Why do owners of Redmi Note 3 Pro decide to reflash the smartphone?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro (codenamed kenzo for Snapdragon 650 and kate for Helio X10) is still a popular device due to its reliable hardware and active support for custom firmware. However, over time, official MIUI updates stop coming out, and users face slowdowns, bugs or the desire to install the current version of Android.
Main reasons for flashing: 1) End of official support (last stable MIUI for Redmi Note 3 Pro – version 9.6.3.0, Android 6.0). 2) Want to install custom Recovery (TWRP) and Android 10/11 firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). 3) Removal of preinstalled Chinese software or switch from China ROM to Global Stable. 4) Recovery after “brick” due to a failed update.
It’s important to understand that the process involves unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device to factory settings and erases all data, and informal firmware can take away warranty (if it’s still valid) and require manual configuration of certain features (such as VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling).
Preparation for Flashing: What to Do Before Starting
Before you start, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and errors at this stage can lead to data loss or “bricking” of the device.
- 📱 Save all your data: contacts, photos, messages (use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or manual copying on PC!
- 🔋 Charge the battery to 70-80%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can make the phone inoperable.
- 💻 Install drivers: download Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB/Fastboot manually (for example, through Minimal) ADB and Fastboot).
- 🔗 Check the device model: type ##4636## in the phone app and find the Hardware string. For the Redmi Note 3 Pro, it will be kenzo (Snapdragon) or kate (Helio). X10).
Also prepare: USB-cable (original or high quality to avoid connection breaks) Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional adjustments will be required ADB). Firmware files (official or custom, depending on the purpose).
☑️ Checklist before firmware
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 3 Pro is purchased in China ROM), To unlock the bootloader, you will need to link the Mi Account to the device in advance (at least 7 days!
Unlocking the bootloader: a mandatory step before the firmware
The bootloader on all Xiaomi devices is locked by default. To install custom Recovery or unofficial firmware, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool.
Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device
1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line to activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable: USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (the last item may be called Factory Unlock).
3. Connect your phone to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi Account. Make sure your device is tied (check at account.xiaomi.com).
Step 2: Use the Mi Unlock Tool
1 Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool and unpack the archive.
2. Launch the file. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
3.Put the phone into Fastboot mode: turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power before the Mi Bunny logo appears in the Ushanka cap.
4. Connect your phone to your PC. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is a "Couldn't unlock" or "Wait" error 72/168/360 hours, which means that the account was not linked to the device in advance, in which case you will have to wait for the specified time (until the specified time). 15 days!).
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Firmware selection: official MIUI vs custom builds
The type of firmware depends on the functionality, stability and capabilities of the device. Let’s consider the main options for the Redmi Note 3 Pro:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official MIUI (Stable/Global) | Maximum stability, support OTA-Updates, all camera and gesture functions work out of the box». | An outdated version of Android (6.0), a lot of bloatware (pre-installed Chinese apps). | The best choice for everyday use, if you don’t need new Android features. |
| MIUI EU (unofficial) | Without Chinese software, weekly updates, themes and features from Chinese versions. | There may be bugs, no OTA (you need to update manually), sometimes SafetyNet breaks. | Suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to put up with small bugs. |
| Castomium (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) | Up-to-date Android (10/11), no bloatware, more privacy settings. | Some features (such as IR Blaster or VoLTE) are not working, and there may be problems with the camera. | For experienced users who are interested in fresh Android. |
Where to download firmware: Official: Miui Download (choose the kenzo/kate version); MIUI EU: Xiaomi.eu (weekly and stable builds); Custom: XDA Developers (look for themes for Redmi Note 3 Pro).
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Before downloading custom firmware, check the reviews in its theme on XDA. Pay special attention to bugs with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and camera – they often can not be fixed.
Install firmware via Fastboot (official method)
This method is suitable for installing official firmware MIUI (including the transition to China ROM For custom firmware, you will need to install it first. TWRP Recovery.
Installation steps:
- Download the Fastboot firmware for your model (file with the extension.tgz or.zip) and unpack it into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\kenzo_global).
- Install Platform Tools (or Minimal ADB and Fastboot) and add the path to the folder to the PATH environment variable.
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
- Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot devices Make sure the device is identified (its serial number should appear).
- For Windows, run the file flash_all.bat (double click. Linux/macOS use:./flash_all.sh
It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it!
⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MI For more than 20 minutes, try to enter Recovery (Loudness up) + Power) and make Wipe Data. If that doesn't work, re-scan the userdata section by pre-formatting the userdata section via Fastboot: fastboot format userdata.
Install custom firmware through TWRP Recovery
To install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware will require TWRP Recovery – Alternative Recovery with Installation Support ZIP-file.
Step 1: Installation of TWRP
1. Download the latest version of TWRP for kenzo/kate from the official website (.img file).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and execute the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_kenzo.img3. Immediately after that, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power (otherwise, standard Recovery will overwrite TWRP).
Step 2: Firmware through TWRP
1. Copy. ZIP-a firmware file and (if necessary) Gapps (Google services) for internal memory or SD-map.
2. In TWRP, run: Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Cache. Confirm swipe.
3. Go back to the main menu, select Install, point the way to ZIP-Firmware file and confirm installation.
4. Once completed, repeat the step for Gapps (if you need Google services).
5. Reboot to the system (Reboot → System).
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When installing custom firmware, be sure to check compatibility with the Android version. For example, Gapps for Android 10 will not be suitable for firmware on Android 11 - this will lead to errors when downloading.
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the correct following of the instructions, there may be problems, and let's look at the typical errors and how to correct them:
- 🚨 Error: Couldn't unlock in Mi Unlock Tool Reason: Mi Account is not tied to device or has not passed 7 days since the link.Solution: Wait a specified time or use workaround methods (for example, Deep Testing, but it is risky!).
- 🔄 The phone is fixated on the logo MI Reason: Incompatible firmware or interrupted installation process.Solution: Go to the TWRP, Make Wipe Data and go back and ask for it.
- 🔌 After the firmware is not working sensor or display Reason: firmware is not designed for your model (kenzo vs kate).Solution: Download the correct version of firmware and repeat the process.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware?
Optimization after firmware: setup and testing
After successful firmware installation, it is recommended to follow several steps to check the operability and optimization:
- ⚙️ Check the basic features: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile, camera, sensors (gyroscope, approximations). AIDA64.
- 🔒 Set up security: Enable Find My Device, upgrade Google Play Services, and install antivirus (e.g. Malwarebytes).
- 🎯 Disable unnecessary services: In Settings → Deactivate pre-installed programs (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) if you don’t plan to use them.
- 🔋 Battery calibration: After firmware completely discharge and charge the battery 2-3 times for the correct operation of the power controller.
If you have custom firmware installed, you may need to manually configure: VoLTE: enter the settings for your operator in the engineering menu (#4636##) IR Blaster: download the Mi Remote app from APKMirror, as it is often absent from custom firmware. Fonts and themes: use Substratum or Magisk Modules for customization.
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