How to flash Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (codenamed kenzo for the Snapdragon 650 version and kate for Mediatek Helio X10) remains a popular device even years after its release. However, over time, the original firmware becomes obsolete, bugs appear, and support for updates from the manufacturer ceases.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways of firmware for Redmi Note 3: from official updates via MIUI Updater to manual installation via Fastboot or TWRP Recovery. Particular attention will be paid to unlocking the bootloader, a key step without which most methods simply will not work, and you will learn how to avoid errors (for example, Error: 7 in TWRP or “hang” on the Mi logo) and what to do if the smartphone has turned into a “brick”.

We warn you right away: the firmware process requires care, one wrong action can lead to data loss or device failure, and if you're a beginner, start with the official methods and then move to custom firmware.

1. Firmware Preparation: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start your Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 firmware, follow the necessary preparatory steps, which minimizes risks and simplifies the process:

• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 70%. The firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and discharging in the process will cause a failure.
• 📱 Back up all important data (photos, contacts, messages) and use Mi Cloud, Google Photos or local copying on your PC.
• 🖥️ Install drivers for Xiaomi on your computer. Download them from the official website or use the Mi Flash Tool package.
• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (if you plan to run through Fastboot or TWRP). Without this, the majority of custom firmware will not be installed.
• 📡 Check the processor model. The firmware methods for the Snapdragon and Mediatek versions are different!

Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default, and you will need to unlock:

1. Attach your Mi Account to your device in settings (Settings → Additional → Developers → Mi Unlock status).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
3. Wait 72–168 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy) after the account is linked.
4. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power) and unlock through the utility.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets all data on the device! Also, after this procedure, some functions (such as Mi Pay or Find Device) may stop working.

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:

• 📲 You want to upgrade to the latest official version. MIUI.
• 🔒 The loader of the device is locked (unlocking is not required).
• 🛡️ You are not planning to install custom firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. If you can download the update, download it. If you can't, download the full firmware package (.zip) from en.miui.com (select the version for kenzo or kate).
4. After downloading the file, click Update and wait for the process to complete.

If the update is “hang” during the verification phase, try:

• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.
• 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes Xiaomi servers are blocked by providers).
• 🗃️ Download firmware manually and select it through Select the service pack.

⚠️ Warning: If after the update the phone stopped turning on or got stuck on the Mi logo, try resetting through Recovery (clamp Volume up). + Power with the device switched off).

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The official update via MIUI Updater does not require unlocking the bootloader and saves all data, but is only available for supported versions of MIUI.

Method 3: Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

The Fastboot method is suitable for installing official firmware (including downgrade) or recovering the device after a failure.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from the official website).
• 🔓 Unlocked loader (required!).
• 🛠️ The Mi Flash Tool (you can download it here).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MIUI\kenzo_global_images_...).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode: press Volume down + Power before the bunny with the inscription Fastboot appears.
3. Connect the device to the computer through USB-cable.
4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. At the bottom, select firmware mode: Clean all — complete cleaning (recommended in case of failures); Clean all and lock — cleaning + lock bootloader (use if you sell a phone); Save user data — data storage (not always stable).

Flash

If the Mi Flash Tool is an error, Cann't find fastboot:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers manually through Device Manager.
• 🐢 Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.

Download the official firmware (.tgz) for your model |Unlock the bootloader (Mi Unlock Tool) |Install Mi Flash Tool and drivers |Connect the phone in Fastboot mode |Select Clean all mode for stability-->

Method 3: Install custom firmware via TWRP

If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you need TWRP Recovery, an alternative recovery menu, which gives you full control of the device, but the risks are higher.

What needs to be done:

1. 🔓 Unlock the loader (see Section 1).
2. 📱 Install TWRP Recovery for your model: For kenzo (Snapdragon): download here. For kate (Mediatek): look for unofficial builds on the 4PDA or XDA Developers.

.zip

Gapps

TWRP

Volume up + Nutrition

Installation instructions:

1. In TWRP, click on Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Then, make sure to swipe (for confirmation).

Install

Gapps

Reboot → System

Typical errors and decisions:

• 🚫 Error: 7 — The firmware is not suitable for your model (kenzo/kate).
• 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo - run the Wipe Cache/Dalvik into TWRP and reboot.
• 📵 No network after firmware – install the correct modem through TWRP (look 4PDA).

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS) do not support encryption /data on the Redmi Note 3. If after installation the phone asks for a password, and you did not set it – perform a complete reset through the TWRP.

5. firmware version with Mediatek (kate): features

The Redmi Note 3 on the Mediatek Helio X10 processor (codenamed kate) has several key differences:

• 🔧 No official support TWRP — You will need to use informal builds (the risk of errors is higher).
• 🔓 It is more difficult to unlock the bootloader - sometimes additional software like SP Flash Tool.
• 📡 Problems with the modem - after firmware, the network may disappear (you need to sew separately) modem.img).

For the firmware via SP Flash Tool:

1. Download firmware in.zip format for kate (for example, with 4PDA).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the SP Flash Tool.
3. In the Scatter-loading field, specify the path to the file. MT6795_Android_scatter.txt.
4. Connect the phone to your computer (no buttons!).
5. Press Download and wait until it is completed (indicator green).

If SP Flash Tool is an error BROM ERROR: S_FT_ENABLE_DRAM_FAIL (4032):

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable.
• 🔄 Install Mediatek Preloader drivers manually.
• 📥 Download another firmware version (possibly the scatter file is corrupted).

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For the kate (Mediatek) model, be sure to check the Secure Boot version before you run firmware. If it's above 65,535, you'll need a patch to bypass the protection (look for XDA or 4PDA forums).

6. How to restore the "brick" after a failed firmware

If the Redmi Note 3 is no longer on, is stuck on the logo or does not respond to buttons, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored.

1. Check for signs of life: 🔋 Connect the charger - whether the indicator is on? 🖥️ Connect to a PC – Is it defined as Qualcomm? HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (for Snapdragon) or Mediatek Preloader?
2. Determine the type of "brick": Soft-brick - the phone is turned on, but does not load (hang on the logo). Hard-brick - no reaction, not determined by the PC.
3. Actions for Soft-Brick: 🔄 Try to go to Recovery (Loudness Up). + Powering) and making Wipe Data. 📱 Sweep through the official firmware via Fastboot or SP Flash Tool.

Hard-brick

• 🔧 For Snapdragon: Use QFil or Mi Flash Tool in mode EDL (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).
• 🔧 For Mediatek: Flow through SP Flash Tool with Format All Checkmark + Download.

If the phone is not detected by the computer:

• 🔌 Try to pin the volume up. + Loudness down + Eating for 10-15 seconds (sometimes helps you get out of your way) EDL).
• 🔄 Check the cable and port – use the original USB-Xiaomi.
• 🛠️ Install Qualcomm drivers HS-USB QDLoader 9008 manually for Snapdragon).

⚠️ Attention: For firmware in mode EDL (Snapdragon versions require an authorized Xiaomi account. Without it, the Mi Flash Tool will give you Flash not allowed in locked state!).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users experience problems with the Redmi Note 3 firmware, and here are the most common bugs and ways to prevent them:

To minimize the risks:

• 📌 Always check your model’s code name (kenzo or kate) before downloading your firmware.
• 🔋 Only stitch when the battery is over 50%.
• 📡 Use stable firmware builds (avoid LineageOS night builds for everyday use).
• 🔒 After successful firmware, do not block the bootloader if you plan to update in the future.

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Most firmware errors are due to incompatibility between firmware and device model. Always check the code name (kenzo/kate) and region (Global/China) before installing!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Device Manager

• Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
• In the Manager, find a device with an exclamation mark → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
• Specify the path to the folder with drivers from the Mi Flash Tool.
• Use Windows 10 in Compatibility Mode or Virtual Machine.