The Xiaomi Redmi 3 (codename ido), along with its Pro and Prime variants, was a revolutionary budget smartphone when it launched in 2016. It completely changed expectations for entry-level devices by offering a premium full metal unibody, a massive 4100 mAh battery, and a reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 616 chipset. The Pro/Prime version was one of the first affordable phones to include a fingerprint scanner. For enthusiasts and owners looking to restore this classic device, this page provides official fastboot ROMs, the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and the official TWRP custom recovery.
Important: This firmware is ONLY for the 5.0-inch Redmi 3/Pro (ido). It is frequently confused with the larger 5.5-inch Redmi Note 3 (kenzo/kate). They are completely different phones. Flashing the wrong firmware is the most common cause of permanently bricking this device.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi 3 / 3 Pro / 3 Prime (ido)
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 616
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD, HD
- Battery: 4100 mAh
- Original MIUI: Android 5.1 (Lollipop), MIUI 7
- Variants: The Pro/Prime models added a fingerprint scanner and increased RAM/storage. All share the ido codename.
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V9.6.1.0.LAICNFD | 5.1 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | ido |
| Global | V9.6.2.0.LAIMIFD | 5.1 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | ido |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V9.5.2.0.LAICNFA (Based) | 5.1 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | ido |
| TWRP (Official) | 3.7.0_9-0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | ido |
How to Flash Official ROM (Mi Flash Tool)
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official MIUI firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Flash Custom ROMs
Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM or other community-developed ROMs.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s limited stock recovery. It is the essential tool that allows you to install custom software (.zip files), create full backups of your system (a “Nandroid”), and perform other advanced maintenance. The official ROMs on this page do not require TWRP.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: The Redmi 3 was one of the first Xiaomi devices with a locked bootloader, so this is a mandatory step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash TWRP:
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools on your PC, flash the downloaded twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ido.img file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ido.img
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Custom ROM:
- In TWRP, it’s recommended to first go to “Wipe” and perform a Factory Reset.
- Transfer the Xiaomi.eu .zip ROM file to your phone’s storage.
- In TWRP, tap “Install,” select the .zip file, and swipe to confirm the flash.
- Reboot your system once complete.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Redmi 3 (ido)
The ido is a classic device. Pay close attention to these points to avoid issues.
- CRITICAL: Do NOT Flash Redmi Note 3 ROMs: The single most common cause of permanently bricking a Redmi 3 is flashing a ROM for a Redmi Note 3 (kenzo). The Redmi 3 is a 5.0-inch phone. The Note 3 is a 5.5-inch phone. They are completely different. Double-check your device and codename.
- Hard Brick Recovery (EDL Mode): If your phone is hard bricked (completely unresponsive, no fastboot), the only way to recover it is via EDL Mode (Qualcomm 9008). This requires opening the phone’s back cover and shorting two specific test points on the motherboard while connecting it to a PC to force Mi Flash Tool to detect it.
- Use an Older Mi Flash Tool: The Redmi 3 is a very old device. If you encounter errors with the latest Mi Flash Tool, the flashing process will often succeed if you use an older, compatible version, such as MiFlash20160401.
- Model Confusion (ido vs. land): The Redmi 3 (ido) has a Snapdragon 616 processor. Its successor, the Redmi 3S (land), has a Snapdragon 430. While they look identical, their firmwares are not compatible.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Redmi 3, 3 Pro, and 3 Prime? They are all variants of the same ido platform. The standard Redmi 3 came with 2GB/16GB. The “Pro” and “Prime” (a regional name) versions were higher-tier models that added a fingerprint scanner and increased the configuration to 3GB/32GB.
Q2. What was the final official update for the Redmi 3? The Redmi 3 launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop and did not receive a major Android version upgrade. Its final official MIUI version was MIUI 9.6.
