Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, released in the mid-2010s, is still a legend of the budget segment due to its metal body and the then-productive Snapdragon processor. However, official support for this device has long been discontinued, and the latest available version of the operating system, which the company offers, is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the shell of MIUI 9. For many users, the transition to more modern versions of Android becomes a matter of not just comfort, but necessity, as many current applications cease to support older versions of the operating system.
The process of software upgrades on this gadget is not a trivial task, requiring just a single click in the settings. You will have to face the limitations of official firmware and perhaps contact the community of developers who created informal ports. In this article, we will discuss in detail what are the ways to update your Redmi Note 3, whether to take risks and switch to custom builds, and how to properly prepare the device for any manipulation of system software.
Before you start any action, it is important to understand the difference between upgrading to one version of Android and completely changing the version of the operating system. The official path is safe but limited, while installing custom firmware allows access to Android 10 and even later, but requires unlocking the bootloader and having certain technical skills. The choice of method depends solely on your goals and willingness to be responsible for possible risks.
Official Update Opportunities and Limitations
Xiaomi stopped releasing official updates for the Kenzo (codenamed Redmi Note 3 Pro) and Kate (mediaTek version) a few years ago.The last stable version that can be obtained out of the box or through the standard update menu is the “Stealthy” version. MIUI 9 based on Android 6. Attempts to find newer official versions in the Settings menu → The phone. → Updating the system will be unsuccessful, as servers no longer offer packages for this model.
There is a myth that you can manually install a newer official firmware by downloading an archive from the developers' website. However, the security and driver compatibility architecture will not allow you to install MIUI 10 or higher on this device by the official method. The Snapdragon 650 hardware platform, although powerful, does not have official support for new versions of Android from Qualcomm, which forced software manufacturers to stop with a sixth Android.
⚠️ Warning: Installing any modified official firmware (called “globals” on Chinese versions or vice versa) without unlocking the bootloader can lead to a signature verification error and a cyclical device reboot.
However, even within the official support, there are different build types: Global versions are usually more stable, but receive updates later than Chinese ones (China). For owners of Redmi Note 3, the relevance of this separation is minimal now, since the development of both branches has stopped. The only way to get fresh security features and new interfaces is to switch to third-party solutions.
Preparing a smartphone for flashing
The transition to custom firmware installation or even stock recovery flashing requires careful preparation. The first and most important step is to create a full backup of all important data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is necessary for installing any custom system, involves a complete reset (Wipe) to factory settings. All photos, contacts and correspondence will be deleted without the possibility of recovery through standard means.
The second critical point is the battery charge. The firmware process can take a lot of time. 15 You can have a power interruption at a critical time when you're writing system partitions, and you can turn your phone into a brick. 60-70%, It is better to charge the device before 100% before manipulation, it is also recommended to use the original USB-cable and a good port of the computer.
☑️ Checklist before the start of work
You will also need a Windows computer, as most tools for working with the Xiaomi bootloader are sharpened for this OS. You need to download and install the minimum package of drivers ADB and Fastboot. Without these components, the computer will not be able to properly interact with the phone in bootloader mode. Check the availability of free hard disk space for temporary files and firmware archives.
Unlocking the bootloader: the need and risks
To install any operating system newer than Android 6 on the Redmi Note 3, you will need to unlock the bootloader.This is a special protection that checks the digital signature of the downloaded software and prohibits the launch of unverified systems. Unlock is officially through the Xiaomi Unlock Tool service, but requires an account binding Mi and waiting for 7 to 30 days (depending on the current policy of the company).
The unlocking process irreversibly cleans all data on the device. Once you get permission from the Mi Unlock app on your computer, you will need to turn the phone into Fastboot mode (clicking the volume button when connected). USB-The successful completion of the process is confirmed by the corresponding message on the smartphone screen and in the program.
| Parameter | Until unlocked. | After unlocking. |
|---|---|---|
| Security of data | High (protection against theft) | Reduced (access to the file system) |
| Possibility of installing TWRP | Impossible. | Available. |
| Work of banking applications | Complete. | There may be restrictions (Magisk required) |
| Guarantee | Preserves (formally) | Often cancelled |
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader makes the device vulnerable to physical access by intruders. Do not use an unlocked phone to store critical corporate information without additional security features.
It is important to note that once unlocked, some high-security features may stop working properly. For example, Google Pay (now Google Wallet) may refuse to work, requiring the protection of superuser rights or the use of special patches. For the average user, this can be a significant inconvenience, so weigh the pros and cons.
Installation of custom Recovery TWRP
The standard recovery menu (Stock Recovery) has extremely limited functionality and does not allow installing third-party firmware. To do further, install TWRP Recovery (Team Win Recovery Project), a modified recovery menu with touch control that allows you to make full backups, clear partitions and install zip archives with firmware.
The installation process is done via a computer in Fastboot mode. You will need to download a TWRP image specially assembled for your model (kenzo for Snapdragon or kate for MediaTek).
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-kenzo.imgOnce you execute the command, you should immediately switch the device to Recovery mode, holding the button combination (usually volume up + power) so that the standard system does not overwrite the modified recovery partition back to the factory. The TWRP menu recommends making a full backup of the current system (Boot, System, Data sections), even if you plan to delete everything. This is your "insurance" in case the new firmware turns out to be out of order.
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When you first start TWRP, the system can suggest you select a language and confirm permission for modifications. Be sure to swipe the thumb on the Allow Modifications slider, otherwise the system may be replaced with stock again when you restart.
Selection and installation of modern firmware
The most interesting stage is the choice of a new operating system. For Redmi Note 3 enthusiasts have ported a lot of firmware based on Android 7, 8, 9 and even 10. The most popular and stable options are LineageOS, Pixel Experience and Xiaomi.eu (although the latter for new versions of Android is more custom). LineageOS is known for its purity and lack of excess software, which is ideal for old hardware.
The installation process is as follows: you need to clean the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache (Wipe) partitions from the TWRP menu. Do not clean the Internal Storage partition if the firmware files are there. Then, through the Install button, select the downloaded firmware zip archive and confirm the swipe installation. Once the procedure is complete, it is also recommended to flash the GApps (Google Apps) package if it is not built into the firmware to access the Play Market.
It’s worth considering that switching to Android 10 on a Snapdragon 650 processor can come with some trade-offs: The camera may perform worse than on a stock MIUI due to the lack of original drivers and image processing algorithms, and there may be faster battery drain or periodic twitching of the interface, as newer versions of Android are more resource-intensive.
⚠️ Note: When installing firmware based on Android 10, make sure you are using the appropriate bootloader (Firmware).Mismatching the Firmware version and the Android version may result in idle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or fingerprint sensor.
Where to find secure firmware?
Problem Solving and FAQ
Even with strict follow-up, there can be unexpected situations. Often users encounter a "bootloop" after installation. 90% of the time, this is solved by re-executing all Wipe partitions (except Internal Storage) and a clean installation. If the phone stopped responding to buttons and only the indicator burns, you will need MiFlash utility and stock firmware to return to factory condition.
Another common problem is a broken fingerprint or screen sensor, which almost always indicates an error in the firmware version (the wrong region or processor type) or damage to system files when booting, in which case rechecking the hash amount of the downloaded file and re-uploading the image to the phone’s memory helps.
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Updating the Redmi Note 3 to Android 10 will extend the life of the device, but will take time to set up and may reduce camera stability and autonomy compared to the original MIUI 9.