The smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 3 entered the market at the beginning of 2016 and immediately gained popularity thanks to its metal body, capacious battery and affordable price. However, over time, the standard operating system stopped receiving the latest security patches and new features from the manufacturer. Many users are wondering whether it is possible to take this device to a new level of performance and convenience by installing a more recent version Android.
Officially, support for the model has ended with MIUI 9, based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Despite this, enthusiasts continue to support the device by creating custom builds based on Android 7, 8 and even 9. The process of upgrading the software requires some technical training, but opens access to modern applications and improved system optimization.
In this article we will look at all available update methods: from standard over-the-air update to complete flashing via recovery mode or bootloader. You will learn how to prepare the device, what tools are needed and what risks exist when tampering with system files.
Preparing the device for the update procedure
Before starting any manipulations with the software, you must perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps may result in data loss or your smartphone becoming a brick. First of all, create a complete backup of all important data: contacts, photos, messages and application settings.
Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%. The firmware process is energy-intensive, and a sudden power outage at a critical moment of writing system partitions can disrupt the structure of the file system. You will also need a high-quality USB cable, preferably an original one, for a stable connection to the computer.
⚠️ Attention: All actions to install custom firmware or unlock the bootloader are performed at your own peril and risk. The author of the article is not responsible for possible failure of the device.
Download the necessary drivers for your computer. Devices Xiaomi usually require ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as specific USB drivers for boot mode. Without them, the computer will not be able to correctly recognize the smartphone in special operating modes.
☑️ Preparing for the update
Free up space in the internal memory. If you plan to upgrade via internal storage, make sure you have at least 2-3 GB of free space there. Firmware files can take up a significant amount of space, and the system needs free space for temporary operations.
Official update method via OTA and Recovery
The most secure and easiest way to get updates is to use the system's built-in mechanisms. The standard shell MIUI has its own update manager, which checks for new versions on the manufacturer's servers. This method is suitable for those who want to remain within the framework of official support and do not seek radical changes.
To check for updates, go to the settings menu. Find the section About the phone and click on the MIUI version icon. The system will automatically contact the server and check the availability of the new build. If an update is found, the package will begin downloading.
If the automatic check does not find updates, try changing the region in the settings or using the function of manually selecting the firmware file through the Recovery menu.
Sometimes servers may not see your device due to regional restrictions. In this case, you can download the full firmware package (ROM) from the official website or trusted resources in the format .zip. Place the file in the root of the internal memory and select it through the update menu.
After downloading the package, the system will prompt you to reboot. The installation process will begin and may take from 5 to 15 minutes. Do not interrupt this process or press the control buttons. Upon completion, the smartphone will reboot with the new version of the software.
| Update method | Difficulty | Risk of data loss | Android version |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA (over the air) | Low | No | Up to 6.0 |
| Local update | Medium | No | Up 6.0 |
| Recovery Mode | High | High | Any (custom) |
| Fastboot | Expert | Full reset | Any |
Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP
To install Android versions higher than the official ones (for example, Android 7 Nougat or 8 Oreo), you will need to unlock the bootloader (Bootloader). By default, it is blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons. Unlocking allows you to change system partitions and install a third-party recovery menu.
The unlocking process requires linking your Mi account to the device and waiting a certain period of time (usually from 3 to 7 days). After receiving permission, use the utility Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (by holding down the volume down and power buttons) and follow the instructions of the app.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full data reset (Wipe Data). All files on the device will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
After successful unlocking, the next step is to install a custom recovery, for example TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). The standard recovery menu does not allow you to install firmware that is not signed by the manufacturer. TWRP provides advanced functionality for working with system images.
Where to download TWRP for Redmi 3?
The TWRP image file specifically for Redmi 3 (codename ido) can be found on the official XDA Developers forum or in thematic Telegram channels. Make sure that the version matches your model, as the firmware from Redmi 3 Pro can damage the device.
TWRP is installed via a computer using the Fastboot command. Connect your smartphone, open the command line in the utilities folder and enter the command to flash the recovery image. After that, boot into the new menu by holding the volume up and power buttons.
Installing custom firmware and new versions of Android
Now that you have an unlocked bootloader and the TWRP menu, you can begin installing a new operating system. There are many builds available on the forum: from pure Android (AOSP) to adapted versions of MIUI and LineageOS. The choice depends on your preferences in the interface and performance. XDA Developers There are many builds available: from pure Android (AOSP) to adapted versions of MIUI and LineageOS. The choice depends on your preferences in interface and performance.
Before installing a new system, you must perform a data wipe (Wipe). In the TWRP menu, select partition Wipe, then Advanced Wipe. Mark sections Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache. Do not format the internal memory completely if you do not want to lose files on the built-in drive, although this is sometimes recommended for the purity of the experiment.
Copy the firmware file (usually an archive .zip) to a memory card or internal storage. In the TWRP menu, select Install, find the archive and confirm the installation by swiping. The process will take several minutes, during which the installation log will be displayed on the screen.
After installing custom firmware, the first start of the system can last up to 10-15 minutes. This is a normal phenomenon of application optimization, do not try to restart the phone at this time.
If you are moving from one version of Android to another (for example, from 6.0 to 8.0), it is also recommended to flash the package GApps (Google Apps) if it is not built into the firmware. This will ensure the operation of the Play Market store and Google services. The installation is carried out similarly to the firmware, immediately after it, without rebooting.
Solving typical problems after the update
After the update, users may encounter a number of software failures. The most common problem is the “bootlap” (infinite reboot). This may occur due to a conflict between old data and the new system or an error in the firmware process. In this case, you need to return to TWRP and perform a hard reset (Format Data).
Another common problem is lack of connection or non-working Wi-Fi. This is often solved by flashing the modem (base station unit). Modem files are usually included with the firmware or are available separately. Their installation requires caution, as an error can lead to loss of IMEI.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery menu interfaces and partition names may differ in different versions of TWRP. Always carefully read the descriptions for specific firmware builds before installation.
If your phone gets hot or discharges quickly after an update, try clearing the Dalvik cache. Also check if there are any old applications running in the background that are not compatible with the new version of Android. Sometimes resetting the settings to factory settings in a new system helps.
In case of serious errors, when the device does not turn on at all, recovery via EDL (Emergency Download Mode) may be required. This is a deep firmware mode, usually available only to authorized service centers or through special paid accounts, but for Redmi 3 there are login methods through test points on the board.
Optimizing the operation of the updated system
After successfully installing the new OS, it is important to properly configure the device for stable operation. Remove unnecessary system applications (bloatware), if they are present in the assembly. This will free up RAM and reduce the load on the processor. Snapdragon 430.
Adjust power settings. Newer versions of Android may manage background processes differently. Go to your battery settings and limit the apps you don't need all the time. This will significantly extend battery life, which is already a strong point of this model.
To increase the responsiveness of the interface, you can enable developer options. Find the item Build number in the “About phone” section and click on it 7 times. In the menu that appears, find the animation scales and reduce their value from 1x to 0.5x. Visually, the device will work faster.
Is it possible to return to the official firmware after custom firmware?
Yes, it is possible. You will need to download the official firmware in Fastboot format (.tgz extension), unpack it and use the Mi Flash Tool to completely clean and install the stock software. In this case, it is advisable to block the bootloader back if you do not plan further experiments.
Is it safe to update Redmi 3 to Android 9?
Updating to Android 9 on this device is only possible through custom firmware. Operational stability will be lower than on Android 7 or 8 due to limited hardware characteristics. Interface slowdowns and increased battery consumption may occur.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode?
Try using a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 on the back of the system unit), replacing the cable or reinstalling the ADB/Fastboot drivers. Also make sure that there are no hardware conflicts in the device manager.
Do you need to unlock the bootloader for OTA updates?
No, you do not need to unlock the bootloader to install official updates through the About Phone menu or through stock Recovery. It is only needed to install modified system images.
Where can I find drivers for Xiaomi Redmi 3?
Drivers are available on the official website of MIUI developers or as part of the Android SDK Platform Tools package. They can also be found in the archive with the Mi PC Suite utility.