Xiaomi Redmi 3S Update: How to Install the Latest Android Version

Owners of the legendary Xiaomi Redmi 3S often face a dilemma: whether to continue using the device on the old version of the software or try to squeeze out it the maximum possibilities. This smartphone, released back in 2016, received official support up to Android 8.0 Oreo with the shell MIUI 10, which for the budget segment is a great indicator of longevity. However, many users still do not know how to properly complete this path of updates or switch to the latest custom firmware to extend the life of the gadget.

The software upgrade process can dramatically change the experience of interacting with the gadget. New versions of the system bring not only visual changes to the interface, but also important security patches, battery optimization and improved work with modern applications that no longer support older versions of Android. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from regular updates “over the air” to manually installing archives through Recovery, so that your Redmi 3S works as steadily as possible.

Before you start taking action, you need to understand the current state of your device. If your smartphone has not received updates in a long time, it is likely that it is stuck on MIUI 8 or 9. Going to higher versions requires care, as improper actions can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, a software failure. We will look at the safe ways to solve this problem, which are tested by time and the community of users.

Preparation of the device for the installation of new firmware

Any interference with system files requires careful preparation. The first and most important step is to create a full backup of all important data. Although standard methods of updating usually store user information, the risk of unforeseen errors always exists. Use built-in MIUI tools or third-party cloud services to save contacts, photos and messages.

The second critical aspect is battery power: the flashing process, especially if it takes a long time or requires rebooting, is energy-intensive. Make sure the charge level is at least 60-70%. If the device turns off at the time of writing system partitions, it can damage the bootloader.

⚠️ Please note: Before starting the procedure, please release at least 3-4 GB of internal memory: Lack of space is the most common cause of failure to complete update installations and verification errors.

It’s also worth checking the integrity of the USB cable and the stability of the Wi-Fi connection if you plan to download files directly from the device. Manual installation through the computer will require a quality cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery. Cheap cables often cause connection breakdowns at a critical moment.

Official method of updating through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to update software is to use the built-in update mechanism. Xiaomi Redmi 3S has a well-established OTA (Over-The-Air) system that automatically checks for new versions. To start the process, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and click the check button.

If MIUI servers find an available update for your region, the system will prompt you to download and install it, which is ideal for those who don't want to understand the technical details. However, if your phone hasn't been updated for a long time, a direct upgrade to the latest version may not be available immediately, in such cases you sometimes have to go through intermediate steps, installing versions sequentially.

In some cases, automatic updates may not work due to regional restrictions or changes in server policies, and the system may then report that there are no updates, although they exist, in which case manual verification through a menu of three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, where you can select "Download the update" or "Select a firmware file."

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Automatic updates are the safest way to go, but they require patience and a stable internet connection, as a file can weigh more than 1.5GB.

Manual installation of firmware through Recovery Mode

When the standard method doesn’t work, manual installation comes to the rescue, and you’ll need to download the current firmware archive (usually a.zip file) from a proven resource, such as the official MIUI forum or 4PDA site. It’s important to choose a version marked “Recovery” rather than “Fastboot”, since the latter requires an unlocked bootloader and special utilities.

Once you download the file, place it in the root of the internal memory or on the SD card. Then you need to go to recovery mode. To do this, turn off your smartphone and press the key combination Volume Up + Power. In the menu that appears, select the language (usually English or Chinese, if there is no Russian) and click on Install update.zip or Select file.

Once you select the file, the system will request confirmation. Press Start or Check and Update. The process can take 5 to 15 minutes. The screen can go out and light up several times - this is normal behavior. Don't interrupt the process even if it seems that the phone is getting stuck.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the downloaded firmware is for the Redmi model. 3S (Redmi's firmware installation 3X or other modifications will result in the inoperability of the device (brick).

Using the Mi Flash Tool on your computer

For more advanced users who are facing serious problems or want to install the system, the Mi Flash Tool is designed. This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode. To enter this mode, press Volume Down + Power before the logo with a hare in a hat-eared hat appears.

Download and install ADB drivers and the Mi Flash utility on your computer. Unpack the downloaded firmware archive (Fastboot type) into the root of the C disk so that the path is Cyrillic-free and short. In the program, click Refresh, select your device, and click Flashall for full cleanup or Flash for data retention.

This is considered "nuclear" because it completely rewrites all partitions of memory, it is effective in treating software errors, cyclical reboots or switching from the Chinese version of firmware to the global one, but it requires care: choosing the wrong model in the list of devices can fatally damage the phone.

Switching to custom firmware and new versions of Android

Official support for Xiaomi Redmi 3S ended with Android 8.0, but enthusiasts continue to release custom firmware based on Android 9, 10 and even 11. Popular builds such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS allow you to get a fresh interface and current security patches.

To install such versions, you need to unlock the bootloader through an official application in Xiaomi and install custom recavers, for example, TWRP. This process is more complicated and requires obtaining Root rights, which can disrupt the operation of some banking applications, although there are ways to circumvent these restrictions.

Custom firmware often works faster and smoother than the official ones because it lacks any pre-installed software, but it can have bugs like a broken camera, VoLTE problems, or a quick battery drain, and it is recommended that these builds be installed only for experienced users willing to experiment.

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Before installing custom firmware, be sure to make a full backup of the section EFS/NVRAM through TWRP. This stored contains IMEI and modem data, the loss of which will deprive the phone of the ability to work in cellular networks.

Solving Typical Problems After Updating

Once a new version of the system is successfully installed, users may face a number of typical problems: there is often a slowdown in the early hours, because Android takes time to optimize applications and rewire the cache, and let the phone lie on a charger with the screen off for about an hour.

Another common problem is fast battery life. If you lose battery life after the upgrade, try resetting to factory settings (Wipe Data/Factory Reset), which will remove conflicts between the old settings and the new file system, and it's also worth checking which applications are consuming power in the background.

If the phone goes into a cyclic reboot, you'll need to log in to Recovery mode and reset. If that doesn't work, you'll have to go back to the Mi Flash Tool firmware method with full cleaning. Don't panic, in most cases, software failures are fixable.

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Custom firmware gives a second life to old devices, but require unlocking the bootloader and readiness for possible software instability.