Owners of the legendary Redmi Note 3 Pro (codename kenzo) still appreciate this smartphone for its balance between performance and price, but official support for the device by Xiaomi has long been discontinued. The latest official version of the operating system was MIUI 10 based on Android 8.0, which leaves many users behind modern applications and security features. Upgrading to more recent versions of Android, such as 9, 10 or even 11, is possible only through the installation of custom firmware, which requires some preparation and care.
The process of replacing software on this device is not a trivial step like a normal one. OTA-You need to unlock the Bootloader, which automatically removes all data from the phone's internal memory, ignoring this step will make it impossible to install the modified Recovery and, as a result, the new system. Before taking action, you need to understand the risks and prepare all the necessary tools.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader and installing third-party software completely voids the warranty (if it is still valid) and carries the risk of turning the device into a “brick.” All actions you perform at your own risk, so be sure to back up important contacts and files.
There are several ways to upgrade your gadget’s software, and the choice depends on your ultimate goals: If you want stability and banking applications out of the box, you’d better stay on the latest official version or find a quality custom build with security patches. Otherwise, enthusiasts can install pure Android (AOSP) or heavy modifications like LineageOS that will give the device a second life.
Preparation of the device and collection of necessary tools
The first step to a successful upgrade is to carefully prepare the workplace and the smartphone itself. You'll need a Windows computer that is working. USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue) and a stable Internet connection. On the smartphone you need to install all available official updates through the Settings menu → The phone. → Update the system to make sure the underlying software is up to date before unlocking.
A critical step is to link your Mi Account to your device. Without this procedure, Xiaomi servers won't allow you to unlock the bootloader. Go to settings, find the "Mi Account" section and log in. After that, the "Developers" menu (which is activated by clicking seven times on the build number in "About Phone") needs to enable the "Factory Unblock" option.
☑️ Checklist for firmware preparation
Remember to back up your data completely, as the unlocking process will inevitably lead to the data partition formatting. Photos, contacts and messages can be saved to the Google cloud or to your computer. Also make sure you remember the password from the lock screen and Mi Account, as after flashing the system may require them to confirm the rights of the owner (FRP protection).
Unlock Bootloader (Unlock Bootloader)
Unlocking the bootloader is a gateway that allows you to access deep changes in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro system. This will require the official Mi Unlock Tool, which you need to download from the MIUI site and install on your computer. After you start the program, log in to the same Mi Account that is tied to the phone and connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode.
To go to Fastboot mode, turn off your phone completely, then press down the volume button and power at the same time. The screen will show an image of a rabbit repairing an android, which signals that the device is ready for low-level operations. Connect the cable to your PC and press the Unlock button in the Mi Unlock gate. The system will warn you of the risks once again - agree and wait.
| Phase | Action. | Expected output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Account binding | Status "Connected" in settings |
| 2 | Application | Notice of approval (from 1 hour to 7 days) |
| 3 | Launching Mi Unlock | Successful connection of the device |
| 4 | Unlocking | Data reset and unlocked BL |
It is important to know that since 2016, Xiaomi has implemented a temporary unlock limit, which means that after applying in the Mi Community app (or through the website), you will have to wait from a few hours to 168 hours (7 days), trying to unlock before the timer expires will lead to an error and a requirement to wait for the remaining time, a security measure designed to make it harder to steal devices and flash them.
What to do if the timer is not going?
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
The standard recovery menu allows you to reset settings or update with official signed files. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This menu has touch control and allows you to install it. ZIP-archives from any media, as well as make full backups of sections.
For installation TWRP Redmi Note 3 Pro is the most convenient tool to use Minimal ADB Download the current image of the recovery (file with the extension.img) for the kenzo version, because firmware from other models (for example, Snapdragon 616) will bring the phone down. ADB-driver-drivers for convenience.
⚠️ Attention: First installation TWRP On devices with encrypted data partitions, the recaptives may not see the internal memory. That's OK. TWRP go over → Format Data and enter "yes".
The installation process is as follows: connect your phone in Fastboot mode to your PC, open the command line in the ADB folder, and type in the command fastboot flash recovery twrp-kenzo.img. After successful recording, do not boot the system immediately! Press the power and volume buttons "Up" to immediately get into the installed receivable. If you boot into the regular system, the standard Xiaomi firmware will overwrite TWRP back to the stock.
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Save the twrp-kenzo.img file to a memory card or internal memory of your phone before installing it, making it easy to reinstall the receptacles if the standard system accidentally scratches it when you first boot it.
Selection and installation of firmware: Global, China or Custom ROM
When TWRP is installed, the user has a choice: which operating system to install. The official firmware is divided into Global (for the world, there is Russian language and Google services) and China (Chinese and English only, a lot of local software). Redmi Note 3 Pro is relevant versions of MIUI 8 and MIUI 10. Installing Global on the Chinese version (or vice versa) requires a special procedure "Clean Install" with cleaning of all partitions.
If you want a fresher Android, Custom ROMs are the best option. Popular options include LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. They are based on pure Android versions 9, 10 or 11. These systems are faster, consume less power in simple, but may have bugs in the camera or some specific MIUI features missing.
The process of installing firmware in TWRP is standard:
- 📥 Download the firmware file (ZIP) and, if necessary, the Google Apps file (GApps) for your version of Android.
- 🧹 On the menu. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data (you can not touch internal memory if the firmware files are there).
- 📲 Click Install, select a firmware file and swipe for confirmation.
- 🔄 After installing the firmware (but before the first system boot), install the GApps package if it is required.
Solving typical problems and errors in firmware
The process of flashing Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro does not always go smoothly, and users often face a cyclic reboot (bootloop) or a logo hanging. one of the common reasons is the incompatibility of the bootloader version (Firmware) and firmware. Before installing custom ROM, it is often necessary to update or downgrade the Firmware version to a specific (usually the latest official global one is recommended).
If the phone goes into the bootloop after installation, try cleaning the Dalvik and Cache partitions via TWRP. In more complex cases, when the system does not load at all, a full reset (Format Data) may be necessary. Also a common problem is a broken fingerprint scanner or camera in custom firmware - this is solved by installing the right drivers or choosing a different ROM build.
If the phone has stopped responding to buttons and is not in recovery modes, you will have to use EDL (Emergency Download Mode). To log into it on the Redmi Note 3 Pro often requires disassembling the case and closing test points on the board or using a special command ADB adb reboot edl (if debugging by USB was enabled earlier). Recovery via EDL requires an account of an authorized Xiaomi service center or the use of bypass methods (Mi Flash Pro with a patch).
⚠️ Note: Do not interrupt the process of writing firmware, even if the progress indicator is frozen. Interrupting the write to the boot or system section is guaranteed to lead to the inoperability of the device, which is restored without a programmer or system. EDL It's very difficult.
Optimization and the First Steps After Updating
After successfully installing the new system and first booting (which can last up to 10 minutes), it is recommended to perform basic optimization. Go to the developer settings and make sure that the animation zoom is set to 0.5x or 1x to improve the responsiveness of the interface. For the Redmi Note 3 Pro with its FullHD screen, this is especially true for maintaining smoothness.
Also worth checking is the connectivity modules. Make sure 4G/LTE works correctly and GPS determines location. Custom firmware sometimes requires manually selecting a network type or prescribing an operator's APN for mobile internet. If the battery runs out quickly in the first hours, give the system time to index files and optimize applications - usually after a day, autonomy returns to normal.
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Custom firmware allows you to extend the life of the Redmi Note 3 Pro for several years, providing current versions of Android and security patches that are not available in official software.
Remember to update your installed system regularly if the ROM developer releases patches. Keep an eye on your device’s topic on profile forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers), where the community promptly reports on bugs and how to fix them. Proper maintenance and timely software updates are the key to a long and stable operation of your smartphone.