Although rare, using the wrong binary version (e.g., running the 32-bit ARM binary on a 64-bit only kernel, or vice versa) can cause step 3 to fail. The memory offsets and IOCTL numbers differ between 32-bit and 64-bit environments.
mtk-su comes in different versions (e.g., v29, v33, r20). Not all builds support all MediaTek chips (Helio P60, G90T, Dimensity series, etc.). If you are using a version that doesn’t fully support your kernel's specific structures, the exploit may hang or fail at step 3. The Dimensity series (MT6889, MT6893) is particularly problematic since they use a newer kernel branch (4.14+).
The short answer is no. If step 3 fails due to a MediaTek security patch, there is no magical command line flag or updated binary that will fix it. diplomatic stopped actively developing mtk-su around early 2021, publicly stating that the vulnerabilities were effectively dead on modern firmware.
Some users have reported success on newer patches by using modified forks of mtk-su that target different IOCTL codes or different drivers (e.g., mtk-mem or kpm). However, these are rare, device-specific, and often unstable. They are not universal solutions.
Let’s explore the underlying reasons why step 3 might fail on your device.
The error "mtk-su failed critical init step 3" usually appears when you're trying to use the mtk-su tool to get temporary root access on MediaTek-based devices, like the Amazon Fire 7 (2019). Why this happens
This specific error indicates a failure during the initial exploit setup phase. While the tool developer, "diplomatic," hasn't released a public "error code manual," community consensus and logs show this usually means:
Patched Firmware: Amazon and other manufacturers released security updates that patched the kernel vulnerability (CVE-2020-0041 or similar) used by mtk-su. If your tablet is on a newer version of FireOS, the exploit will fail at an early step.
Incompatible Kernel: The tool is designed for specific MediaTek ARMv8 (64-bit) kernels. If the kernel has been hardened or uses a different memory layout than what the script expects, it triggers a "critical init" failure.
Permissions: Occasionally, this can happen if the binary isn't executed with the correct permissions from /data/local/tmp. Troubleshooting Steps
Check Firmware Version: Many Fire tablets updated after early 2020 are patched. If you are on FireOS 6.3.1.2 or higher (depending on the model), this software-based exploit may no longer work.
Verify Binary Location: Ensure you have pushed the file to the correct directory and set execution permissions:
adb push mtk-su /data/local/tmp/ adb shell chmod +x /data/local/tmp/mtk-su /data/local/tmp/mtk-su Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard mtk-su failed critical init step 3
Try MTK-Easy-SU: If you are using the command line, try the MTK-Easy-SU app interface, which sometimes handles the initialization more reliably for specific devices.
If you continue to see "Step 3" or "Step 4" failures after verifying these steps, the exploit is likely fully patched on your current firmware. In these cases, your only option is typically a hardware-based "brick-and-short" method (if available for your model) to unlock the bootloader via XDA Developers guides.
Do you know the exact FireOS version currently running on your tablet?
MTK-SU FAILED CRITICAL INIT STEP 3 ⚠️ Error Context This error occurs during the boot-up or execution phase of the MTK-SU (MediaTek Superuser) exploit tool. It indicates a failure in the kernel memory manipulation process required to gain temporary root access. 🔍 Root Causes
Security Patch Level: Your device has a security patch newer than March 2020.
Kernel Version: The specific kernel vulnerability (CVE-2020-0069) has been patched by the manufacturer.
Firmware Restrictions: Bootloader locks or read-only file systems are blocking the exploit's initialization.
Architecture Mismatch: Attempting to run a 32-bit binary on a 64-bit architecture (or vice-versa) without proper libraries. 🛠️ Potential Fixes
Downgrade Firmware: Flash an older version of your device's ROM (pre-March 2020).
Check Architecture: Ensure you are using the correct version for your chipset (arm64 vs arm).
Clear Cache: Wipe the cache partition in recovery mode before retrying.
Alternative Tools: Use specialized tools like MTK Client or SP Flash Tool for deeper access. 🛑 Important Warning Although rare, using the wrong binary version (e
MTK-SU is an old exploit. Most modern Android devices are no longer vulnerable. Continuing to force this script on patched hardware can lead to boot loops or permanent bricking. If you want to keep troubleshooting, tell me: Your device model Your Android version The security patch date (found in Settings > About Phone)
Here’s a post you can use for a forum, Reddit (like r/androidroot or r/androidafterlife), or a tech support thread:
Title: Help: mtk-su failing at “critical init step 3” – any fixes?
Post:
I’m trying to get temporary root on my MediaTek device using mtk-su, but I keep getting stuck at:
critical init step 3
Failed critical init step 3
Device info:
What I’ve tried so far:
What I’ve read:
Step 3 usually fails when an expected kernel or device node isn’t found, or when the exploit’s address offsets don’t match the kernel. Some say it’s patched on later MediaTek chips (like MT6765, MT6762, or newer), or when the kernel has CFI or PAN enabled.
Questions:
Any insight would be appreciated. I’m not trying to flash anything yet – just need temporary shell root for backup purposes.
Thanks in advance.
"mtk-su: failed critical init step 3" is a known issue encountered when using the Title: Help: mtk-su failing at “critical init step
tool (a script designed by "diplomatic" to exploit MediaTek vulnerabilities for temporary or bootless root access). This specific error typically indicates a failure during the initialization phase of the exploit, often related to permissions or system environment mismatches. about.gitlab.com Common Causes Permission Denied
: The script may not have the necessary execution permissions in the /data/local/tmp directory. System Patches
: Newer security updates from manufacturers (like Amazon for Fire tablets or Oppo) may have patched the specific vulnerability the tool relies on, causing it to fail at critical initialization steps. Architecture Mismatch
: Attempting to run a 32-bit version on a 64-bit system (or vice-versa) can lead to various initialization failures. Unstable Execution
: Users have reported that the exploit is occasionally unstable and may fail randomly on the first few attempts. about.gitlab.com Potential Fixes and Workarounds Re-issue Permissions : Ensure the file is executable. Users on suggest running chmod 755 mtk-su
multiple times if it fails initially, as it sometimes requires repeated attempts to "take". Run Multiple Times : Community members on
suggest simply trying to run the command again immediately after a failure. Verify Directory : Always ensure is placed in /data/local/tmp , as other directories often have flags that prevent the exploit from running. Check Compatibility
: Verify your device is still vulnerable. If you recently updated your firmware, the "Step 3" failure may be a sign that the exploit is no longer compatible with your current security patch. about.gitlab.com
For more specific troubleshooting, you can check the developer's original documentation on XDA-Developers or community-maintained versions like MTK Easy SU on GitHub Are you attempting this on an Amazon Fire tablet or a different MediaTek-based smartphone?
Here’s a helpful post for anyone encountering the “mtk-su failed critical init step 3” error. You’re welcome to copy, adapt, or share it.
MediaTek SoCs often have different "drivers" or kernel configurations depending on the manufacturer's firmware update.
If your device has a 64-bit kernel but you are running a 32-bit shell environment (common when using some terminal emulators from the Play Store), the exploit may miscalculate memory offsets, leading to a step 3 failure. Always use a 64-bit terminal or ADB from a 64-bit platform tools build.
If your bootloader is unlocked, flash an older stock ROM with a security patch from January 2020 or earlier. After downgrading, mtk-su will likely work perfectly. Warning: This exposes your device to known vulnerabilities; use only for testing or on a secondary device.