How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro: all the ways from official updates to custom ROM

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro is a legendary smartphone that still remains relevant thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 650 processor, metal body and the ability to install modern firmware. However, with the release of new versions of MIUI and Android, owners face the need for manual firmware: official updates no longer come, and custom ROMs open access to current features. In this guide, we will analyze all the methods of firmware – from a standard update via MIUI Updater to install LineageOS or Pixel Experience via TWRP.

It's important to understand that firmware is not only a way to update the system, it's also a tool to solve problems. For example, if your Redmi Note 3 Pro brakes, quickly discharges or gives a System UI stopped error, flashing it back can restore its previous performance. But there are risks: doing the wrong thing will lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. So before you start, check the model of your device - the firmware for the Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo) will not be suitable for the Redmi Note 3 SE (kate) or the standard version on MediaTek.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start firmware, follow the mandatory steps, which ignore can lead to data loss, malfunctions or even failure of the smartphone.

First, back up all your important data. The firmware erases your internal memory, so photos, contacts and messages will be lost. Use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or physical copying on your PC.

• 📱 Contact (export to) VCF-file through Contacts → Settings → Imports/exports)
• 📸 Photo and video (copy folder) DCIM computer)
• 🔑 Passwords and SMS (use SMS Backup & Restore from Play Market)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize through your Google or Helium account)

Second, check the bootloader version. The Redmi Note 3 Pro can have an old Locked Bootloader (locked) or a new Unlocked (unlocked). To find out the status, turn off the phone, press Volume Down + Power, and look at the screen: if there's a sign saying "This device is unlocked," the bootloader is unlocked. If not, you'll need an official unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (more on this below).

Battery charge ≥ 60%|Backup copy of data created|USB-original cable (without damage)|Xiaomi drivers installed on PC|Antivirus disabled (can block firmware files)-->

Third, download the necessary files depending on the chosen firmware method:

Critical detail: The firmware for the kenzo model (Redmi Note 3 Pro on Snapdragon) is not compatible with kate (Redmi Note 3 SE on MediaTek) or the standard Redmi Note 3 on the Helio X10. Installing the wrong firmware will lead to a "brick" without recovery! To find out the exact model, type in the dialer code ##4636# and check the line "Model number".

2. Method 1: Officially Updated via MIUI Updater

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable if:

• 📱 Your bootloader is locked (Locked Bootloader)
• 🔄 You want to upgrade to the latest official version. MIUI
• 🛡️ You need a guarantee (this method does not remove it)

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Select firmware file".
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (for example, miui_HMNote3ProGlobal_V12.5.1.0.LHOMIXM_...).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If the update does not automatically find files, download the latest stable version of MIUI for Redmi Note 3 Pro from the official website.

• 🌍 Global – for international versions (Google Services support)
• 🇨🇳 China – No Google Services (requires manual installation)
• 🇪🇺 EEA — European version (c) GDPR-restraint)

💡

If the update is on the logo MI, Don't panic. Wait 15 to 20 minutes -- sometimes the first run after the firmware takes a long time. If the screen doesn't change for longer than 30 minutes, try going to Recovery. + Food) and make a Wipe Cache

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require unlocking the loader
• ✅ Keeps the guarantee.
• ✅ Minimum risk of error

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Updates come with a delay (or don’t come at all for older models)
• ❌ There is no way to install custom firmware (like LineageOS)

Method 2: Firmware through Fastboot (for a locked bootloader)

If you want to install the official firmware, but the update through MIUI Updater does not work (for example, due to corrupted system files), use the Fastboot method.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and the firmware archive (.tgz or.zip format) for your model from the MIUI website.
2. Unpack the firmware archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\kenzo_global_images_...).
3. Turn off your phone and press Volume Down + Power to enter Fastboot mode (a hare in a hat-eared hat will appear on the screen).
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable.
5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and point the path to the unpacked firmware.
6. At the bottom, select “Clean all” or “Clean all and lock” (clean up) mode. + loader-lock).
7. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (5-7 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is “Couldn’t find device” error, install Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Also check that Device Manager defines the phone as "Android Bootloader Interface".

Warning: Clear all and lock will block the bootloader, making it impossible to install custom firmware in the future, and only use it if you plan to stay on official software.

Method 3: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

To install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS) or TWRP Recovery, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process has limitations:

• 🔗 Requires a linked Mi Account with a confirmed phone number.
• ⏳ You need to wait 7-30 days after you link your account to your device (depends on Xiaomi policy).
• 📵 Unlocking resets all data on the phone.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
2. Turn on the developer options on the phone (go to Settings). → About the phone and 7 times click on "Version" MIUI").
3. In the Developer Options, activate "OEM Unlock" and "USB Debugging".
4. Link your Mi Account to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
5. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
6. Connect your smartphone to your PC and launch the Mi Unlock Tool (on behalf of the administrator).
7. Log in to the same Mi Account as on your phone and click Unlock.

If the tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not supported" error, check:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB (Try another cable or port USB 2.0).
• 🕒 Is it 7 days since your account was linked (check the waiting time in Mi Unlock Tool).
• 📱 Mi Unlock Tool (download only from the official website).

Less than 7 days|7-14 days|15-30 days|More than a month.|I remember.-->

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will be reset to factory settings, and Xiaomi’s warranty will be canceled.

5. Method 4: Install custom firmware via TWRP

If you unlock the bootloader, you can install custom Recovery (like TWRP) and flash an alternative OS like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS. This gives you access to current versions of Android (like Android 12 instead of the standard Marshmallow), improved performance and additional features.

Steps to install TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Download TWRP Recovery for Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo) from the official website (.img file).
2. Download firmware (e.g. LineageOS 19 for kenzo) and GApps (Google services) from OpenGApps (select ARM64 platform, Android 12, pico option).
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with TWRP.
5. Enter the installation command TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-0-kenzo.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2_9-0-kenzo.img
6. The phone will reboot to TWRP. In the menu, select Wipe. → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🗃️ Dalvik / ART Cache 🧹 System 📄 Data 🔄 Cache

Then swipe for confirmation.

Install

.zip

GApps

Wipe Cache

The first start-up after installing custom firmware can take 10-15 minutes. If the system does not load for more than 20 minutes, return to TWRP and repeat the steps, making sure that the firmware is suitable for the kenzo model.

💡

Castom firmware requires regular updates! keep an eye out for new releases on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums, as they often contain security patches and bugs.

6. Solving common firmware errors

Even with strict adherence to instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: This MIUI version cannot be installed on this device

Reason: Trying to install firmware for another model (for example, kate instead of kenzo).

Solution: Download the firmware for Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo). Check the file name - it should contain "kenzo".

Error 2: Hanging on the MI logo after firmware

Reasons:

• 🔄 Incompatible firmware or TWRP.
• 🧹 Incomplete cleaning before installation.
• 🔋 Failure to write system partition.

Decision:

1. Press Volume Up + Power to enter Recovery.
2. Run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
3. Re-sweeper the firmware.

Error 3: "Device is locked. Press Power Key to shutdown"

Reason: trying to load custom firmware on a locked bootloader.

Solution: Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see Section 4).

Error 4: Mi Flash Tool doesn't see the device

Reasons:

• 🔌 There are no Qualcomm or Xiaomi drivers.
• 🔄 USB-cable or port malfunction.
• 🛡️ Antivirus is blocking the Mi Flash Tool.

Decision:

• Install the drivers manually (link).
• Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• Disable the antivirus and run the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after firmware is done (black screen, no button response), it could be a "hard brick." EDL-The mode (emergency loading mode) using the box Qualcomm 9008 or service center!

7.How to return the official firmware after custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you want to return the warranty, you can set the official MIUI back.

1. Download stable Fastboot firmware for kenzo from the official website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder on your PC.
3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the device must be determined.
6. At the bottom, select the “Clean all and lock” mode (this will block the bootloader and return the warranty).
7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

Once the firmware is installed, the phone will reboot to the standard MIUI, all data will be erased and the bootloader locked, and to re-install the custom firmware, you will need to re-unlock the bootloader (see Section 4).

Important: If you sell a phone, it is recommended to return the official firmware and block the bootloader, which will increase its cost and save the new owner from problems with updates.

8. FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note 3 Pro firmware