How to log in to Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: all the ways and nuances

Recovery mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 smartphones (including Pro and Prime modifications) is a utility tool for system recovery, resetting or installing custom firmware. Without access, you can not perform a hard reset, unlock the bootloader or fix critical errors. However, the entrance to Recovery Mode on this model has its own peculiarities due to Xiaomi’s closed policy and the presence of two types of recovery: stock (MIUI Recovery) and (TWRP).

Many users have trouble getting into recovery mode — the phone either ignores button combinations or issues a No command error. This is due to bootloader locking, firmware features or hardware nuances of the Redmi Note 3 (for example, the presence of a Snapdragon 650 processor in the Pro version). In this article, we will discuss all working ways to log into Recovery, including bypass errors and device preparation.

If you just need to reset or reflash your phone, a standard MIUI Recovery is enough. To install custom firmware (like LineageOS) or root rights, you will need TWRP, an informal recovery with advanced features, both options we will discuss below.

Preparing the phone before entering Recovery

Before you try to enter recovery mode, you need to follow several critical steps, neglecting them can lead to a blink (complete failure) of the device or loss of data.

First, check the battery level. It should be at least 50%, otherwise the phone may turn off during manipulation. Secondly, make sure you have a backup of important data - logging into Recovery often precedes a reset or firmware that erases user files.

Battery level ≥ 50% | Data backup | All cables (USB, charging) Disconnected | Phone model checked (Note 3/Pro/Prime)

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Pay special attention to unlocking the bootloader. On the Redmi Note 3 with factory MIUI firmware, the bootloader is locked, and without unlocking it, you can not install TWRP or custom firmware.

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, the bootloader is locked. Unlock requires official permission from Xiaomi via the Mi Unlock site (you will need a Mi Account and phone link).

Method 1: Enter Recovery through hardware buttons

The most common method is to use a physical button combination. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, it is different from other Xiaomi models, so it is important to follow the instructions accurately.

Follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone with a long press on the power button (about 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button.
3. Hold both buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo or Recovery menu appears on the screen.

If instead of Recovery, the phone loads into Fastboot (a black screen with a rabbit and a sign). FASTBOOT), So you've been holding the buttons for too long or using the wrong combination:

• 🔄 Release the buttons and try again, holding them for exactly 10 seconds.
• 📱 Check that the phone is completely off before starting (some users confuse shutting down with restarting).
• 🔌 Disconnect all cables - connected USB It may interfere with the entrance to the Recovery.

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If the screen does not respond to touch in MIUI Recovery, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button to confirm the selection.

On the Redmi Note 3 Pro with the Snapdragon 650 processor, an alternative combination sometimes works: Power + Volume Down. However, it often leads to Fastboot rather than Recovery. If the standard method doesn't work, try:

1. Turn off the phone.


2.Click Volume Up + Volume Down + Power at the same time.




3. After 5 seconds, release Power while continuing to hold the volume buttons.

Method 2: ADB Login (for unlocked bootloader)

If the hardware buttons don’t work (for example, due to damage), you can log in to Recovery via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling USB Debugging.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Turn on Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode).
3. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable debugging over USB.
4. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
5. Open the command line in the adb folder and do: adb reboot recovery

If the command is successful, the phone will automatically reboot to Recovery. If no devices/emulators found error appears, check:

• 🔌 Cable USB (Use original or high quality).
• 🖥️ Are Xiaomi drivers installed on the PC (you can download on the official website).
• 🔄 Reset the service ADB Adb kill-server and Adb start-server

Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if Recovery is not available)

If the phone only loads in Fastboot (for example, after a failed firmware), you can force Recovery to go through the command fastboot. This method works even with a damaged bootloader, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (black screen with a rabbit).
2. Open the command line in the fastboot folder and execute: fastboot boot recovery.img Where recovery.img is a recovery image file (for example, TWRP for your model).
3. If you want to download the standard MIUI Recovery, use: fastboot reboot recovery

If the fastboot reboot recovery command fails and the phone loads back into the Fastboot, it means that the Recovery partition is damaged or missing, in which case you will need to reflash it through the Mi Flash Tool (more about this below).

Hardware buttons |ADB|Fastboot|Mi Flash Tool|I don't know what it is-->

Errors at login to Recovery and their solutions

On Xiaomi Redmi Note 3, users often encounter common errors when trying to log in to Recovery.

Especially often, the No command error occurs after the MIUI update via OTA, which is due to the fact that Xiaomi sometimes overwrites custom Recovery (such as TWRP) to the standard.

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If the phone automatically restarts after logging in to Recovery, it's a sign of a damaged partition. Restore it through the Mi Flash Tool with a full reset (clean all).

Another common problem is that touch doesn't work in MIUI Recovery. It's not a bug, but a feature of Xiaomi's stock recovery.

• 🔼 Volume Up – Moving Upwards.
• 🔽 Volume Down – Moving Down.
• 🔘 Power - Selecting a Point.

TWRP Entrance on Redmi Note 3 (for firmware and root rights)

If you need to install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) or get root rights, the standard one is the right to use it. MIUI Recovery won't be enough. It will be. TWRP — Unofficial Recovery with Extended Functions.

Installation of TWRP on Redmi Note 3 is possible only if the following conditions are met:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader).
• 🖥️ Established ADB and Fastboot on PC.
• 📄 The right file. recovery.img for your model (Note) 3, Pro or Prime).

Installation instructions:

1. Download the current TWRP for Redmi Note 3 from the official TWRP website.
2. Move the recovery.img file to the fastboot folder.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img

Important: The Redmi Note 3 Pro (kenzo) and Note 3 Prime (kate) use different versions of TWRP. Installing the wrong image will lead to a breeze!

fastboot getvar product

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Once you install TWRP, back up the EFS partition (IMEI and modem data) immediately to avoid losing the network after you have firmware.

Recovery Recovery with Mi Flash Tool

If standard Recovery is damaged and TWRP is not installed, the only way out is to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool.This method will also help if the phone is stuck in a boot cycle or does not respond to commands.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Redmi Note 3 from Xiaomi’s website (select the Fastboot version).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. In the program, select the firmware folder and press Refresh (should be displayed). COM-port).
5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

It takes 5-10 minutes. Once complete, the phone automatically reboots to standard MIUI Recovery. If you need TWRP, install it again after you have firmware.

1. Check the firmware version – it must match the phone model (kenzo/kate).

2. Install Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 drivers (if the phone is not detected).

3. Try another one. USB-port.

4. Launch the Mi Flash Tool on behalf of the administrator.

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FAQ: Frequent questions about Recovery on Redmi Note 3