Unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: official and safe way

Unlocking the bootloader on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 is a must for custom firmware, root rights, or device recovery after software failures. Although the model was released in 2016, it is still popular due to its reliability and ability to upgrade through unofficial software. However, the unlocking process has nuances: Xiaomi has tightened security policies, and old methods (for example, through exploits) have ceased to work. Today, the only legal way is to use the official Mi Unlock Tool tool with prior approval through the Mi Account.

Many users experience bugs like “Couldn’t unlock” or “Device is locked” that arise from improper device or account preparation. In this article, we’ll break down the step-by-step unlock algorithm, including getting permission from Xiaomi, setting up drivers, and bypassing typical problems. We’ll focus on the Redmi Note 3 Pro (codenamed kenzo) and Redmi Note 3 Prime versions, as their bootloaders unlock differently.

We warn you that unlocking the bootloader will void the Xiaomi warranty and may lead to data loss. If you are not sure about your actions, contact a specialist.

Why you should unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 3

The bootloader on Xiaomi smartphones is blocked by default, which is protection against unauthorized firmware changes, but it also limits the user's ability to:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware: Without unlocking, you can not flash LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other alternative OS that prolong the life of the device.
• 🛠️ Root rights: An unlocked bootloader is required to gain full access to the system (e.g. via Magisk.
• 🔧 Recovery after the “brick”: If the smartphone stopped booting due to a firmware error, unlocking allows you to reflash it through Fastboot.
• 📱 Update through TWRP: Castom Recovery (TWRP) requires an unlocked boot loader to install.

On the Redmi Note 3, unlocking is especially relevant, as official MIUI updates for this model have long been discontinued. Users are forced to switch to custom firmware to get current security patches and new Android features.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps. backup via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC before starting the procedure.

Preparation of the device before unlocking

Before using the Mi Unlock Tool, you need to follow several critical steps, and skipping any of them will lead to errors such as "Current account is different from the account info on the device" or "Unable to verify."

1. Linking the Mi Account to the device

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account and log in.
• 🔗 Enable data synchronization and make sure your account is active (check in Settings). → The phone. → Status Mi).
• 🔒 B Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on "factory unlocking" OEM" (If there is no option, see spoiler below).

2. Enabling the developer mode

Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times. Then, in the Settings menu → You will see the Developer option option. Go there and activate:

• 🔧 "Debugging by USB"
• 🔄 "Unlocking OEM" (if available)

3. Verification of the MIUI version

Unlocking is only possible on official versions of MIUI (not custom!).

1. Go to the Settings → About the phone → MIUI version.
2. If the version contains the words "Global", "China" or "Stable", it is official.
3. If you have a tag like “xiaomi.eu,” “Lineage,” run the original MIUI through Fastboot.

Mi Account linked to device |Developer Mode Enabled |Debugging by USB|Enabled factory OEM unlock (if any)|Official version of MIUI-->

Getting permission to unlock from Xiaomi

Since 2018, Xiaomi has introduced a mandatory procedure for requesting permission to unlock, without which the Mi Unlock Tool will issue a “Couldn’t verify device” error.

Step 1: Request permission through your Mi Account

1. Go to en.miui.com/unlock (use your browser on your PC).
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
3. Click "Unlock Now" and fill out the form: 📝 Please indicate the reason for the unblocking (e.g., “Install custom”). ROM"). 📱 Select the Redmi Note 3 (or Redmi Note 3 Pro). 🔗 Tie the device through SMS-code (will come to the number associated with the account).

"Mi Unlock Permission Granted"

Step 2: Checking the status of the request

You can track the status in your personal account on the same site, usually in 72-168 hours, but sometimes the process takes up to 2 weeks, if after 15 days no response is received:

• 🔄 Check the spam folder in the mail.
• 📧 Write in support of Xiaomi via account.xiaomi.com, specifying the number of the request.
• 🔒 Make sure your account is not blocked for suspicious activity (such as frequent attempts to unblock).

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If you get an error "This device is bound to another account," then the phone was previously linked to another Mi Account. Solution: reset to factory settings (Settings → Additional → Reset) and link the device to your account again.

Installation of drivers and Mi Unlock Tool

To communicate with the Redmi Note 3 in Fastboot mode, special drivers are required. Without them, the Mi Unlock Tool will not see the device.

Installation of drivers

• 🖥️ Download Mi. PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi) and install it. This will automatically install the necessary drivers.
• 🔌 Alternative: Manually install drivers through Device Manager: Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Power with device turned off. In Device Manager, find Android Bootloader Interface with a yellow exclamation point. Update the driver by pointing the path to the Mi driver folder. PC Suite (usually) C:\Program Files (x86)\Xiaomi\MiPhone\Google\Driver).

2 Download Mi Unlock Tool

The official utility can only be downloaded from Xiaomi's website (authentication required), and third-party versions may contain viruses or be outdated.

After downloading:

1. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
2. Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
3. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.

⚠️ Note: If you start Mi Unlock Tool with a "Network error" error, check it out:

• 🌐 Internet connection (utility requires online verification).
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN/Proxies – They Can Block Access to Xiaomi Servers.
• 🕒 Make sure that the date and time on the PC are synced with the Internet.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking the loader

When all the preparations are complete, you can start unlocking, the whole process takes 5-10 minutes, but requires strict follow-up.

Step 1: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the Redmi Note 3.
2. Press the buttons Loud down + Power and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the logo Fastboot (robot with a gear) appears.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable.

Step 2: Launch the Mi Unlock Tool

1. Open up. miflash_unlock.exe (on behalf of the administrator).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account.
3. Wait for the utility to identify the device: 🔌 Check the cable and port USB (better USB 2.0). 🖥️ Reinstall drivers (see previous section). 🔄 Restart your PC and phone.

Step 3: Starting Unlocking

1. After successful detection of the device, press Unlock.
2. Confirm the action in the window that appears.
3. Wait until the process is complete (usually 1-3 minutes).

Step 4: Checking the Results

After the reboot:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 🔓 In the "State Mi" section, the inscription "Unlocked" should appear next to the "Status of the bootloader" item".
• 🔧 If the status has not changed, repeat the procedure or check if you have received permission from Xiaomi.

1.No permission from Xiaomi (check email).

2. the device is not tied to the account (repeat the binding).

3. Unofficial firmware is used (please request the original firmware) MIUI).-->

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users will encounter errors, and below are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stopped loading after unlocking (hang on the Mi logo), then an incompatible firmware was installed:

1. Download to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Nutrition).
2. Sweep the official MIUI through the Mi Flash Tool (instructions in the next section).

The official MIUI firmware after unlocking

If you unlock the bootloader to install custom firmware, it is recommended to first flash the official MIUI. This ensures stable operation and compatibility with future updates.

Step 1: Downloading the firmware

• 📥 Download the latest stable version MIUI for Redmi Note 3 (codename kenzo) from the official website: new.c-miui.com (select "Stable" → "Redmi Note 3) or with Xiaomi Firmware Updater (select "kenzo").
• 📂 Unpack the downloaded archive in a folder without spaces (for example, C:\MIUI\kenzo_global_images_...).

Step 2: Firmware with the Mi Flash Tool

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
2. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
4. In the Mi Flash Tool, click "Select" and specify the path to the firmware folder.
5. Select the "Clean All" mode and press "Flash".
6. Wait for the end (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

Step 3: Firmware check

After installation:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → About the phone and check the version MIUI.
• 🔧 Make sure the bootloader remains unlocked (Settings) → Additionally. → Status Mi).
• 🔄 If necessary, update the firmware through Settings. → Updating the system.

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If the phone is loaded into recavators (TWRP or Mi Recovery) after firmware, reset via Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data, but restore the working capacity).

What to do after unlocking the loader

Now that the bootloader is unlocked, you can:

• 📱 Install TWRP Recovery for backups and firmware custom OS.
• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 🔄 Switch LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware.
• 🛠️ Restore the device after software failures.

Safety recommendations:

• 🔒 Do not install firmware from unknown sources - this can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device.
• 📡 Before installing custom OS, check its compatibility with kenzo (codename Redmi Note 3 Pro).
• 🔄 Regularly do backups through TWRP or adb backup.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader disables encryption on some firmware. MIUI With the bootloader unlocked, do not store sensitive information without additional encryption (for example, via Veracrypt).

💡

After unlocking the bootloader Redmi Note 3 loses support OTA-Updates (over the air) All subsequent updates MIUI You will need to install it manually via Fastboot or TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Redmi Note 3