If you have followed these steps and still receive the "failed critical init step 3 hot" error, your device's firmware likely contains the . In this case, mtk-su will not work, and you may need to look into traditional rooting methods like unlocking the bootloader and flashing a patched boot image via Magisk Manager .
If it returns arm64-v8a , ensure you are using the 64-bit mtk-su binary.
The error message is a common failure state encountered by Android enthusiasts attempting to achieve temporary or bootless root on MediaTek (MTK) devices using the mtk-su exploit binary or the MTK Easy SU GitHub tool . This specific error signals that the underlying security vulnerability has been blocked, either due to a recent security patch, incompatible hardware architecture, or strict SELinux policies enforced by the Android kernel.
exploit. It contains the most detailed technical explanations and user-submitted fixes for various "critical init" errors. Hovatek Blog: Hovatek Forum mtksu failed critical init step 3 hot
A user reported the exact error while trying to unlock the bootloader. The sequence below resolved it:
Google Play Protect often identifies rooting exploits as "harmful" and can interfere with their execution in the background. Open the . Tap your profile icon > Play Protect > Settings . Turn off Scan apps with Play Protect . 3. Check for 64-bit Compatibility
The mtk-su tool cannot execute correctly from standard storage partitions due to Android read/write constraints. It must be executed strictly from the local temporary directory. If you have followed these steps and still
: Still the industry standard for systemless root. It requires an unlocked bootloader but is much more stable than temporary exploits.
The "mtksu failed critical init step 3 hot" error can be a challenging issue to resolve, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and fix the underlying cause. Remember to always back up your data and take necessary precautions before making any changes to your system configuration. If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking help from a qualified system administrator or technical support specialist.
The mtk-su tool (often used via the MTK Easy SU app ) leverages a kernel vulnerability to grant temporary, "bootless" root access without unlocking the bootloader. The error message is a common failure state
: Flash the resulting magisk_patched.img via fastboot using: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img Use code with caution. Troubleshooting Matrix Likely Root Cause Immediate Action Failed critical init step 1 Incorrect architecture or missing assets. Redownload the correct 32-bit or 64-bit binary version. Failed critical init step 3 Patched kernel (CVE-2020-0069). Downgrade firmware or shift to a Magisk boot patch. Failed critical init step 4 / Permission Denied SELinux policy blocks namespace switching ( setns ). Ensure binary is run strictly out of /data/local/tmp .
Users on community forums like Reddit's r/androidroot and GitLab suggest the following steps:
To never see this error again: