How to reflash Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (codenamed kenzo for the Snapdragon 650 version and kate for MediaTek Helio X10) is still popular among Android enthusiasts due to its reliability and ability to install modern firmware. However, the firmware of this smartphone has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing a compatible version of MIUI or custom build like LineageOS.

This article covers the latest ways to run Redmi Note 3 firmware in 2026, including official updates via MIUI Recovery, installation via Fastboot and TWRP, and solving common bugs like Error:7 or getting stuck on the Mi logo.

1. Preparation for flashing: what you need to know

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 flashing requires a lot of preparation, and without it, the risk of turning the phone into a brick increases dramatically.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%, and when discharged during firmware, the device may turn off and not turn on.
• 📱 Backup. Firmware erases the data in the section. /data. Use Mi Mover or Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default. Without unlocking, you can't install custom firmware.
• 🖥️ Drivers and tools. Install Mi Flash Tool for Fastboot firmware or ADB/Fastboot driver TWRP.

Important: Redmi Note 3 models on the Snapdragon 650 (kenzo) and MediaTek Helio X10 (kate) have different firmware. Installing an incompatible version will lead to a blink! To find out your model, go to Settings → About Phone → Model or use the command:

adb shell getprop ro.product.device

If the result is kenzo, you have a version with Snapdragon, if the kate is with MediaTek, the firmware process is more difficult for MediaTek because of the closed source and the problems with TWRP.

2. Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3

Without bootloader unlocking, you won’t be able to install custom firmware or TWRP. Xiaomi requires official permission through Mi Account. The process takes up to 72 hours (sometimes longer).

Instructions:

1. Link Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate USB debugging: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb reboot bootloader
4. Download Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the instructions.

⚠️ Note: If the phone was previously unlocked and then updated to a new version MIUI, Check the status of the command: fastboot oem device-info Look for the line Device unlocked: true.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset (wipe), which is normal, because Xiaomi protects user data.

3. Firmware methods: which to choose

There are three main methods of firmware Redmi Note 3:

For beginners, we recommend MIUI Recovery – it does not require unlocking and is suitable for updating the current version of MIUI. It is better for experienced users to use TWRP for installing LineageOS or other custom builds.

Fastboot is the last option if the phone doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo, and it completely overwrites all partitions, including boot and recovery.

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If you're flashing your phone for the first time, start with the official global firmware (MIUI Global Stable).Castom builds can contain bugs, especially on older devices.

4. Firmware via MIUI Recovery (without unlocking)

This method is suitable for updating the current version. MIUI You will need a firmware file in.zip format (for example, miui_HMNote3Global_V12.5.1.0.LHOMIXM_...).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware from the official MIUI Downloads website (choose the version for kenzo or kate).
2. Rename the file to update.zip and transfer it to the root of internal memory.
3. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update, click on three dots → Select a firmware file.
4. Select update.zip and confirm the installation.

The phone will reboot to Recovery and start installing it, and it will take 5-10 minutes. If E:footer is wrong, you're corrupted, download it again.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the process even if the screen goes out for a few minutes.Redmi Note 3 can take a long time to "think" before first booting after firmware is installed.

5. Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is used to completely flash the phone, for example, if it does not turn on or hovers on the logo. You will need a PC with drivers installed and the Mi Flash Tool program.

Instructions:

1. Download Fastboot firmware (.tgz) for your model (kenzo or kate) from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\kenzo_fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the Mi Flash Tool. Press Select, specify the firmware folder.
5. Select Clean All (Full Cleaning) or Clean All and Lock (Locking bootloader).
6. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (5-15 minutes).

Important: Clean all and lock mode will lock the bootloader back, only use it if you plan to stay on the official firmware.

6. Installation of TWRP and custom firmware

To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you need TWRP, custom recovery. It's more complicated, but it's more powerful.

Steps:

1. Download. TWRP forecast: 📱 kenzo: TWRP for Snapdragon 📱 kate: TWRP for MediaTek (unofficial assembly)

twrp.img

ADB

Fastboot

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

TWRP

Volume up + Nutrition

TWRP

Boot

Data

System

lineage-18.1-20260310-kenzo.zip

Install

For MediaTek (kate), the process is complicated by the lack of an official TWRP. Use informal builds at your own risk - they may not support data encryption.

⚠️ Note: After installing custom firmware, the module may stop working NFC (kenzo or camera (kate) Check the list of bugs in the forum XDA before installation.

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Custom firmware requires regular updates, and without them, Google services eventually stop working and security vulnerabilities appear.

7.Typical errors and their solution

When you run Redmi Note 3, you often get bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚨 7-in error TWRP: It occurs when you try to install firmware for another model. Check the file name (should contain kenzo or kate).
• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo: Most likely incompatible firmware or a damaged boot section.
• 🔌 Phone does not turn on after firmware: Try to pin the Volume up + 20 seconds of hard reset, if it doesn't work, you need to flash it through. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 📵 No network after firmware: Install the correct modem file for your model through TWRP.

If the phone is no longer on and doesn't respond to buttons, don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. Contact the 4PDA or XDA forums - there are detailed Redmi Note 3 "resuscitation" guides.

8 Post-firmware recommendations

After successful firmware, follow a few steps to keep the phone running smoothly:

• ⚙️ Resetting: If you have stitched a custom build, make Wipe → Format Data in the TWRP (It'll remove encryption).
• 🔄 Battery calibration: After firmware discharge the phone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruptions.
• 🛡️ Turn off automatic updates (if stitched through the cast): They can break the system. Update manually.
• 📡 Check it out. IMEI: Once it's firmwareed through Fastboot, it can reset. Restore through SN Write Tool (requires backup).

If you have a lineageOS or other AOSP-Firmware, install Open GAPPS (Pico or nano for Google services, without which there will be no Play Market or other apps.

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To speed up the phone after firmware, turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings → Developer → Animation Scale 0.5x).

FAQ: Frequent questions