Xiaomi Redmi 3S (codenamed land) has become a hit of its time thanks to the combination of a metal case, powerful for the budget segment of the Snapdragon 430 processor and an affordable price. However, over time, the standard operating system ceases to receive updates, and hardware begins to require deeper intervention to maintain relevance. Owners often wonder how to make the most of this device in today’s environment, when official services no longer support the model.
In this detailed guide, we will cover all aspects of operating and modifying the Redmi 3S, from basic configuration to complex firmware. You will learn how to safely unlock the bootloader, install custom TWRP receptacles and install modern versions of Android that the manufacturer does not offer. A competent approach to software can give the gadget a second life, significantly speeding up its work and updating the interface.
Global versions of Global ROM differ from China ROM in the presence of Google services and multilingual support, but may have limitations on communication frequencies. It is critical to determine the exact model of your device, since firmware from Redmi 3S Prime or Redmi 3X can lead to irreversible errors in the operation of communication modules. Careful study of the characteristics before you start will save you from turning the phone into a brick.
Initial configuration and optimization of MIUI system
After buying or resetting settings, the device meets the owner with a MIUI shell that requires an initial configuration for comfortable operation.The standard activation process includes Mi Account binding, which is a mandatory requirement of the Xiaomi ecosystem security. Without this step, many features such as device search and cloud synchronization will remain unavailable, and unlocking the bootloader will become impossible.
Immediately after logging in, it is recommended to conduct deep optimization, since factory settings are often overloaded with background processes. First of all, it is worth turning off advertising in system applications, going along the path of Settings → Passwords and security → Access to personal data and restricting rights for msa and daemon services. This will not only remove intrusive banners, but also reduce the load on the processor, which is critical for Redmi 3S.
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Turn off animations in the Developer menu by setting the Windows Animation, Transition Animation and Animation Duration values to 0.5x or 0x – this will visually speed up the interface on older devices.
Equally important is the management of permissions and application autoruns. MIUI aggressively manages memory, often shutting down programs. To make messengers work properly, you need to go to the battery settings, select a specific application, and set the "No Limits" mode. You should also manually allow autoruns for important services in the appropriate security menu.
⚠️ Note: When you first set up, don’t skip the upgrade step if it’s offered. However, if your phone has been unused for a long time, first update the Security app and Google Play services through the store to avoid security certificate conflicts.
Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)
Unlocking the bootloader is a fundamental step for any enthusiast who wants to gain full control of the Xiaomi Redmi 3S. This procedure removes the manufacturer’s restrictions on installing third-party backups and modified firmware. It is worth understanding that after unlocking, a full data reset (Wipe Data) is guaranteed, so back up important files and photos in advance.
The process requires pre-preparation of the Mi Account. You need to link the device to the account through the “Developers” menu (the “Mi Unlock Status” item), pre-enabled the developer mode itself by seven-fold clicking on the build number in the “About Phone” section. Once linked, you will have to wait from 7 to 168 hours (depending on the region and Xiaomi policy) before the server allows unlock.
☑️ Preparation for unlocking the loader
Once the waiting timer is up, you can start the procedure itself. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your Windows computer. Turn off your smartphone and enter Fastboot mode, clamp down and power buttons at the same time. Connect the device to your PC with a USB 2.0 cable (ports 3.0 sometimes cause driver problems) and press the Unlock button in the program. The process will take a few minutes, after which the phone will reboot to the cleaned system.
| Parameter | Standard regimen | After unlocking. |
|---|---|---|
| Installation of firmware | Only official. | Any (Global, China, Custom) |
| Root rights | Impossible. | Maybe (Magisk) |
| Security of data | Tall. | Medium (risk of loss) |
| Work of banking applications | Stable. | It requires disguise. |
Importantly, an unlocked bootloader displays a warning every time you turn on the device, which is a routine behavior that cannot be eliminated software without backshelting. In addition, some applications that require a high degree of security (bank clients, Google Pay) may fail to work if they detect an interference with the system, and this problem will require the installation of Magisk and the setting of root-rights concealment.
Installation of custom TWRP Recovery
Standard recovery (Recovery) in smartphones Xiaomi has extremely limited functionality, allowing only to reset or update officially. To install custom firmware, create full system backups and file management, you need to replace it with a new one. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project. This modified menu supports file systems, installation ZIP-archives and work on ADB.
There are several versions of TWRP for Redmi 3S (codename: land), but the most stable version is the version based on the Android 6.0 or 7.0 kernel, depending on the desired version of Android. Before installing, make sure that the bootloader is already unlocked, otherwise the process will end in error. The twrp-3.x.x-x-land.img image file must be downloaded from a trusted source, for example, from the official 4PDA forum or XDA Developers.
The installation process is carried out via a computer using a platform ADB Put the image file in the tool folder and open the command line. Put the phone in Fastboot mode and enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the serial number is displayed, you can go to the backpack firmware with the fastboot boot command. twrp-3.x.x-x-land.img For a temporary start or fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-land.img permanent installation.
What if the TWRP crashes after the reboot?
After successful installation and first entry into TWRP If you haven't set a complex password to lock the screen, try entering a standard password. PIN-code or simply slide the slider, if the system allows.Before any manipulation, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of the Boot, System, Data partitions to the external SD-card or computer to be able to roll back in case of failure.
The process of firmware and Android update
Official support for Xiaomi Redmi 3S I stopped on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with a shell. MIUI 9.For those who want to get more recent versions of Android, such as 7.1, 8.1 or even 10, the only way out is to install custom firmware (Custom). ROM). LineageOS, Resurrection Remix and ports are popular MIUI EU, Optimized by enthusiasts.
Firmware process in TWRP You need to follow a strict sequence of actions. First, you need to perform a complete reset (Wipe) by clearing the Dalvik, Cache, System and Data partitions. Do not clean the Internal Storage partition if it contains firmware files. After cleaning, go to the Install menu, select ZIP-Firmware archive and confirm swipe installation.
An important nuance is the choice between “clean” firmware and firmware with already built-in Google services (GApps).In modern versions of LineageOS, Google services are not included by default due to licensing restrictions, so they need to be installed separately. ZIP-file immediately after the system firmware, without restarting. 3S With its 2 GB of RAM, it is recommended to choose a Pico or Nano package, so as not to overload the system with unnecessary components.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware process or turn off the cable USB Interrupting the writing to the System partition can lead to the "bricking" of the device, after which only the soldering of memory or recovery through the system will help. EDL-Authorized account mode.
Getting Root Rights and Fine Setup
Having superuser rights (Root) opens up access to system files, allowing you to remove embedded debris, change processor frequencies and use powerful automation tools. For Xiaomi Redmi 3S, the de facto standard is Magisk. Unlike the old SuperSU, Magisk works systemlessly, which allows you to hide the presence of root rights from banking applications and anti-cheat games.
The Magisk installation is also done through TWRP. Downloaded APK-The file is renamed.zip (or stitched directly if the recovery version allows) and installed as a regular firmware. Once rebooted, the Magisk Manager application will appear on the system, through which you can manage access rights for each application individually and install modules.
Among the useful modules for Redmi 3S are:
- 🚀 CPU Tweaker – allows you to overclock the Snapdragon 430 processor or, conversely, to lower the frequencies to save battery life.
- 📦 AdAway – blocking ads at the level of the system file hosts in all applications and browsers.
- 🔋 Greenify (with root access) – aggressive lulling of background processes to extend battery life.
- 🎨 Substratum – deep customization of the interface, changing the themes where the standard MIUI let alone.
Using root rights requires caution. Deleting or modifying critical system files can lead to a cyclic bootloop.Always backup before installing new Magisk modules or making changes to the system partition through root-enabled file managers such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer.
Diagnosis and Elimination (FAQ on Problems)
In the process of operating Xiaomi Redmi 3S users may face a number of typical problems typical of devices of this age. Often there is a rapid discharge of the battery, which is associated with both physical wear of the battery and “bloated” software, in such cases, helps calibrate the battery through TWRP or installing light firmware without heavy visual effects.
Another common problem is the loss of network signal or inability to connect to the network. 4G This is usually done by checking and, if necessary, flashing the modem (Modem section). SIM-It's also worth checking the settings. APN, which are sometimes dropped when changing the firmware.
If the smartphone stopped turning on and didn't respond to the buttons, but vibrates when connected to charging, it may have gone into deep sleep or damaged the bootloader. In this case, enter EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode by holding a certain button combination or disassembling the device and closing the contacts of test points on the board, this mode allows you to restore the device even when the system is completely broken, but requires an authorized Mi Account for firmware.
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Regular creation of backups of the section EFS (through TWRP) It is critical to preserve the unique IMEI-Losing this partition means losing the ability of the phone to run on cellular networks.