Xiaomi Redmi 3, released a few years ago, is still a popular device due to the combination of price and performance in its time. However, over time, official support ceases, the system ceases to receive security updates, and some modern applications begin to work incorrectly or not installed at all, at which point many owners are thinking about reflashing their gadget on a fresher version of Android or install a custom build that will give the device a second life.
The process of replacing software can seem complicated only at first glance, and in fact, if you follow the sequence of actions and prepare the necessary tools in advance, the task becomes quite feasible even for a beginner, Firmware reflashing allows you not only to update the interface, but also to get root rights, remove system debris and significantly speed up the device.
In this article, we will discuss all the preparation steps, the necessary utilities and the step-by-step algorithm of actions. You will learn how to safely switch from the Chinese version of firmware to the global version, how to install TWRP receptacles and what to do if the phone stopped loading. It is critical to understand that there are different versions of the processor for Redmi 3 (Snapdragon 430 and MediaTek), and the firmware for them is completely incompatible with each other.
Preparation of the device and choice of firmware
The first and most important step is to determine the exact model of your CPU. - Xiaomi Redmi 3 It was produced in two main modifications: with the Snapdragon chip. 430 (ID 3) and earlier versions from MediaTek MT6795 (ID 3C/Pro). Installing an inappropriate system image can lead to irreversible consequences, so checking through the application CPU-Z or in the Settings menu → Phone is mandatory.
Once hardware is defined, you have to choose the operating system itself. Users often choose between stable official MIUI builds and custom firmware based on pure Android, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience. The official versions guarantee the operation of all modules, including the camera and scanner, while customized ones offer faster work speeds and no advertising.
Make sure you back up all your important data. In the process of flashing, your internal memory will be completely cleaned up. Use cloud services or copy photos and documents to your computer. Also make sure your battery is at least 60 percent so that your device doesn't turn off at the most inopportune time.
Required tools and drivers
To successfully perform the procedure, you will need a personal computer or laptop running the Windows operating system. Mobile utilities for complete flashing are rarely suitable and often work unstable, so using a PC is the most reliable option. On the computer you need to install special drivers to connect the smartphone in modes ADB and Fastboot.
Download and install Minimal ADB and Fastboot or the full-fledged Android SDK Platform Tools. Without these components, the computer will not be able to send commands to the phone. In addition, devices with a Qualcomm processor may require the installation of Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers, which are usually installed automatically on the first connection, but sometimes require manual installation through Device Manager.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Pay special attention to the USB cable. Cheap charging cables often do not support data transfer, which leads to connection errors. Use the original wire or a quality analogue. You will also need to download a firmware file with the.zip extension to install via the receptacles or.tgz for firmware via Fastboot.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Before installing third-party software, you need to unlock the bootloader, which is blocked by the manufacturer by default for security reasons, you need to apply on the Mi Unlock website by linking your Mi Account account to the device, which can take from 3 to 15 days of waiting.
Once you have permission, turn on the developer mode on your phone. To do this, press 7 times the build number in the About Phone menu. Then, in the advanced settings, activate OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging. Then the device is transferred to Fastboot mode by pressing the volume button when you connect the cable.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader automatically resets all data on the device and can cancel the warranty if it is still valid.
Run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer, log in to your account and press the unlock button. The program will check the status of the device and, if all conditions are met, unlock the bootloader. The phone will restart, and the process can be considered complete. Now the path for installing TWRP and custom firmware is open.
What if Mi Unlock can’t see the phone?
Installation of TWRP recavery
The standard recovery menu does not allow you to install modified firmware, so you need to install Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). Find the current.img image for your Redmi 3 model. load the phone into Fastboot mode (volume down + power button) and connect to the PC.
Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and type a command to flash the recovery image. It is important to execute the command correctly so that you do not wipe other partitions. Once you execute the command, the phone should immediately be put into recovery mode, clamping the power buttons and increasing the volume to prevent the system from booting and replacing the TWRP back with stock.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-ido.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-ido.imgThe TWRP menu recommends backing up your current system first if you haven't done it before. The Recovery interface supports touch control, which makes navigation easier. You can also clear the Data, Cache, and Dalvik sections before you install new software. This is called "Wipe," and it's mandatory when you change the firmware type.
Firmware process via Fastboot and Recovery
There are two main installation methods: through the Recovery menu and through the Fastboot mode.Recovery is simpler and suitable for updating within the same version. MIUI or customization. The firmware file.zip is copied to internal memory or SD-map, and then on the menu TWRP Select the Install item and specify the path to the file.
Fastboot requires you to connect your phone in the appropriate mode and use the Mi Flash Tool. This method is often called "clean firmware", because it completely overwrites all partitions of the disk. In the utility, you need to choose the path to the unpacked firmware folder and Clean all mode. This ensures that there are no file conflicts and errors in the system.
| Parameter | Recovery Mode | Fastboot Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium |
| Data retention | Maybe (not always) | Complete removal |
| Type of file | .zip | .tgz (unpacked) |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium (requires drivers) |
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When you are running through TWRP, if the system does not start after installation, try to clear the Dalvik/Cache partition again and re-install (Dirty Flash), but only if you are sure of version compatibility.
Once the process is complete, the phone will reboot in both cases. The first download can take 5 to 15 minutes as the system optimizes apps. Don't be alarmed if the screen is lit with the logo for a long time - this is normal behavior for Android after a clean installation.
Possible errors and their solution
There are a number of problems with flashing, and one of the common problems is the Error 7 error when installed over the recavator, which means that the installation script checks the device model and finds no matches, and this problem is solved by editing the updater-script file inside the firmware archive or using another version of TWRP.
If the phone has gone into a brick and does not respond to buttons, but is defined by the computer as a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008, you can try to restore it through the QPST utility or special service firmware. However, this is a complex process that requires accurate selection of files for a specific memory volume and revision of the board.
⚠️ Note: If the fingerprint scanner or camera doesn't work after the firmware, you've probably installed the firmware for another modification of the processor or region, in which case you need to reflash the device by selecting the correct file.
Another common problem is cyclic reboot, often solved by a full reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) over recavators, which may not help, and the boot partition may be damaged and must be stitched separately through the Fastboot by the fastboot flash boot.img command.
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90% of Redmi 3 firmware errors are due to user inattention: the wrong model is chosen, memory is not cleared or poor memory is used. USB-cable.