Xiaomi Redmi 3 Pro, despite its age, is still a popular device due to the successful metal body and efficient for its time processor Snapdragon 650. However, time is not spared software, and the standard version of MIUI can stop receiving updates or work unstable. Owners often face the need to reinstall the system to restore operability or get fresh features.
The process of replacing software on this device has its own nuances related to the architecture of the processor and the type of bootloader. Unlike more modern models, it is important to take into account the difference between the global and Chinese versions of firmware. Incorrect file selection can lead to the failure of communication modules or complete system failure.
In this guide, we will go through all the preparation steps, the tools you need, and the algorithm itself, learn how to safely switch from one version of MIUI to another, and how to install custom recaps for advanced features.
Preparation for firmware: tools and files
Before you start to take action, you need to assemble all the tools you need. You need to have a Windows computer that's working, and you can interrupt the process halfway through the absence of even one component. USB-cable and charged smartphone battery.
The critical step is to download the original image of the system. For the Redmi 3 Pro (codename ido), there are different firmware options. The global version (Global) supports Russian language and Google services out of the box, while the Chinese (China) requires additional localization.
💡
Use the original. USB-The cable that came with the kit, or the quality equivalent. Cheap charging cables often don't support data transmission, which will lead to a connection error in the Fastboot.
You also need to install special drivers to work in Fastboot and ADB modes. Without them, the computer simply will not see the device in the desired mode. Usually they come with the Mi Flash Tool utility or are installed separately through the Device Manager.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Official Fastboot flashing is only possible when the bootloader is unlocked. In Xiaomi devices, it is a mandatory security requirement. The unlock process is tied to the Mi Account and requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours after submitting an application.
First, you need to link the device to the developer's account, and then you request it through a special application on your PC, and then you can see the unlock status as an open lock when you boot it, and if the lock is closed, you can't install third-party images.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will completely delete all data from the internal drive. Backup contacts, photos and documents in advance.
What to do if the status is not updated?
There is also a method of unlocking through EDL mode using an authorized service center account, but it is paid and requires contacting specialists. Self-unlocking through Mi Unlock is the only free and legal way.
Firmware via Fastboot (Recommended Method)
The most reliable way to restore or update Redmi 3 Pro is to use Fastboot mode, which allows you to completely overwrite all memory partitions, eliminating software errors and file conflicts.
The downloaded archive with firmware must be unpacked into the root of the disk, it is desirable that the path does not contain Russian letters and was short (for example, C:\rom). The firmware file should have the extension.tgz,.zip archives are not suitable for this method.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Then you need to put the smartphone in boot mode. To do this, the device is switched off, you pinch it with a volume button and plug it in. USB-You'll see a picture of a hare repairing an android on the screen, and when you plug in the device in MiFlash, you'll need to select a clean all point to clean the data completely.
Press Flash and wait until the process is complete. The progress indicator will show the status of the operation. Successful firmware is indicated by the green success label in the status column.
Update via Recovery (No PC)
If you don't have access to a computer, you can use the built-in recavator, which is suitable for updating the MIUI version within a single region (for example, from China to China) or for installing official updates.
The firmware file should be.zip and renamed update.zip, placed in the root of internal memory or on a memory card, and then through the language selection menu in Recovery, the installation point is selected.
| Type of firmware | Expansion | Method of installation | Data retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboot | .tgz | Through PC (MiFlash) | Only with the clean all option |
| Recovery | .zip | Through the phone menu | Maybe (Update) |
| TWRP | .zip / .img | Through the custom Recovery | Depends on the user. |
It is important to understand that the transition between regions (Global <-> China) through standard Recovery is often blocked by the integrity verification system, in which case the system will issue an error and refuse to install the package.
Installation of TWRP and custom firmware
For advanced users looking to install more recent versions of Android or get Root rights, you will need custom TWRP recavers. This allows you to install modified builds such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
Installation is done via Fastboot by fastboot flash recovery twrp.img. However, on some versions of MIUI, the regular recap can overwrite TWRP on the first boot. To avoid this, there is a special trick with buttons.
Immediately after you have flashed the TWRP image and released the button in Fastboot, you need to quickly press the combination of the volume and power buttons to force you to boot into Recovery mode, bypassing the standard system, which will save the custom environment.
⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware (Custom) ROM) removes the device from an official warranty and may cause unstable operation of the camera or module NFC.
Addressing common problems
Specific errors may occur during the Redmi 3 Pro firmware process, such as a Flash All Except Data Storage error that can cause a cyclical reboot if the database versions do not match, in which case only a full reset (clean all) helps.
If the phone goes into Bootloop after installation, try pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds to force the reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need to re-running through Fastboot with a full cleanup.
💡
The main reason for errors when running Redmi 3 Pro firmware is the use of an incompatible version of the bootloader or interruption of the data writing process.
Another common problem is that the IMEI is broken after the Chinese version is run on a global or vice versa, due to differences in modem files, requiring either a full image that includes a modem partition or a dedicated patch.