Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 often face the question of the relevance of the software, especially given that the official support of the device has long been discontinued. Despite the age of the smartphone, enthusiasts continue to develop custom firmware to run more recent versions of Android than the ones offered by the manufacturer. The upgrade process requires care, since the architecture of the Snapdragon 650 processor (codenamed kenzo) has its own unique features that distinguish it from the versions on MediaTek.
Before you start taking action, you need to clearly understand the risks and prepare the device. Incorrect updates can lead to loss of data or, in the worst case, the inability to boot the system. However, following proven algorithms, you can significantly extend the life of a gadget by gaining access to new features and security patches.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps from checking the current version to installing custom builds through Recovery, you will learn how to get around the limitations of the old bootloader and where to look for stable versions of the software.
Device preparation and backup
The software upgrade process should be started with careful preparation. Any interference with the system partition carries potential risks, so creating a full copy of the data is a must. Backup can be done through Google cloud services or using built-in MIUI tools.
Make sure the battery is charged at least 60-70%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge is one of the most common reasons a smartphone turns into a brick. USB-cable, as an unstable connection can lead to errors in file transfers.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulations, be sure to remove the memory card SD, If installed, this will prevent accidental formatting of external data or damage to the file system of the map while working with system partitions.
For ease of collecting all the necessary files, create a separate folder on your computer. This will help to avoid confusion, especially if you download multiple versions of firmware or recovery tools.
☑️ Checklist for firmware preparation
Definition of the processor version and model
Critical to Redmi Note 3 owners is the exact definition of the device modification. There were two main versions on the market: a global version based on Qualcomm Snapdragon and a Chinese/Indian version based on MediaTek Helio. The firmware for these models is incompatible with each other, and trying to install software from Snapdragon on MediaTek will lead to fatal errors.
To find out the exact model, go to the settings menu and select About. Pay attention to the model number. If you see the kenzo designation, you have a version on Snapdragon. If you have a kate, it's MediaTek.
You can also find information on a sticker under the back cover or on the box, and the table below shows the main differences for quick identification:
| Characteristics | Redmi Note 3 Pro (Snapdragon) | Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek) |
|---|---|---|
| Code name | kenzo | kate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 650 | Helio X10 |
| Firmware compatibility | Only for kenzo | Only kate. |
| Unlocking the loader | Possible through Mi Unlock | Difficult, demanding EDL |
Ignoring this stage can result in the touchscreen, modem or complete loss of ability to turn on the device. Always double-check the code name before downloading files.
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Use the CPU-Z app from Google Play to get as much information as possible about your smartphone’s hardware, including the exact SoC name and screen resolution.
Update via the MIUI regular menu
The safest and easiest way to update the software is to use the built-in updater, which is suitable if you want to stay within the official MIUI versions and upgrade to the latest available model for your model (usually Android 6.0 Marshmallow).
To perform the update, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Mobile connection may be unstable or consume a lot of traffic. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select "Select firmware file." Here you can specify the previously downloaded archive in.zip format. The system will check the integrity of the file and, if the version is suitable, suggest a reboot.
⚠️ Note: If the system says that the file cannot be installed, it means that you are trying to roll back to an older version or switch between branches (for example, from China to Global) without unlocking the bootloader.
Automatic Air Update (OTA) comes in stages. If you don't get a notification, it doesn't mean there's no update. You can try changing the region in the settings or using the manual download method from the official site.
Unlocking the bootloader for advanced users
Custom firmware such as LineageOS or Xiaomi.eu requires you to unlock the bootloader.The standard procedure requires you to submit an application through Mi Unlock and wait 7 to 30 days.
The process begins with linking the Mi Account to a device in a special menu for developers, after which you need to download the Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer, log into the same acca-unt and transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (clamping down the volume buttons and power).
Once successfully unlocked, all the data on the phone will be deleted, a security measure implemented by the manufacturer, so having a fresh backup before this stage is critical.
fastboot oem unlockThe above command is an example of what can happen in console mode, although Mi Unlock does this through a GUI. Don't try to type commands manually unless you're sure you're doing it.
What if Mi Unlock is 99% locked?
Installation of custom Recovery and firmware
Once the bootloader is unlocked, the standard recovery menu is replaced with a custom one, such as the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which gives full rights to manage the device's file system. For the Redmi Note 3 (kenzo), this is a key step to going beyond Android 6.0.
First, you need to download the Recovery image that corresponds to your model, and the installation is done via the computer in Fastboot mode using the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-kenzo.imgOnce you've recorded successfully, you'll immediately go into Recovery mode, pressing the power buttons and turning up the volume. If you just reboot your phone, the standard MIUI system can replace TWRP back with a stock menu.
On the menu. TWRP Select the item "Install", find the downloaded ZIP-archive with firmware and confirm the installation by swipe. Before installing the new system, it is recommended to perform Wipe (cleaning) of the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions to avoid file conflicts.
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Using TWRP Recovery opens up access to Android versions 7, 8, 9 and higher that are not officially supported by Xiaomi for this model.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
Users may encounter various difficulties in the process of updating, and one of the common problems is a “bootloop” (cyclical reboot). If the phone is stuck on the logo, try logging in to Recovery and resetting (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
Another common mistake is that Wi-Fi or Bluetooth fails after installing custom firmware, often solved by flashing the modem or using a different kernel. Always read the comments on the firmware forum (4PDA or XDA), which often has bug-specific solutions.
If the device stopped responding to buttons and the screen is black, it may have fallen into EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode, in which case you will need a qualified intervention using a paid Mi Auth account to flash through test points on the board.
- 📱 Infinite Reboot: Go to the TWRP And make a Wipe. Dalvik/Cache, then reboot.
- 📶 Don’t catch the network: Make sure the firmware has a baseband for your region, or reflash the modem section.
- 🔋 Quick discharge: Check the battery statistics in the settings, it is possible that some application calls "wakelock" (does not let the phone sleep).
Don't panic when errors occur. Most software failures are reversible with an unlocked bootloader and access to the computer.