Xiaomi Redmi 3 is one of the most popular budget smartphones from Xiaomi, which is still used by many users due to its reliability and the ability to install custom firmware. How to properly set up your device after purchase, update your firmware or optimize your battery life, this article will help you understand everything from basic setup to hidden features. MIUI.
Although Redmi 3 was released in 2016, its relevance is supported by a vibrant community of developers and the ability to install alternative firmware. But even on stock MIUI (unless you plan to reflash the device), you can significantly improve the user experience. We will look not only at standard customization steps, but also at unique techniques for increasing performance on weak hardware, which are rarely mentioned in the general instructions.
First Installing and Basic Setup
After removing the Redmi 3 from the box, the first thing to do is to turn it on correctly and go through the initial setup. Press and hold the power button (located on the right side edge) for 3-5 seconds until the MI logo appears.
- 📱 If the smartphone is new (or after resetting), you will be met by the setup wizard. MIUI tongue-choice.
- 🌐 2.4 GHz is recommended for Wi-Fi connection – Redmi 3 does not support 5 GHz.
- 🔒 Linking a Mi Account is optional, but without it, cloud backups and device search will not work.
- 📲 Fingerprint settings (if available) are only possible after the pattern lock is created or PIN-code.
Please note: if you bought Redmi 3 handheld, make sure to reset to factory settings before setting up.
- Go to Settings → Additional settings → Restore and reset.
- Select Reset and confirm the action.
- After restarting, go through the setup wizard again.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 3 with firmware below MIUI 10 may not support modern applications (e.g. YouTube or Google Maps) due to an outdated version of Android (4.4-6.0.
Update firmware: stock MIUI vs custom options
Xiaomi's official Redmi 3 support has long since been discontinued, but that doesn't mean the device can't be upgraded.
- Stock MIUI (the latest available version is MIUI 9 based on Android 6.0).
- Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 14.1 or Pixel Experience based on Android 7-10)
To update the stock firmware:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Update Checker (if available).
- If there are no updates, download the latest version of MIUI for Redmi 3 from en.miui.com and install it through Settings → Additional Settings → System Update → Menu (three dots) → Select a firmware file.
To install custom firmware will require:
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (the process can take up to 72 hours).
- 📥 Install TWRP Recovery (Redmi version) 3 — 3.2.3-0 or newer).
- 📁 Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS from lineageos.org) and Gapps (Google Service Package).
- 🔄 Squeeze through TWRP, pre-backup.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock MIUI | Stability, OTG support, original MIUI functionality. | An outdated version of Android, no security updates. | Low. |
| LineageOS | A newer version of Android, no bloat. | The fingerprint sensor or camera may not work. | Medium |
| Pixel Experience | Google Pixel interface, regular updates. | There are possible productivity bugs. | Tall. |
Make backup data (photos, contacts, SMS)
Charge the battery to 80% or more
Download the correct version of TWRP for Redmi 3 (ido)
Disable the lockdown OEM in the developer settings (if the loader is unlocked)-->
Optimizing performance on weak iron
Redmi 3 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 processor and 2 GB of RAM, which by modern standards is very small.
- 🚀 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery and productivity → Performance mode.
- 🗑️ Turn off interface animation: Activate Developer Settings (7 times click on Version) MIUI In About Phone. Go to Developer Settings → Scale of window/transition animation and install Animation disabled.
Developer settings
Process limit → Maximum 2 of the process
Settings → Applications → Auto Launch
You can use apps like Greenify (to freeze background processes) or SD Maid (to clean cache) to accelerate your cache, but beware: aggressive optimization can cause you to lose notifications from messengers.
💡
If your smartphone is slowing down a lot, try disabling MIUI Optimization in Developer Settings.This may solve the lag problem, but will turn off some shell features.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi 3 with firmware below MIUI 8 Enabling the developer mode can cause a malfunction in Google Play Services. In this case, only flashing the software will help.
Battery settings: how to extend the operating time
The Redmi 3 battery has a capacity of 4100 mAh, which is not bad for its time, but over the years its capacity decreases.
- 🔋 Enable Battery Saving Mode in Settings → Battery and productivity → Savings in battery charge.
- 🌙 Activate Dark Mode (if available) or install dark wallpaper – this reduces power consumption AMOLED-screen.
- 📶 Turn off Network Auto Search in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point settings (APN).
- 🔄 Reduce the frequency of synchronization of mail and instant messengers (for example, in Gmail set Sync once an hour).
How to Replace the Battery on Your Own
Network and Internet setting
Redmi 3 supports 2G/3G/4G LTE networks, but an outdated modem may cause problems connecting to modern towers.
- 📡 B Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose the preferred network type LTE/3G/2G (motor-car).
- 🔄 If the internet is not working, manually add it. APN your operator (settings can be found on the provider's website).
- 🌍 Turn off to speed up the loading IPv6 In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional settings → Protocol IPv6.