Why PC Flashing Is the Best Option for Redmi Note 3 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro (codenamed kenzo) is still popular among custom firmware enthusiasts, despite the release of newer models. Flashing through the computer offers several key advantages over updating "over the air": the ability to install informal builds (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), restore the “brick” after unsuccessful experiments, as well as bypassing restrictions MIUI loader-free.
Unlike in the past. OTA-updates, firmware through PC allows you to choose any version MIUI — From a stable global developer to a Chinese developer, and custom cores to overclock the processor or improve autonomy. However, the process requires care: an error in unlocking the bootloader or choosing the wrong firmware can turn the phone into a brick. In this article, we will analyze all the stages - from driver preparation to the final system configuration.
It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 3 Pro was released in two versions: with a Snapdragon 650 (kenzo) and Helio processor. X20 (The instructions below are only suitable for the Snapdragon version for Helio owners. X20 You will need to look for firmware marked kate and use other tools (for example, SP Flash Tool instead of Mi Flash).
Preparation for firmware: what will be needed
Before you start the process, make sure you have everything you need.
- 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (32- or 64-On MacOS or Linux, the process is possible, but it will require additional driver manipulation.
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro (modification kenzo) with a battery charge of at least 60%. at low charge, the device can turn off during firmware.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the kit) Cheap cables can cause connection errors in Fastboot mode.
- 🔐 Mi Account tied to the phone (unless the bootloader is unlocked) without it, unlocking is impossible.
- 🛠️ Firmware archive (official or custom) and tools: Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers.
Pay special attention to the choice of firmware. For the Redmi Note 3 Pro available:
- 📦 Official assembly MIUI (stable, developer, global or Chinese. download only from the official website of Xiaomi.
- 🔧 Base-based castor firmware AOSP (For example, LineageOS 16/17, Pixel Experience. Search for them on forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA, Checking for compatibility with kenzo.
- ⚡ Modified cores (e.g., FrancoKernel) for overclocking or improving autonomy.
☑️ Checklist before firmware
If you plan to install custom firmware, pre-unlock the bootloader. Without this, the phone will not allow you to download unofficial software. The unlocking process takes up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's policy), so start with it in advance.
What happens if you run the wrong version of MIUI?
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, including the Redmi Note 3 Pro. This is a security measure, but it also complicates the installation of custom firmware. Unlocking occurs in two stages: requesting permission through the Mi Unlock Tool and actually unlocking.
First, download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi. Make sure the version of the program is compatible with your OS (for example, Windows 11 may require Windows 7 compatibility mode).
- Sign in to Mi Account on your phone and in the Mi Unlock Tool program (must be the same account).
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: Turn it off, then press Volume down + Power before the appearance of the Fastboot logo.
- Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and wait for the data to be checked.
- If your account is not tied to your device for more than 72 hours, you will receive a waiting message, in which case, go back to step 1 and wait for the specified time.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. All data will be deleted, so back up in advance through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a 99% "Couldn't unlock" error, try using an older version of the program (e.g. 3.503.24) or run it on behalf of the administrator.
Installation of drivers and preparation of tools
Without the right drivers, your computer won’t be able to recognize Redmi Note 3 Pro in Fastboot mode. EDL. Snapdragon 650 will be required:
- 🖱️ Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for mode) EDL).
- 🔌 Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (You can install it through Minimal ADB and Fastboot or Platform Tools by Google).
- 📥 Mi Flash Tool – official Xiaomi utility for firmware in Fastboot mode.
To install drivers manually:
- Connect your phone to Fastboot (or EDL, black).
- Open Device Manager on your PC, and find a device with an exclamation point (usually Android or Qualcomm...).
- Right-click. → Update the driver → Perform a search on this computer → specify the driver folder.
To check the connection, open the command line in the folder with ADB enter:
fastboot devicesIf the phone is recognized, you'll see its serial number. If it's not, check the cable, the port. USB or repeat the installation of drivers.
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Without properly installed Qualcomm drivers, firmware in mode EDL (It's not going to be an emergency. It's going to be a regimen to restore the bricks".
Selection of firmware: official MIUI or custom
The choice of firmware depends on the functionality of the phone after flashing.
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Stable) | Maximum stability, support OTA-Updates, all camera and sensor functions are working. | Lots of bloatware (pre-installed applications), advertising in the system menu. | For everyday use without "dancing with diamonds". |
| MIUI (designer) | More recent features, the ability to unlock the bootloader without waiting 72 hours. | There may be bugs that are less stable than the stable version. | For enthusiasts who want to test innovations. |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Clean Android without ads, better performance, long-term support. | It may not work: NFC, IR-ports, some sensors. OTA-update. | For experienced users ready to manually configure. |
For Redmi Note 3 Pro, the following versions are relevant MIUI:
- 🌍 Globally stable (e.g, MIUI 12.5.3) – the best choice for the majority.
- 🇨🇳 China stable – without Google services, but with the latest updates.
- 🛠️ MIUI EU (unofficial) – global firmware without advertising and Chinese applications.
Castom firmware requires additional steps: installation TWRP (Custom Recovery and sometimes bug fix patches, such as LineageOS 16 for kenzo may not run VoLTE, and Pixel Experience may not have a dual-use version. SIM.
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Before installing custom firmware, check on the forum XDA, What bugs are left in it, for example, some assemblies do not work autobrightness or GPS.
Firmware process via Fastboot (Step-by-step)
If you've chosen the official firmware, the most reliable way to install it is through the Mi Flash Tool in Fastboot mode.
- Download the firmware in.tgz or.zip format from the official website and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\kenzo_global_images_...).
- Run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator. In the Select field, specify the path to the firmware folder.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power supply. Make sure the device is identified in the program.
- At the bottom of the window, select firmware mode: Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended when changing the version). MIUI). Clean all and lock - cleaning + Save user data - Save user data - data storage (not always working correctly).
Flash
If the firmware is interrupted with an error, check:
- 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try the port USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).
- 📁 The path to firmware (there should be no gaps or Cyrillic).
- 🔄 Mi Flash Tool (you may need a 2018 version for old firmware).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool is 99% deficient?
Once the firmware is successfully installed, the phone will boot into the system. The first boot can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
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If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI, Try to enter the Recavéri (Loudness up) + Power and reset (Wipe Data).
Custom Recavery firmware (TWRP) and AOSP
To install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) you first need to flash TWRP Recovery. It's an alternative Recovery that allows you to install ZIP-file.
Download the latest version TWRP For kenzo from the official website (twrp.me) and follow the following steps:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-kenzo.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-kenzo.imgAfter that, the phone will be loaded into TWRP. Here we can:
- 📁 Make a full backup of the current firmware (Backup section).
- 🧹 Clear Dalvik, Cache, Data, System partitions before installing custom firmware.
- 📦 Install ZIP-Firmware file (Install section).
LineageOS or Pixel Experience will also need to flash:
- GApps (Google services if they are not in the build)
- Magisk (to obtain root rights if necessary)
- Fixes (e.g., a patch for camera operation or NFC).
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If the sensor doesn’t work after installing custom firmware, chances are you’ve downloaded the build for another model (for example, for Redmi Note 3). SE). Check the file name – it should contain kenzo.
Restoring the Brick through the Regime EDL
If Redmi Note 3 Pro does not even turn on in Fastboot (black screen, no reaction to buttons), there is a last chance - firmware in mode. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: This mode is activated through test points on the board or special commands.
For firmware in EDL you will need:
- 🔧 Screwdriver for disassembling the phone (if you need a testpoint).
- 📥 Firmware in.mbn format (for example, kenzo_edl_firmware).
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
Algorithm of action:
- Disassemble the phone and close the testpoints (for kenzo, these are contacts near the battery, marked as EDL).
- Connect your phone to your PC – a Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 device should appear in Device Manager.
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware and press Flash. The process will take 10-20 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL drop off IMEI and MAC-Once they're restored, they'll need to be restored separately through QCN-file-menu.
If you're not sure about your soldering skills, you should go to a service center. A mistake when closing test points can damage the fee.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: error: failed to load 'recovery.img' | The file is damaged or the wrong path. | Check the file name and path (no spaces/Cyrillic). |
| Mi Flash: "Flash Done. Reboot device to bootloader," but the phone doesn't turn on. | Incompatible firmware or error in recording. | Repeat the firmware with a full clean (Clean all). |
| The phone is stuck on the logo MI post-fix. | Version conflict or incomplete cleaning. | Download to the recavator and make Wipe Data. |
| ADB: device unauthorized | No confirmed debugging access on the phone. | Allow debugging on USB phone-setting. |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- 🔄 Switch another version MIUI (For example, instead of the Chinese, the Chinese).
- 🔌 Use the other USB-port.
- 🖥️ Repeat the process on another computer (sometimes drivers are to blame).
⚠️ Note: If you have lost your firmware after IMEI or the network has stopped working, do not try to restore it through the engineering menu without a backup. QCN. Incorrect. IMEI It can shut down the network forever.