How to update the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: 5 proven ways

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a key process for maintaining stable device operation, getting new features and fixing security vulnerabilities. Although the model was released in 2016, it is still actively used thanks to reliable hardware and support for custom firmware. However, official updates from Xiaomi for this device have long been discontinued, which creates additional difficulties.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to upgrade, from standard OTA to manual firmware via Fastboot and TWRP. We’ll focus on preparing the device to avoid “brick” (turning a smartphone into a “brick”), and look at the typical mistakes that users face. If your Redmi Note 3 runs on an outdated version of MIUI or you want to upgrade to custom firmware like LineageOS, here you will find step-by-step instructions tailored to the specifics of the model.

1. Preparation of the device for updating

Before any firmware update on Redmi Note 3, a number of mandatory steps must be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, malfunctions or even device failure.

First, check the current version of MIUI. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Write down the full firmware name (e.g. MIUI Global 9.6.2.0) to help you choose the right file to update. Second, make sure you have at least 60% battery power. The firmware process can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the middle of the process is fraught with serious consequences.

Also mandatory:

• 📱 Backup all data (contacts, photos, messages) through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or with Mi Cloud.
• 🔌 Prepare the original. USB-cable and computer (for manual firmware methods).
• 🔒 Unlock the bootloader if you plan to install custom firmware (instruction below).
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (for the purpose of OTA-update).

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If you are upgrading from MIUI 7 or older, install the intermediate version of MIUI 8 first.

Important: Redmi Note 3 came in two versions - Redmi Note 3 Pro (with Snapdragon 650 processor) and Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek Helio X10). Firmware files for them are incompatible! Clarify your model in Settings → About Phone → Model.

Method 1: Official OTA-Update (if available)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade over-the-air, but the Redmi Note 3 is official. OTA-updates have long been discontinued, but some users are still notified of available security patches:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Checker.
3. If an update is found, confirm the download and installation.

If the system says “No updates found” but you are sure that there is a newer firmware for your version of MIUI, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device and repeat the check.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by providers).
• 📅 Changing the date on the device to an earlier one (for example, 2019) can trick the system into showing hidden updates.

If OTA-Update not available, go to the manual methods described below.

3. Method 2: Update via Recovery (official firmware)

If OTA doesn’t work, but you want to stay on the official MIUI firmware, you can install the update via Stock Recovery.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware from en.miui.com (select the Redmi Note 3 or Redmi Note 3 Pro model).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root folder of the phone’s internal memory.
3. Turn off the device, then press Volume up + Power to enter Recovery Mode.
4. Select the language (if available), then Install update.zip to System.
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to be completed.

Once installed successfully, the device will automatically restart. The first start can take up to 10 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

4. Method 3: Fastboot Firmware (for power users)

The Fastboot method is suitable for installing official firmware if other methods don’t work. It requires an unlocked bootloader and a computer with Mi Flash Tool drivers installed.

Tools required:

• 💻 Windows computer (recommended) 7/10).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (do not use extension cords!).
• 📦 Fastboot archive (download from official website).
• 🛠 Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\RedmiNote3_Fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to your computer and start the Mi Flash Tool.
4. In the program, click Select and specify the path to the folder with the firmware.
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Cleaning + Lock bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Clean all and lock mode will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future. Use it only if you are sure that you will not switch to unofficial software.

Once the firmware is up, the phone will restart. If the screen is stuck on the MI logo for more than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset (click Volume Up + Power and select Wipe Data).

5. Method 4: Install custom firmware via TWRP

If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you need TWRP Recovery and an unlocked bootloader, which gives you access to the latest versions of Android (such as Android 11 for Redmi Note 3), but you need to be careful.

Preparation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will need a Mi Account and wait 72-360 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (only download from trusted sources, such as XDA-Developers).
3. Download custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) and GApps (Google service package).

Installation:

1. Download your phone to TWRP (clip Volume Up + Power).
2. Make a full backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select all partitions → Swipe for confirmation).
3. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Install the firmware (Install → Select the file.zip → Swipe).
5. Install GApps (if you need Google services).
6. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain bugs, especially on older devices. Check forum reviews before installing (e.g., forum reviews, 4PDA) About the work of a specific build on Redmi Note 3.

6. Method 5: Update via ADB Sideload

If you don't have touchscreen or prefer to control the process from a computer, you can use ADB Sideload, which is suitable for installing official and custom firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Fastboot (you can download it in Android) SDK).
• 📱 A phone with an unlocked loader and TWRP (Stock Recovery with Support ADB).
• 📦 Firmware file in.zip format.

Instructions:

1. Download your phone to Recovery Mode.
2. Select Advanced → ADB Sideload.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the ADB folder.
4. Enter the command: adb sideload path to file.zip For example: adb sideload C:\Downloads\lineage-18.1-20230501-kenzo.zip
5. Wait until the installation is complete (Total xfer: 1.00x will appear in the command line).

This method is useful if you have problems with your phone’s internal memory or want to avoid manually copying files.

7.Typical errors and their solution

When you update Redmi Note 3, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: “Cannot verify update” in Stock Recovery

Reason: Inconsistency of firmware version or corrupted file.

Decision:

• 🔄 Download the firmware file from the official website.
• 📝 Check what the file is called. update.zip (symbolless).
• 🔧 Try installing the firmware through Fastboot.

Error 2: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Reason: Firmware incompatibility or incomplete data cleaning.

Decision:

• 🔄 Run Wipe Data in Recovery (all data is lost!).
• 📥 Refuse the device using the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
• 🔧 If custom firmware is used, check compatibility with your Redmi Note 3 (Snapdragon or MediaTek) modification).

Error 3: This package is for kenzo devices; this is kate

Reason: You are trying to install the firmware for the Redmi Note 3 Pro (codename kenzo) on the regular Redmi Note 3 (kate) or vice versa.

Solution: Download the firmware that matches your model. Clarify the code name in Fastboot Mode (first line at the top of the screen).

Error 4: "Error 7" in TWRP

Reason: Incompatibility of the firmware with the current version of MIUI or corrupted files.

Decision:

• 📌 Install an intermediate version MIUI (for example, MIUI 8 before switching to MIUI 10).
• 🔧 Update. TWRP last-minute.
• 📝 Edit the updater-script file in the firmware archive (remove the lines with model verification).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after the firmware, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored via Fastboot or Test Point (to unlock the bootloader).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)