How to flash Xiaomi Mi 3: all the ways from the official MIUI to custom ROM

The Xiaomi Mi 3, released back in 2013, is still a cult smartphone among Android enthusiasts. Despite its outdated hardware (Snapdragon 800 processor, 2 GB of RAM), the device supports modern custom firmware based on Android 10-12 thanks to an active developer community. However, the firmware of this device has nuances, from locking the bootloader to problems with compatibility of new versions of MIUI.

In this article, you will find the latest firmware (via Fastboot, Recovery and Mi Flash Tool), instructions for unlocking the bootloader, and solutions to common bugs like EDL Mode or flashing red light. We took into account the specifics of the Mi 3 — for example, the lack of official MIUI support after 2017 and the need for manual boot.img patching for some custom ROMs.

Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before starting

Xiaomi Mi 3 firmware requires more preparation than current models, and the main problem is a locked bootloader that Xiaomi has closed to all devices older than 2015, which means that without first unlocking, you will not be able to install custom Recovery or flash informal firmware.

The second thing is that the Mi 3 has two hardware versions: the Mi 3W (LTE-enabled) and the Mi 3TD (3G-only) and the firmware is not interchangeable! If you install the wrong version, you risk getting a brick. You can check the model in settings (Settings → Phone → Model) or by the label on the box.

• 🔧 Unlock bootloader: mandatory for custom firmware requires a Mi Unlock account and wait 720 hours (30 days) on the first connection.
• 📱 Data backup: firmware erases internal memory. Use TWRP Mi Mover for backup.
• 🔋 Battery charge: not less than 60%. When discharged during firmware, the device can go into the EDL Mode.
• 💻 Drivers: Install Mi PC Suite or drivers ADB/Fastboot manually (links in the "Tools" section").

⚠️ Note: If your Mi 3 has previously been flashed through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option, partition damage is possible. EFS (IMEI). It can only be restored through EDL with an authorized Xiaomi account.

Method 1: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (official MIUI)

This is the most reliable method for returning to stock firmware or upgrading to the latest supported version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 9 for Mi 3).

Steps:

1. Download the official firmware for your model (Mi 3W or Mi 3TD). Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Mi3_Flash).
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and run on behalf of the administrator.
4. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: turn off the device, then press Volume down + Power until the hare appears in the eardress cap.
5. Connect the Mi 3 to your PC. In the Mi Flash Tool, press Refresh, the device needs to be determined.
6. Select a folder with the unpacked firmware and press Flash. To clean it completely, select the clean all option (washes everything, including internal memory).

It takes 5-10 minutes. When you're done, the phone automatically restarts. If this MIUI version cannot be installed on this device is an error after you've run the firmware, you've downloaded it for another model or region.

Download Fastboot firmware for your model|Install Mi Flash Tool and Drivers|Unpack the firmware into the root of the C disk|Charge the phone to 70%+|Connect the original USB-cable-->

Method 2: Install custom firmware through TWRP Recovery

For enthusiasts looking to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom ROMs, an unlocked bootloader and TWRP Recovery will be required.The official TWRP for the Mi 3 is no longer supported, but there are unofficial builds from the community.

Instructions:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (instructions in the next section).
2. Download the unofficial TWRP for Mi 3 (version 3.6.2 or later).
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-mi3.img fastboot boot twrp-3.6.2-mi3.img
4. V TWRP run the Wipe → Format Data (required!), then copy the firmware to your phone via MTP or OTG-accumulator.
5. Install firmware via Install → Select ZIP. LineageOS may require an additional GApps patch (download here).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware for Mi 3 does not support f2fs — File system default in new versions TWRP. If after firmware the device is fixated on the logo, return to Recovery and format the sections in the ext4.

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If the mobile network is not working after installing custom firmware, check the APN settings or run the modem (modem.img) from stock MIUI via TWRP.

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi 3

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can't install TWRP or custom firmware. The Mi 3 process is complicated by Xiaomi's closing the official unlock for older devices.

Steps:

1. Create a Mi Account and link your phone to it in settings (Settings → Mi Account).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.24 or older).
3. Transfer the phone to Fastboot and connect to the PC.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in. Press Unlock.

You will probably get a Couldn't unlock or Device not supported error.

• 🔄 Try an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (e.g. 3.4.615.37).
• 📱 Use alternative tools like XiaomiTool V2.
• 💡 If nothing helps, please. EDL-Firmware through an authorized account (paid service, ~$10-20).

Solving typical firmware errors

The Xiaomi Mi 3 firmware is often accompanied by bugs due to outdated hardware and lack of official support, and below are solutions to the most common problems.

If the phone stopped turning on after a failed firmware ("brick"), try the following steps:

1. Press Volume Up + Volume Down + Power for 10-15 seconds – sometimes this resets the bootloader state.
2. Connect the phone to your PC and check if it is identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (EDL mode).
3. If so, please. EDL-Firmware via Mi Flash Tool with an authorized account or contact the service center.

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If the Mi 3 does not respond to buttons and is not detected by a PC, the EFS (IMEI) partition is likely damaged. It can only be restored through EDL with an authorized Xiaomi account or a special box (for example, UFi Box).

Firmware via EDL Mode (Emergency Mode)

EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to bring the Mi 3 back to life if other methods have not worked.This mode allows you to flash the phone directly through the Qualcomm port, bypassing the bootloader. However, the Mi 3 requires an authorized Xiaomi account or special equipment.

How to log into EDL:

• Turn off the phone.
• Hold the Loud up. + Loud down and plug in. USB-plug-in.
• Device Manager should appear Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

For firmware in EDL:

1. Download the firmware in.mbn format for Mi 3.
2. Use Mi Flash Tool or QFil for firmware. In Mi Flash Tool, select the option flash_all_except_data_storage.bat.
3. If authorization is requested, contact the Xiaomi.eu community or use paid unlock services.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without authorization, it can lead to complete blocking. IMEI (Do not use informal patches to bypass authorization, they often contain malicious code.

Optimization of Xiaomi Mi 3 after firmware

Even after successful firmware, the Mi 3 can run slowly due to outdated iron.

• ⚡ Turn off animation: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the build number, then in the developer settings set Windows animation = 0.5x.
• 🗑️ Remove unnecessary applications: ADB Titanium Backup: Remove system apps like Mi Video, Mi Music.
• 🔄 Use light firmware: for Mi 3, LineageOS is better suited without GApps or Pixel Experience with a micro-package OpenGApps.
• 🔋 Replace the battery: the original 3,050 mAh battery has lost capacity by 2026. Replace it with a new one (e.g. Baseus 3,500 mAh).

If after firmware custom ROM phone overheats, check the settings of the kernel:

1. Install Kernel Adiutor from F-Droid.
2. Limit the maximum CPU frequency to 1.7 GHz (instead of the standard 2.3 GHz).
3. Turn on the Thermal Engine and set a temperature limit of 60°C.

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To speed up the Mi 3 on custom firmware, turn off ZRAM (RAM compression) in the kernel settings. On weak hardware, this often leads to lags.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware Xiaomi Mi 3