How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 3: official and custom firmware

Why would you want to run Redmi 3 in 2026?

Xiaomi Redmi 3 (codenamed ido) was released in 2016, but is still popular among users who value reliability and maintainability. However, over the years, official support for MIUI for this model has ceased, and older versions of firmware have become vulnerable to modern threats.

The main reasons for reflashing Redmi 3:

- Obsolete version of MIUI (the latest official - MIUI 9 based on Android 6.0);

Slow operation due to accumulated debris in the system;

- Desire to get relevant features (for example, support for modern applications);

- Resolve critical bugs (such as GPS or Wi-Fi issues).

In this article, there are 3 proven firmware methods, including unlocking the bootloader and solving typical errors.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Xiaomi Redmi 3 firmware requires pre-preparedness, otherwise the risk of "bricking" the device increases significantly. First and foremost, save all the important data. Even if you plan to flash without reset (fastboot update), there may be failures. Use Mi Mover, Google Photos or manual copying on your PC.

List of mandatory actions before the firmware:

• 📱 Check the device model: go to Settings → The phone. → Model, should be Redmi. 3 (ido or Redmi 3 Pro (ido_xhdpi). The firmware for these models is not interchangeable!
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 60%. With a low charge, the device may shut down during the process.
• 🖥️ Install Mi drivers USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot Without them, the computer won't recognize the phone in firmware mode.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to install custom firmware). Official firmware through Fastboot can be installed with the bootloader locked.

Unlocking the bootloader requires linking the Mi Account to the device, a process that can take up to 72 hours (as per Xiaomi rules), and more on unlocking it, see the next section.

Method 1: Fastboot Firmware (official MIUI)

This method is suitable for stock firmware installation (original firmware). MIUI) It's considered the most reliable. You'll need a Windows PC, USB-cable and official firmware archive from Xiaomi Firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for Redmi 3 (Choose the Fastboot version instead of the Recovery version. MIUI 9: ido_global_images_V9.6.1.0.MALMIFA_20180104.0000.00_6.0_global_4d3d1a8b3b.tgz.
2. Unblock the file to a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Redmi3_Fastboot).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter the Fastboot (a picture of a rabbit in a hat will appear).
4. Connect your phone to your PC and launch the file flash_all.bat from the unpacked folder. Wait for completion (nearly) 5–10 minute).

If the process is stalled in the waiting for device phase, check:

- Correct installation of drivers (Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface);

- Quality. USB-Cable (Try the Original Xiaomi Cable);

USB port (better to use USB 2.0 on the back of your PC).

Method 2: Installation via Recovery (without PC)

If you already have a bootloader unlocked, you can flash Redmi 3 without a computer through Recovery, a method that is suitable for updating MIUI or installing custom firmware in.zip format.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the firmware in Recovery format (for example, miui_HM3Global_V9.6.1.0.MALMIFA_4d3d1a8b3b_6.0.zip) Put it in the root of the phone’s internal memory.
2. Turn off the device and press Volume Up + Power to log into Recovery (the menu with Android on your back).
3. Select Install update.zip to System (or Apply update from sdcard for custom firmware).
4. Confirm installation and wait for the reboot. The first launch can take up to 15 minutes.

A critical feature of Redmi 3: in standard Recovery, you can not install firmware with an Android version higher than 6.0. Custom Recovery (TWRP) is required to bypass the restriction.

Method 3: LineageOS (Pixel Experience)

For enthusiasts who want to get the latest Android on Redmi 3, there are custom firmware.

- LineageOS 16 (Android 9 Pie);

Pixel Experience (pure Android with Google chips)

Havoc-OS (flexible interface configuration)

Installation of custom firmware requires:

1. unlocked loader;

2. Installed TWRP Recovery;

3. Complete reset (Wipe → Format Data in TWRP).

Attention:

Example of LineageOS 16 installation:

1. Download the firmware (lineage-16.0-20210310-UNOFFICIAL-ido.zip) and GApps (e.g, open_gapps-arm-9.0-pico-20210310.zip).
2. Reboot to TWRP and run Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
3. Install firmware first, then GApps.
4. Reboot. The first launch can take up to 20 minutes.

💡

After installing custom firmware, check the sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) using the Sensor Test application. Some builds require additional fixes for proper operation.

Unlocking the bootloader: a step-by-step guide

Without unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 3, you can install only official firmware through Fastboot. For custom solutions (TWRP, LineageOS), unlocking is mandatory.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link Mi Account to your device: Settings → Additional → Developer → Account Link.
2. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in to the program.
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot (Loudness down + Power) and connect to the PC.
4. In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock, and it takes 3-5 minutes to reboot the device.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block unlocking if: - Mi Account was created less than 30 days ago; - The device was not tied to the account in advance; - Uses an unofficial version of the Mi Unlock Tool.

Once unlocked, the bootloader will remain unlocked even after being reset to factory settings, but when the official firmware is installed via Fastboot, it may lock again.

Typical errors and their solutions

Redmi 3 firmware is often accompanied by errors, especially when using informal tools, and below is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If the phone is stuck on the Mi logo after firmware, try:

Hold the power button for 20+ seconds for forced reboot;

Repeat the firmware with a full reset (Wipe All in TWRP);

Install a different firmware version (e.g., older stable MIUI build).

💡

If you have firmware errors through Fastboot, always check the integrity of the downloaded archive (compare the MD5 hash amounts with the official ones).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi 3 firmware