[TUT] How to Flash Custom Recovery (CWM), Dual Boot, and Flash Custom Rom in Xiaomi Mi 3

[TUTORIAL] CWM Recovery ... True Dual Boot ... ROM Flashing (ROM LIST available)

Xiaomi Mi3 Specs:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dimensions (mm): 144.00 x 72.00 x 8.10

Weight (g): 145.00

Battery capacity (mAh): 3050 mAh BM31 4.35v Lithium-Ion

Removable battery: No

DISPLAY

Screen size (inches): 5.00

Touchscreen: Yes

Touchscreen type: Capacitive

Resolution: 1080x1920 pixels (Full-HD)

Pixels per inch (PPI): 441

HARDWARE

Processor: 2.3 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 8274AB 2.3GHz 

GPU: Adreno 330

RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 RAM

Internal storage: 16GB (13.39 Usable) eMMC 4.5 flash memory

CAMERA

Rear camera: 13-megapixel BSI CMOS Stacked Sensor

(5 pcs lens, f/2.2, 28-mm wide angle, w/ infrared filter)

Flash: Yes (Dual LED)

Front camera: 2-megapixel

SOFTWARE

Operating System: Android 4.4.2 with MIUI 5

(Can be updated to 4.4.4, MIUI5 or MIUI6) 

Java support: Yes

CONNECTIVITY

Wi-Fi: Yes; 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct (5GHz supported)

GPS: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes, v 4.00 with A2DP

NFC: Yes

Infrared: No

DLNA: No

Wi-Fi Direct: Yes

MHL Out: No

HDMI: No

Headphones: 3.5mm

FM: Yes

USB: Micro-USB with USB-OTG Support

Charging via Micro-USB: Yes

Proprietary charging connector: No

Proprietary data connector: No

Number of SIMs: 1

SIM Type: Regular

2G NETWORK: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900

3G NETWORK: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100

LTE: No

SENSORS

Compass/Magnetometer: Yes

Proximity sensor: Yes

Accelerometer: Yes

Ambient light sensor: Yes

Gyroscope: Yes

Barometer: Yes

Temperature sensor: No

-- [Multiple TUTORIAL] CWM + TRUE DUAL BOOT + ROM Flashing --
First of all, I am not responsible if you brick your device if you did something wrong. All steps have been tested in my own device and IT WORKS, so I suggest you do a BACKUP of your files before proceeding. Do not go blaming me if something wrong happens or if your files got deleted in the process
- Ares


-------------------------------------------------------------------

I. INSTALLING CUSTOM RECOVERY (ClockWorkMod Recovery):

INFO: CWM Recovery is a custom recovery that enables system backup, system restore, installing/flashing of zip files, mounting, wiping partitions.. basically, it has stock recovery functions + MORE features.


1. Download this File:
-> Click Here

2. Open MIUI Updater App, and select package to flash/install

3. Select the Zip file you've downloaded, and confirm restart

4. Once the phone restarts, turn of the device

5. Once the device is turned off, PRESS and HOLD "Power Button + Volume UP" until you get to the recovery menu

6. You now have CWM Custom Recovery


Note: Alternatively, you can flash this as an Update.zip in Stock Recovery

Note: Alternatively, you can go to recovery mode via updater app's reboot to recovery


-------------------------------------------------------------------

II. ENABLING TDB (True Dual Boot):

INFO:  Mi3 originally allows you to have 2 systems, since it has 2 system partitions. But the main problem is that it will share 1 DATA Partition for those 2 systems. Hence, you cannot use 2 different firmwares with incompatible data partitions (for example CyanogenMod11 on System 1 and MIUI5 on System 2)

INFO:  Enabling True Dual Boot enables the phone to have "Virtually" 2 Data Partitions, virtually, in a way that you can use the full potential of the storage (12gb+ free internal) in those 2 data partitions. In a sense, it's sort of like a barrier only. So you will have Data1 and Data2  .. so that System 1 and System will NOT share the data, hence can work separately :)


1. Go to CWM recovery (installed on step I.)

2. In CWM menu, go to Advanced Section, and Tap TrueDualBoot, and Enable it

Note: Before you do this, take note of what system are you using in Active System menu if it's 1 or 2.

3. It will ask if you want to MOVE the data (either to system 1 or system 2), or WIPE the data

Note: You can move the data to your current system, so that you will retain everything in the current system/rom, but I recommend to just wipe everything (for less confusion)

4. After the move or wipe process, TDB will be turned On, and you will have Data1 and Data2 partitions

5. At this point, you can now install roms on either system 1 or system 2 without affecting the each other


-------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Installing/Flashing a ROM

1. Download a Rom/Firmware Zip file that is compatible with the device

List of Custom Roms:
- MIUI6
- MIUI5
- CyanogenMod11 (Unofficial)
- Carbon ROM:
- AOSB ROM:
- AOKP ROM:
- VanirAOSP ROM:
- SlimKat ROM:
- WIUI (Modded MIUI)



2. Go to CWM Recovery, and select Install Zip File

3. Select Zip file of the rom/firmware you've downloaded

4. Select Either to flash to System 1, or System 2 (depends on where are you going to flash it), and press Yes

Note: Some ROM files are only compatible to be flashed on System 1

5. Go back to the previous menu and go to Advance Tab, and Select the ACTIVE System

Note: You can select whether to boot System 1 or System 2 in CWM Advance tab

6. Congratulations for finishing this tutorial


ADDITIONALS:
-> For Roms without GAPPS (Google Apps like Playstore, etc..) 
Please Install/Flash this in CWM Recovery:

Link: Click Here

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tested Combination:
System 1: CyanogenMod11
System 2: MIUI5 v18 Stable


WANT to have CyanogenMod11 and MIUIv6 RUNNING on True Dual Boot Mode?

DO THIS!   ---> Click Here

Credits:
- Full Credits: donbot and furniel + sta-s2z
http://en.miui.com/thread-19405-1-1.html
- codeVerine for CM11 + MIUI6 Tutorial
- MIUI Forums, XDA Forums, Google
http://en.miui.com
- Tutorial + Test: Ares Escudero
- Mi3 PHI Group Admins and Members