breaks down into steps:
Some manufacturer-specific security managers (like those on Oppo or Kindle Fire) may block the initialization of unknown binaries in /tmp . Try disabling any "System Manager" or "Security" apps before running. Ideal Condition Directory Must be in /data/local/tmp Permissions Binary set to 755 or +x Patch Level Security patch older than March 2020 Persistence Retry at least 3 times before giving up