Confused on How to root - RN3 India (SD 650) - Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Questions & Answers

I am very confused on how to root RN3 (SD 650).
I need rooting for
- Titanium backup
- Adblock
There are multiple terms and multiple posts. Can any one guide.
What is Kenzo, Kate .... ?
What is global dev/chinese rom?
What I have learnt so far
Step 1 - I need to unlock bootloader. But how ??
Official method - Does it require flashing a new rom? Will I loose data?
Unofficial - Is there any safe method?
Step 2 - Flash recovery
Cofface and ZCX are stable TWRPs. Which one to use.

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i unlocked on global stable (so no data loss) no need of dev ROM ( it depends on luck)
try logging in on miunlock tool and micloud with mobile no (as username)only. If it fails try tommorow. repetition can do no good.
I unlocked on stable rom on my first attempt of the day.
my last attempt was weeks ago (primarily because i thought it was a lost cause)
thread http://en.miui.com/thread-280561-1-1.html
zcx for backing up ROMs ,
while updating through zcx to 6.11.24 many had bootloop(easily fixed by miunlock again).
so i updated through cofface no big problem ( the only problem i had was the system launcher was not loading fixed when i installed xposed again) always take backup before updating

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first thing first. apply for bootloader unlocking. thn unlock it through mi unlock tool. if u are new to these things thn dont try unofficial methods.
hope this helps.

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hyperorb said:
I am very confused on how to root RN3 (SD 650).
I need rooting for
- Titanium backup
- Adblock
There are multiple terms and multiple posts. Can any one guide.
What is Kenzo, Kate .... ?
What is global dev/chinese rom?
What I have learnt so far
Step 1 - I need to unlock bootloader. But how ??
Official method - Does it require flashing a new rom? Will I loose data?
Unofficial - Is there any safe method?
Step 2 - Flash recovery
Cofface and ZCX are stable TWRPs. Which one to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to Redmi Note 3 family.
Kenzo or Kate?
Snapdragon standard variant is called as a 'kenzo' and special edition Redmi note 3 with different radios version is called as a 'kate'.
Global/ Chinese?
There are two types of MIUI ROMs.
1. Global
2. Chinese
Difference in these both ROMs is that, you will find some chinese material here and there in chinese ROM. Global is fully in english.
Again there are two subtypes of these two ROMs which are Stable and Dev/Beta. Sometimes Beta/Dev ROM is also called as a 'weekly'.
So basically most of the devices have 4 official MIUI ROMs which are:
1. Global Stable
2. Global Beta or Global Dev
3. Chinese Stable
4. Chinese Beta or Dev
There is no connection between the type of ROM and unlocking bootloader.
Bootloader unlock method?
Since you know there are two methods to unlock the bootloader, I will discuss them one by one.
1. Official
You don't require to flash any latest or dev or chinese ROM to unlock using official method.
First of all you need a persmission from Xiaomi to unlock the bootloader.
Goto http://en.miui.com/unlock/
Login here. The account should be same as the one is on your phone.
Write the reasons for unlocking.
After that Xiaomi will grant you the permission. If you don't receive any SMS from Xiaomi, just check on the above link.
Even if you get the permission its most likely you will not able to unlock nootloader on first attepmt. But don't worry, try again after few days.
Use MiUnlock tool. Once you get the permision, that tool will be available on the above link or you can always download from here http://en.miui.com/unlock/download_en.html
2. Unofficial
I have unlocked my phone by unofficial method 6-7 months ago and I still have no issues at all.
Open this folder https://mega.nz/#F!LUxlHJBC!RK5_8fta4XWAVFqWoWrvjQ
It has everything what you need for unlocking bootloader unofficially.
Just follow this guide and you are good to go: GUIDE
You might have to disable Driver Signature Verification if you are using Windows 8 or higher (google it)
Recovery?
I will suggest you only and only following recoveries:
If you have unlocked your bootloader officially, You must use ZCX only.
If you have unlocked your bootloader unofficially, you must use either Alka or Cofface
Here is a thread where you will find everything about recoveries.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/guide-redmi-note-3-available-twrps-t3406708
All download links are in that thread.
Hope this will help! Happy flashing! :fingers-crossed: :highfive:

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skad00sh said:
Hope this will help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you saying !!! .. This is more than what I could have asked for to start. :good: Many thanks for taking time to compile the information.
One more noob query. I have RN3 3GB 32GB version. Is it special edition or normal?
I am planning to flash unofficially - Recovery - Alka
One question - In your mega folder Kenzounlock.zip was uploaded in Sept. Can I use the "Redmi Note 3 Qualcomm Latest Global Stable Version Fastboot File Download" from http://en.miui.com/a-234.html as replacement.
Many thanks for your help.

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hyperorb said:
What are you saying !!! .. This is more than what I could have asked for to start. :good: Many thanks for taking time to compile the information.
One more noob query. I have RN3 3GB 32GB version. Is it special edition or normal?
I am planning to flash unofficially - Recovery - Alka
One question - In your mega folder Kenzounlock.zip was uploaded in Sept. Can I use the "Redmi Note 3 Qualcomm Latest Global Stable Version Fastboot File Download" from http://en.miui.com/a-234.html as replacement.
Many thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same device. No problrm at all.
'kenzounlock.zip' should be flashed. Only that zip grants you ability to unlock bootloader. Don't flash any other zip.
Don't foget to activate 'OEM Unlocking' from Developer Options
To unlock Developer Options, tap on 'MIUI Version' 7 times.
Developer Options is situated at Settings>Additional Settings.

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@skad00sh Unfortunately I moved forward with latest global stable zip.
- Unzip global stable Kenzo zip
- Found the unocked emmc_appsboot.mbn from the forum
- Replaced the file in /images folder
- Miflash (Beta version gave length less than zero error) therefore used MiFlash 20160401
- Flashed rom
- Fastboot mode
- Unlocked boot loader -> Auto reboot
- Had to force fastboot
- Oem device-info tells bootloader unlocked
- Reboot
- Red light blinking while charging
- Rom booted successfully.
Not sure why red light is blinking while charging
Edit :
I was able to use another emmc_appsboot.mbn from http://forum.xda-developers.com/red...nlock-twrp-t3494833/post69484805#post69484805.
Reflashed with replaced file. Now no more blinking red light.
Cofface TWRP from below link worked. Alka did not work.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/tutorial-miui-8-0-1-0-global-stable-t3449039
Rebooting now... Fingers crossed ..

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hyperorb said:
@skad00sh Unfortunately I moved forward with latest global stable zip.
- Unzip global stable Kenzo zip
- Found the unocked emmc_appsboot.mbn from the forum
- Replaced the file in /images folder
- Miflash (Beta version gave length less than zero error) therefore used MiFlash 20160401
- Flashed rom
- Fastboot mode
- Unlocked boot loader -> Auto reboot
- Had to force fastboot
- Oem device-info tells bootloader unlocked
- Reboot
- Red light blinking while charging
- Rom booted successfully.
Not sure why red light is blinking while charging
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far you have done great!
Congrats!!
Red Light Blinking is common issue on unofficially unlocked bootloader devices.
Its just a firmware issue which can be fixed by flashing proper firmware.
Flash ROM from xiaomi.eu. Those ROMs are very clean and works perfectly with titanium backup. The issue with official MIUI ROM is that every time to try to restore a app from titanium backup, it asks for your permision. It is so annoying. Xiaomi.eu provides clean ROMs. These ROMs are unlocked bootloader friendly. These will not relock your bootloader.
Link for the ROM.
I recommend you to flash this ROM. Updated on 1st December.
In case you want to use current ROM without changing anything, you can flash following MIUI firmware from recovery... and you will be done with that red light thingy!
MIUI Firmware Link
I wonder why you still want to use MIUI when you can taste Nougat 7.1 easily!
In case if you want to use nougat, I will recommend you to use CyanogenMod 14.1, Ressurection Remix, AICP (I felt these ROMs are highly stable than other)

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skad00sh said:
So far you have done great!
Congrats!!
Red Light Blinking is common issue on unofficially unlocked bootloader devices.
Its just a firmware issue which can be fixed by flashing proper firmware.
Flash ROM from xiaomi.eu. Those ROMs are very clean and works perfectly with titanium backup. The issue with official MIUI ROM is that every time to try to restore a app from titanium backup, it asks for your permision. It is so annoying. Xiaomi.eu provides clean ROMs. These ROMs are unlocked bootloader friendly. These will not relock your bootloader.
Link for the ROM.
I recommend you to flash this ROM. Updated on 1st December.
In case you want to use current ROM without changing anything, you can flash following MIUI firmware from recovery... and you will be done with that red light thingy!
MIUI Firmware Link
I wonder why you still want to use MIUI when you can taste Nougat 7.1 easily!
In case if you want to use nougat, I will recommend you to use CyanogenMod 14.1, Ressurection Remix, AICP (I felt these ROMs are highly stable than other)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Red light issue - [refer to edit in my previous reply. ]It is fixed. I had to use a different bootloader file. It worked with latest global stable.
Recovery I was unable to use Alka recovery (refer to your mega folder) . Had to install Cofface (refer to my previous reply).
EU Roms - My bad. I was not aware of those. Sigh !! so much effort I put. You are right TiBU asks about every single app restore. Besides for some app .. it hanged. I had to force reboot. Can I install these rom using TWRP Cofface recovery??
Nougat - This is my SO's fone. I need a stable daily driver for her. This is a day old phone. May be after sometime I will try 7.1
Honestly, I was very scared with RN3. It was my most confusing rooting. Compared to Moto Defy > Galaxy S3 > OP3 .. which were all very easy to manipulate.. But RN3 ..
Your initial post really paved way for me to move forward. Sincere thanks to you and others who helped me with my queries.

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One thing is surprising that Cofface TWRP does not show EFS backup option

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Wasn't the MTK variant called hennesy? and the rmn3 pro(sd650) with extra cellular bands called the kate.

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Ivanlai said:
Wasn't the MTK variant called hennesy? and the rmn3 pro(sd650) with extra cellular bands called the kate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 3 variants in the Redmi Note 3 series
RN3MTK code named "Hennessy" - with Mediatek SoC
RN3SD code named "Kenzo" - (with Qualcomm/SoC is Snapdragon 650), also called "Pro"
RN3SD Special Edition, code named "Kate" - "International version"also called "Special Edition" (Kate variant) of "pro", includes 800 base band (4g in somes isolated areas) and hardware is 2mm higher than kenzo.
Edit: Oops @Ivanlai You wrote the same thing. Looks like I still have lots of confusion . :silly:

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Ivanlai said:
Wasn't the MTK variant called hennesy? and the rmn3 pro(sd650) with extra cellular bands called the kate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah! I forgot! My bad! MTK version is called as a Hennessy.
Rename that Alka recovery file to 'recovery.img' then copy it to your Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder.
After that open command prompt in that folder and enter following command
Code:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Then alka will be installed.
You can flash EU roms directly from any recovery.

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@skad00sh
1) Should I update recovery from Cofface to Alka ? If yes, how fastboot flash or TWRP install?
2) Before installing EU rom, do I need to replace the bootloader file emmc_appsboot.mbn

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hyperorb said:
One thing is surprising that Cofface TWRP does not show EFS backup option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it is. use zcx or alka for backup
edit
if you want to flash another recovery image n ur phone is rooted thn use flashify app to flash any recovery img through your phone

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Flash ROM from [URL="https://xiaomi.eu/community/threads/6-12-1.36462/" said:
xiaomi.eu[/URL]. Those ROMs are very clean and works perfectly with titanium backup. Xiaomi.eu provides clean ROMs. These ROMs are unlocked bootloader friendly. These will not relock your bootloader.
Link for the ROM.
I recommend you to flash this ROM. Updated on 1st December.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i have to replace the emmc_appsboot.mbn from xiaomi.eu ROM or just flash using Cofface TWRP?

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Guys..i have redmi note 3 sd 650 miui 8.0.6...how should i install recovery..i wan to try cm roms??so many confusion regarding which is the right recovery to flash on my device...

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hyperorb said:
@skad00sh
1) Should I update recovery from Cofface to Alka ? If yes, how fastboot flash or TWRP install?
2) Before installing EU rom, do I need to replace the bootloader file emmc_appsboot.mbn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes use Alka. It has all backup options. You will filnd EFS and other backup options in it. Since you have unlocked officially, use Alka only. An you can install it directly through TWRP install. No issues.
2. No need to replace emmc_appsboot.mbn for EU ROMs. They are specially made for unlocked bootloader devices only. So you can directly flash EU ROMs without any worry.
$lim $hady said:
Do i have to replace the emmc_appsboot.mbn from xiaomi.eu ROM or just flash using Cofface TWRP?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to replace emmc_appsboot.mbn for EU ROMs. They are specially made for unlocked bootloader devices only. So you can directly flash EU ROMs without any worry.
kitbor said:
Guys..i have redmi note 3 sd 650 miui 8.0.6...how should i install recovery..i wan to try cm roms??so many confusion regarding which is the right recovery to flash on my device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checkout 4th post of mine in this thread or click below:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=69920880&postcount=4

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skad00sh said:
1. Yes use Alka. It has all backup options. You will filnd EFS and other backup options in it. Since you have unlocked officially, use Alka only. An you can install it directly through TWRP install. No issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Will install Alka.
By the way, I have unlocked unofficially. Hope that is ok.

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skad00sh said:
No need to replace emmc_appsboot.mbn for EU ROMs. They are specially made for unlocked bootloader devices only. So you can directly flash EU ROMs without any worry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.. I flashed the latest 6.12.1 while waiting for the reply got stuck in mi account log in screen.. Clean flashed 6.11.3 and then dirty flashed 6.12.1 and lazy flasher.. Works perfect.. Using Cofface TWRP