The Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 series was a true game-changer. In 2016, it was the phone that put Xiaomi on the map for millions of people around the world. In Nigeria, it was a legend, offering incredible performance and a premium metal body at a price that was previously unimaginable.
This guide is for a specific, and very important, version of this classic: the **Redmi Note 3 Special Edition**, codenamed `kate`. This variant was created for certain international markets with different network bands. It is crucial to distinguish it from the more common standard version (codename `kenzo`), as their firmware is not directly interchangeable.
In 2025, the `kate` is a vintage collector's item. Its official software journey ended long ago with **MIUI 10 on Android 6.0 Marshmallow**. This restoration manual is for the hobbyists and long-time owners who want to revive this piece of smartphone history, fix network issues from a wrong flash, or create a clean base for a custom ROM.
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 3 SE
For this classic device, flashing is almost always about fixing a critical problem or preserving it.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: kate)
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware to restore your classic device to its best possible state.
Flashing Method: Using Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most direct and reliable method for completely restoring your Redmi Note 3 SE.
➡ Your Redmi Note 3 SE will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 10 system.
FAQs
**Q1: How do I know for sure if I have `kate` or the standard `kenzo`?**
The most reliable physical check is the size. The `kate` is slightly taller at 152.5mm, while the `kenzo` is 150mm tall. The original retail box for `kate` is often red and explicitly states it is a "Special Edition" (特製版). If your phone is working, you can check the codename in the "About phone" section.
**Q2: I flashed a ROM on my phone and now I can't get a network signal. What happened?**
This is the classic symptom. You have flashed a `kenzo` firmware on your `kate` device. This overwrites the specific modem file your phone needs. To fix this, you must follow Method 1 in this guide and flash the correct official `kate` Fastboot ROM using the "clean all" option. This will restore your network signal.
**Q3: Is it safe to use this phone online in 2025?**
No. It is a major security risk. The software is ancient (Android 6.0 Marshmallow) and has countless unpatched vulnerabilities. It should only be used for offline tasks or on a network you trust with no personal data on the phone.
**Q4: Can I get newer Android versions on this phone?**
Not officially. However, the Redmi Note 3 series (`kate` and `kenzo`) had a legendary custom ROM community in its day. You can find many unofficial builds of Android 7, 8, 9, and possibly even 10 on forums like XDA. This is the only way to run more modern software on it.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
This guide is for a specific, and very important, version of this classic: the **Redmi Note 3 Special Edition**, codenamed `kate`. This variant was created for certain international markets with different network bands. It is crucial to distinguish it from the more common standard version (codename `kenzo`), as their firmware is not directly interchangeable.
In 2025, the `kate` is a vintage collector's item. Its official software journey ended long ago with **MIUI 10 on Android 6.0 Marshmallow**. This restoration manual is for the hobbyists and long-time owners who want to revive this piece of smartphone history, fix network issues from a wrong flash, or create a clean base for a custom ROM.
- ✔ A critical guide to identifying the `kate` vs. the `kenzo` Redmi Note 3 models
- ✔ Download links for the final official MIUI 10 (Android 6.0) firmware
- ✔ The essential tools and drivers needed to communicate with this vintage device
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions to unbrick your phone and restore its full functionality
- ✔ Important warnings about the security of using such an old device today
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Redmi Note 3 SE
For this classic device, flashing is almost always about fixing a critical problem or preserving it.
- Fix "No Signal" or Network Issues → This is the #1 reason to use this guide. Flashing a `kenzo` ROM on a `kate` device breaks the modem. Flashing the correct `kate` firmware is the only way to fix it.
- Unbrick a Bricked or Bootlooping Device → The definitive method to recover your phone if it's stuck on the Mi logo or won't turn on.
- Restore to the Final Official Firmware → If you've been running an old, buggy custom ROM, this allows you to return to the most stable and polished official software from Xiaomi.
- Restore Original Performance → A clean flash can make the powerful Snapdragon 650 feel much more responsive by removing years of software clutter.
- Install a Clean MIUI (Xiaomi.eu) → For a debloated, ad-free version of the final stock software.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: kate)
- Model: Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Special Edition
- Release Year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650
- Display: 5.5” FHD IPS LCD
- Key Feature: A special edition with extra LTE bands (like Band 20) for specific international markets
- OS at Launch: MIUI 7 on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- Final Official OS: MIUI 10.2 on Android 6.0 Marshmallow (End of Life)
- Codename: kate
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: This firmware is ONLY for the Redmi Note 3 Special Edition (codename `kate`). It is NOT for the standard Redmi Note 3 Pro (codename `kenzo`). Flashing `kenzo` firmware on a `kate` device will cause you to lose your network signal (IMEI/baseband) and may lead to other bugs. Always verify your device model.
Required Tools & Downloads
Download the final official firmware to restore your classic device to its best possible state.
| Tool / File | Purpose / OS Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | The official tool for flashing Fastboot ROMs. | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC can communicate with your phone. | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the bootloader. | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP) | Required to flash the Xiaomi.eu ROM. | TWRP 3.3.1 for Kate/Kenzo |
| Fastboot ROM (Global) | Official MIUI 10.2 (Android 6.0) | V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM |
| Xiaomi.eu ROM (Custom) | Clean MIUI 10.2 (Android 6.0) | V10.2.1.0.MHRMIXM |
Flashing Method: Using Mi Flash Tool (Fastboot Mode)
This is the most direct and reliable method for completely restoring your Redmi Note 3 SE.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your phone's bootloader must be unlocked. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. This will erase all data.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone. Press and hold Power + Volume Down until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded `.tgz` Fastboot ROM twice until you have a folder with an `images` directory.
- Launch Mi Flash Tool: Open the tool as an administrator. Click "select" and choose the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect Device & Flash: Connect your phone to the PC, click "refresh" in Mi Flash Tool, and ensure "clean all" is selected at the bottom. This step is mandatory.
- Start Flashing: Click the "flash" button and wait for the process to complete. It will show a "success" message when done.
➡ Your Redmi Note 3 SE will reboot into a completely clean, official MIUI 10 system.
FAQs
**Q1: How do I know for sure if I have `kate` or the standard `kenzo`?**
The most reliable physical check is the size. The `kate` is slightly taller at 152.5mm, while the `kenzo` is 150mm tall. The original retail box for `kate` is often red and explicitly states it is a "Special Edition" (特製版). If your phone is working, you can check the codename in the "About phone" section.
**Q2: I flashed a ROM on my phone and now I can't get a network signal. What happened?**
This is the classic symptom. You have flashed a `kenzo` firmware on your `kate` device. This overwrites the specific modem file your phone needs. To fix this, you must follow Method 1 in this guide and flash the correct official `kate` Fastboot ROM using the "clean all" option. This will restore your network signal.
**Q3: Is it safe to use this phone online in 2025?**
No. It is a major security risk. The software is ancient (Android 6.0 Marshmallow) and has countless unpatched vulnerabilities. It should only be used for offline tasks or on a network you trust with no personal data on the phone.
**Q4: Can I get newer Android versions on this phone?**
Not officially. However, the Redmi Note 3 series (`kate` and `kenzo`) had a legendary custom ROM community in its day. You can find many unofficial builds of Android 7, 8, 9, and possibly even 10 on forums like XDA. This is the only way to run more modern software on it.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- "No Service" or No SIM detected after flashing: You have flashed the wrong firmware. Your phone is a `kate` but you have installed a `kenzo` ROM. Follow Method 1 with the correct `kate` firmware to fix this.
- Mi Flash Tool shows a "sahara" or "xbl" error: This is a common error on very old Qualcomm devices. It can indicate a bad USB connection, but after nearly a decade, it can also point to a hardware failure of the eMMC (internal storage) chip.
- Bootloop after flashing: Ensure you used the "clean all" option. A full wipe is mandatory for a stable system on this old hardware. Force the phone back into Fastboot mode and flash again.
- Device not detected by PC: This can be a driver issue, especially on modern operating systems like Windows 11. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement to install the old drivers correctly. Using a USB 2.0 port can also help.