Xiaomi Redmi 3S (codenamed land) is still a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts, despite the launch of the model in 2016. Installing TWRP Recovery opens up opportunities for deep customization, from root rights to firmware alternative OSes like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
In this article, you will find the instructions for 2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy (including new requirements for Mi Account accounts) and solutions to typical errors like FAILED (remote: ‘Flashing is not allowed’) or hanging on the Mi logo. We will analyze two installation methods – through fastboot and using the official TWRP App, and explain why some versions of the recovery may not work on Chinese firmware.
Preparation of the device: what to do before installing TWRP
Before you start firmware, you need to follow a number of mandatory steps: skipping at least one of them can lead to a “brick” of the device (complete failure) or lock the bootloader. Pay special attention to data backup – after unlocking the bootloader Xiaomi Redmi 3S will perform a full reset to factory settings.
Here is the minimum set of actions:
- 📱 Back up all data (photos, contacts, messages) to an external drive or to the cloud. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will be reset.
- 🔋 Charge the battery to a minimum of 70%. interruption of the process due to battery discharge can make the phone inoperable.
- 🔑 Link Mi Account to your device and make sure it is confirmed (without this, unlocking the bootloader is impossible).
- 💻 Install it on a PC. ADB Fastboot (part of Google’s Platform Tools) and drivers for Xiaomi.
Also check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. Redmi 3S is critical that the firmware is no older than MIUI 10 – newer versions may require additional anti-rollback patching (more on this below).
Unlocking the bootloader on Redmi 3S: a step-by-step guide
Xiaomi’s bootloader is blocked by default, and unlocking it is a mandatory step before installing TWRP. The procedure requires a confirmed Mi Account and can take up to 72 hours (wait time is set by Xiaomi for protection against theft).
Follow the instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on Chinese firmware). 🔌 Debugging by USB.
Mi Unlock Tool
fastboot
Loudness down + Nutrition
Mi Unlock Tool
Mi Account
⚠️ Note: If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" with code 86006, it means that it has not been 72 hours since the account was attached. Wait or try another Mi Account (but no more than 3 times a month - Xiaomi blocks accounts for frequent attempts).
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset, and you can now start installing TWRP.
Backup copy of data created|Battery charged. >70%|Mi Account is confirmed and linked to the phone|ADB/Fastboot PC-mounted|Developer mode and debugging USB included-->
Selecting the Right TWRP Version for Redmi 3S (land)
Not all TWRP builds are compatible with the Redmi 3S. A version choice error can result in a loss of IMEI, a broken camera, or a full breech.
| Type of firmware | Recommended version of TWRP | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Global (Global) | TWRP 3.7.0_9-0 | Supports /data encryption, compatible with MIUI 12+ |
| Chinese (China) | TWRP 3.6.2_10-0 (modified) | Requires a patch to bypass anti-rollback |
| Castomic (LineageOS, etc.) | TWRP 3.7.0+ (with treble support) | Needed for firmware based on Android 10+ |
To check the current firmware, use the command in ADB:
adb shell getprop ro.miui.regionIf the result is CN, you have Chinese firmware, and it requires an additional anti-rollback (ARB) patch, otherwise, after TWRP firmware, the phone will stop booting.
What is an anti-rollback (ARB)?
Install TWRP via Fastboot: detailed instructions
The most reliable method is fastboot firmware, which works even if the system doesn't boot.
- 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and established ADB/Fastboot.
- 📎 File. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-land.img (Download from the official website TWRP).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Installation steps:
- Turn the phone into fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Connect the device to your PC and check for detection by the command: fastboot devices should show a serial phone number.
- Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-land.img
- Recavator Replacement (Important!): Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-land.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-land.img The second command you immediately load into TWRP, So the system doesn't overwrite it to stock.
⚠️ Note: If after the firmware TWRP The phone loads into the stock recavator, which means that Xiaomi's protection is working. TWRP Go straight to the Reboot menu. → Recovery and allow system modifications (swipe for confirmation).
If you are using Chinese firmware, then file the no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip patch with the temporary TWRP before installing TWRP, which will disable dm-verity check and prevent you from stuck on the logo.
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If the touchscreen doesn't work after installing the TWRP, try the TWRP version marked "unofficial" by developer brunobruno on the XDA forum. It's optimized for Redmi 3S and supports all gestures.
Installation of TWRP through the official application (alternative method)
If you have root rights or don't want to use a PC, you can install TWRP through TeamWin's official app, which is simpler, but it doesn't work on all firmware.
Instructions:
- Download the TWRP App from Google Play.
- Open the app and grant root rights (if any).
- Select the Redmi 3S (land) model and download the recommended version.
- Click Select a file to flash and select the downloaded image.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.
Cons of the method:
- ❌ It does not work on Chinese firmware without root rights.
- ❌ The device may not be detected if the version MIUI newer 11.
- ❌ It does not allow to flash the anti-rollback patch.
If the application gives an error "Unable to detect device", try manually specifying the model in the settings or using the method with fastboot.
Solving Common Errors When Installing TWRP on Redmi 3S
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed') | Unlocked loader | Repeat the unlocking with the Mi Unlock Tool |
| The phone hangs on the Mi logo | No-verity patch or ARB patch will be patched. | Sweat the patch through the temporary TWRP or return to the stock firmware |
| TWRP is sewn but dumped onto stock Recovery | Xiaomi’s protection against modifications worked | After firmware, immediately boot to TWRP and disable the replacement of the Recovery |
| Invalid sparse file format at header | TWRP image file damaged | Download the image again from the official website |
If your phone doesn’t see internal memory after installing TWRP, check if encryption is enabled in the Recovery settings (Mount → Enable MTP). Chinese firmware may require /data partition formatting (Warning: This will delete all data!).
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On the Redmi. 3S Chinese-made before installation TWRP You should definitely run the anti-rollback patch, otherwise the phone will turn into a brick. XDA device-themed.
What to do after installing TWRP: The first steps
Successful TWRP installation is only half the battle, so you need to set the receptacles properly and prepare the device for further modifications.
List of mandatory actions:
- 📁 Make a full backup of the current firmware in TWRP (Backup → Select Partitions, select Boot, System, Data).
- 🔐 If you are planning a root right, please go to Magisk (you can download the latest version here).
- 🔄 Turn off automatic updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Update the system, otherwise the stock firmware will overwrite TWRP.
- 🛠️ If you use custom firmware, click Disable Force Encryption (for Android 10)+), Otherwise, the system will require a password at each boot.
To run custom OS firmware (like LineageOS) through TWRP, first do a full Wipe (Wipe → Advanced Wipe, select Dalvik, Cache, System, Data) or the new firmware won’t boot or will work with errors.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 3S newer-stitched MIUI 12 can work blocking the download of uncertified OS. To avoid this, before firmware custom OS disable signature verification in TWRP: Settings → Enable MTP Disable DM-Verity.