Redmi Note 3 (models kenzo i kate) still remains a popular device among Android enthusiasts, despite its release in 2016. The main problem for owners is the outdated version of the operating system, which limits functionality and security. In this article, we will look at all the current ways to update the firmware: from official MIUI to custom builds based on modern versions of Android.

It is important to understand that the update process on older devices has nuances. The manufacturer Xiaomi stopped support long ago, so official updates via OTA are not available. However, there are alternative methods - from manually installing the latest versions of MIUI to switching to custom firmware like Redmi Note 3, so official updates via OTA are not available. However, there are alternative methods - from manually installing the latest versions of MIUI to switching to custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. We will look at each option in detail, including preparing the device, possible risks and ways to solve common errors.

1. Checking the current firmware version and compatibility

Before starting the update, you need to determine the current version of MIUI and your model Redmi Note 3. The choice of firmware and the method of its installation depend on this.

To find out the version:

  • 📱 Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version
  • 🔍 Remember the build number (for example, MIUI Global 12.5.1) and device model (kenzo for versions with Snapdragon 650, kate — for MediaTek Helio X10)
  • 🔗 Check compatibility with firmware on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA —some custom assemblies support only kenzo

Please note: devices based on MediaTek (kate) have limited support for custom firmware due to the closed source code of the processor. Only official or modified versions of MIUI are available for them.

📊 Which firmware do you prefer?
Official MIUI
LineageOS
Pixel Experience
Another custom
I don’t know
Model Processor Support for custom firmware Latest official MIUI
kenzo Snapdragon 650 Full (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, HavocOS) MIUI 12.5 (Android 7.1)
kate MediaTek Helio X10 Limited (only MIUI mods) MIUI 11 (Android 6.0)
Both models — Unofficial ports of Android 10/11 (with bugs) —
⚠️ Attention: Firmware for kenzo and kate not interchangeable. Installing an incompatible version will cause the device to “brick” (inoperability). Always check the model in the settings and the name of the firmware file!

2. Preparing the device for updating

Regardless of the selected update method, the device requires preliminary preparation. Neglecting this step may lead to data loss or failures during the firmware process.

General requirements:

  • 🔋 Battery charge is at least 60% (recommended 80%+)
  • 📁 Data backup (photo, contacts, messages) on a PC or cloud
  • 🔌 Original USB cable and a working port on a PC (for firmware via fastboot)
  • 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi (download from official website)

For custom firmware you will additionally need:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)
  • 📥 Installed custom recovery (TWRP)
  • 📄 Firmware file in the format .zip (for installation via recovery) or .tgz (for fastboot)

Make sure of the device model (kenzo/kate)|

Download the firmware from a trusted source|

Check the integrity of the file (MD5-sum)|

Disable antivirus on your PC (may block drivers)|

Prepare a spare battery (in case of a long firmware update)-->

Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step for installing custom firmware. Xiaomi allows you to officially unlock bootloader, but the process may take up to 72 hours:

  1. Link your account Mi to the device in Settings → Xiaomi Account
  2. Enable Developer options (click on MIUI version 7 times in settings)
  3. Activate OEM Unlock and USB debugging in developer options
  4. Use the utility Mi Unlock Tool to send an unlock request
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. All data will be deleted! Also note that after unlocking the warranty Xiaomi is void (if it was still valid).

3. official recovery (MIUI)

If you do not plan to install custom firmware, you can update to the latest available version of MIUI through standard recovery. This method is suitable for users who want to stay on the official software.

Instructions:

  1. Download the latest stable version of MIUI for your model. c official website. The file must have a name like kenzo_global_images_V12.5.1.0.LHOMIXM_20210310.0000.00_7.1_global_...
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the device's internal memory
  3. Turn off the phone and press Volume up + Powerto enter recovery
  4. Select language (English/Chinese), then Install update.zip to System
  5. Confirm installation and wait for completion (5-10 minutes)

After a reboot, the device will be updated to the selected version of MIUI. All data will be saved, but it is recommended to make a backup in case of failure.

💡

If after the update the device is stuck on the logo Redmi, try resetting cache: select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cachein recovery. This will not delete user data, but may solve the loading problem.

4. Method 2: Installing custom firmware via TWRP

For users who want to get the latest version of Android (9.0 and higher), the only option is custom firmware. assemblies for Redmi Note 3 (kenzo):

  • 📱 LineageOS 16/17.1 (Android 9/10) - minimalistic firmware without unnecessary applications
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience (Android 10/11) - interface similar to Google Pixel
  • ⚡ HavocOS (Android 10) - firmware with an abundance of customization settings

For installation you will need:

  1. Unlocked bootloader (see section 2)
  2. Installed recovery TWRP (version 3.5.2+ for kenzo)
  3. Firmware file (.zip) and, if necessary, GApps (Google services)

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download TWRP for your model with official website and flash it via fastboot: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.5.2_kenzo.img

    fastboot boot twrp-3.5.2_kenzo.img

  2. In TWRP execut Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, Cache (full reset!)
  3. Install firmware: Install → select the .zip file → Swipe to Confirm Flash
  4. If required GAppsinstall them immediately after flashing the firmware (without rebooting!)
  5. Reboot the device (Reboot → System)
Firmware Android version Requires GApps Features
LineageOS 17.1 10 Yes (nano or pico) Stable, but without proprietary features Xiaomi
Pixel Experience 11 Included Interface as on Pixel, possible camera bugs
HavocOS 10 Yes Maximum customization, but less stable
⚠️ Attention: It may not work on firmware Android 10+ (only one card) and dual SIM (only one card) and IR blaster (remote control) Before installation, check the list of known bugs on the firmware forum.
What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?

If after logging in TWRP The internal memory is not mounted ("Unable to mount /data" error), follow these steps:

1. In TWRP go to Wipe → Format Data, enter yes and confirm.

2. Reboot back into TWRP (not into the system!).

3. The internal memory should now be available for copying firmware files.

⚠️ This process completely erases data, including photos and applications!

5. Method 3: Firmware via Fastboot (for official and custom MIUI)

Method fastboot is suitable for installing official firmware in the format .tgz or custom MIUI mods. It is more reliable than updating through recovery, but requires a connection to a PC.

Required tools:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot
  • 📦 Firmware archive (for example, kenzo_global_images_V12.5.1.0...tgz)
  • 🔧 Utility Mi Flash Tool (download from Xiaomi website)

Instructions:

  1. Unpack the firmware archive into a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\redmi_note3_firmware\)
  2. Turn off the phone and press Volume down + Powerto enter fastboot (a hare in a hat with earflaps will appear)
  3. Connect the device to the PC and run Mi Flash Tool
  4. In the app, click Select and specify the folder with the unpacked firmware
  5. Select mode Clean all (full reset) or Clean all and lock (reset + lock bootloader)
  6. Click Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes)

After flashing the firmware through fastboot the first startup may take up to 15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

💡

Mode Clean all and lock w Mi Flash Tool will lock the bootloader back. Use it only if you plan to stay on the official software and do not need custom firmware.

6. Solving common errors when updating

Process firmware does not always go smoothly. Below are the most common errors and ways to eliminate them.

Error Cause Solution
Error: 7 in TWRP Incompatible firmware or incorrect model Check the firmware version (for kenzo/kate) and download the correct one
Stuck on the logo Redmi Damaged cache or incomplete firmware Log in recovery and perform Wipe Cache or reflash
Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Partition not found') Damaged partition table Use Mi Flash Tool with the option Clean all or restore the partition via TWRP
No network after firmware Modems are not installed (for custom firmware) Flash a separate file firmware-update.zip for your model

If the device does not turn on after unsuccessful firmware ("brick"), try:

  1. Log in fastboot (Volume down + Power) and flash the official MIUI via Mi Flash Tool
  2. If fastboot is not available, try the method EDL (emergency mode) using the box Xiaomi Authorized Account (requires special equipment)
  3. Contact the service center (if software methods do not help)
How to enter EDL mode on Redmi Note 3?

Emergency Download Mode allows you to flash the device even if the bootloader is damaged. To enter: EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device even with a damaged bootloader. To login:

1. Turn off the phone.

2. Press and connect the USB cable to the PC. Volume up + Volume down and connect the USB cable to your PC.

3. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the PC detects the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware in EDL requires an authorized account Xiaomi and may lead to complete loss of data!

7. Optimizing the system after the update

After a successful update, it is recommended to perform several steps to improve performance. and stability:

  • 🔄 Reset the application cache: Settings → Applications → Select an application → Clear cache
  • 📉 Disable unnecessary background processes: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization
  • 🛡️ Update Google services: Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Update
  • 🔋 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge and charge the device 2-3 times in a row

For custom firmware additionally:

  • 🎛️ Configure the kernel: install Kernel Adiutor or FrancoKernel to control processor frequencies
  • 🔕 Disable debugging logs (will reduce writing to disk): in Settings → System → For developers disable Operation logging
  • 📱 Install Magisk for root access and modules (for example ViPER4Android to improve sound)

To extend battery life on older devices:

  • Limit maximum charging to 80% (via AccA or core)
  • Use dark themes and reduce screen timeout
  • Disable Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth Scanning in location settings

8. Alternative options: what to do if updating is not possible

If your device does not support the latest firmware, and the official versions of MIUI are too outdated, consider the following options:

  • 📱 Use alternative launchers: install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair for a modern interface without firmware
  • 🔒 Installation of individual Android components: through Magisk you can install Google Camera, Android 12+ notification style other features
  • ☁️ Cloud services: transfer basic functions (photos, notes, calls) to a modern device, using Redmi Note 3 as a backup phone
  • 🔄 Sale/disposal: if the device is completely outdated, consider options for selling it (on the secondary market Redmi Note 3 still in demand as a "workhorse") or for recycling

If you still want to stay on Redmi Note 3, but need modern software, pay attention to projects like:

  • PostmarketOS — lightweight Linux system for smartphones (experimental support kenzo)
  • Ubuntu Touch —alternative open source mobile OS
⚠️ Attention: Alternative OSs (not Android) on Redmi Note 3 are in the alpha testing stage. Expect problems with a camera, mobile communication and autonomy. Such firmware is only suitable for experiments!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating Redmi Note 3

❓ Is it possible to update Redmi Note 3 (kate) to Android 10?

Unfortunately, no. data-i="316">) do not have custom firmware above MediaTek Helio X10 (kate) do not have custom firmware above Android 6.0 due to the lack of source codes for the processor. The maximum that is available is modified versions of MIUI based on Android 6.

❓ Why does the camera not work after the firmware?

On custom firmware. (especially Android 10+) the camera often breaks due to the lack of drivers for old modules Solutions:

  1. Install alternative software for the camera, for example GCam (look for ports for kenzo on 4PDA)
  2. Flash separately file vendor.img from the official MIUI
  3. Return to firmware based on Android 7.1 (the most stable camera)
❓ How to return to the official MIUI after custom firmware?

To return to stock firmware:

  1. Download the official MIUI in format .tgz for your model
  2. Unpack the archive and flash it through Mi Flash Tool in mode Clean all
  3. If the bootloader has been unlocked, it can be locked back by selecting the Mi Flash Tool option Clean all and lock

⚠️ After returning to the official firmware, all data will be deleted, and root access and custom recovery will be lost.

❓ How long does the firmware take?

Time depends on the method:

  • Official update via recovery: 5-10 minutes
  • Installing a custom firmware via TWRP: 10-15 minutes + first boot time (up to 20 minutes)
  • Firmware via fastboot: 5-10 minutes + reboot

If the process took more than 30 minutes, most likely an error occurred. Try rebooting the device manually (press Power to 15). seconds).

❓ Where to download firmware for Redmi Note 3?

Official firmware:

Custom firmware:

⚠️ Download firmware only from trusted sources! Files from torrent trackers or little-known sites may contain malware.