Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, released back in 2015, was a hit with its metal body and a powerful processor. However, as time goes on, the software is no longer up to date with security and app compatibility. Many owners still use the device as a second working body or pass it on to relatives, so the relevance of the operating system remains open.
Official support for this model by Xiaomi has long since ceased, and the latest available version of the MIUI shell is based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.This means that it is no longer possible to get updates “over the air” directly from the manufacturer’s servers in the standard way.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to update the software for Redmi Note 3.You will learn how to check the current version of the system, what are the risks of manual flashing and whether it is worth spending time updating the old device in 2026.
Analysis of the current version and compatibility
Before you start any action, you need to clearly identify the modification of your device. the Redmi Note 3 line was released in two main versions: the version on the Snapdragon processor (often labeled as Prime or Pro) and the version on MediaTek (standard). These devices have a different hardware platform, and firmware from one version is categorically not suitable for the other, which can lead to irreversible consequences.
You can check the model through the system menu. To do this, go to Settings → About the phone and look at the "Processor" line or the code name of the device. For Snapdragon, it is usually kenzo or kate, and for MediaTek, it is hermes. Ignoring this step is the most common mistake leading to "bricking" of the gadget.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install Snapdragon firmware on a MediaTek device (and vice versa) is guaranteed to bring your smartphone down. Always double-check the device's code name before downloading files.
It’s also important to understand the hardware limitations. Even if there are Android 10 or 11 ports for this model, they can run unstable due to a lack of RAM or a lack of optimization of drivers by the camera and modem. The official limit for this hardware has stopped with Android 6, and all that is higher is the result of independent developers.
Preparing the device for update
The process of updating, especially if it involves manually installing an archive, requires careful preparation of the file system and the device itself. The first step should always be to create a full backup of important data. MIUI Data may be lost or damaged.
Battery charge is critical. Because the process of writing system partitions is energy intensive, a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure can disrupt the structure of the bootloader. Make sure the charge level is at least 60-70%. It is also recommended to free up space in internal memory, although this is not always necessary when using a memory card.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Don't forget to turn on the debugging. USB, If you're planning to use a computer for installation, this is hidden in the developer menu, and you need to activate it seven times quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section, and then a new option will appear in the settings menu. → For developers.
The official way to update through Recovery
The safest method available to regular users is to install updates through the built-in recovery menu. Even if an automatic update doesn't come, you can try to run it manually by selecting a firmware file from the device's memory. This method only works if you upgrade to one version of Android or to a neighboring, compatible version.
Download the current one. ZIP-The firmware archive for your model from the official website or a proven resource. The file must have the.zip extension and weigh about 1.5–2 Put it in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card, renaming it as update.zip For the sake of ease of search, although modern versions MIUI Find the file by the original name.
Next, go to the update menu: Settings → About Phone → System Update. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file." The system will check the integrity of the archive and, if all is well, prompt you to start installing. The phone will restart and perform all necessary operations automatically.
💡
Manual installation via the update menu is the only safe way for beginners to do so without requiring unlocking the bootloader or using a PC.
Using the Mi Flash Tool for full flashing
For deeper interventions, such as switching from the Chinese version to the global version or recovering from errors, the Mi Flash Tool is used on the computer, which requires the smartphone to be switched to Fastboot mode, which is carried out simultaneously by pressing the power button and the volume button when the device is turned off.
You will need to download the firmware image with the extension.tgz (Fastboot). ROM), unpack it and run the executable file flash_all.bat Or use a graphical interface, which takes longer because you completely clean up all partitions of memory and write system files back.
| Parameter | Recovery ROM | Fastboot ROM |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .zip | .tgz |
| The need for a PC | No. | Yes. |
| Data retention | Maybe. | Complete removal |
| Difficulty | Low. | Tall. |
It is important to understand that using the Mi Flash Tool often requires an unlocked bootloader. On older devices like the Redmi Note 3, the unlock procedure may no longer be officially available, as authorization servers for older models sometimes turn off or change the protocols of operation.
Install custom firmware and Android above 6.0
Since official support ended on Android 6.0, the only way to get more recent versions of the operating system (Android 7, 8, 9 and even 10) is to install custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu.
Custom installation requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom recavators, most commonly TWRP. This software allows you to make full backups (Nandroid), clean the cache and install unsigned archives. The process requires you to follow the instructions of a particular firmware developer.
⚠️ Warning: Custom firmware installation voids warranty (although this is no longer relevant for Redmi Note 3) and carries risks. Some features, such as VoLTE or noise-canceling camera, may not work properly or are not available.
The advantage of such assemblies is the cleanliness of the system, the absence of advertising and unnecessary pre-installed software. The smartphone starts to work noticeably faster, and battery life is often increased due to the lack of background MIUI processes. However, the stability of the work depends on the quality of the port of a particular version of Android.
Where to look for custom firmware?
Possible mistakes and ways to solve them
During the update process, users often encounter an error "The file cannot be"