Let's take a trip back in time to 2015, to a device that was a true trailblazer in the "flagship killer" category: the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 (codename `hermes`). This phone was a performance beast for its era, packing a powerful MediaTek Helio X10 chipset that challenged phones costing many times its price. For early tech enthusiasts in places like Nigeria, importing a Redmi Note 2 was a sign that you were in the know.
What truly made the `hermes` a legend, however, was that it was one of the last Xiaomi phones to ship with an **unlocked bootloader** from the factory. This made it incredibly easy to modify, root, and flash, cementing its status as a darling of the developer community.
In 2025, the Redmi Note 2 is a vintage collectible. Its official software journey ended long ago with **MIUI 9.6, based on the ancient Android 5.0 Lollipop**. This guide is a restoration manual for hobbyists and collectors who wish to revive this piece of Xiaomi history.
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 2
For a vintage device like `hermes`, flashing is about preservation and historical exploration.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: hermes)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware and the essential tools for this vintage MediaTek device.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing with SP Flash Tool (Recommended for MTK)
This is the most powerful and reliable method for a MediaTek device, especially for unbricking a dead phone.
Since this phone shipped with an unlocked bootloader, you do not need to use the Mi Unlock Tool first.
FAQs
**Q1: Is it true the Redmi Note 2 had an unlocked bootloader?**
Yes! It was one of the last Xiaomi phones sold this way. This made it incredibly easy for users to root, install custom recoveries, and flash new ROMs, which is why it was a massive hit with the early developer and enthusiast communities.
**Q2: Can I use this phone in 2025?**
Only for offline tasks. Using a phone with Android 5.0 Lollipop online is a massive security risk. It makes a fantastic piece for a technology collection, a retro-gaming device for apps from that era, or a simple MP3 player.
**Q3: Why was this phone a big deal for techies in Nigeria back then?**
In 2015, getting a phone with the raw power of the Helio X10 chipset for such a low price was revolutionary. For the tech enthusiasts who knew how to import it, the Redmi Note 2 offered performance that could compete with flagship phones that cost three or four times as much. It was a true "iykyk" (if you know, you know) device for those seeking power on a budget.
**Q4: Is it easy to brick this phone?**
Yes. Even with an unlocked bootloader, it is a MediaTek device. A mistake during flashing (like a power cut or using the wrong file) can still lead to a hard brick that requires the SP Flash Tool method to fix. Always be careful.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
What truly made the `hermes` a legend, however, was that it was one of the last Xiaomi phones to ship with an **unlocked bootloader** from the factory. This made it incredibly easy to modify, root, and flash, cementing its status as a darling of the developer community.
In 2025, the Redmi Note 2 is a vintage collectible. Its official software journey ended long ago with **MIUI 9.6, based on the ancient Android 5.0 Lollipop**. This guide is a restoration manual for hobbyists and collectors who wish to revive this piece of Xiaomi history.
- ✔ A nostalgic look at the legendary, unlocked-bootloader era
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 9.6 (Android 5.0) firmware
- ✔ A focus on the correct flashing methods for this classic MediaTek device
- ✔ A working TWRP custom recovery and all essential tools
- ✔ Critical security warnings for using a 10-year-old phone today
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 2
For a vintage device like `hermes`, flashing is about preservation and historical exploration.
- Unbrick a Hard-Bricked MTK Device → This is the primary reason for this guide. As a MediaTek phone, `hermes` can be bricked, and this guide provides the tools to revive it.
- Restore a Piece of Xiaomi History → Perform a clean flash to bring this pioneering phone back to its exact final software state for a collection or for nostalgic use.
- Experience the Unlocked Bootloader Era → Flashing this phone is a simple and direct process, a throwback to a time before complex unlock procedures were required.
- Fix Bootloops or System Crashes → The definitive method to perform a software-level repair on a device stuck on the Mi logo.
- Perform a "Factory Fresh" Restoration → Securely wipe all old data and return the phone to its final official software state.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: hermes)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
- Release Year: 2015
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio X10
- Display: 5.5” FHD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: Shipped with an unlocked bootloader, flagship-grade performance for its time
- OS at Launch: MIUI 6/7 on Android 5.0 Lollipop
- Final Official OS: MIUI 9.6 on Android 5.0 Lollipop (End of Life)
- Codename: hermes
SECURITY & HARDWARE WARNING: The Redmi Note 2 is over a decade old. Its software (Android 5.0) is critically insecure and must not be used for online tasks. As a MediaTek device, it is also prone to hard bricks if flashed incorrectly. The Helio X10 chip was known to run very hot; this is normal for this device. This guide is for historical and restoration purposes only.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware and the essential tools for this vintage MediaTek device.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Primary tool for flashing/unbricking MTK devices. | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Includes drivers for both Qualcomm & MTK. | Driver Pack |
| MediaTek VCOM Drivers | Essential for detecting bricked MTK devices. | MTK Driver Auto Installer |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | Required to flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM. | TWRP for Hermes (RAR) |
| Fastboot ROM (China) | Official MIUI 9.6 (Android 5.0) | V9.6.1.0.LHMCNFD |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 9.6 (Android 5.0) | V9.6.3.0.LHMMIFD |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Older MIUI 9.2 (Android 5.0) build | V9.2.3.0.LHMCNEK |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing with SP Flash Tool (Recommended for MTK)
This is the most powerful and reliable method for a MediaTek device, especially for unbricking a dead phone.
- Install Drivers: On your PC, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers and, crucially, the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement in Windows to do this.
- Extract Firmware: Extract the official Fastboot ROM (`.tgz`) file twice until you have a folder containing a "scatter" file (`MT6795_Android_scatter.txt`).
- Launch SP Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator.
- Load Files: In the "Scatter-loading File" field, select the `MT6795_Android_scatter.txt` file from the firmware folder. All other fields should populate automatically.
- Flash the Phone: Ensure the dropdown box is set to "Download Only". Click the green "Download" button. Now, with the phone completely powered off (remove and re-insert the battery if possible), connect it to your PC via USB. The flashing process should begin automatically.
- Wait for the process to finish, indicated by a large green checkmark. Disconnect your phone and power it on.
Since this phone shipped with an unlocked bootloader, you do not need to use the Mi Unlock Tool first.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Redmi Note 2. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot screen appears.
- Follow the standard Mi Flash Tool procedure: Connect to PC, load the extracted `.tgz` firmware into Mi Flash Tool, select "clean all", and flash.
FAQs
**Q1: Is it true the Redmi Note 2 had an unlocked bootloader?**
Yes! It was one of the last Xiaomi phones sold this way. This made it incredibly easy for users to root, install custom recoveries, and flash new ROMs, which is why it was a massive hit with the early developer and enthusiast communities.
**Q2: Can I use this phone in 2025?**
Only for offline tasks. Using a phone with Android 5.0 Lollipop online is a massive security risk. It makes a fantastic piece for a technology collection, a retro-gaming device for apps from that era, or a simple MP3 player.
**Q3: Why was this phone a big deal for techies in Nigeria back then?**
In 2015, getting a phone with the raw power of the Helio X10 chipset for such a low price was revolutionary. For the tech enthusiasts who knew how to import it, the Redmi Note 2 offered performance that could compete with flagship phones that cost three or four times as much. It was a true "iykyk" (if you know, you know) device for those seeking power on a budget.
**Q4: Is it easy to brick this phone?**
Yes. Even with an unlocked bootloader, it is a MediaTek device. A mistake during flashing (like a power cut or using the wrong file) can still lead to a hard brick that requires the SP Flash Tool method to fix. Always be careful.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Hard Bricked (Dead, only detected as MediaTek USB Port): This is the most common serious issue. Your only hope is recovery via SP Flash Tool (Method 1). Thankfully, because this phone is so old and has an unlocked bootloader, it doesn't have the heavy security of modern MTK devices, so recovery is often successful.
- SP Flash Tool shows a BROM ERROR: This is a communication error. Ensure you have the correct VCOM drivers installed for your version of Windows. Running the program as an administrator and trying a different USB cable can also help.
- The phone overheats a lot: This is normal. The MediaTek Helio X10 chipset was famous for being very powerful but also for running very hot, especially during gaming or heavy tasks. This is a characteristic of the hardware.
- Mi Flash Tool fails: SP Flash Tool is generally more reliable for this vintage MTK device. If Mi Flash Tool fails, it's often a driver or compatibility issue on modern PCs. Switch to Method 1.