How to upgrade Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to Android 7 Nougat: all ways in 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (kenzo models for Snapdragon and kate for MediaTek) is still popular among users due to the reliable hardware and the ability to install modern firmware. MIUI 9.6 for Redmi Note 3 was based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.Switching to Android 7.0 Nougat is possible only through custom firmware - and here lie both opportunities and pitfalls.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of updating: from installing unofficial builds based on LineageOS to ported versions. MIUI We will pay special attention to the critical nuances for the kenzo model (Snapdragon 650), where an incorrect firmware can lead to a “brick” due to a blocked bootloader. If your Redmi Note 3 hasn’t been updated from the factory yet, you’ll need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool, and we’ll describe this process in detail.

We warn you beforehand that the procedure requires technical training, but with the right approach, you will not only get a fresh version of Android, but also extend the life of the device for 2-3 years.

1. Check the model and current firmware

Before any firmware manipulations, be sure to determine the exact model of your Redmi Note 3. The choice of firmware and the method of updating depends on this:

• 🔍 Kenzo is a version with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor, the most common modification, supports most custom firmware.
• 🔍 Kate - version from MediaTek Helio X10. Less popular, firmware selection limited.
• 🔍 Pro is a 3GB RAM variant with 32GB of memory (also kenzo) and the firmware is the same as the standard version.

You can recognize the model:

1. In settings: Settings → About the phone → Model.
2. Through the Engineering Menu: Type ##4636## and find the Hardware line.
3. Inscription on the box or under the battery (if removable).

Also check the current version. MIUI Android:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 📱 Android version should be 6.0 (if the phone hasn't been updated).

⚠️ Please note: if your Redmi Note 3 already working MIUI 10/11 Android 6.0 — It's not official firmware, it's ported. Upgrading to Nougat can cause conflicts!

For the kenzo model, we recommend using LineageOS 14.1 (Android 7.1.2) firmware, which is the most stable. AEX.

2.Preparation for the update: unlocking the bootloader

Without the bootloader, custom firmware cannot be installed. Xiaomi blocks it by default, so you will have to go through the official procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.

What will be required:

• 📱 Redmi Note 3 with a tied Mi Account.
• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11) original USB-cable.
• 🔗 Mi Unlock Tool (Last version).
• ⏳ Patience: The unlocking process takes 3 to 720 hours (depends on Xiaomi policy).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (point-of-point!)

Mi Account

Settings → Xiaomi account → Linking an account

Loudness down + Nutrition

Fastboot

Mi Unlock Tool

Couldn’t unlock

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone! make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup or TWRP (if already established).

After successful unlocking, you can start installing a custom recavery (TWRP) But first, the important thing is:

1 You are logged in to the same account on both the phone and the program.

2. The phone is turned on mobile Internet or Wi-Fi (to check the binding).

3 At least 72 hours have passed since the first attempt.-->

3. Installation of TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is a custom recovery that will allow you to install firmware based on Android 7. There are several versions for Redmi Note 3. TWRP, But we recommend using the official build from the LineageOS team or verified modifications from the developers from the forum. XDA Developers.

Download the files you need:

• 📥 TWRP for kenzo (version 3.6.2 or later).
• 📥 Alternative assembly (if the official assembly does not work).
• 📥 For the kate model (choose with caution!).

Installation via Fastboot:

1. Unpack the downloaded archive with TWRP to the folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).
2. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (Loud down buttons) + Nutrition).
3. Connect the device to the PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-kenzo.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-kenzo.img
4. The phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.

If after restarting the phone again starts in the standard recaveri – then the system overwrote TWRP. To avoid this:

• 🔧 V TWRP Go to Mount. → System and tick it.
• 🔧 Delete the file. /system/recovery-from-boot.p (He's responsible for restoring the stock Recovery).
• 🔧 Reboot back to the TWRP.

Download Android 7 firmware for your model|Download GApps (if you need Google services)|Backup the current system|Checking the battery charge (minimum 60%)|Disable antivirus on PC-->

4.Selecting Android 7 firmware for Redmi Note 3

Android-based 7.0/7.1 Nougat for Redmi Note 3 several types of firmware available:

For most users, the best choice is LineageOS 14.1.

• 🔹 Gets monthly security patches (albeit unofficially).
• 🔹 Supports OTA-Updates (can be updated without PC).
• 🔹 Has a minimum set of pre-installed applications.

If you need it. MIUI — Choose ported builds from Xiaomi.eu, but be prepared for performance bugs. For the kate (MediaTek) model, the choice is limited to Resurrection Remix or AEX.

5. Step-by-step installation of Android 7 through TWRP

Now, to the most critical stage, the firmware installation. It's critical for the kenzo to use the firmware specifically for the Snapdragon 650, because the firmware for the kate will lead to a "brick"!

What you'll need:

• 📱 Phone with unlocked loader and installed TWRP.
• 💾 Firmware (e.g. firmware, lineage-14.1-20260510-kenzo.zip).
• 📦 GApps package (e.g, open_gapps-arm64-7.1-pico-20260515.zip).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 70%.

Instructions:

1. Copy firmware and GApps files to your phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
2. Turn off your phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter TWRP.
3. Make a full backup of the current system: 🔧 Press Backup. 🔧 Check the Boot, System, Data sections. 🔧 Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD). 🔧 Click Swipe to Backup.
4. Perform a full reset: 🔧 Go to Wipe. → Advanced Wipe. 🔧 Mark it. Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage (if the firmware is on the SD). 🔧 Swipe through the swipe to confirm.

• 🔧 Press Install and select the firmware file.
• 🔧 Add GApps (click Add more Zips).
• 🔧 Swipe through the swipe to confirm.
• After completion, press Reboot System.

The first launch can take 10-15 minutes – don’t interrupt! If the phone has been stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, then something has gone wrong (see the Problem Solving section).

💡

Never install kate firmware on kenzo and vice versa! This will cause the device to fail and require flashing through the device. EDL-The game (which is difficult without boxing).

6. Set up Android 7 after installation

After a successful launch of a new firmware, you will need to perform the initial setup.

Basic settings:

• 🔧 Connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account (if you have installed GApps).
• 🔧 Restore data from the backup (if you did it through the backup) TWRP Mi Cloud).
• 🔧 Set up your fingerprint: settings → Security → Fingerprint.

Optimizing productivity:

• 🚀 Enable Developer Options (7 taps by Build Number in About Phone).
• 🚀 Activate. GPU-acceleration: Settings → For developers → Force GPU rendering.
• 🚀 Disable animations to speed up the interface: Window animation scale → 0.5x Transition animation scale → 0.5x Animator duration scale → 0.5x

Checking of operability:

• 📞 Test calls and mobile internet (especially on kate, where there may be problems with the modem).
• 📷 Check the camera: if it doesn't work, install Google Camera with settings for Redmi Note 3.
• 🔊 Make sure the sound works in headphones and speakers.

If you have installed LineageOS, we recommend that you additionally:

• 🔹 Install LineageOS Browser (optimized for the system).
• 🔹 Set up LiveDisplay to automatically adjust screen color: Settings → Screen. → LiveDisplay.
• 🔹 Enable Private Regime for the Protection of Personal Data.

⚠️ Note: On Android 7, some banking apps (like Sberbank or Tinkoff) may swear at custom firmware. To get around this, install the Magisk module and activate MagiskHide.

7. Solving common problems

Even with the right installation, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the phone is not turned on at all (brick):

• 🔹 Try to enter the Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and flash the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
• 🔹 For kenzo with a blocked loader, it may be necessary EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable).
• 🔹 Contact the forums. XDA or 4PDA — There are instructions for “resuscitation” for specific cases.

If you're lost. IMEI:

1. Download the backup section EFS For your model (see for your model) 4PDA).
2. Squeeze it through. TWRP Fastboot: fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin fastboot erase modemst1 fastboot erase modemst2
3. Restart your phone and check the IMEI via *#06#.

8. Alternative ways of updating

If the installation is TWRP It seems difficult to consider alternative options:

1. Official update via Mi Flash Tool (stock firmware only):

• 🔹 It is good if you want to go back to MIUI 9.6 (Android 6.0).
• 🔹 Download the official firmware for your model.
• 🔹 Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

Installation via OrangeFox Recovery:

• 🔹 OrangeFox - The Alternative TWRP user-friendly.
• 🔹 Supports OTA-customization.
• 🔹 Download for kenzo.

3. Firmware via Fastboot (for power users):

• 🔹 It is suitable for installation of Global Stable or EU ROM.
• 🔹 Requires an unlocked bootloader and knowledge of Fastboot commands.
• 🔹 Example of the team: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

4.Using utility like XiaomiTool V2:

• 🔹 Automates the process of unlocking and firmware.
• 🔹 It supports Redmi Note 3, but it does require.NET Framework 4.8.
• 🔹 Download XiaomiTool V2.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, for example, the Mi Flash Tool is reliable but limited to stock firmware, and OrangeFox is convenient but may not support some custom builds, depending on your goals:

• 🎯 Maximum stability → LineageOS 14.1.
• 🎯 Corporate interface → ported MIUI 9/10.
• 🎯 Customization → Resurrection Remix.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note update 3