The Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 (codename hermes), launched in 2015, was a legendary budget phablet that brought flagship-level performance to an unprecedented low price point. It was one of the very first devices to be powered by the powerful octa-core MediaTek Helio X10 chipset, making it a performance champion in its category. Paired with a vibrant 5.5-inch Full HD display and a user-replaceable battery, the Redmi Note 2 became a massive hit with power users and enthusiasts. For those looking to restore this classic device, this page provides official China and Global ROMs, the popular Xiaomi.eu custom ROM, and the TWRP recovery needed for flashing.
Important: The Redmi Note 2 is a MediaTek device that requires SP Flash Tool. It is very sensitive and can be easily bricked if flashed incorrectly. Please read the device-specific troubleshooting section very carefully before you begin.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 (hermes)
- Release year: 2015
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio X10 MT6795
- Display: 5.5″ IPS LCD, Full HD
- Battery: 3060 mAh (Removable)
- Original MIUI: Android 5.0 (Lollipop), MIUI 7
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers | Download Drivers |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official & Custom ROMs / Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | V9.6.1.0.LHMCNFD | 5.0 | Official SP Flash ROM | Download | hermes |
| Global | V9.6.3.0.LHMMIFD | 5.0 | Official SP Flash ROM | Download | hermes |
| Xiaomi.eu (Custom) | V9.2.3.0.LHMCNEK (Based) | 5.0 | Custom Recovery ROM | Download | hermes |
| TWRP (Custom Recovery) | 3.2.1 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | hermes |
How to Flash Official ROM (SP Flash Tool)
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore official MIUI firmware.
- Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers on your PC. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows.
- Extract the official firmware .tgz file and the SP Flash Tool .zip file into separate folders.
- Run
flash_tool.exefrom the SP Flash Tool folder. - Click the “Scatter-loading File” button and select the
MT6795_Android_scatter.txtfile from the extracted firmware folder. - Important: For a safer flash, uncheck the first partition in the list, named preloader.
- Power off your phone and remove the battery if possible.
- Click the green Download button in SP Flash Tool, then connect your phone (without the battery) to the PC. The flashing process will start.
How to Install TWRP & Flash Custom ROMs
Use this method to install the Xiaomi.eu custom ROM.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s basic stock recovery. It is the essential tool needed to install, or “flash,” custom software like the Xiaomi.eu ROM (.zip file), and perform other advanced tasks like rooting.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: You must have an unlocked bootloader.
- Flash TWRP:
- The TWRP download is a
.rararchive. Extract it first to find therecovery.imgfile. - Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools, flash the
recovery.imgfile with the command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
- The TWRP download is a
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up.
- Install Xiaomi.eu ROM:
- In TWRP, perform a Wipe of Data, Cache, and Dalvik.
- 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.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Redmi Note 2 (hermes)
This is a classic MediaTek device and is prone to certain issues. Please read carefully.
- High Risk of Hard Brick: The Redmi Note 2 can be easily hard-bricked by flashing the wrong file, especially the preloader. A hard brick means the phone is completely unresponsive. Recovery usually requires forcing the phone into BROM mode by using test points on the motherboard.
- NEVER Flash ‘preloader’: Unless you are an expert attempting to unbrick a device, it is highly recommended to always uncheck the preloader partition in SP Flash Tool before flashing. A wrong preloader will almost certainly kill the phone permanently.
- SP Flash Tool BROM ERROR: This is almost always a driver issue. Ensure your MediaTek VCOM drivers are installed correctly. You may need to disable Driver Signature Enforcement in Windows and manually install the drivers through Device Manager.
- Overheating: The Helio X10 processor is powerful, but it is known to run hot under heavy use like gaming. This can cause performance throttling (lag). This is a normal characteristic of the hardware.
- Yellow Display Tint: Some Redmi Note 2 units were known to develop a yellow tint on the screen over time, particularly at the edges. This is a hardware issue with the display panel’s adhesive and cannot be fixed with software.
FAQs
Q1. What made the Redmi Note 2 so popular? It offered flagship-level performance from its MediaTek Helio X10 chipset at a price that was unheard of in 2015. This incredible performance-for-the-price made it a huge hit with power users.
Q2. What is the difference between the Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 2 Prime? The “Prime” version was a slightly more expensive model that came with a higher-clocked Helio X10 processor and more internal storage (32GB vs 16GB). Both variants generally use the same hermes firmware.
Q3. What was the final official update for the Redmi Note 2? The device launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop and did not receive any official major Android OS version upgrades. Its final official MIUI version was MIUI 9.6.
