How to flash Xiaomi Redmi 3S: official and custom firmware in 2026

Why do you want to see Redmi 3S in 2026?

Xiaomi Redmi 3S (codenamed lando) was released in 2016, but is still popular with users due to its reliable hardware and the ability to install modern firmware. However, over the years, official support for MIUI has ceased, and older versions of Android have become vulnerable to viruses and incompatible with new applications.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to run Redmi 3S in 2026, from official global builds to custom firmware based on Android 10/11.

• 🔓 How to unlock the bootloader without errors
• 📥 Where to download proven firmware for lando
• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions for Fastboot, Recovery, and MiFlash
• ⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Important: Redmi 3S has two modifications - Redmi 3S (Snapdragon 430) and Redmi 3S Prime (Snapdragon 430, but with a fingerprint). Make sure you download the firmware for your model! Check the version in Settings → About Phone → Model.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Xiaomi Redmi 3S firmware is an irreversible process, and incorrect actions can lead to data loss or device breakdown.

• 📱 Make a full backup of all data (photos, contacts, messages). Use Settings → Additional → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 70% — discharging during firmware will interrupt the process.
• 🖥️ Install the Mi USB Driver and ADB/Fastboot drivers on your PC, and download them from Xiaomi's official website.
• 🔐 Unlock the bootloader (unless you've done it before) without it, the official firmware will not install via Fastboot.

If you're flashing your phone for the first time, we recommend using official firmware through MiFlash.Castom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) requires an unlocked bootloader and may contain bugs.

⚠️ Warning: Fastboot firmware erases all data from internal memory, including photos in the DCIM folder and downloads. Don't rely on cloud-based copies - some files (such as screenshots) may not sync automatically.

All important data (photos, contacts, messages) are saved |

Installed drivers Mi USB and ADB on PC|

The phone is charged at 70% or higher |

Downloaded the correct firmware for the model Redmi 3S (lando) |

The boot loader is unlocked (if required)

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Method 1: Fastboot Firmware (official MIUI)

This method is suitable for installing official firmware from Xiaomi and requires an unlocked bootloader. The advantage is the minimum risk of errors, since it uses the proprietary MiFlash utility.

Step 1: Download firmware and tools

1. Download the latest stable firmware for Redmi 3S from the official website. Choose the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz).

2. Unpack the archive into a folder on a C:\ disk (e.g., C:\Redmi3S_Fastboot). There should be many files with the.img extension inside.

3 Download and install the MiFlash Tool (version 2020 or later).

Step 2: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

1. Turn off Redmi 3S.

2. Press the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time and hold for 10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears.

3. connect the phone to the PC via USB-cable (preferably original).

Step 3: Firmware through MiFlash

1. Launch MiFlash on behalf of the administrator.

2. In the Select field, specify the path to the folder with the unpacked firmware.

3. Press Refresh – your Redmi 3S (COMX) should appear in the list of devices.

4. At the bottom, select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).

5. Press Flash and wait for completion (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If MiFlash gives an error critical partition flashing is not allowed, then the bootloader is locked. Unlock it through the official Xiaomi tool (requires Mi Account binding).

💡

If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after you've been firmwareed, press Volume Up + Power for 15 seconds to force it to restart. If it doesn't work, repeat the firmware with Clean all mode.

Method 2: Firmware through Recovery (TWRP)

This method allows custom firmware installation (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but requires TWRP Recovery to be pre-installed.

Step 1: Installation of TWRP Recovery

1. Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 3S (lando) from the official website. The file will be in.img format.

2. Rename it to twrp.img and place it in a folder with adb (e.g., C:\platform-tools).

3. Connect the phone in Fastboot mode (as in Method 1) and execute the command in the command line:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

Step 2: Firmware through TWRP

Download custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 16 for Redmi 3S) and place it on an external SD- card (internal memory will be formatted!).

2. In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark:

• 📁 Dalvik / ART Cache
• 🗃️ System
• 📄 Data
• 🔄 Cache

3. Return to the main menu, select Install, specify the path to the firmware file (e.g. lineage-16.0-lando.zip) and confirm the installation.

4. Once completed, press Reboot System.The first download can take up to 15 minutes.

💡

Castom firmware based on Android 10+ can run slower than the official due to the limitations of the Redmi 3S iron (Snapdragon 430 + 2/3 GB of RAM). The optimal choice for everyday use is LineageOS 16 (Android 9) or Pixel Experience (Android 10).

Method 3: Firmware via Mi Recovery (without PC)

If you don't have access to your computer, you can upgrade Redmi 3S via Mi Recovery, a method that only works for official firmware in.zip format.

Instructions:

Download the firmware for Redmi 3S in Recovery ROM format from Xiaomi. The file should be called something like this: miui_HM3SGlobal_V12.0.3.0.MALMIXM_.

2. Rename the file to update.zip and move it to the root of the phone’s internal memory (not folders!).

3. Turn off the phone and press Volume Up + Power to enter Mi Recovery.

4. Select a language (English/Chinese), then:

• 🔄 Install update.zip to System
• ✅ Confirm installation
• 🔃 Wait until it's finished (don't turn off the phone!)

5.After the reboot, the phone will have a new firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If E:footer is wrong appears in Mi Recovery, the update.zip file is corrupted or not fully downloaded. Reload and check the checksum (MD5).

Unlocking the bootloader: step-by-step instruction 2026

Without an unlocked bootloader, you won’t be able to flash Redmi 3S through Fastboot or install custom Recovery. Xiaomi has tightened the rules, but unlocking is still possible.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account

1. Create a Xiaomi account (if not) on the official website.

2. On the phone, log in to this account: Settings → Mi Account.

3. Link the phone number to your account (required to unlock!).

Step 2: Requesting Unblocking

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.

2. Launch the utility and log in to your Mi Account.

3. Connect Redmi 3S in Fastboot mode (as described above).

4. Press Unlock. If the message appears Couldn't unlock. Try again after XX hours, Xiaomi has set a waiting timer (usually 72-168 hours).

Step 3: Final Unlocking

After the timer expires, repeat the procedure:

1. Connect the phone to the Fastboot.

2.In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock.

3. Wait for the Unlocked successfully message. Now the bootloader is unlocked!

Important: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data on the phone will be erased, including photos on internal memory. Xiaomi also resets security settings, so the accounts associated with the device (Google, banking applications) will require re-authorization.

Solving Common Errors When Firmware Redmi 3S

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error 1: This package is for 'lando' devices; this is a'

Reason: You are trying to flash firmware that is not designed for the Redmi 3S (like the Redmi 3 Pro or another model).

Solution: Check the code name of your device in Fastboot with the command:

fastboot getvar product

You should return the product: lando. Download the firmware specifically for lando.

Error 2: E: Unknown command [log] in TWRP

Reason: An outdated version of TWRP is installed, incompatible with the new firmware.

Solution: Download the latest version of TWRP for Redmi 3S from the official website and re-flash Recovery:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_lando.img

Error 3: The phone does not turn on after the firmware ("brick")

Reasons:

• 🔌 Interrupted the firmware process (shut down USB, battery dead).
• 📥 Incorrect firmware (e.g., for another model).
• 🔧 The boot or system partition is damaged.

Decision:

1. Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power) and repeat the firmware.
2. If it doesn’t work, run your phone through MiFlash in Clean All and Lock mode.
3. In extreme cases, use the Xiaomi Flash Tool with the Deep Flash option (erase everything, including IMEI!).

1. Dial ##4636##.

2. Go to Phone Information → Settings.

3. Select GSM or LTE/GSM auto only.

If IMEI No, no, use the utility. SN Write Tool (requires authorization from Xiaomi).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi firmware 3S