Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is the legendary smartphone released in 2016, which is still in demand due to its reliability and the ability to install modern firmware. However, with the release of new versions of Android, users have a logical question: what is the maximum version of the OS supports this device officially and informally? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances – from standard updates to custom firmware, and also tell you how to safely update the system and avoid typical errors.
We will immediately note: Redmi Note 3 has two key modifications - standard (MTK) on the processor Mediatek Helio X10 and Pro-version (Snapdragon) with a chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 650. This depends not only on the performance, but also the maximum possible version of Android. For example, Snapdragon-version received official support to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but unofficially it can even install Android 12!
Official Android Versions for Redmi Note 3
Xiaomi has been providing updates to the Redmi Note 3 as part of its MIUI program, but given the age of the device, official support has long since been discontinued.
- 📱 Redmi Note 3 (MTK) — Android 5.1 Lollipop (MIUI 8.5)
- 📱 Redmi Note 3 Pro (Snapdragon) — Android 6.0 Marshmallow (MIUI 9.6)
It is important to understand that even within one model, firmware could differ by region (Global, China, India, China), for example, Chinese versions often received updates later, but had enhanced functionality (e.g., support for two different versions). SIM-map-mode 4G+4G).
⚠️ Warning: Installing official firmware via Fastboot or Recovery with the wrong version for your region could result in a loss of IMEI Always check the model's compliance (kenzo for Pro, hennessy for Pro, etc.) MTK) before-fixing.
To find out the current version of Android on your device, go to Settings → About Phone → Android Version. If it says Android 5.1 or 6.0, then you have the latest official firmware. Further updates are possible only through custom solutions.
Unofficial firmware: to which version of Android can I upgrade?
Thanks to the active community of developers Redmi Note 3 received support for unofficial firmware based on Android 7.0-12.0.
- 🤖 LineageOS – Up to Android 11 (for Snapdragon)
- 🔄 Pixel Experience — Android 10/11 Google Pixel interface
- ⚡ Havoc-OS – Android 10 with advanced customization
- 📱 MIUI Europa - unofficial assemblies MIUI Android 7-9 based
For MTK-The choice of firmware is significantly due to the closed source code of Mediatek. The maximum that you can install is Android 7.1 Nougat through projects like AOSP Extended. Snapdragon (kenzo) is more versatile in this regard.
| Model | Max, Official Android | Max: Unofficial Android | Recommended firmware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 3 (MTK) | 5.1 Lollipop | 7.1 Nougat | AOSP Extended |
| Redmi Note 3 Pro (Snapdragon) | 6.0 Marshmallow | 11 (Android R) | LineageOS 18.1 |
| Redmi Note 3 SE | 6.0 Marshmallow | 10 (Android Q) | Pixel Experience |
Before installing custom firmware, make sure that:
☑️ Firmware preparation
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 3?
To install custom firmware, you need to unlock Bootloader. Xiaomi officially allows you to do this through the Mi Unlock service, but there are nuances:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Additional → Unlock OEM.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Turn your phone into Fastboot (Press Power + Vol Down)
- Connect to the PC and follow the instructions of the program.
⚠️ Note: Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the unlock rules, now you need to link your account to your device and wait 7 days before unlocking. If you reset your phone to factory settings during this period, the timer will reset!
After unlocking, you can install TWRP Recovery - custom recovery, necessary for firmware informal OS. For Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo) suitable version TWRP 3.6.2. Links to current builds are best searched on the forum XDA Developers.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using the old version of the utility (e.g. 3.5.513.30). Also check that the developer settings enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.
Step-by-step instructions for installing custom firmware
Consider the process using LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) for the Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo):
- Download the firmware from the official website LineageOS (choose build for kenzo).
- Download Gapps (Google services) – for example, OpenGapps for Android 11 (a pico or nano variant).
- Transfer the files to your phone or SD-map.
- Download to TWRP (press Power + Vol Up when you turn on).
- Make a full backup (Backup section in TWRP).
- Do the reset (Wipe → Advanced Wipe, mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
- Install the firmware (Install) → choose ZIP-lineageOS).
- Install Gapps (similarly, no reboot!).
- Reboot (Reboot → System)
The first run can take 10-15 minutes - don't interrupt! If the system doesn't load for more than 20 minutes, go back to TWRP and check the error log (Advanced → Copy Log).
What to do if there is no mobile network after the firmware?
Typical problems after updating and their solution
Even with the right custom firmware installation, there can be bugs.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge – check background processes in Settings → Battery: Often unoptimized Gapps or Google background services are to blame.
- 📶 Bad signal. Wi-Fi/4G — Try changing the baseband (modem) through TWRP. For kenzo, a modem from MIUI 9.6.
- 🔊 The speakers or the microphone are not working, usually due to the wrong version of the firmware.
- 🎮 Lags in games - in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times) turn on Force GPU Rendering and disable window animation.
If the phone doesn’t turn on or hangs on the logo after the update, try:
- Download to Fastboot (Power + Vol Down) and reflash through the Mi Flash Tool.
- If it doesn’t work, go back to TWRP and restore the backup.
- In the extreme, run the stock firmware through EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
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Before experimenting with firmware, always check the compatibility of the kernel! For example, firmware for kenzo (Snapdragon) will not be suitable for kate (Redmi 3S) or ido (Redmi 3X), despite the appearance of the devices.
Should you upgrade to Android 11/12 on Redmi Note 3?
Technically, the Redmi Note 3 Pro is capable of running Android 11, but does that make sense?
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| ✅ Modern interface and functions (dark theme, navigation gestures) | ❌ Increased power consumption (battery goes down 20–30 faster%) |
| ✅ Support for new apps (e.g., banking apps requiring Android 8)+) | ❌ Possible lags with multitasking (2/3 GB of RAM is no longer enough) |
| ✅ Security (Update patches for vulnerabilities) | ❌ Not all functions are stable, for example, NFC or IR-blaster) |
For everyday tasks (social networks, instant messengers, watching videos), Android 7.1-9.0 will be the best choice. Android 10/11 makes sense to install only if you are critically important:
- Support for applications requiring a new version of the OS (for example, Google Pay or Sberbank Online).
- It is a digital wellbeing or focus mode.
- Experiments with customization (e.g., substratum topics).
If your goal is maximum performance and stability, stay on Android 6.0-7.1 with MIUI Europa or AOSP Extended firmware.
Alternatives: What to do if you don’t want to be slapped?
Not all users are comfortable with unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware, in which case you can consider alternative ways to “update” the functionality:
- 📲 Use launchers such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to simulate a new interface.
- 🔄 Update apps – many of the new Android features (e.g., dark theme) are implemented at the application level (YouTube, Chrome).
- 🖥️ Connect to a PC – through Scrcpy or Vysor you can control the phone from a computer, which eliminates the inconvenience of the old OS.
- 🔋 Replace the battery – if the main problem is fast discharge, a new battery (for example, a new battery, BL-416 4050 mAh will return the device to a second life.
It’s also worth remembering that the Redmi Note 3 is a great candidate for secondary use.
- 🎵 Music player (with Poweramp installed or VLC).
- 📷 The camera for streaming (via DroidCam).
- 🏠 Smart home (Management via Home Assistant or Yandex Alice).
- 🎮 Game console (emulators) PS1, GBA via RetroArch).
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If you use your phone as a media player, turn off all background processes through Settings → Apps → Autostart and install Greenify to hibernate unnecessary services. This will significantly increase battery life.