The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro is still a popular smartphone among customization enthusiasts, despite its release in 2016. Its hardware — the Snapdragon 650 processor and 3 GB of RAM — allows you to install modern firmware, including LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
This article is not just a retelling of the standard instruction, but an analysis of the unique problems Redmi Note 3 Pro, which users face when running through the firmware. EDL-We will analyze in detail the choice of firmware version (global, Chinese, developer), nuances with Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 and errors such as: 0x80070002 or 0x80070490, Which often happens on this model.
1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting
Firmware through MiFlash is a process that requires preparation, and if you skip one step, you run the risk of getting a brick. Let's start with the most important thing: unlocking the bootloader.
The Redmi Note 3 Pro has the bootloader locked by default. Without it unlocking, MiFlash won't be able to record the firmware.
- 🔓 Register with Mi Account and link the device (in the smartphone settings).
- 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI Tap 7 times to activate the developer mode.
- 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
- 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC and follow the instructions (it may take 72-720 hours to wait!).
If you've already unlocked the bootloader before, you can skip this step, but remember, once you unlock it, all the data on the phone will be erased!
Installation of drivers for Redmi Note 3 Pro
The most common problem when running through MiFlash is the lack of correct drivers. Redmi Note 3 Pro uses a Qualcomm chipset, so drivers are required for EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.
Download the archive with drivers at this link (checked for viruses) and install them manually:
- Connect the phone to the PC while holding Volume+ and Loudness− At the same time (should be determined as a QHUSB_BULK).
- Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
- Find a device with a yellow exclamation point, click PKM → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
- Specify the path to the unpacked folder with drivers and confirm the installation.
If the driver is not installed, try disabling the driver signature check in Windows:
⚠️ Note: After installing Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 Device Manager should not have exclamation points. If they remain, repeat the process or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0, because USB 3.0 can cause errors).
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If Windows blocks driver installation, use Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider (DSEO) to temporarily disable signature verification, allowing you to install uncertified drivers.
3. Select firmware: which version of MIUI to download
There are several types of firmware available for the Redmi Note 3 Pro, and the choice depends on your goal:
| Type of firmware | What's the point? | Download link | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Globally stable | Everyday use | Official website | Without Chinese services, updates every 1-2 months |
| China's stable | Maximum productivity | Official website | Requires Russifier, frequent updates |
| Developer (Developer) | Testing of new functions | Official website | May contain bugs, weekly updates |
| LineageOS (Pixel Experience) | Android without MIUI | XDA Developers | Requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP |
For firmware via MiFlash, only official firmware in.tgz format (not.zip!) is suitable. Download the version that corresponds to your region. For example, if you have a global model (kenzo), choose firmware marked Global.
Note the Android version: Redmi Note 3 Pro officially supports only Android 6.0 Marshmallow (MIUI 8-10).Newer versions of MIUI (11+) require custom firmware.
How to find out the code name of your Redmi Note 3 Pro?
4. Step-by-step instructions for firmware through MiFlash
Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, as any error can lead to a brick.
Download the firmware in.tgz format|Uncrush it into a folder without Cyrillic.|Install Qualcomm drivers|Disable the antivirus (it can block MiFlash)|Connect the phone in mode EDL-->
Firmware algorithm:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder with a short path (for example, C:\ROM\). There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat.
- Run MiFlash on behalf of the administrator (you can download here).
- Connect the phone in mode EDL: Turn off your smartphone.+ and Loudness− At the same time. USB-cable to PC (phone should not be switched on!).
In MiFlash
Select
Choose the firmware method
- Clean All – Complete cleaning (recommended when changing MIUI version)
- Clean All and Lock – Clean + Lock bootloader (only for official firmware!).
- Save User Data – Save User Data (not always stable)
- Press Flash and wait until the end (usually 3-10 minutes).
Once the firmware is successful, the phone will automatically restart. The first run can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!
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If MiFlash is 99% frozen or has a problem 0x80070490, try to change USB-port USB 2.0 or disable driver signatures in Windows.
5. Common mistakes and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.
- 🔴 0x80070002 — Firmware files are damaged or the wrong path. Solution: download the firmware and unpack it into a folder without spaces/cyrillic.
- 🔴 0x80070490 — driver problem USB-Solution: install drivers manually (see section 2) or try another cable.
- 🔴 The phone is not determined in EDL — possibly malfunctioning USB-Solution: Check on another PC or use the original Xiaomi cable.
- 🔴 MiFlash does not see the device – disable the antivirus (it can block access to ports).
If the phone has been stuck on the MI logo for more than 15 minutes after the firmware was installed:
⚠️ Note: This may indicate a firmware incompatibility with your model (kenzo vs kate). Try flashing another version or reset via Fastboot with the command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot reboot
If nothing helps, try flashing through Fastboot (the instruction is on XDA Developers).
6. firmware of custom Recovery (TWRP) and custom firmware
If you want to install LineageOS or Pixel Experience, you first need to flash the custom TWRP recavator. For the Redmi Note 3 Pro, TWRP version 3.7.0 is suitable.
Instructions for installing TWRP:
- Download twrp-3.7.0-kenzo.img (for Snapdragon 650).
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode (keep Volume)− + Power on-set).
- Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0-kenzo.img
- Reboot to the Recavér team: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0-kenzo.img
Once you have TWRP installed, you can stitch custom firmware through the recovery menu.
- 🔋 Castom firmware can reduce battery life.
- 📱 Certain functions (e.g, IR-blaster) may not work.
- 🔒 Banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can be blocked due to an unlocked bootloader.
7.Recovery after failed firmware
If the phone stops turning on (brick), don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be restored.
| Type of problem | Signs. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Brick | The phone vibrates but doesn't load or gets stuck on the logo | Switch to Fastboot or MiFlash in EDL mode |
| Hard Brick | Phone does not respond to buttons, is not detected by PC | Use Deep Flash Cable or contact the service |
| Bootloop | The phone is constantly rebooting. | Reset your settings via TWRP or reflash |
For recovery via EDL (unless the phone is identified in Fastboot):
- Download the firmware for your model (kenzo or kate).
- Connect your phone to your PC while holding Volume+ and Loudness− (I have to decide how. QHUSB_BULK).
- In MiFlash, select Clean All and go through.
If MiFlash gives you an error of 0x8007001f, it means that the firmware is not suitable for your model. Download another version!