Despite its age, the Xiaomi Redmi 3S is still popular due to its excellent price-performance ratio in its time. However, users often face a situation when after a system update, the device starts to work unstable, quickly discharge or simply ceases to satisfy the new interface.
The process of rolling back firmware requires care and strict follow-up of instructions, as any errors can lead to data loss or software failures. It is important to understand that simply “undo” the update in the settings will not work – Android does not have a built-in function of going back to the past through the user menu.
Before you start taking action, you need to understand the risks and prepare your device. This article will describe in detail all the steps from finding the right file to the first download after recovery. We will look at methods through both the update menu and Recovery mode, which gives you more control over the process.
Preparation of the device and choice of software version
The first step is to find the right firmware file. For Redmi 3S (codenamed prada), it is important to find exactly the build that was installed earlier or precedes the current one. The Snapdragon 430 processor architecture requires the use of specific images, and installing firmware from another model, even from the Redmi 3 line, can lead to a “brick” of the device.
There are two main types of firmware: Recovery and Fastboot. To roll back without using a computer and complex software, we will need the.zip version of Recovery. You can download it on official forums or proven aggregator resources. Make sure that the firmware region (Global, China, Russia) matches your current one or you are ready for a complete data cleanup when you change region.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, be sure to back up all important data. The rollback process almost always involves a complete reset, and it will be impossible to restore photos or contacts without a backup.
It is also worth checking the battery charge. The device must be charged at least 60% so that there is no power outage at the critical moment of installation. If the phone is connected to a computer, make sure the drivers are installed correctly, although this may not be necessary for the method through the update menu.
Compatibility check and archive download
Once you have decided on a version, you need to upload the file to the internal memory of the smartphone. Do not put the archive in deep folders - it is best to leave it in the root of the directory or in the download folder. The file name should not contain Cyrillic or special characters so that the system can read it correctly.
Pay special attention to the Android version as part of the firmware. Redmi 3S originally came out on Android 6.0, but was updated to Android 8.1. Trying to roll back to a version with an older Android than the one that stands now may require unlocking the bootloader and using Fastboot mode, since Android's security policy prohibits downgrade of the kernel version without fully cleaning the partitions.
To check the current version, go to Settings → About Phone. Write down the build number, for example, V10.2.3.0.MALMIXM. The third digit or letter in the version code often indicates the Android version (M - Marshmallow, N - Nougat, O - Oreo).
- 📂 Download the.zip firmware file for Recovery.
- 📂 Copy the file to the root of internal memory.
- 📂 Check the integrity of the file (amount of checksums) MD5, if available).
- 📂 Make sure there's a disk on it. 2-3 GB of free space.
Where do you find old firmware?
Reversed through the standard update menu
This is the easiest and most secure way to do this, without requiring superuser or unlocked bootloader rights, and it works if you roll back to a neighboring version, or if MIUI's security policy allows for such a downgrade, and we activate the hidden file selection feature first.
Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the MIUI version seven times to see “Additional Features Enabled” message. Then click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen and select Select a firmware file. In the file manager that opens, find the previously downloaded archive.
If the system accepts the file, it will prompt the device to start updating (actually — downgrade). The phone will restart, and the installation process will begin. The screen can go out and turn on — that's normal. Once completed, the device will boot with the new (old) version of the system.
⚠️ Note: If you see a message “Can’t update” or “File can’t be verified” when selecting a file, then direct rollback through the menu is prohibited by Anti-Rollback protection.
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If the standard method doesn't see a file, try renaming it update.zip, but only if you're sure of the source of the file.
Using Recovery Mode for a Pushback
When the standard method blocks the installation, Recovery mode comes to the rescue. It's the diagnostic environment built into the phone. To enter it, turn off the smartphone completely. Then press the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to keep the volume.
In the Recovery menu, you can control the volume buttons (up/down), and the power button confirms the choice. First, you need to choose a language (usually English or Chinese if English is not), then select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data, which is a mandatory step to change the firmware version.
Once cleaned, we go back to the main menu and select Connect with MIAssistant (if you use a PC) or look for the Install Update (if the file is on the memory card). In modern versions of MIUI, it is more convenient to use MIAssistant mode and connect the phone to the computer.
☑️ Checklist before entering Recovery
If you're using a computer, run the Mi Flash Tool or just plug your phone in MIAssistant mode. A window will appear on your PC screen where you select a firmware file and press Update or Recovery. The process will take a few minutes.
Comparison of installation methods and risks
Understanding the differences between methods will help avoid errors. The menu method is convenient but limited to security checks. The Recovery method is more powerful but requires manual data cleaning. The Fastboot is the most radical, requiring unlocking the bootloader, which on older devices like the Redmi 3S may no longer be officially available.
The main risk of rollback is the Anti-Rollback mechanism. Xiaomi has implemented protection that prohibits installing an older version of software than the minimum allowed. If you try to flash a version below the Anti-Rollback threshold, the phone may stop turning on (hard brick). For Redmi 3S, the boundary between MIUI 9 and MIUI 10 in some regions is considered critical.
| Method | I need a PC. | Data resetting | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewal menu | No. | No (usually) | Low. |
| Recovery (Local) | No. | Yes (required) | Medium |
| Fastboot (MiFlash) | Yes. | Yes (full) | Tall. |
| TWRP (Custom) | No. | Yes. | Tall. |
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Never ignore the warnings about Anti-Rollback: If the phone says the version is below the minimum, interrupt the process or it will take hours or become impossible to recover.
Decision and frequent errors
In the process of rollback, users often experience a cyclic reboot. If after installation, the phone is stuck on the Mi or Android logos, try logging back in to Recovery and doing Wipe Data → Wipe All Data. Sometimes the cache remnants of the old system conflict with the new one.
Another problem is the lack of communication or the work of only one person. SIM-This may indicate damage to the modem partition or EFS. If you did not back up these sections before the experiment, restore them. IMEI It will be extremely difficult, you will need to contact the service center with a box from the device.
If the phone doesn't respond to buttons at all (black screen), try pressing the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. If you get into Fastboot mode, press the power for 10 seconds until the screen goes out, then try standard on.