Let's take a trip back to 2015 to the phone that started a revolution for Xiaomi: the original Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek variant), codenamed `hennessy`. This was a true pioneer, being Xiaomi's first-ever phone with a full metal body and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. It set the standard for the entire Redmi Note line that followed.
It is absolutely essential to identify this phone correctly. This guide is **exclusively for the MediaTek (Helio X10) version, `hennessy`**. It is NOT for the more common Snapdragon version (`kenzo`) that was popular globally. Flashing the wrong firmware will permanently brick your device.
In 2025, the `hennessy` is a vintage collector's item. Its software journey ended on **Android 5.0 Lollipop**. This guide is a restoration manual for hobbyists looking to unbrick a dead device or restore this piece of Xiaomi history to its original factory state for collection purposes.
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 3 (MTK)
For a vintage device like this, flashing is purely about restoration and repair.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: hennessy)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware and the essential tools for MediaTek devices.
Note: The Global ROM link for V10.2.1.0.MHOMIXM that you provided has been omitted as it is for the wrong phone (the Snapdragon `kenzo` model) and will brick this device.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Unbricking a Dead Redmi Note 3 (MTK) with SP Flash Tool
This is the most common and powerful method for reviving a `hennessy` that will not turn on.
This method is for a phone that can still boot into Fastboot mode but may be stuck in a bootloop.
FAQs
**Q1: I have a Redmi Note 3 I bought in Nigeria. Is this the right guide?**
Almost certainly not. The version widely sold in Nigeria and globally was the Snapdragon model (`kenzo`). The MediaTek version (`hennessy`) was a rare import. Please verify your phone's processor in the "About" section before you attempt to flash anything.
**Q2: Is this phone safe to use in 2025?**
Absolutely not. It is a major security risk. Its software is a decade old and has countless unpatched vulnerabilities. It must only be used for offline tasks. Do not log into any personal accounts or connect it to public Wi-Fi.
**Q3: What is the main difference between `hennessy` and `kenzo`?**
They look identical but have completely different hearts. `hennessy` uses a MediaTek Helio X10 processor, while `kenzo` uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650. Their firmware is completely incompatible, and flashing the wrong one will destroy the phone's software.
**Q4: Why was the bootloader on this model so infamous?**
The Redmi Note 3 series was one of the first where Xiaomi required an official, and often very slow, application process to unlock the bootloader. This frustrated the massive developer community and led to many users bricking their devices while trying to find unofficial bypass methods, especially on the less-supported `hennessy` model.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
It is absolutely essential to identify this phone correctly. This guide is **exclusively for the MediaTek (Helio X10) version, `hennessy`**. It is NOT for the more common Snapdragon version (`kenzo`) that was popular globally. Flashing the wrong firmware will permanently brick your device.
In 2025, the `hennessy` is a vintage collector's item. Its software journey ended on **Android 5.0 Lollipop**. This guide is a restoration manual for hobbyists looking to unbrick a dead device or restore this piece of Xiaomi history to its original factory state for collection purposes.
- ✔ A critical warning to differentiate the MediaTek (`hennessy`) from the Snapdragon (`kenzo`) version
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI firmware, including a "Dead Recovery" file
- ✔ An explanation of the tools needed for MediaTek device repair, like SP Flash Tool
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to revive this vintage pioneer
- ✔ Important security warnings about using a 10-year-old phone today
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 3 (MTK)
For a vintage device like this, flashing is purely about restoration and repair.
- Unbrick a Hard-Bricked Device → This is the #1 reason to flash `hennessy`. The provided "Dead Recovery" firmware is specifically designed for use with SP Flash Tool to revive a completely unresponsive phone.
- Restore a Piece of Xiaomi History → For collectors and enthusiasts, performing a clean flash brings this pioneering phone back to its exact final software state.
- Fix Bootloops or System Crashes → If your classic device is stuck on the Mi logo, this is the only way to perform a software-level repair.
- Attempt to Remove a Mi Account → A full firmware flash is a necessary first step for technicians trying to remove an old, forgotten Mi Account from the device.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: hennessy)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (MediaTek version)
- Release Year: 2015
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio X10
- Display: 5.5” FHD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: Xiaomi's first metal phone with a fingerprint scanner
- OS at Launch: MIUI 7 on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
- Final Official OS: MIUI 8 on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop (End of Life)
- Codename: hennessy
EXTREME WARNING: This firmware is ONLY for the MediaTek Redmi Note 3 (`hennessy`). It is NOT compatible with the Snapdragon Redmi Note 3 (`kenzo`/`kate`). The Global ROM often found online (V10.2.1.0.MHOMIXM) is for the Snapdragon version and flashing it on this MTK phone WILL cause a permanent, unrecoverable hard brick.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the official firmware and the essential tools for MediaTek devices.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Primary tool for 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 |
| Mi Unlock Tool | For unlocking the bootloader (if possible). | Official Unlock Page |
| Dead Recovery ROM (China) | For Unbricking (MIUI 7 / Android 5.0) | V7.0.22.0.LHNCNCJ |
| Stable ROM (China) | Final Official (MIUI 8 / Android 5.0) | V8.1.3.0.LHNCNDI |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | For flashing custom ROMs. | Official TWRP for Hennessy |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Unbricking a Dead Redmi Note 3 (MTK) with SP Flash Tool
This is the most common and powerful method for reviving a `hennessy` that will not turn on.
- Install Drivers: On your PC, install the Xiaomi USB Drivers and, most importantly, the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement in Windows.
- Extract Firmware: Extract the "Dead Recovery" ROM file (`.zip`) until you have a folder containing a "scatter" file and other images.
- 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 extracted firmware folder. All other fields should auto-populate.
- Flash the Phone: Ensure the dropdown box is set to "Download Only". Click the green "Download" button. Now, with the phone completely powered off, connect it to your PC via USB. The flashing process should start automatically.
- Wait for the process to finish, indicated by a large green checkmark. Disconnect your phone and attempt to power it on.
This method is for a phone that can still boot into Fastboot mode but may be stuck in a bootloop.
- Unlock Bootloader: The `hennessy` was one of the first Xiaomi phones with a locked bootloader, and unlocking it can be very difficult today. You must attempt to unlock it first using the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Follow the standard Mi Flash Tool procedure: Boot to Fastboot (Power + Vol Down), connect to PC, load the extracted `.tgz` firmware into Mi Flash Tool, select "clean all", and flash.
FAQs
**Q1: I have a Redmi Note 3 I bought in Nigeria. Is this the right guide?**
Almost certainly not. The version widely sold in Nigeria and globally was the Snapdragon model (`kenzo`). The MediaTek version (`hennessy`) was a rare import. Please verify your phone's processor in the "About" section before you attempt to flash anything.
**Q2: Is this phone safe to use in 2025?**
Absolutely not. It is a major security risk. Its software is a decade old and has countless unpatched vulnerabilities. It must only be used for offline tasks. Do not log into any personal accounts or connect it to public Wi-Fi.
**Q3: What is the main difference between `hennessy` and `kenzo`?**
They look identical but have completely different hearts. `hennessy` uses a MediaTek Helio X10 processor, while `kenzo` uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 650. Their firmware is completely incompatible, and flashing the wrong one will destroy the phone's software.
**Q4: Why was the bootloader on this model so infamous?**
The Redmi Note 3 series was one of the first where Xiaomi required an official, and often very slow, application process to unlock the bootloader. This frustrated the massive developer community and led to many users bricking their devices while trying to find unofficial bypass methods, especially on the less-supported `hennessy` model.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Hard Bricked (Dead, only detected as MediaTek USB Port): This is the most common state for this device. Your only hope is recovery via SP Flash Tool (Method 1). Success is not guaranteed, especially if the phone's eMMC storage chip has failed from age.
- SP Flash Tool shows a BROM ERROR: This is a communication error. It can be due to incorrect VCOM drivers, a bad cable, or the phone's security. You may need to find a specific "Download Agent" (DA) file for the Helio X10 to get it to work.
- Mi Flash Tool won't work: If the bootloader is still locked, Mi Flash Tool will fail. Given the age of the device, unlocking a locked `hennessy` today is extremely difficult. SP Flash Tool is often the only viable option.
- The phone still doesn't boot after a successful flash: After a decade, the eMMC (internal storage) chip on these phones can physically degrade and fail. If a clean flash with SP Flash Tool doesn't revive it, the phone has likely suffered a hardware failure.