Xiaomi Redmi 3S is a legendary budget smartphone that is still in demand due to its reliability and simplicity, and even in 2026 it is actively used as a primary or a spare device. However, after buying or resetting, many people are faced with questions: how to choose a language, set up a Mi Account, optimize battery life or speed up the system.
The Redmi 3S is a MIUI firmware that is very different from standard Android, and it has its own features: dual apps, power saving mode, unique gestures. But without the right setup, the smartphone can slow down, discharge quickly or emit errors. We'll go through every step of the way, from first onset to fine optimization.
First Including and Choosing Language
When you remove your smartphone from the box or reset the settings, the first thing you need to do is go through the Initial Setup Wizard, and on Redmi 3S, it starts automatically when you first turn on. The main problem is that some versions of the firmware don't have Russian, and if there's no Russian on the list, you can do this:
- 🌐 Find English (United States) in the list of languages – this is a temporary solution.
- 🔍 After you complete the setup, go to Settings → Additional settings → Languages & input → Languages.
- ➕ Click Add language, select Russian (Russia) and move it to the first place.
- 🔄 Reboot the smartphone – the interface is fully translated.
If there is no Russian even after these manipulations, then you have a global version of the firmware without localization for Russia, the solution is to install the Russifier through Mi Community or reflash the device on MIUI Russia.
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At the language selection stage, you can connect to Wi-Fi to download the updates immediately, tap the network name in the top corner of the welcome screen.
Linking your Mi and Google account
Without a Mi Account, you can't use Xiaomi's branded services: cloud storage, theme, device search, and without a Google Account, you can't download apps from the Play Market. Both accounts take 5 minutes to set up:
- Mi Account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account. 🔑 Click Login and select the registration method (by phone number or email). 📧 Confirm the mail or SMS-code. 🔐 Create a strong password (save it in the password manager!).
Google Account
- 🤖 Go to Settings. → Accounts. → Add an account → Google.
- 📬 Enter your existing account or create a new one.
- 🔄 Confirm synchronization of contacts, calendar and mail.
If the update is not installed, check:
- 🔋 Battery charge (should be) >50%).
- 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection.
- 📁 The correct file name (should not contain Cyrillic or spaces).
What to do if the update is suspended?
| MIUI version | Last stable assembly | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Global | MIUI 12.5.2 | Google Services Support, Multilingualism |
| China | MIUI 12.5.1 | Without Google, only Chinese/English |
| Russia | MIUI 12.5.3 | Localization for Russia, optimized fonts |
| EEA (Europe) | MIUI 12.5.2 | GDPR Compliance, No Chinese Services |
Optimizing battery and performance
The Redmi 3S has a 4100mAh battery, but it's getting smaller over time to extend the battery life and speed up the smartphone.
- 🔋 Enable Power Saving Mode: Go to Settings → Battery and productivity → Power Saving Mode: Select Balanced or Super Energy Saving (second limits background activity).
- ⚡ Turn off auto-run of unnecessary apps: Go to Settings → Annexes → Autorun: Turn off autoruns for social media, instant messengers, and games (except those you use daily).
- 🗑️ Clean the cache regularly: Use the built-in Cleanup utility (a broomstick icon on your desktop). Manually clean the cache of individual applications in Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
⚠️ Warning: If the battery is running out too fast (less than 12 hours standby), check its health. Type ##4636## in the dialer, go to Battery Information and check Health Level. If it's below 70%, it's time to change the battery.
☑️ Checklist for battery optimization
Network and Internet setting
The Redmi 3S's weakness is Wi-Fi and mobile connectivity, which are often unstable, to improve connectivity:
- 📶 For mobile internet: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access point (APN). Create a new one. APN with the parameters of your operator (settings can be found on the website of Beeline, MTS, MegaFon or Tele2). 4G (preferably) in network settings.
- 🌐 For Wi-Fi: In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally, enable Smart Switching (automatically switching to mobile Internet when signal is weak). Turn off the Wi-Fi scanner if you do not use the network location function. If Wi-Fi is permanently disabled, install static IP-address in your network settings.