The Redmi Note 3 is one of the best selling smartphones of Xiaomi in 2016, but sadly the device is still running the one generation old Android Marshmallow OS and there is no official word from the company whether it has commenced work on the latest Nougat update or atleast inform fans of the update's ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival).
If previous release pattern is to believed, the company is likely to release in the first (January-March) or second (April-June) quarter of 2017.
If patience is not your strongest suit then, Redmi Note 3 owners can try installing the CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM. In addition to Nougat features, it offers array of exclusive themes, shortcuts, Microsoft apps including Cortana virtual-assistant, also improve battery life and performance to enhance user experience.
Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):
- This new CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat firmware has to be installed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (with Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 CPU) aka Kenzo model only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing TWRP in the smartphone.
- Make sure to install USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 with Snapdragon 650) will not be recognized by the computer.
- Make sure the device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance for smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.
- If you face force close, go to Settings >> Setupwizard >> Give permission
- Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation guide of CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (with Snapdragon 650) via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-
Step 1: Download Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC.
[Scroll to find the downloadable files]
Step 2: Connect Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 to the computer
Step 3: Place the Android Nougat AOSP ROM into the phone's storage memory.
[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]
Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC
Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons
Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset
Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC
Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'
Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.
Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation
Downloadable files:
CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat firmware for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (with Snapdragon 650): HERE
CyanogenMod Recovery: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
USB Driver: HERE
[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]
